Discover Doha
A cosmopolitan city on the Persian Gulf peninsular, Qatar’s capital has an eclectic vibrancy all of its own. A city of modern skyscrapers, innovative leisure and entertainment, quiet bay waters, bustling souks and heritage treasures, Doha offers intrigue at every corner.
Discover ancient culture
View precious works from Islamic civilisation at the Museum of Islamic Arts - designed by I.M. Pei, who is famed for his modern wing at Le Louvre in Paris. 20 kilometres west of the capital, the Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani Museum displays the Sheikh’s privately owned and impressive collection of over 15,000 artifacts acquired during his world travels.
Hop in a gondola for world class shopping
Head to the massive Villagio, which features an indoor Venetian canal offering gondola rides past expensive jewellery and designer clothes stores.
Stroll around the bay at dusk
For the best view, start at the southern end of the six kilometre horseshoe-shaped Corniche and walk towards West Bay (confusingly located at the north of the bay) where a large crop of futuristic skyscrapers has sprung up in barely a decade.
Get lost in the Souq Waqif
Wander through a maze of arts and handicrafts, traditional foods, exotic spices, fragrant perfumes and rich fabrics. Take a break at a cafe table for a sweet black tea and people watching. While Qatar lacks a distinct national cuisine, the souq's many restaurants reflect a range of regional and global cuisines. [apromo w="ADOH"]Savour a long evening session at the three storey Tajine - after a day in the cultural mash-up that is Doha, eating camel on the roof of a Moroccan restaurant won't seem strange at all. Stick around after your meal to watch football or Lebanese music videos (it's only ever one of these programmes) on the giant projector screen on the wall, accompanied by mint tea and shisha.
Hail a taxi
Despite the almost total lack of a public transport system (there is a very basic bus service), getting around Doha is relatively easy and cheap. Aqua coloured 'Karwa' taxis are plentiful in most areas a tourist might frequent and can be hailed by the side of the road. Meters are routinely used (if it's broken your ride is free), and rates are low - you'll have to work hard to run up a fare over $US10!