Our trip to Doha, the capital city of Qatar, was a perfect blend of modernity and tradition. It is a beautiful journey of contrasts, from exploring the luxurious, modern side of the city to discovering its rich cultural heritage; from shopping in world-class malls to wandering through traditional souks.
We had the opportunity to explore some of the city’s top attractions, including traditional souks, malls, cultural villages, beaches, marinas and more.
In this article, we will share with you our favorite things to do in Doha and many useful tips.
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Things to do in Doha
The Pearl
Pearl Island is also known as the Little Venice of Doha and as the Qanat Quartier, meaning the neighborhood of Canals in Arabic. With its colorful buildings and beautiful architecture, we felt like we were transported to Italy!
Walking along the Pearl Marina was also an absolute highlight with its yachts and clear blue waters. There are also many cafes and restaurants along the marina where you can enjoy a meal with a view.
Malls
During our trip we enjoyed visiting the city’s numerous malls, including Doha Festival City mall, City Center Doha mall, the Villaggio Mall and the Mall of Qatar.
These malls are not just places to shop, but also entertainment destinations, with many attractions such as cinemas, ice rinks, and amusement parks. You can spend hours browsing designer boutiques and trying local and international cuisine at the food courts.
Katara Cultural Village
For a more traditional experience, we visited the Katara Cultural Village. This complex showcases Qatar’s heritage through exhibitions, performances, and workshops. We passed by Katara Mosque, the Pigeon Towers, Katara Amphitheatre, and ended our visit by a small promenade by Katara Beach.
Lusail Marina
Another highlight of our trip was visiting Lusail Marina featuring luxury residences, hotels, and restaurants. We strolled along the marina and had a delicious chimney cake from the food court.
From the marina, you will have a magnificent view of Katara Towers, the Iconic Symbol Of Hospitality In Qatar. Two of the most luxurious hotels (Fairmont Hotel and Raffles Hotel) are located in these towers.
Doha beaches
We visited Doha in March and the weather was perfect for enjoying a day at the beach. Doha has several beach clubs as well as public beaches. We spent an amazing day at B12 Beach Club. Other places to visit are Doha Sands and 974 beach.
Souq Waqif
Another highlight of our trip was visiting Souq Waqif, a traditional market that dates back hundreds of years. The market is a labyrinth of narrow alleyways, lined with shops selling everything from spices and perfumes to traditional clothing and jewelry. You can find in the souk plenty of souvenir shops, local delicacies, cafes and restaurants.
A ten minutes walk from the souk and you will find yourself in one of the most luxurious and modern parts of Doha: Msheireb Downtown.
The Corniche
The Corniche, a waterfront promenade, is perfect for a relaxing walk or jog. It offers beautiful views of the Arabian Gulf, the Doha skyline, and the iconic Museum of Islamic Art.
Doha Skyscrapers
Of course, no trip to Doha is complete without admiring the city’s impressive skyscrapers. We were in awe of the towering buildings, such as the iconic Burj Doha and the Tornado Tower, which dominate the skyline!
The Backyard
When people think of nightlife and entertainment in Doha, they often picture swanky hotel bars, posh rooftop lounges, and chic restaurants. While these are certainly part of the city’s vibrant scene, there’s another hidden gem that offers a unique outdoor experience like no other – The Backyard.
This massive open-air venue has quickly become a go-to destination for locals and visitors alike, offering live music, DJs, food, drinks, International shows, and more! The Backyard is a haven for music lovers, hosting live bands and performances across various genres. From local talents to international artists, the venue offers a diverse lineup that caters to all tastes. Additionally, The Backyard is home to live shows and themed nights, ensuring there’s always something exciting happening!
The Backyard is more than just a place for entertainment; it’s also a thriving social hub. The venue attracts a diverse crowd, creating an inclusive and welcoming environment where people can connect and have fun. With communal seating arrangements and various events, The Backyard encourages guests to mingle and make new friends, enriching the overall experience.
The venue boasts one of the largest open-air spaces in Doha, providing a refreshing alternative to the typical indoor establishments. With lush greenery, comfortable seating, and atmospheric lighting, The Backyard offers a relaxed and inviting atmosphere where guests can truly unwind and enjoy the evening.
No night out is complete without some delicious food and refreshing drinks. The Backyard offers a variety of food options, ranging from mouth-watering street food to more sophisticated fare. The venue’s extensive drink menu features both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, including creative cocktails, craft beers, and a selection of wines.
If you have some extra time in Doha, add to your itinerary a trip to the desert where you could enjoy many activities such as dune bashing, ATV, sand surfing and camel riding.
If you are interested in arts and museums, add to your list visiting the Museum of Islamic Art, Qatar National Museum, and Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum.
Tips for visiting Doha
Language
The official language in Qatar is Arabic, but English is widely spoken, especially in touristic areas, malls and restaurants.
Currency
The currency in Qatar is the Qatari riyal (QAR). You can exchange currency at exchange offices.
Transportation
Doha has a modern and efficient public transportation system, including buses and the Doha Metro. Uber is also very cheap and convenient.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Doha is from October till April when the weather is cooler. Summer months in Doha can be very hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching 40°C (104°F) or higher.
It is also important to note that during Ramadan, the Islamic holy month, which falls on different dates each year, many businesses and tourist attractions may have reduced operating hours or be closed during the day. However, during the evenings, most of the businesses remain open late and there are special events and activities in the city.
Dress appropriately
Qatar is a conservative Muslim country, so it’s important to dress modestly when out in public.
Respect local customs
In addition to dressing modestly, it’s important to be aware of local customs and etiquette. For example, public displays of affection are not allowed (holding hands, hugging, etc.) and alcohol is only served in licensed hotels and restaurants.
Stay hydrated
Doha can get very hot, so make sure to drink plenty of water and avoid spending too much time outdoors during the hottest parts of the day. It’s also a good idea to wear sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
In conclusion, whether you’re looking to shop, explore, or relax, Doha has something to offer for everyone!
Visiting Doha is an exciting and enriching experience that offers a unique blend of traditional Arabic culture and modernity.
Have you ever been to Doha? What is your favorite attraction? Let us know in the comments below!
Note: We only recommend places that we enjoyed visiting with no commercial benefits.