Joanna James
Doha, Qatar's dazzling capital, features a captivating blend of tradition and modernity. While there are many popular sites here featured on travel guides, the city is also home to some hidden gems waiting to be explored. Here are 5 such ‘secret attractions’ that offer unforgettable experiences.
Doha's Fire Station is no longer a place to call for emergencies but rather, an inspirational hub for contemporary art and culture! Housed in a beautifully restored fire station, this cultural centre adjacent to Al-Bidda Park is known for its residency programmes and displays a diverse range of exhibitions featuring local, regional, and international artists. Diverse installations, thought-provoking sculptures, captivating film screenings and even an art supply shop (Cass Art), ensure there is something for every artistic taste. It also has a charming café, making it the perfect place to spend a relaxed afternoon immersed in Doha's creative scene.
While Souq Waqif remains one of the most famous attractions in Doha, not many know that within the labyrinthine alleys of this marketplace lies a centre dedicated to art. The Souq Waqif Art Centre adjacent to properties of Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels by Tivoli is a true hidden gem and provides an invaluable platform for Qatari artists to showcase their talents. Inside, one will find an expansive area home to spaces where local and international artists create paintings, sculptures, and traditional crafts that capture the essence of the nation’s culture and heritage. The centre also regularly hosts workshops and events, providing a unique opportunity to interact with local artists and learn more about their creative process.
Craving a trendy and unique shopping or foodie experience? Look no further than Box Park with diverse retail and food outlets housed within colourful, repurposed shipping containers! Located near Old Doha Port, within easy reach of the best hotels in Doha, it also offers some stunning views of sites like the Museum of Islamic Art and Ras Abu Aboud Stadium. One of the most Instagrammable places in Qatar, the site has everything from shops, boutiques and commercial spaces to cafés, restaurants and food trucks, while water sports options are on offer as well.
Souq Waqif is not the only traditional marketplace worth visiting in Doha which is home to the distinctive Souq Al Wakra as well. Explore this attraction and get a glimpse of the nation’s culture and heritage as you wander through its alleys and come across a vast array of products for sale; these include handicrafts, perfumes, dates, spices, nuts, jewellery, bags and fabrics as well as fresh produce and fish that lend to the site’s charm. Interact with friendly vendors, soak up the authentic atmosphere, capture the essence of a bygone era and when done, walk to a nearby restaurant to dine amidst sunset views.
Gain more insights into Qatari history and heritage at the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum which can be found outside the city. Housed within a traditional-style fort, this attraction is centred around the Sheikh’s personal collection and features more than 15,000 items including those that date to the Jurassic age! You can expect to see Islamic art, a vast number of handmade carpets, Qurans, furniture, musical instruments and more. Other highlights include a reassembled traditional Syrian home and a display of over 600 antique and vintage vehicles.
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.
