Joanna James
As one of the most dynamic capital cities in the Middle East, Doha is a dream destination for travellers around the world. From cultural hotspots to the biggest malls in the country, here are the must-visit highlights that should be on every Doha travel itinerary.
No trip to Doha would be complete without spending time at Katara Beach, the city's finest public beach. In addition to swimming and lounging around by the water, visitors can also sign up for a plethora of water sports activities including kitesurfing, water skiing, and kneeboarding and parasailing. Lined with seafood restaurants, the beach is also the perfect place to unwind with the family.
Occupying pride of place down Museum Park Street in Doha, the National Museum in Qatar is among the most illustrious cultural institutions in the country. Documenting the complex history of the nation, the museum, which is open from 9 am to 7 pm from Sunday to Wednesday, showcases relics and artefacts from Qatar's chequered past. One of the top highlights of a tour of the museum is gazing upon the exquisite Pearl Carpet of Baroda.
As a shopper's paradise that's accessible to Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels By Tivoli and similar resorts in the area, Souq Waqif is a one-stop retail hub for the masses. Located close to some of the most coveted business hotels and meeting rooms in Doha, this traditional marketplace, which resembles a maze, offers tourists the chance to stock up on souvenirs and consumer goods. Spices, jewellery, and souvenirs such as handicrafts are some of the top buys at this marketplace.
With a copy of a Holy Quran dating back to the 17th century among its chief exhibits, the Museum Of Islamic Art is an architectural marvel in its own right. Displaying over 15000 texts and manuscripts, the building in which the museum is contained was designed by none other than I.M Pei who famously designed the Louvre Pyramid. Fine examples of pottery and ancient textiles are also on show in addition to glassworks.
When it comes to the top retail attractions to explore, the Doha Festival City ranks among the must-shop hubs in the Qatari capital. Housing countless signature outlets of globally renowned brands, those with a taste for luxury products and theme parks will love the plush layout of this mega-mall where one also finds Angry Birds World.
Often described as Doha's premier entertainment district, Pearl Qatar is a manmade recreational Mecca that's lined with shopping venues, fine dining restaurants, and a host of water sports centres. Located in the West Bay District, the hotels and eateries occupying the area alone make a tour of Pearl Qatar well worth the effort.
Offering tourists a chance to travel back in time to a traditional Qatari village, the Katara Cultural Village is a one-of-a-kind landmark that not only contains museums and art galleries but also restaurants and an amphitheatre.
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.
