Doha, the capital of Qatar, is a relatively compact city that can easily be seen in two days. I spent 48 hours in Doha and managed to cover the most interesting attractions at a fairly cheap rate (thanks to the public transportation system which is easily navigable and affordable).
Where to stay in Doha
Doha is a rather small city, and there are three main areas where I would consider staying to optimize my visit:
- Souq Waqif: It’s a central location and nice atmosphere for the evenings. The area also has a good range of shops, restaurants, and cafes. Souq Waqif offers easy access to Doha’s main attractions and is only 20 minutes from the airport by taxi.
- West Bay: This area is the modern business district that features good locations near Doha Corniche. West Bay’s skyline is one of the most famous postcard views of Doha. West Bay is 30 minutes from the airport by taxi .
- The Pearl Qatar: Last, but certainly not least, The pearl is perfect for those looking for a luxurious stay and unique experience. Its high-end shopping, and dining is only 40 minutes from the airport.
What to See and Do in Doha
Here is a quick guide to Doha. From what you should see, to what you should do in Doha, in your 48-hour stay. Needless to say, the list can be extended over a longer period if you wish.
Souq Waqif Bazaar Area
Souq Waqif which translates to “standing market” is Doha’s bustling bazaar area and an absolute must see. The beautiful maze of alleyways is home to thousands of tiny shops that offer clothes, shoes, fabric, household goods, handicrafts, rugs, art, spices, sweets, souvenirs, and much more. The souqs within the larger Souq Qaqif offer almost anything you can think of. There are even souqs dedicated to pets, falcons, camels and Arabian horses.
Souq Waqif is also home to restaurants, eateries, coffee shops, and shisha lounges. The shops and restaurants that may be closed in the day come alive as soon as the sun sets in the evening, along with the rest of Souq Waqif. It’s a great place to witness the traditional Qatari culture and see locals enjoy in traditional white clothes (NOTE to AUDI: Whats the correct name for the white clothes?) having tea and shisha.
I stayed at a hotel that was about a 15-minute walk from the Souq, so I spent both evenings wandering around the bazaar and taking in the atmosphere. Walking without purpose is one of my favorite ways to explore cities. But if you would like more structure, there is also a free Souq Waqif walking tour, which is organized by the Souq Waqif Boutique Hotel (don’t worry you don’t have to be a hotel guest to participate).
Souq Waqif Park
Right next to Souq Waqif is the well-maintained park area with a small amphitheater, outdoor exercise machines, and playground for kids. It’s a popular place for all sorts of outdoor activities and picnics with family and friends.
Fanar Islamic Cultural Center
The Fanar Islamic Cultural Center was one of my highlights. The center showcases Islam in a way I had never seen before. The minaret of Fanar Islamic Cultural Center takes a unique approach on islamic architecture with its spiral design that rises above the lower buildings adjacent to the center. The Fanar Islamic Center is perhaps Doha’s most famous landmark. Whether you are familiar with Islam or curious and wish to learn more you can do it at Fanar Islamic Cultural Center.
Museum of Islamic Art
The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) sits on an island off the Corniche. From the outside, the MIA looks like a modern fortress with an impressive palm-lined entrance overlooking turquoise waters and Doha’s West Bay business district with its high-rise buildings. From the inside, the MIA looks very futuristic with a striking double staircase and geometric patterns. The exhibits include a rich collection of Islamic art from several continents displayed over three floors. Admission is 50 Qatari Riyals (about $14 USD), and is half off if you’re a student or have an old University ID.
Doha Corniche
The Doha Corniche is an attractive waterfront promenade that stretches seven kilometers along the Persian Gulf. The Corniche begins at the Sheraton Hotel in West Bay and continues to the Museum of Islamic Art, lined with palm trees and green parks. This is perhaps the most pedestrian-friendly part of the city and a lovely place for an evening walk during the sunset of the cooler winter months. I visited Doha in June when temperatures were up to 47℃ (116.6℉) and I intended to walk the Corniche from the MIA museum to West Bay but after five minutes outside, I quickly came to senses.
Rumaila Park
Rumaila Park (a.k.a. Al Bidda Park) is located right off the Corniche and offers some pretty amazing views of West Bay. In hindsight, I cannot believe I walked from Souq Waqif to Rumaila Park in the desert heat. The distance is only a couple of kilometers but in the heat, that can be a long walk. So be careful and wear loose clothes that cover your body from the Sun’s rays.
Qatar State Mosque
The exterior of the Qatar State Mosque is very impressive and offers magnificent views of West Bay. Qatar State Mosque (a.k.a. Abd al-Wahhab Mosque) is the largest mosque in Qatar with 30,000-person capacity, 18 entrances, and 90 domes. It’s truly a breathtaking structure everyone should see (admission is free).
Katara Cultural Village
Katara Cultural Village is the hub of Doha’s art and culture scene. It is a planned development with theatres, galleries, and performance venues. The village’s labyrinth of tiny lanes and small alleyways host a variety of restaurants and cafes, an outdoor amphitheater that overlooks the sea, and a mosque designed with turquoise and purple mosaics. The public beach at Katara is also perfect for those who fancy a swim or a water-front view with the boats.
Torch Doha
A nice way to end a busy day shopping at the Villaggio or a walk in Aspire Park is to dine with style in Torch Doha (a.k.a. Aspire Tower) — a 300-meter-tall luxury hotel with a shape of a torch. The location is a bit further out from the city center but right next door to Aspire Park, Villagio Mall, and Hyatt Plaza. The tower houses a five-star hotel, a sports museum, a health club, a swimming pool, and an observation deck. Visit Torch Doha.
Shopping Malls
Doha is every shopaholic’s paradise. You never have to travel far to reach a world-class shopping center in Doha. Some of the most famous shopping malls in Doha include Villaggio Mall, Hyatt Plaza, Landmark Shopping Mall, Lagoona Mall, City Center, Mirqaab Mall, Mall of Qatar and Doha Festival City. I was in Doha to sightsee, not shop; however, I did pop into Hyatt Plaza and Villaggio Mall briefly to escape the summer heat. Hyatt Plaza was like any other shopping center but Villaggio was interesting. Villaggio is a replica of Venice Italy with its Venetian-inspired theme. You feel as if you are walking the colorful streets of Venice under the blue sky. Villaggio even offers a gondola ride along its grand canal.
Aspire Park
Right behind the Villagio Mall and Torch Doha is Aspire Park that covers extensive green areas perfect for exercising, running, and walking. Aspire Park is also home to Doha’s only lake, where birds flock to cool off from the boiling desert heat.
National Museum of Qatar History
The museum opened to the public on 28 March 2019. The building, which was constructed in place of the original Qatar National Museum, was designed by architect Jean Nouvel who was inspired by the desert rose crystal, which can be found in Qatar. The 40,000 m² (430,000 ft²) museum is made up of interlocking discs that create cavities that protect visitors from the desert heat. Located on a 139,000 m² (1.5 million ft²) site at the south end of Doha’s Corniche, the NMoQ building rises from the sea and is connected to the shore by two pedestrian bridges and a road bridge.
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