8Top Things to Do in Doha, Qatar
A nation filled with fascinating culture, other-worldly landscapes, and remarkable architecture, Qatar is a place that needs to be seen to be believed.
While there are endless opportunities for fun in the district, we've compiled a list of the best things to do in Doha to narrow things down for your next trip. Whether you try one or all, you will have a great time.
- Walk Around the Souq Waqif
You're immediately transported into another time when you walk down the lively streets of Souq Waqif. The bazaar's name translates as "Standing Market" and
The Souq Waqif is a perfect place to taste, smell and experience tradition through the merchant's produce, perfumes, and stunning surrounding architecture.
The labyrinth of small shops offers a wide selection of various products, from spices to handicrafts, clothing, and many souvenirs.
Traditional art, cultural shows, and music enrich the atmosphere of this unique space that also houses a comprehensive visitor center.
2. Be Amazed by the Pearl Qatar
The Pearl Qatar is a man-made island north of West Bay that became the epitome of luxury.
It's one of the places to visit in Doha, especially if you're interested in seeing how the wealthy live.
The yachts, high-end stores, and villas in gated communities give you an exciting insight into how the upper class lives.
Even though it's more on the expensive side, it proved to be a popular dining spot that hosts many restaurants, cafes, and restaurants lined along its waterfront promenades to cater to every taste.
If you have time, book a cruise to Pearl Island for a complete experience.
3. Go On A Sand Dune Adventure
Many have daydreamed about riding a camel and going on a desert safari. It's one of those classic adventurer experiences, and amazingly this is one of the best things to do in Doha.
To truly enjoy nature at its finest and experience the vast desert, jump into the dune-bashing experience outside the city.
Abandoning the dull tarmac for the adrenaline rush of the dunes, expect breathtaking scenery on a roller-coaster drive across the vast desert.
There are many various ways across the dunes. You can enjoy a smooth ride, or if you're in for excitement, let your tour agent know that you would prefer to drive a fast and bumpy route.
4. Soak Up the Atmosphere Along the Doha Corniche
A perfect way to enjoy the sights of the beautiful Doha Bay is to stroll along the Doha Corniche on the West Bay promenade.
The best spot to take a memorable photo from your trip is to position yourself next to the promenade, close to the Museum of Islamic Art, and from there, capture the panoramic view of the skyscrapers.
This is the heart of the capital, and you can find anything you need. From cafes and restaurants for a short break between sightseeing to large green spaces for relaxation, this is one of the best places to visit in Doha.
5. Explore the Al Zubarah Fort
No trip to Doha is complete without a visit to the Al Zubarah Fort, located close to Al Ruwais.
The Zubarah Fort is an iconic desert fort in Qatar. Its name was derived from the archaeological site of Al Zubarah town, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The fort is immaculately preserved and is one of the region's best examples of 18th – 19th-century settlements.
6. Have a Look at the Vintage Cars at Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum
Art lovers might wonder what to see in Doha, but the art scene there pleasantly surprises you!
The Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum's (the FBQ Museum for short) collection was a project born out of a passion for art and artifacts of an influential businessman, Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani.
The museum is segregated into Coins & Currency, Vehicles, Qatar Heritage, and Islamic Art. It's an impressive collection that took years to build up.
You can find items from the Jurassic period to modern-day history.
7. Spend a Day at the Museum of Islamic Art
The Museum of Islamic Art is considered to be the most important cultural landmark in Qatar, and rightfully so, as the museum presents Islamic art from three continents over a span of 1400 years.
Inside its walls, it keeps some of the oldest and most treasured artifacts from all over the Middle East.
Collections that have made the Museum of Islamic Art their home have come from places as fascinating as Turkey, Iran, Egypt, and many more, all linked through their common Islamic history.
Spend a few hours here, seeing different artifacts, calligraphy, ceramics, and more.
8. Visit the Katara Cultural Village
The Katara Cultural Village is also known as the Valley of Cultures and is the number one place to visit for all thespians, art and architecture enthusiasts, and people passionate about learning other traditions.
The Valley of Cultures is supposed to imitate the Qatari culture via an ample space that houses a whole host of activities.
It leaves no room for dwelling on what to do in Doha!
It includes an opera house, an amphitheater, art galleries, heritage centers, various academic facilities, cafes, green areas, museum facilities, and an information center.