Things to do in Doha

Sightseeing in Doha

Things to do in Doha:

 

Sightseeing in Doha is a must and is also the best way to get acquainted with the rich tradition of the city. There are many museums and cultural heritage sites and some of the prominent venues are listed as follows:

 

Museums –

 

• Located close to the port, the Museum of Islamic Arts features a rare collection of artefacts symbolic of Muslim dynasties in Asia, Africa and Europe.
• The Museum of Orientalists is home to one of the most significant Orientalist collections in the world comprising of as many as 700 water paintings, drawings, prints and water colours with some dated as far back as the early 18^th century.
• The Weaponry Museum showcases a rare and beautiful collection of weapons and artefacts which reflect the long lost tradition of craftsmanship that has been diluted through the following generations.
• Exhibits at the one-of-its-kind Photography Museum would consist of cameras, their accessories, prominent photographs and historical documents.
• The Arab Modern Art Museum is house within a specially designed building in Doha and hosts the modern art collection of one of the prominent sheikhs.

 

Heritage sites –

 

• Forts namely the Al Koot Fort and Al Zubara Fort are archaeologically significant sites because they are very old and hence contain historical information.
• Doha Heritage Village is a traditional Qatari village in which crafts like weaving, pearl trading and dhow building are displayed.
• The Heritage Library is home to one of the largest collection of literature in the world and is soon likely to evolve as one of the biggest research centres in the region.
• Strolling along the Corniche, a promenade which arches around the Doha Bay and is dotted with several statues.
• Specific zones like Cultural District, Aladdin’s Kingdom, Jungle Zone and Doha Zoo.

 

Activities –

 

• Shopping is one of the main attractions in Doha due to its tax-free nature and the added advantage of finding all the renowned global brands.
• Water sports like paragliding, water skiing, wake boarding and jet skiing along with other activities like fishing and swimming could be tried out.
• Witnessing and participating in the Doha Debates in which current issues are discussed in a thought provoking manner by political and academic entities.
• Smoking the Sheesha in an old world tavern featuring a rustic décor and serving ethnic Arabic food.
• Venture out on a desert safari and hearing the sand hum an eerie tune at the Singing Sand-dunes.

 

A tourist in Doha would be spoiled for choice when it comes to looking for accommodation since there are innumerable hotels to suit all types of budget. Some of the luxurious hotels are the Grand Hyatt at Doha, La Cigale Hotel, Ritz Carlton and Sheraton and all of them reflect the culture and tradition of the land amidst their plush surroundings and modern amenities. The four-star and budget hotels, although not as luxurious, are still comfortable, reliable and safe.