Joanna James
Discover the capital city in one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Here are some places to visit with the kids on your next trip.
This impressive construction is one of the largest mosques in Qatar. The architecture is magnificent, with so much attention to detail you can get lost in its artistic brilliance. There are over 90 domes to explore, and can hold over 30,000 people! Non-Muslims are allowed to visit during non-prayer times. Ladies will have to put on an abaya which will be made available at the female entrance; it is recommended that men dress modestly in clothes that cover arms and knees.
Taking the kids to a museum is the best way to get them interested in a different culture. At Msheireb Museums you will find collections of many cultural artefacts. All of which is spread across four different buildings. To make it even better admission is free! Museum of Islamic art is a beautifully designed structure by the famed architect I.M Pei of the Louvre fame. The antiquities on display are equally diverse, get to witness a range of artwork from across the Islamic world from days gone by.
Go for a hearty lunch and some shopping at Souq Waqif. There is quite a good collection of restaurants to choose from. The kids will love the setup of a traditional Arabian market and get to experience the food and traditional lifestyle of Qataris. The architecture has an authentic Qatari vibe and a great place to shop for souvenirs!
Many days can be spent exploring the marketplace. Some of the main attractions to visit include the gold souq, falcon souq, horse stables, bird souq, camel pen, and local art. The shops include many trinkets, spices, varieties of dates, Oud special incense, which are popular purchases. In Doha, hotels can be quite a lot in this area. You can try the likes of Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara as well.
The Corniche is a 7 km waterfront walkway and holds a special place for locals. Encircled by the breezes of the Arabian Gulf the Corniche should be ideally visited in the early morning or evenings to get a feel for the local lifestyle. There are also several parks for children to play and to get some ice cream. A sunset cruise on a traditional wooden boat is a pleasant way to end an evening at the Corniche.
An hour's drive away from the city will take you to the desert. Spend the day with camel rides and dune bashing. It takes around 30 -45 minutes to arrive at Khor Al Adaid. This area is a special place. The sea meets Saudi Arabia, and the coastline is just a few meters away. Children can dip their feet and even go for a swim. Camping on the dessert is a great option as well. Organised tours arrange the itinerary and look into all the necessities such as refreshments and activities.
Katara Village is the main recreation and cultural centre in Doha. It is a popular tourist spot in the city. The whole family can relax in the pretty promenades, and browse through the attractive architecture. End the night with a walk along the beach and a nice dinner.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
