Joanna James
A man-made island of cutting-edge opulence cradled by the turquoise gulf, Qatar’s dreamy Pearl is full of culture-rich vibrancy and innovative elegance that satisfies all manifestations of wanderlust. Here’s what you can’t miss in this quaintly dazzling oasis.
Whether it’s dune-coloured heritage enclaves rich with jewel-toned market wares, avant-garde water parks for stomach-dropping fun, or wind-whipped desertscapes for starlit campouts, camel safaris, and sandboarding, Qatar is a mosaic of authentic experiences. Even its more contemporary attractions have a spin like no other that even the most blasé of globetrotters cannot get enough, such as the palpable luxury and ethereal architecture of The Pearl. If you’re ready to veer off the beaten path to savour this sensational dreamscape, the Qanat Quartier should be your first stop. With its pastel-hued classical façades, aquamarine canals, bijou boutiques, and a romantic assortment of cafés and eateries, this Middle Eastern Venice is best explored via water taxi with plenty of stops for Pinterest-perfect photo ops.
While the atmospheric meccas of the mainland are a must-visit, from the artisan glitter, piles of spices, and lush swathes of fabrics vying with stained-glass handicrafts in Souq Waqif to the lantern-lit labyrinths, storybook ochre buildings, and intricate archways spilling eye-catching collectables of Al Wakra Souq, Porto Arabia is a plush nature-rich marina not to be missed. A cinematic realm of arabesque allure, you can enjoy upscale enticements combined with gorgeous oceanic vistas, from timeless boardwalks, glitzy high-rises, and exotic recreation amenities to gourmet restaurants, uber-fancy shopping emporiums, and charming luxury homes.
An award-winning architectural vision and the multi-faceted crown jewel of Qatar’s inspiring treasury of museums, the MIA affords enchanting views of the Arabian Sea and a stunning collection of heritage-rich enigmas within. Here, you can walk through exquisitely designed galleries reminiscent of different eras, browse through timepieces engraved with thrilling stories from 14 centuries, and wander through lush green parkland and musical pools to chase the most Insta-worthy spots of this extraordinary structure of ancient geometrics and modern contours.
A luscious sorbet of Mediterranean-style architecture and terraced garden panoramas, this immaculate quarter exudes whimsical class and chic serenity, where you can rejuvenate in nature, shop till you drop in fashion-forward designer stores, and experience family-friendly thrills at Megapolis. If you’re questing for outstanding serviced apartments in Doha proffering prime access to its unique fusion of cutting-edge attractions, venture no further than the likes of Al Najada Doha Hotel Apartments by Oaks.
For irresistible traditional vibes reinforced by new-age technology and jaw-dropping heritage intricacies enlivened by playful bohemia, head to the beautifully eccentric Katara Cultural Village, where you can immerse in lavish patterns, explore imaginative amphitheatres, gape at otherworldly bird towers, and chat with passionate artisans about their craft.
As shopping and café hopping are the staple diversions in this scenic escape of epic innovations, don’t forget to drop in at one of its best coffee houses, Harvest Café, where you can bask in warm hospitality, French Renaissance motifs, delicious eats, and altruistic art.
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.
