Doha holidays

Make traditional ‘souqs’ (marketplaces) a part of your holiday in Doha. Walk through Souq Waqif and bargain for clothes, shoes and souvenirs. Another historic marketplace, Souq Al Asiery, is a great place to shop for watches, perfume and treats like dried dates and sweets. Or window-shop at the jewellery shops in the Gold Souq.

A day at the Corniche seafront promenade is a great way to spend part of a holiday in Doha. Stop at the gardens in Al Dafna Park and walk to Al Bidda Park for views of the Amiri Diwan. Artwork from the Muslim world is on display at the Museum of Islamic Art. Stop anytime to admire views of the modern skyline and ‘dhows’ (traditional boats).

For an escape to the desert, take a day trip to the Singing Dunes, so named because of the eerie sound the sand makes when the wind blows. Try a camel ride or explore the unique system of dunes and lagoons known as Khor Al Adaid (the Inland Sea). For a bird’s-eye view of the desert, go up in a hot air balloon.

A business district with an ocean view, West Bay is one of the best neighbourhoods to stay in Doha. Spend your days lounging on a beach chair at Katara Beach or getting some first-class shopping done. At mealtime, stroll to the food trucks lining the promenade. Once the sun sets, choose between sophisticated lounges and funky bars for dinner and drinks.

Good for: Beach, shopping, nightlife

Al Sadd is a busy central district near the Corniche and Doha’s museums. Visit the 350-store City Centre Doha Mall here, and see the historic exhibits at the National Museum of Qatar. This is where to stay in Doha for food lovers, as Al Kinana Street and Al Mirqab Al Jadeed Street both offer Qatari cuisine.

Good for: Shopping, culture, restaurants 

This Mediterranean-themed artificial island is the best area to stay in Doha for luxury hotels and high-end restaurants. Here you can stroll along the boardwalk and waterways. Kids will be delighted by local features such as the carousel and piano steps. For shopping and dining, Floresta Galleria, Souq Al Madina and Lulu Mall, Giardino offer ample opportunities.

Good for: Luxury hotels, shopping, outdoors

You’ll find malls and parks are the best places to go for kid-friendly activities in Doha. Ride roller coasters or ice-skate indoors at the Gondolania Theme Park in Villaggio Mall. Play games in Megapolis at the Pearl. Or combine a trip to Katara Beach with a stop at nearby Al Thuraya Planetarium.

For luxury shopping in Doha, go to the boutiques of the Pearl or the Mediterranean-themed Al Hazm shopping centre. Shop for souvenirs while the kids enjoy rides at the theme park at Villaggio Mall. Don’t forget to visit a traditional souq or two. Order tailored clothing and browse through local designer labels at Souq Al Dira.

Explore art, history and even athletics at the Museums in Doha. See contemporary works at Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art. Visit the interactive exhibits at the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum. Stop by the National Museum of Qatar to discover art and see the Old Palace where modern Qatar’s founder, Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani, lived.

Most of the nightlife in Doha can be found in its international hotels. Find everything from Irish pubs to nightclubs to jazz bars and relaxed lounges hidden away in hotels. You’ll also find more than a few rooftop bars, so you can watch the sunset while you enjoy a cocktail. Don’t forget that drinking alcohol is illegal outside licensed venues.

Qatar’s cuisine combines the best of Arabic and West and South Asian flavours. You can buy ‘shawarma’ (rotisserie meat) and ‘falafel’ (fried chickpea balls) from vendors in Souq Waqif or food trucks near Katara Beach. Make sure to try Qatar’s national dish ‘machboos’, a rice dish served with meat and souq’s worth of spices. For dessert, try ‘umm ali’ (bread pudding with raisins and minced nuts).

Head to the beaches in Doha for sunbathing, swimming and water sports. Relax on a beach chair, enjoy a swim, or try kiteboarding and parasailing at urban Katara Beach. Go north of the city for a stop with the kids at palm-lined Simaisma Beach. To avoid the crowds, drive to Al Thakira Beach, outside Doha.