Doha, the capital of Qatar, is a seaside city that combines tradition and modernity. Its many towers and wide highways filled with expensive cars coexist with old architecture and a strong respect for traditional values. Although no fascinating ancient temples or tropical beach paradises can be found here, I liked the ambience of this safe and clean city, which is full of expatriates from different countries.
Of course, each person’s experience varies greatly, and this article presents the perspective of a traveler visiting Qatar on holiday. Therefore, it does not deal with matters that would require deeper investigation. Visitors to Doha have the chance to explore modern museums, traditional neighbourhoods, the Doha Corniche, and many restaurants that often serve high-quality food. I particularly enjoyed the latter, since I am fond of Arabic cuisine.
Although Doha can be extremely hot during the summer, I would say that it can be visited at any time of the year. After all, I went to the desert in July and survived! Although Doha is a very safe place where you can easily find a reliable taxi, some people may still prefer to book their airport transfer in advance.
Where to stay in Doha
Staying close to Souq Waqif is a good idea for people who want to be within walking distance of some major sights and are fond of traditional neighbourhoods. On the other hand, travellers who prefer a more luxurious and expensive lifestyle could choose to stay on The Pearl-Qatar, an artificial island with an area of nearly four square kilometres. However, take into consideration that Doha is mainly designed for cars, and eventually you will have to use a taxi in order to explore the city. Hence, it may be better to book a hotel or apartment that meets your needs, regardless of its exact location. After all, the city is not that big.
What to visit in Doha
1) Souq Waqif
Souq Waqif is the old market of Doha, where spices, traditional clothes, perfumes, jewellery, and food are sold. There are also many restaurants, cafés, and shops that sell pets, including numerous birds and even falcons. Singers and dancers, both male and female, can be seen performing on stages while wearing traditional garments. Some men proudly carry swords while dancing. Souq Waqif is visited by many people, and there is usually a festive atmosphere.
2) Museum of Islamic Art
The Museum of Islamic Art is a modern and elegant museum located on the Doha Corniche. It is an impressive five-storey building featuring artifacts from Qatar, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Egypt, India, and many other countries. There was also a special exhibition about Syria when I visited the museum. Statues, paintings, manuscripts, jars, weapons, and armour can all be found and admired there. Although the artifacts displayed are not the most impressive I have ever seen, I still think that a visit to this museum is an absolutely great idea, because it presents the cultures of different countries efficiently.
3) Doha Corniche
The Doha Corniche is a 7-kilometre-long promenade where many important celebrations take place. It is a very popular spot for both tourists and residents of the city. The Museum of Islamic Art is located at one end of the Corniche, and consequently you can visit both of them on the same day.
4) National Museum of Qatar
The National Museum of Qatar is a modern and elegant museum inspired by the desert rose crystal found in Qatar. The building itself is fascinating, but I particularly liked Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani Palace, which is included within the museum complex. Archaeological objects, weapons, pottery, textiles, traditional garments, jewelry, and books are housed in the museum. Similarly to the Museum of Islamic Art, the artifacts displayed here are not the most impressive I have ever seen. Nevertheless, the overall experience of visiting the National Museum of Qatar was extremely interesting, since its modern displays present Qatar’s cultural heritage in an engaging and immersive way.
5) Desert safari
From Doha it’s very easy and actually recommended to book a desert safari, since it is a wonderful experience. The one I booked started with camel riding and drinking hot tea, with a choice between white and black tea. The actual drive through the desert, and sometimes close to the ocean after the driver deflated the tires, was truly exciting. Going up and down the sand dunes while admiring the beautiful scenery at the same time makes you feel like a child at an amusement park!
