The FIFA Football World Cup may have introduced the world to Qatar but the capital city, Doha has so many other adventures and fun to offer.
From conquering sand dunes beside the sea to hunting for a bargain in the souq, the city is packed with an incredible list of landmarks activities to experience.
So, we have put in all the groundwork curate the best five things to do in Doha in 2024.
It’s time to pack your bags.
1. CONQUER THE DUNES OF THE INLAND SEA
Now it’s a fair question to ask, why is this desert different from any other in the Gulf, but Khor Al Adaid (or the Inland Sea) is no ordinary sand pit. The desert situated 80 kilometres south of the capital has the unique feature where visitors can admire endless sand dunes that sweep down to an inland sea, full of marine life. Aside from being one of the very few places in the world where this phenomenon exists, you can even catch a glimpse of Saudi Arabia across the water. Tours are available where you can also enjoy dune bashing and falcon shows. Definitely, one of the top things to do in Doha.
www.visitqatar.com
2. GET AN ICE-CREAM IN MSHEIREB
Back to civilisation, and it’s time to take a stroll around Downtown Doha and more specifically, Msheireb. The area which saw the first bank and hotel in the city, really has something for everyone with some of the capital’s best eateries in the square and incredible architecture for building aesthetes. Fashionistas should head directly to M7 where all the area’s design, fashion and tech properties call home or for some chill out time, head to the simple but beautiful Msheireb Mosque. Even the metro station is worth a wander with a brilliant piece of public art by Abdulaziz Yousef. Our top tip is to grab yourself an ice-cream or a sorbet from Gelato at the Mandarin Oriental, Doha. And if none of that impresses you, the fact that Msheireb is part of the world’s first sustainable downtown regeneration project surely will.
www.msheireb.com
3. ENJOY A HAGGLE AT SOUQ WAQIF
If you were watching the FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar, then chances are you would have seen several images of thousands of fans thronging the streets and narrow passageways of Souq Waqif. A genuinely authentic souq where you can enjoy a nibble or hunt out a bargain, you can spend a number of hours just wandering around. And don’t forget to check out the giant gold thumb as one of your best things to do in Doha.
www.visitqatar.com
4. LEARN AT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF QATAR
Culture vultures will no doubt have this place on their hit-list and for good reason. The National Museum of Qatar tells the story of Doha’s history over the course of 11 galleries where you can learn about Bedouin tribes and pearl divers to the city’s success on the global stage and hosting of major events, most notably the Football World Cup. Shaped as a desert rose, you can get the full view of the metal flower from Café 875 or JIWAN restaurant, as well as a bite to eat.
www.nmoq.org.qa
5. REFLECT AT EDUCATION CITY MOSQUE
Change the pace of your trip and visit one of the most aesthetically beautiful buildings in Doha: Education City Mosque. Nominated by the Royal Institute of British Architects in 2016 for the inaugural international prize, the building’s exterior is adorned with Arabic calligraphy and draws the visitor’s eyes to the sky, thanks to vertical minarets. A perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, it’s most certainly one of our favourite things to do in Doha.
www.visitqatar.com
IMAGE CREDITS: Visit Qatar