By Expedia, on November 22, 2019

What to do in Doha

The modern and vibrant city of Doha is one of the best destinations in all of Qatar. Located on Doha Bay, the city offers everything from world-class museums to traditional markets and mosques, so you’ll never run out of things to do. Here’s what to do in Doha for a fun-filled trip.

1. Banana Island

Banana Island is a small, artificial island off the coast of Doha. It’s home to a luxurious resort, a marina, and colorful natural reefs, as well as palm trees, tropical plants, and fine restaurants. You can reach the island by catamaran to enjoy days on the pristine sand, diving excursions, bowling, wave riding, and more.

2. Qatar National Library

The Qatar National Library is a fascinating location that’s home to the National Library, the Public Library, and the University Library. It holds the texts and manuscripts that are significant in the Arab-Islamic culture, as well as millions of books in a stunning modern building. The library has roughly 452,000 square feet of space to accommodate readers, students, and researchers. The library also hosts educational programs for literacy, research skills, digital learning, language, music, craft workshops, and children’s activities.

faculty of islamic studies
Trover Photo by Mohammed F. Rady, Faculty of Islamic Studies

3. National Museum of Qatar

The National Museum of Qatar is an intriguing collection with many artifacts of value to Qatari culture. It’s not only an architectural marvel of interlocking disks inspired by the desert rose crystal, but it also has Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al-Thani’s palace on the grounds. During a tour of the museum, you’ll travel through several themed galleries with artifacts from the Persian Gulf’s natural history, Bedouin culture, the Qatari state, tribal wars, and the modern oil boom. The exhibits use a variety of media to immerse you in the experience, but you’ll also see archaeological artifacts, heritage homeware, textiles, artwork, jewelry, books, documents, and architectural pieces throughout the collections.

museum of islamic art
Trover Photo by Filip Rideau, Museum of Islamic Art

4. Souq Waqif Art Center

The Souq Waqif Art Center is a cultural landmark in Doha that aims to aid aspiring artists in learning the art disciplines. The area is filled with studios and galleries that feature paintings, sculpture, and handicrafts from local artists. There are numerous workshops and events throughout the year to teach skills like painting, calligraphy, handicrafts, pottery, murals, and more.

souq waqif
Trover Photo by Sophiane Hadi, Souq Waqif

5. Jungle Zone

If you’re traveling with the kids, Jungle Zone is the perfect place to spend a day. The unique theme park features a jungle theme with thrill rides, kiddie rides, a play area, splash rides, and an arcade. The park has shows and events, such as acrobatics, juggling, face painting, magic, and more.

6. MIA Park

Located next to the Museum of Islamic Art, a world-class cultural museum with modern and contemporary artwork from Islamic artists, is MIA Park. The lush green space has trails and seating areas to enjoy a day of relaxation in nature, or you can relax and check out the views of the Doha skyline. If you’re with the kids, the park has a playground with zones for different ages and an array of fun equipment, such as bungee trampolines and rental bikes. The park hosts events as well, such as kayaking tours in Dhow Harbour, paddleboarding fitness classes, and evening film screenings.

7. Al Galaf

If you like antiques and history, be sure to visit Al Galaf. The shop has a huge collection of antiques and historical artifacts, such as fishing and boating memorabilia, old electronics, pocket watches, and more. While many of the items are for display, there’s a lot for sale that you can peruse to bring home a unique memento of your trip.

8. Villaggio Mall

Villaggio Mall is one of the most famous attractions in Doha. Located in the Aspire Zone, the mall offers world-class shopping with designer stores, such as Christian Dior, Roberto Cavalli, and Valentino. The entire space is inspired by Venice, giving the mall a luxurious and unique atmosphere. There’s also dining and entertainment in the mall, so you can finish your day of shopping with a night out.

9. Katara Amphitheatre

Located in the cultural village, Katara Amphitheatre is a stunning entertainment venue designed with classical Greek influences and Islamic design cues. It has a commanding position overlooking the sea and hosts high-profile events featuring renowned performers, such as Roberto Alagna and Jeremy Irons. It functions as an open-air theater, multi-purpose cinema, and an opera house for a variety of entertainment options.

10. Katara Beach

Near the Katara Amphitheatre is Katara Beach, a stunning natural shoreline with golden sand and turquoise waters. You can spend your day relaxing on the sun-soaked sand, swimming in the water, or trying out some fun water adventures. The beach offers boat rides, parasailing, water skiing, wakeboarding, tubing, and gondola rides, perfect for all ages.

11. City Center Doha

City Center Doha is a retail and leisure venue and one of the largest shopping centers in the country. Located near the airport, City Center Doha offers a diverse range of well-known international and local retail brands on 5 floors, as well as an array of entertainment options. The center has a cinema, an ice rink, a bowling alley, a family entertainment space, and numerous restaurants. With so many visitors, the center often hosts high-profile events, seasonal shows, and live entertainment throughout the year. Whether you want to pick up some souvenirs or get great deals on designer goods, City Center Doha is a must-visit destination on your trip.

Plan your Doha getaway

Whether you’re traveling with the whole family or looking for a sightseeing retreat on your own, Doha has a diverse range of fun activities and experiences to enjoy. If you’re planning a trip, visit Expedia to check out Doha vacations to find great deals!