Listly by Gabriel Anthony
A popular hub in Middle East tourism, Doha offers plenty of interesting things to do. The shopping scene here is equally exciting and tourists love exploring the many malls adorning the city.
One of the best malls in Doha, the Villagio offers an exciting mix of shops, restaurants and even recreation. It is ideal for a day out for there is plenty you can do here apart from simply browsing the many outlets of big brand names. Designed in a unique Venetian theme, the mall flaunts a unique ambience complete with a canal which visitors can navigate using a Venetian gondola. It is an interesting experience exploring this mall and for those who want to go one step further in enjoying its many facilities there is also an indoor Olympic-sized skating rink and a 22,000-sqm theme park which is plenty of fun to indulge in. If there is one mall you simply cannot miss in Doha it is definitely the Villagio and hence several 5 star hotels in Doha are located around the area.
The Landmark also offers a good mix of shopping as well as dining making it yet another popular mall for those looking for a little more than mere purchasing. The Landmark is in fact the oldest successful mall in Doha which is believed to have marked the beginning of mall culture in Qatar. Boasting a unique architecture, the mall resembles a traditional fort like appearance that gives you a feeling of stepping into another era altogether; however, the boutiques and the fancy eateries found inside give you an entirely different picture. For those shopping with children there is a big children's play area here known as Circus Land that is sure to keep the little ones occupied.
The City Centre Doha is one of largest malls in the Middle East and boasts a total of five levels of shopping. There is nothing that you cannot find in the City Centre for it caters to shoppers of all types. The biggest brand names are found scattered across the mall and brand conscious shoppers will find the rich variety highly appealing. Apart from the amazing shopping that this mall has in store, the City Centre offers plenty of excellent entertainment opportunities including bowling options, an ice skating rink, a gaming area and an amusement park ensuring every member of the family has a ball of a time hanging out here. There are also two large food courts and several options for dining.
When it comes to the shopping scene in Doha, don't miss out on the traditional side to it. The Souq Waqif is a favourite among local markets that is located just 20 minutes from the Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara. A great place to acquaint yourself with Doha's traditional talents there is plenty here you can take home with you as souvenirs. The Qatari craftwork is exquisite here and so is the food which is absolutely authentic in every way.