Best Places To See in Doha, Qatar
- Apeksha Shah
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Qatar, a small nation located in Persian Gulf, is lately emerging as a fast-growing tourist destination gaining popularity for short stays and layover visits. Especially, capitol city of Doha is bustling with beautiful skyscrapers, new luxury hotels, museums along with some traditional souqs. A nation filled with remarkable architecture, culture, big shopping malls, and food. It will be also hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Here are few of the many reasons to visit this beautiful country
Table of Contents
Sqouq Waqif
In Arabic speaking countries, the term “Souq” is usually used for a bazaar or a market place. As its name suggests, it is a big, traditional and authentic local market. It is famous for selling spices, souvenirs, perfumes and attar (natural perfume oil), traditional garments, some accessories, carpets and rugs. It is also home to sheesha lounges, cafes and some restaurants. The souq has small traditional alleys filled with array of shops, a falconry market, an area where you can find camels called as camel pen and a nearby horse stable as well. The alleys also have a dedicated pet market selling all kinds of pets.
Tips-
- Shops usually are open from 7.30 to 12.30, Closed in the afternoon. Open back from 3.30 till 10 pm
- Zone 3 is the closest towards the parking and a taxi stand (Between Al Asmakh street and Al Ahmed Street)
- Do carry cash as some may not accept international cards
- There are hamalis (men in red vest) everywhere, who will help you drop your luggage till taxi for a fee.
- Some names of spices which will help you
Black pepper(FilFil Aswad), Cardamom (Hael), Chilli (FilFil ah’mar), Cinnamon (qarfa), Cloves (qurinfil), Cumin (kamoon), Nutmeg (Jose al teeb), saffron (zaff’aron), Turmeric (kurkum)
Museum of Islamic Art
This museum is located on the Doha Corniche, influenced by ancient Islamic architecture. The enthralling architecture of museum with splendid views hoards some precious artefacts, jewellery, ceramics, textiles and glass work. It also boasts of a café with beautiful views of Doha’s skyline, water feature area and a library with rare and old manuscripts. Made on a man-made island, divided in four floors this site is a must visit
Tips-
- Open daily from 9am to 7 pm, Free entry for Qatari passports only
- Respect their culture and dress appropriately with bottom lengths over the knees and shoulders covered (no off shoulder tops)
- Try to visit late afternoon, so you can spend 3 hours roughly and have a beautiful view of skyline at dusk
Doha Corniche
Doha corniche is a pleasing and pretty seven km long waterfront promenade. It stretches for the entire length of Doha skyline, Doha bay, and Pearl monument. Popular as a leisure attraction, one can even take a dhow cruise from here. You can stroll and enjoy some great views of the skyline, relax and soak up some on sun.
Tips-
- Try and visit at early sunset, to enjoy beautiful views and so you can enjoy views of night as well
- You can carry some snacks to munch while you relax and enjoy the beautiful views
- Take a dhow ferry to enjoy some peaceful time with lovely views
Sand Dunes Adventure/Desert Safari with Inland sea
An absolute worth visiting experience is the Desert Safari. Join the adrenaline rushing, dune bashing experience in big 4×4 vehicles. You can also opt for camel riding, and even sand Boarding. You can choose a half day or full day tour to view some spectacular golden sand views.
Tips-
- Half day tours are best ones, which usually start late afternoons
Relax and take some time out for shopping. Doha has numerous famous shopping malls and the most sought after is Villagio Mall. Villagio Mall offers great shopping experience along with array of entertainment areas in a Venetian themed interior. Few of the other popular ones are Doha Festival City, Mall of Qatar and City Centre Doha.
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