Capital of one of the wealthiest countries in the world, Qatar, the city of Doha offers a totally unique holiday destination. The city’s futuristic skyline will astound even the most well travelled visitor, and the skyscrapers help to create an expansive metropolis with room to breathe. With seaside walkways, fine eateries, magnificent shopping, a thriving cultural scene and even its own luxury man-made island, Doha offers an eclectic mix of things to do.
Areas & Neighbourhoods in Doha
Doha Corniche — Several miles long, the Doha Corniche promenade follows the curve of Doha Bay. Backdropped by the city’s famous skyline, this is where you’ll find the Museum of Islamic Art and Souq Waqif, a marketplace crammed with eateries, shisha lounges and authentic souvenir shops boasting local handicrafts and traditional Qatari garb.
West Bay — West Bay, Doha’s business district, promises an immense and futuristic skyline. From the distinctive Doha Tower to the beautiful glass and metal Tornado Tower and the tallest building in Doha, the 300-metre high Aspire Tower, be sure to bring your camera – and get ready to look up.
Katara Cultural Village — North of the city centre, Katara Cultural Village is a cutting edge open air arts complex. It has its own modern amphitheatre, which blends Romanesque style coliseum with Arabic design. It also houses the much older but no less distinctive pigeon towers, an opera house, a state of the art cinema and many other attractions.
The Pearl — An artificial island located just off the coast, The Pearl is Doha’s very own island community. With everything from luxury shopping to posh nosh and upmarket apartment complexes, it’s certainly an eye-catcher. While it may not be to everyone’s taste, it’s definitely worth a visit, if only to marvel at the pure architectural achievement.
Things to See in Doha
Doha has plenty to catch the eye, but the true gem here is the desert. Book a dunes discovery half-day tour and peruse the desert in style, flying through the sands on a 4x4 jeep. Contrast the blue waters of the Persian Gulf with the arid dunes of the Qatari desert, exploring all the geological curiosities of the region, from deep valleys to breathtaking rock formations. Setting off from Doha, make your way to the Inland Sea to admire the best views in Qatar.
Things to Do in Doha
To see everything in this compact but thriving city, book a half day city tour. Drive along the coast and stop for an amble along the scenic Doha Corniche towards the Museum of Islamic Arts. Its broad collection covers over 1,400 years of local culture. You might also choose to stop at the Qatar National Museum, host to a regularly changing array of exhibitions. The museum building itself is also a sight worth seeing. Its haunting crystalline structure is completely unique, like a natural gem formation on an unprecedented scale.
