Doha is an interesting city. While it may not have the glitz and glamour of Dubai, the city offers plenty of attractions for visitors and locals alike. Hamad International Airport is a real jewel in the aviation industry, serving over 45 million passengers. However, most of them don’t set foot into the city itself. Here are some reasons you should step beyond the airport the next time you’re in Doha.
Best Things To Do In Doha
Get Lost In The Souq Waqif
Doha’s main traditional market has been around for over a century. Once the primary trading hub for the Bedouins– nomadic indigenous people of the Arab Peninsula- the souq has evolved into a primary tourist attraction. It underwent a major renovation in the mid-2000s, all to preserve this gem of the past.
The Souq Waqif is unarguably my favorite place to visit in Doha. The market’s narrow alleyways form a lively maze ideal for exploration, complete with shops of all kinds. The sellers here offer all sorts of souvenirs, clothing, jewelry, fabric, scents, and spices from the Arabian Peninsula and beyond.
You’ll also find some of the best restaurants within the Souq Waqif and plenty of cafes to smoke hookah. Water pipe lovers should head down to the Ras Abu Abbud Cafe, tucked away behind one of the main alleyways. This spot has been serving traditional wooden hookah for around half a century now. That’s a real blast from the past! You’ll sit in a narrow alleyway to enjoy your hookah, be sure to get tea to complement the experience. Bring cash, cards are not accepted at this cafe.
There’s an entire section of the market dedicated to pets.
Don’t miss the Falcon Souq- this part of the market is dedicated to the majestic birds. There’s even a Falcon Hospital! Don’t miss the camel pen either for a chance to observe these fascinating animals.
The Souq Waqif is a great first stop to catch a glimpse of the old Qatar. It’s best to visit the souq (like most outdoor attractions) after dusk falls to beat the heat.
Brush Up On History At The National Museum of Qatar
The National Museum of Qatar is a must-visit for anyone, not just history buffs. You can find out all about the history that shaped Qatar over the years. There are also different temporary exhibitions, there is something new to enjoy every time you visit.
As a petrolhead, the biggest highlight for me was the Sneak Peek At Qatar Auto Museum Project. As a sneak peek, the National Museum of Qatar is showcasing three legendary vehicles: The “Ghost Car” Pontiac Plexiglass Deluxe Six, a Delahaye 175 S Roadster, and the Ferrari 250 GTO.
For all the non-car-enthusiast readers, each one of these autos is extremely special. The Ferrari 250 GTO is a racing legend that saw a short production run limited to just 36 units. One of them was sold at auction last year for a staggering $51,705,000.
The cars are on display at the Qatar National Museum until the end of 2025.
Stroll Down The Lusail Marina Promenade
Lusail is the polar opposite of the traditional side of Qatar you’ll find at the Souq Waqif. Instead, Qatar’s second-biggest city is all about catching a glimpse of the future. You can easily get here by public transport or a quick 10-minute taxi ride from West Bay.
Spending the afternoon or early evening at the impressive Place Vendome shopping mall is a must, even if you’re just visiting to take in the lavish architecture. Don’t miss the fountain show that takes place hourly between 7-11 PM.
Once dusk falls, head down to the Lusail Marina Promenade. Stroll down the lively promenade, while enjoying the spectacular skyscrapers, and particularly the otherworldly Fairmont Hotel, as the backdrop. Head up to the Acoustic Bar on top of the Fairmont for dinner.
Unwind At A Beach Club
What better way to beat the heat than at one of Doha’s beaches?
The Doha Beach Club is unarguably the hottest in town. It can accommodate the entire family, with a floating waterpark for the kids and a bar for the adults. Grab one of the loungers and soak in the sun. Cool off in the peaceful sea afterward.
Don’t underestimate the scorching summer heat- I highly recommend leaving beach clubs, and outdoor activities in general, for the colder days.
Like many attractions in Doha, visiting a beach club is not exactly cheap. Entry starts at 75 QAR per person.
Shop At Villaggio Mall
Doha is becoming a primary shopping destination, with world-class malls popping up around the city. Within the next couple of years, shopping freaks will likely be spoilt for choice.
The Villaggio Mall is the go-to mall in town. Visitors can choose from over 200 different stores. But the mall offers way more than shopping and dining.
One of the highlights of Villaggio is its unique interior design that resembles Venice, complete with canals and gondola rides. Think a smaller version of the Venetian in Las Vegas.
Villaggio Mall Doha is also home to Gondolania- an indoor theme park. Here, you can go ice skating on Doha’s only Olympic-sized ice skating rink, race your friends on a karting track, and enjoy the rides. It’s definitely not the biggest theme park in the world, but still a pretty fun way to spend a few hours in Doha.
See Khor Al Adaid- The Inland Sea
Khor Al Adaid is an inlet of the Persian Gulf. This stunning natural site is roughly 80 kilometers south of Doha- at the South Arabian border. The proximity to Doha makes it the perfect destination for a day trip. Admire the tranquil landscapes on a guided tour out of town. You’ll be picked up in a 4×4 SUV and taken down south deep in the desert.
If you’re lucky, you might spot gazelles or oryxes- the national animal of Qatar.
The half-day private tour costs around 450 QAR per person.
Go For A Dhow Ride At The Corniche
The waterfront Al Corniche in Doha stretches across the entire Doha Bay. Up by West Bay, there’s a cute green park called Al Dafna, perfect for an early morning stroll. Inside it is a Costa Coffee cafe that overlooks the sea.
Continue walking along the Corniche and you’ll quickly find one of the 3 Dhow marinas- the first one is directly in front of the Al Dafna Park (photographed above). Marina B is roughly a 10-minute walk down the corniche, and Marina C is over in Al Bidda at the other side of Doha Bay.
The 30-minute Dhow cruise will take you around Doha Bay to take in the impressive West Bay skyline and a chance to see the 2022 FIFA World Cup statue up close- the statue sits on a small island right in the middle of the bay.
A cruise ticket is 25 QAR per person. Children under 4 ride for free.
Visit The Museum of Islamic Art
The Museum of Islamic Art- or MIA- is another must-visit in Doha. It’s conveniently located by Dhow Marina C in Doha Bay, so you can combine a visit here with a traditional Dhow cruise afterward.
Similar to the National Museum of Qatar, the MIA is an architectural marvel. Inside, you’ll find artifacts showcasing Islamic Art gathered from 3 continents over 1400 years. This is one of the world’s biggest collections of its kind.
Travel Back in Time At The Katara Cultural Village
Katara Cultural Village was opened in 2010 as a complex to showcase the local culture. Today, it’s home to multiple cultural organizations. Multiple cultural events are hosted here throughout the year, and the spot is worth visiting even when nothing is seemingly on.
Enjoy an evening walk to take in the architecture, or unwind at the scenic Katara North Hills park across the street. There’s also a small outdoor food street- Tasty Street- with different stalls in a pretty setting.
You can also head over to Katara Beach, a sandy beach with casual cafes. Don’t miss the impressive Katara amphitheater in the middle of the Cultural Village.
Watch A Camel Race At Al Shahaniya
Camel racing has been around for centuries, and the Arabian Peninsula is one of the best places to experience it. In Qatar, professional camel racing emerged in the early 70s.
The Al Shahaniya race track provides a modern take on camel racing. Colorful robot jockeys are strapped atop each camel. While this sort of racing is common throughout the region, Qatar adds a spin to it. There is a road paved right beside the track, and locals drive their cars directly next to the racing camels.
Races are held every weekend during the winter- from October to February. The race track is roughly a 30-minute drive away from downtown Doha.
Grab A Coffee At The Mina District
The Mina district is a new neighborhood in the old Doha Port. This scenic new development features cute cobbled streets and pastel buildings, complete with a small outdoor market. There’s also a fish market there.
As this is a pretty new project on the map of Doha, my first impressions were mixed. While the buildings are indeed very Instagrammable, there isn’t much to do apart from taking a few pictures. Once this place fills up with more shops, restaurants, and cafes, I’m sure it will be great.