Most Popular Places and Activities to Explore in Doha

Doha Bay

Don't miss the opportunity to cruise in a show around Doha Bay. These historic wooden boats were once used for pearl diving and are now used as a magical way to see the city. Do be ready to haggle with the boat owner to get a good price!

Souq Waqif

The market of Souq Waqif is full of stalls spilling over with spices, rugs and robes of every colour under the sun. It is easy to get lost among the enchanting

alleys of this market. So do take care. Take a break during your shopping spree to grab a sweet tea and watch the bustle of the market from a cosy cafe.

Al Shahaniya Race Track

Traditional sports are an exciting part of the local culture. The Al Shahaniya Camel Racetrack is located an hour's drive away from Doha and is the best place to watch fascinating (and surprisingly fast) camel races.

Mega-malls in the city aren't just an air-conditioned refuge to shop – they contain a whole world of entertainment! The indoor ski slopes and full-blown theme parks found in malls around the city may leave you not believing your eyes.

The National Museum of Qatar

Visit the top cultural attractions on your holiday to Doha and take a dive into thousands of years of Arabic history.

Designed with inspiration from a 'desert rose' crystal, the National Museum of Qatar is an artistic masterpiece from the outside. At the same time, the inside

exhibits ground breaking displays that showcase Qatar's past, present and future.

The Katara Cultural Village

The Katara Cultural Village is said to be the beating heart of Doha's artistic scene. Events related to theatre, traditional crafts and local festivals are hosted around the year!

Constructed part spaceship and part library, add the Qatar National Library to your visit list whether you're a reader or an architectural fan.

The Corniche

The Corniche is perhaps the city's most distinctive feature – a seven-kilometre stretch of waterfront space. It is undoubtedly one of Doha's most popular 

attractions and is open to pedestrians. Shaped like a half-moon, the Corniche attracts joggers, sightseers, cyclists and wanderers, offering panoramic views of the crystal-clear waters. However, the crown of the Corniche is the Museum of Islamic Art, which hosts an impressive collection of handicrafts and objects spanning centuries of history. It is not only a great insight into the heritage of the region, but the building itself is an architectural masterpiece sure to leave you jaw-dropped.

The Restaurants

There are all sorts of varieties of good food on holidays in Doha, from the basics to the splurge-worthy.

The traditional market Souq Waqif's has a number of tourist-friendly dining options. Follow your nose into the maze of alleys and eat your way between snack bars and luxe Persian dining spots.

Michelin star and celebrity-owned restaurants promise meals that you'll remember. Many are world-renowned, so book your reservations quick and make the occasion even more special!

Doha's food is a mashup of international flavours. You'll find Asian buffets, fine French dining, Lebanese mezze and Palestinian stews.

Some of the local dishes you must have on your visit to Doha are:

Shawarma is undoubtedly the king of the city's street food. Street vendors serve up a quick hit of yumminess with flame-grilled meats that are piled into soft pita bread with pickles and a sprinkle of salad.

Macboos, Qatar's national dish, is as versatile as it is delicious. This biryani-like meal can be made with all kinds of marinated meat, but chicken is mostly used because it soaks up the avalanche of spices added to the dish.

Thareed can be described as the Qatari take on lasagna. Just swap mince with root vegetables and the pasta with crispy bread, and you've got a healthy, hearty dish smothered in tomatoey goodness.

Bright yellow cups of buttery-sweet corn can often be seen piled high on Doha's street stalls. Spritz some lemon, sprinkle on salt or chilli and give it a try.

For dessert, try the famed honey sweetness of baklava pastries. For something a bit lighter, you can have the refreshing rosewater and milk pudding called mahalabiya.

Due to the hot summers, the months of November to March are the ideal time to enjoy holidays in Doha., although the summer is still very popular for travellers as it has less crowds, more sunbathing time and its low season for hotel prices.