The 10 essential things to do in Doha

The capital of Qatar is an exciting, eccentric and authentic destination. Here are the 10 essential things to do in Doha.

Qatar, a tiny country in the Persian Gulf, is home to a sluggish and tedious capital, stretched between modernity and traditions. With its high buildings planted in the middle of markets in the air of Medina, Doha is everything and its opposite.

The city promises you a sensational stay, at the service of all your desires. In terms of landscapes, you will discover more than skyscrapers with unusual curves and ancient Arab architecture. Indeed, this luxurious city also houses the sea, the beach and the dunes of the desert. Here in a few words, the 10 things to do in Doha.

1. Discover the Souq al Waqif

It was a time when Doha was only a small village of some living souls on the banks of the Wadi Musheireb. Today, this secular place of life has reincarnated in the immense Suq al Waqif.

The architects did a goldsmith’s job to make him his superb old man, respecting architecture and traditional materials. A place that slices with the urban and modern landscape of the rest of the city. Therefore, it is impossible to visit Doha without taking the time to get lost in this market.

Dive into its decor that evokes the era and the Milles and A Nuits. Your look clings to all kinds of fantasy, colorful, smelly and exotic objects. Walk through the winding and irradiated aisles of light. Spicy smells. Lose the secrets of gold and pearl.

Take a coffee and admire the broom incessant of the slaughterers, the nonchalizing smoke of the nargiles and samosas sellers. Finally, don’t miss the incredible section dedicated to the sale and care of faucons. This noble raptor is to Qataris what the dog is to Westerners...

2. Getting to the Great Mosque

Among the essential things to do in Doha, it is difficult not to mention the visit of a mosque. Located in the Jubailat district, the Grand Mosque of the State, or Imam Abdul Wahhab Mosque, is one of the most impressive in the country.

This building is recognizable between a thousand thanks to its architecture combining tradition and modernism, simplicity and great beauty. The rounded shape of its domes is enveloping while the straight lines of its walls give it a strict air.

You can admire the incompressible elements of Arab art: flamboyant half-lunes, minaret, roughly worked motifs and refreshing marble. To enjoy the most beautiful view, go to the Imam Abdul Wahhab Mosque at sunset. The facades and ornamented doors light up, with in the background the incandescent sky, and under your feet, the marble floor shining.

3. Visit the Islamic Art Museum and MIA Park

What if you were more than just visiting Doha? Thanks to the Museum of Islamic Art, you can understand its history and capture all its wealth. Located on a water-flowered island, the museum proudly marks the landscape of its modern and immaculate architecture.

Inside, the collections present the Islamic art of three continents over a period of one thousand four-one years. They gather jewellery and all kinds of works made of noble metals, ceramics, wood, glass and precious textiles. The interior of the monument incorporates the codes of historical Islamic decors and contemporary design, thus offering a decor that is almost enough for itself.

Ceinting the museum, MIA Park is a green space that slowly slides into the water. This emerald crescent is a real place of life with its bike paths, pedestrian paths, carousel, cafés, relaxation areas and boat rental bases.

4. Walking in the cultural village of Katara

The visit to Katara Cultural Village is one of the most important things to do in Doha. Not only for the beauty of the place, but also for its historical importance. In the heart of the city, this “village” does not really look like it. Rather, it is a cultural center built in luxurious stones, a well of light with an ultra chic look.

Katara’s primary goal is to be a link between all cultures of the world and to promote diversity. With this jewel, Qatar is proudly positioned on the front of the Middle East cultural scene and the reunification of peoples through art.

It houses rich galleries, exhibitions, event spaces, restaurants, theatres and cinemas. Each space is a unique composition inspired by a part of the world. Cosmopolitanism reads on the maps of restaurants that offer in turn Egyptian, Palestinian, Armenian and even Lebanese specialities. How to combine intellectual and gustative pleasures!

5. Walking around Msheireb Downtown Doha

Msheireb Downtown sits close to all the essential things to do in Doha. This central neighbourhood can be proud to be the first sustainable regeneration project in a city centre in the world. Indeed, this aesthetic place is above all thought to minimize energy consumption and environmental impact.

Your walk in the neighborhood will be marked by several strong times, including the visits of the Msheireb Museums, Al Kahraba Street, Design District and the bold Barahat Msheireb Square. The outstanding architecture of Msheireb Downtown is inspired by the millennial Islamic style and contemporary movements, the eastern colours and the modern episcopate. You will discover a wide range of entertainment, cultural, commercial and gastronomic offers.

6. Longer the Corniche

Such an elegant snail shell, the cornice of Doha is a true masterpiece of architecture and urban planning. The purpose of this major project is to anchor the identity of Doha, to integrate the coastline into urban life, to provide an exemplary living environment for Qataris and to establish a greener policy.

Visiting Doha along its Corniche offers a real poetic parenthesis. The promenade stretches over seven kilometers, along the palm trees and the Dhows, these magnificent traditional wooden boats that cross the Indian Ocean.

In the distance, you will see the Skyline and its enfilade of huge glass buildings, symbols of Qatar’s demeasure. Turning your head, you admire the islands on turquoise water. The Museum of Islamic Art is located at the entrance of the Corniche. The Pearl .

7. Discover the Villaggio Mall

Luxury shopping lovers, stop there! Villagio Mall is the place you need to visit in Doha. This temple of prestige and fashion offers an extravagant experience, in a place that does not forbid any madness.

This huge shopping and games centre brings together all the world’s most famous luxury brands, including clothing, leather goods, jewellery, shoes and perfume brands.

But the experience goes farther! In Villaggio Mall, you can walk on a gondola like Venice, turn around in the air in an amusement park, watch a movie on the most immersive cinema screen in the world or make ice skates... while the thermometer is squeezing out forty degrees!

8. Walking around Dhow

Visiting Doha from a Dhow, a traditional Arabic wooden tip, is one of the most authentic and surprising ways to discover the city. The excursions depart from the Corniche.

There are different possibilities of cruises but the most sensational are those at sunset and at night, with a dive view on the illuminated West Bay towers. On board, folk music and traditional buffet (if you choose a lunch or dinner trip) take you to the typical Middle East universe.

9. Getting to The Pearl

Quintessence of opulence, The Pearl is an artificial and clinching island in the heart of West Bay’s business district. Once again, discovering this modern and five-star facet of the capital remains one of the must-sees in Doha.

With its very chic look and elegant addresses, The Pearl looks like a real "Arab French side". What are we doing? We walk along the Mediterranean-style marinas, rent a luxury villa or a sumptuous hotel room, test gastronomic restaurants there, and shop at several zeros.

10. Go to the Fire Station Gallery

The last of our must-see in Doha is for art lovers. The Fire Station is an art and culture gallery whose exhibitions and events often make waves.

This contemporary space, as its name suggests, in an old rehabilitated firehouse, houses permanent and temporary collections as rich as bold. It is also a place dedicated to Qatari artists who can give free lessons to their imagination and fantasies. Outside, wall paintings have become a true symbol of the city.

How to get to Doha?

The main entrance to visit Doha is its airport. Six to seven flight hours are required to reach Qatar from France. Do you know that the local company, Qatar Airways, is one of the best companies in the world?

To compare available flights and to find a ticket at the best price, do not hesitate to visit online flight comparisons such as Skyscanner .

Finally, do not forget to provide you with the entry visa necessary for any tourist stay in Qatar.

Where to stay in Doha?

To stay in Doha, you will have a choice between different neighborhoods. Al Souq, an effervescent and scenic neighbourhood, La Corniche and West Bay, chic and expensive, or Al Waab, excited but family and popular.

Most travellers opt for one Airbnb or a hotel. To discover all the facilities available according to your availability and budget, nothing better than one Compare hotels and its sorting system on the shutter.