10 Stunning Landmarks in Qatar – the old and the new

Once a trading place for animal stock, Souq Waqif is a veritable fine shopping and dining experience. At Souq Waqif you'll be surrounded by spices, beautiful embroideries, gold jewellery, garments, and sweet-smelling herbs. It is also close to some of the best hotels in Doha. Take a walk to witness the traditional architecture, art galleries and mud-daubed structures. In spite of the modernization, this old Souq still retains some of its old vibes. If you stay at a hotel like the Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels By Tivoli, you can simply walk to the heart of the Souq Waqif.

A luxurious, man-made island, the Pearl stands solid on reclaimed land. You can go there to shop for world-class brands, high-end cuisine, and a simply elegant, indulgent time. You don't necessarily have to spend a lot to enjoy the Pearl. Take a walk along the boardwalk and immerse yourself in the captivating scenery.

This is where France and Argentina battled that iconic football world cup final. The stadium is shaped like a huge bowl which serves dates in Qatari homes. Apart from the stadium, you can go sightseeing in Lusail City itself.

French architect Jean Nouvel designed Qatar's National Museum to show the harmonious convergence of the desert landscape and modernity. The inner sanctum depicts the beginning, present and modern history in three parts. There are 11 galleries at the museum that house rare artefacts. The museum essentially celebrates the rich heritage of Qatar and its people.

There is a spell about the desert that nomads fell in love with. Stretches of silky sand and blue skies above can make you feel part of something infinite and wise. Go on a desert safari to see the rolling sand and colossal dunes. Stir up some dust with the wheels to see the allure of the desert.

The Katara Cultural Village presents an eclectic mix of Qatari culture, history, religion, and modernity. Acclaimed architects are responsible for most of the work in the village, and you can see the finesse of their work. The village is home to two elegant mosques, elaborate gardens, and art galleries. It is also the centre for Qatar's Fine Arts Society, Music Academy, Photographic Society, and Visual Arts Centre.

The State Grand Mosque is an exemplary blend of traditional Islamic and modern architectural concepts. Its minimalistic lines and graceful arches are pleasant to observe. The flooring is made of earth-coloured marble and small domes cover corridors to keep devotees cool in the summer heat. The 93 domes cast a mesmerizing view in the dim light from various angles. There are three libraries at the mosque and separate prayer halls for men and women.

The abandoned film city looks mysterious with its traditional Arabic village allure, turrets, eerily Empty Square and silence. Take a surreal walk amidst a perhaps never to be a movie set in the middle of a desert.

The vast expanse of the Villaggio Mall is home to over 200 stores. The ceiling is sky blue and there is an indoor canal flowing through the mall. There is even a kid-friendly Gondola theme park alongside top brands from Europe. You can go go-karting, play laser tag, seek adrenaline thrills on rollercoasters and savour haute cuisine dishes.

It is the meeting of the desert and the sea – two timeless phenomena of magical beauty. You can escape modernity and even civilization at the Khor Al Udaid beach. You would need to rent a four-wheel drive to reach this particular piece of earth – where time and stress slip away to make space for nature's spell. Once there, take a dip in the waters, and sand skate from atop a sand dune. Watch the landscape unravel its secret beauty, slowly inviting you to escape the mundane.