20 top things to see and do in Doha, Qatar

Located in between the Persian Gulf and Saudi Arabia, Qatar is the undiscovered jewel of the Middle East. From its glistening skyline and exquisite architecture, to its luxury ambience and Arabian flair, Doha is currently rated as the world’s top trending destination. Here are my 20 recommendations for the best things to see and do in this shimmering Middle Eastern metropolis…

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1. Embark on a dhow cruise

I embarked on a private dhow cruise and it was without a doubt the best way to embrace Arabian hospitality and the glamour of this Middle Eastern metropolis. The views of the Qatar skyline whilst cruising along the teal waters of the Arabian Gulf are absolutely breathtaking…

2. Take a scenic corniche walk

The Doha Corniche is a 7km stretch of gorgeous promenade overlooking the serene waterfront, that follows the curve of Doha Bay.

This is the perfect spot to capture the skyline of this majestic Qatari capital!

A scenic corniche walking tour with a knowledgeable local tour guide is a great way to learn about Doha’s history and make the whole tour come to life.

3. Embrace the Qatari aesthetic at Souq Waqif

Built on the site of Doha’s century old trading market, this vibrant souk is the social heart and soul of Doha.

Souq Waqif’s winding alleys reflect the traditional street life and the souq sells traditional garments, spices, handicrafts, and souvenirs.

There is also an abundance of things to do – from making midas at the Gold Souk, and following your nose towards the spices, to holding a falcon!

4. Make a new friend at the Camel Pen

The Camel Pen is located in the heart of downtown Doha, just minutes from Souq Waqif and the Corniche. This is one of my favourite spots in the city – it is free to enter and the grazing camels are there for most of the day…

5. Discover the World Cup stadiums

Walking through the 21-mile radius around Qatar’s eight World Cup stadiums is the perfect way to see the tournament venues. My favourites are Lusail Stadium, which hosted the Argentina vs. France final, Education City Stadium, Khalifa International Stadium, and Stadium 974…

6. Experience the Museum of Islamic Art

The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) is one of Doha’s most iconic and architecturally stunning buildings – the design is inspired by a desert rose, which is a crystal formation. The exterior features a palm tree-lined paths that make for some pretty cool pictures…

7. Meander through the Flag Plaza

Flag Plaza is one of Doha’s newest art installation, which features 119 flags representing nations with diplomatic missions in Qatar, as well as the European flag, the United Nations flag and the Gulf Cooperation Council.

8. Visit Doha Old Port’s Mina District

Doha’s Old Port was renovated for the World Cup – it is located in the Mina District with bright and distinctive coloured buildings, an open air park, and shops and restaurants.

9. Take a stroll along Lusail Marina

Lusail Marina Promenade, an area also regenerated during the World Cup, stretches for 12km and is lined with palm trees and skyscrapers.

10. Admire architectural magnificence at the Fairmont and Raffles, Doha

The iconic crescent-shaped Katara Towers are a symbol of Qatari architectural magnificence, located on Lusail’s waterfront. The newly-opened curved towers are now home to ultra-luxury hotels – the Fairmont on one side and the Raffles on the other. It is well worth a visit if you are in the area!

11. Embrace the Arabian vibes at Katara Cultural Village

Katara Cultural Village is Doha’s cultural melting pot. It features Katara Mosque, designed by Turkey’s Zeynep Fadilloglu, who is the first female architect to specialise in mosques. The mosque features beautifully intricate Persian and Turkish tile and enamel work in shades of blue and gold.

The amphitheatre is a classical Greek style amphitheatre that reflects Islamic influences. It provides amazing views of the sea on one side and the cultural village on the other.

12. Relax at Hotel Park

Hotel Park is located in the city’s West Bay district, adjacent to the Sheraton Grand Hotel. It is the perfect spot to unwind and relax, with a great view of Doha’s skyscrapers.

13. Take a journey on the driverless metro

Doha’s modern metro system is one of the newest and fastest driverless train systems in the world, opening in May 2019. It has three lines and 37 stations, making every corner of the city well-connected. I used the metro everyday and I highly recommend for a seamless journey from A to B.

14. Inspire yourself at Qatar National Library

Qatar National Library is an example of modernism at its finest. World-renowned architect Rem Koolhaas designed the 45,000-square-metre building to resemble two pieces of paper that are pulled apart and folded diagonally at the corners to create a shell-like structure, enclosing the open-plan interior.

15. Explore Education City

Education City is definitely worth a visit – it hosts some of the most remarkably designed buildings in the country. These include campuses of the world’s leading universities, stadiums of the FIFA World Cup, a modern art museum, Qatar National Library and Education City Ceremonial Court.

16. Find an interesting perspective at Aspire Tower

Aspire Tower, also known as The Torch Doha, is the tallest skyscraper in the city, located next to the Khalifa International Stadium.

17. Treat yourself at Villaggio Mall

Villaggio Mall is a lavish shopping centre with a Venetian-style aesthetic, featuring pretty bridges and a winding canal. With an abundance of insta-worthy spots, it truly brings a slice of the Mediterranean to Qatar.

18. Get creative at Umbrella Park

This is an outdoor umbrella garden with a canopy of colourful umbrellas lined overhead, and a beautiful surrounding with plants and flowers.

19. Admire Doha’s iconic skyline at West Bay

West Bay is Doha’s business district and its futuristic skyline will astound every traveller. From the distinctive Doha Tower, to the beautiful glass and metal Tornado Tower.

20. Explore Hamad International Airport

Hamad International Airport (HIA) is an attraction in itself. Having recently been voted as the world’s second best airport, after Singapore’s Changi, HIA offers an abundance of things to see and do, from a tropical orchard garden containing over 25,000 plants, Lamp Bear, and Qatar Airways travel boutique. The airport is ideal, whether you are waiting a few hours for your flight or on a longer stopover.

The views departing from HIA were breathtaking, flying over Qatar’s desert and coral reefs…