Things To Do in Doha

Types of Girl about the Globe (GatG) – Adventure GatG, Culture GatG, Desert GatG, History GatG, Shopping GatG

If you didn’t know where Qatar was before, you probably have now that it hosted the FIFA World Cup 2022. Whatever you think of Qatar, this Middle Eastern country is an emerging destination with an authentic culture.

If you are planning a trip to Doha, I’ve covered things to do in Doha and beyond in this article. Discover places to visit in Doha Qatar, what to do in Qatar including itineraries for Qatar, getting around Doha and where to stay in Doha, especially if you are travelling here alone.

Contents

• Solo Travel in Qatar
• Qatari Culture
• About Qatar
• Things To Do in Doha
• Where To Stay in Doha
• Qatar Tours
• Getting Around Doha
• From Doha Airport
• Best Time To Visit Qatar
• Qatar Itinerary
• FAQs
• Plan Your Travel To Doha
• My Verdict
• Related Posts

Solo Travel in Qatar

Qatar is crime-free making it an extremely safe country to visit and Women in Qatar play an active part in the country. Islamic culture is welcoming to foreigners and tolerant of other religions so as a visitor to Qatar you can expect to be accepted and welcomed. Is Qatar safe for women? Western women may get some attention in Qatar but it’s usually just curious stares and not uncomfortable.

There is no dress code for women but it’s recommended to respect the culture by keeping beachwear on the beach and dressing appropriately in public. Wi-fi is everywhere and is free to access and English is widely spoken too. If you’re wondering “Is Doha safe?” Yes, it is. I travelled here solo and had a comfortable time.

Qatari Culture

Qatari culture is known for its hospitality. It is within their culture to share food, drink and shelter with travellers so you can expect a warm welcome and old-world courtesy if you come here. Make sure to go to a traditional Qatari market or souq. These markets are great place to shop and experience local culture.

Qatar is still an islamic country so if you visit during the holy month of Ramadan you are not permitted to eat or drink in public during daylight hours. The weekend in Qatar isn’t Saturday and Sunday. Instead the work week runs from Sunday to Thursday so expect some businesses to be closed on a Friday or Saturday.

About Qatar

Qatar is a sovereign state in the Middle East that has been independent since 1971. Its long peninsular (11,500 sq. km) extends into the Arabian Gulf and the country has more than 500 km of coastline.

It offers authentic experiences and desert adventures as well as welcoming hospitality. Aside from museums, beaches and desert safaris, you don’t need that long in Qatar but it is a good stopover for a few nights if you are flying with Qatar Airlines. And there are also beach resorts if you plan to just relax for a few days too.

Qatar is a great destination for all types of solos. Active solos can experience sand boarding or dune bashing or take a leisurely stroll along the Doha coastline. History buffs can delve into the past at Al Zubarah Fort. Ocean solos can dive in the ocean or get their heart pumping with a range of water sports. Wildlife and desert lovers can ride a camel, sleep in the desert and experience the art of falconry.

Or for the shopping solo, you can take a sightseeing tour, dine in a nice restaurant and shop to your heart’s content at one of the many malls before sunbathing on the sandy coastline or getting pampered at a spa. And if it is sandy beaches and dunes that you’re after, Qatar has plenty! There are lots of things to do in Doha and beyond.

Things To Do in Doha Active & Adventure

There is plenty of adventure to be had here and one of the fun things to do in Doha is to take a desert safari Doha tour. Doha is surrounded by desert terrain, making it perfect for the adventurous solo. Experience dune bashing in the Mesaieed desert in the south or drive an ATV through it yourself instead.

There are many tour operators that offer guided desert safaris, where you can experience the beauty of the desert and ride a camel. Qatar's desert landscapes also offer a unique opportunity to try sandboarding, (similar to snowboarding but on sand dunes).

One of the top places to visit in Qatar is Khor Al Adaid. This is where the waters of the Gulf meet the desert dunes and create a spectacular inland sea. This UNESCO-recognised natural reserve is where you can take a camel ride along the beach, drive across sand dunes, spot wildlife or paddle in the Arabian Gulf.

Because Doha has a sandy coastline, you can get active and walk along the Doha Corniche waterfront to see the skyline of the city (it looks like a mini Dubai with all the skyscrapers). Spot the dhows in the water and the high-rise skyscrapers at West Bay. As you walk along, you can see the Museum of Islamic Art, a stunning piece of architecture that sits on the corniche, near the water's edge. It’s also safe to walk here at dusk or you can join the joggers as they run around the bay.

If you love sports, Qatar holds some major sporting events that you can watch in the Khalifa International Stadium or at one of its waterfront locations. Check what’s on before you arrive.

Qatar Islamic Museum

Arts & Museums

Qatar is the centre of art and culture in the Gulf. For the arty and museum solo, you’ll find performances and concerts as well as public art amongst world-class museums and galleries (they even have international artists performing here). Even the Doha Fire Station looks like a work of art!

If you don’t have time to see all the museums, the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) is a top Doha must-see. This well-known museum takes you on a journey through 14 centuries of Islamic art and showcases some of the finest art and artefacts. Or visit the Qatar National Museum. This museum covers the history, culture, and heritage of Qatar, and features exhibits of traditional crafts, costumes, and artefacts.

The Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum is one of the best places to visit in Qatar as it is also one of the most unique in the Middle East. It offers a wide range of Qatari history such as handwoven rugs and traditional wear but the most interesting artefacts are the personal collection belonging to Sheikh Faisal.

The Msheireb Museums are made up of four heritage houses all in a traditional Qatari style which have been restored and turned into museums covering the history and evolution of Qatar. You can get a glimpse into traditional Qatari family life and how it is changing. See Bin Jelmood House, Company House, Mohammed Bin Jassim House, and Radwani House.

A stamp collection may not usually be your thing but the Arab Postal Stamp Museum is worth visiting just for the beautiful Arab-style building that it’s housed in. Inside are stamps from over 22 Arab countries that date over three decades.

Art Galleries

For art lovers, there are several galleries. The Mathaf Arab Museum of Modern Art is a world-class museum that houses both modern and contemporary artwork in drawings, paintings and prints.

But you don’t even have to enter an art gallery to see artwork in Doha. When you are exploring, keep your eyes peeled for public art installations at these locations: Anne Geddes: Healthy Living from the Start at HMC Women’s Hospital. Richard Serra: 7 at the Museum of Islamic Art Park. Tony Smith: Smoke at Doha Exhibition and Conference Centre.

Culture

There are many mosques in Doha and Qatar but the Imam Sheikh Muhammad ibn Abdul Wahhab Mosque is the largest mosque here. This stunning sandstone mosque with more than 90 domes has fantastic views of the capital’s skyline. It’s advised to book a tour to visit the mosque. 

For culture, one of the things to do in Qatar is to explore the souqs. Souq Waqif is an authentic experience that gives you a glimpse into Qatar street life. You feel as though you’re wandering through a traditional street as you walk through bustling alleyways with locals drinking coffee and eating Arabic food. It’s easy to get lost in the maze of souks. There are lots of delicious sweet shops to choose from.

This authentic traditional Qatari market is an ideal place to buy souvenirs and a silk scarf. Just don’t forget to haggle! Here is also where you can find a Falcon Souq. The Middle East is the home of falconry and you see the national bird in this souq. It’s also one of the places to visit in Qatar for free.

Another traditional market to soak up Qatari culture is the Al Wakrah Souq. You can wander the alleyways and spice stalls and just lose yourself in the atmosphere of this seaside market. Then after you’re all shopped out, you can dine in one of the restaurants and sample some seafood by the seaside.

Stroll along the promenade, see the Pearl Monument situated on the roundabout or just spend some time seeing the traditional wooden dhows in the sand. If you do sunbathe here, you need to wear proper swimwear.

Dhow boats are ancient Arabic boats found in the Red Sea and the Middle East. Traditionally used for fishing and other commercial activities, many are now used for tourism and dinner cruises along the river instead. In Qatar, you can book a daytime or evening dhow cruise.

Another of the places to visit in Doha is Katara Cultural Village. This area on the waterfront is great to explore. Near West Bay, this cultural village is bordered by a beach and hills. Visit the Katara Mosque and the Gold Mosque (you may need your sunglasses for the glare on this one). There’s also a Greek amphitheatre with Islamic influences such as the arched entrances.

The village is ideal for art lovers who can explore the Katara Cultural Village galleries. Make sure to look out for the artwork of The Force of Nature II, and Gandhi’s Three Monkeys at Katara Cultural Village.

Or head to the races (camels that is!) Just 20 km west of Doha is Al Shahaniya, a camel race track where you can watch these humped mammals race.

Food – Qatar Restaurants

There are a wide range of restaurants and cuisine here. Aside from the traditional Middle Eastern and Arabic restaurants, you can find steakhouses within hotels such as the Doh Marriott and Movenpick, Asian Hotel in the Grand Hyatt and Intercontinental, Chines at the Oryx Rotana and Radisson Blu, as well as seafood restaurants in Sharq Village & Spa and the Katara.

There are also international restaurants within the Ritz-Carlton and Grand Hyatt to name just a few. Enjoy Latin American food at Toro Toro in Marsa Malaz Kempinski, and for vegan food head to Evergreen Organics at The Pearl.

For coffee and cake or a spot of afternoon tea head to one of these: Seasons Tea Lounge at Four Seasons Doha, W Cafe at W Doha Hotel & Residences or Cafe Murano at Marsa Malaz Kempiniskix.

History

For history lovers, one of the Qatar best places to visit is Al Zubarah Fort. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is reminiscent of the country’s turbulent past. It used to be one of the Gulf’s important ports for both trading and pearl diving, and you can explore the archaeological site here to learn more about its fascinating history. It is far from Doha (more than 100 km away) but even the ride here will transport you to the past.

If you are planning to venture further out than the capital and see more than the Doha places to visit, Al Shamal is a coastal town that showcases the pearl trade of the country. This coastal town dates back to the 18th century and has hundreds of coastline that you can walk along.

In the north lies the Al Jassasiya Rock Carvings. These carvings that lie within an abandoned quarry are said to be 1,000 years old. There are approximately 900 carvings here from fish and scorpions to carvings of dhows. 

Nature

For a small country, there is a variety of nature. It’s not just sand dunes here. You can see rock formations sculpted by the wind at Zikreet Peninsula (along with unspoiled..

* This article was originally published here