When travelling to many of the Middle-Eastern countries, be sure you will find luxury in abundance. If you are on a tight budget, do not be afraid, there are still plenty of things to see and do for you as well.
Café in the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar
Doha, the capital of Qatar, is the perfect mix of east meets west; traditional souks, mosques, great food and friendly people. The city has beautiful beaches and offers a lot of culture, but is also interesting because of its closeness to the dessert. So, if you choose either to spend a weekend or a whole week in Doha, you will not be disappointed.
Doha Skyline by night, Qatar
Doha Corniche
A walk along the Corniche promenade is a Doha must-do. The promenade follows the waterfront several kilometers and on the way you pass many of the significant Doha landmarks. Along the Corniche, you could even go on a boat-tour in the traditional dhows and see the city from a totally different angle.
The Pearl Monument found along the Corniche
The Corniche in Doha, Qatar
Museum of Islamic Art
The Museum is situated on one end of the Corniche, and even if everything inside is impressive, so is the outside. The beautiful palms form a way to the entrance and a park lies just on the right side, following the water around the museum to the front where a café is situated overlooking the Doha skyscrapers. Inside, you can (for free) enjoy the extraordinary beauty of the museum architecture itself, but also a restaurant, gift-shop and five floors filled with history and culture of the Islamic world.
Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar
Exhibition in the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar
Qatar State mosque
Just south of the Corniche, in the Jubaliat district, the impressive mosque with its many domes is a must-visit spot in Doha. The mosque can house up to 30,000 worshippers and is a popular Qatari tourist attraction.
Souq Waqif
The Souq is located in the centre of Al Souq district, just near the Museum o Islamic Art and the Corniche. It is rebuilt in a original, traditional style and has many handicraft shops, restaurants, shops selling spices and even pets. The vibe in the Souq is authentic and you feel like you really are in the Orient.
Souq Waqif in Doha, Qatar
Souq Waqif by night
Villaggio Mall
Take a cab to this big mall and wonder if you are in Venice or in Doha. In Villaggio mall you can shop until you drop, eat good, drink coffee and take a ride in a gondola, all in one place.
Villaggio Shopping Mall in Doha, Qatar
Tip: Doha has a variety of restaurants and food from all over the world can be found here. A little gem that we really want to share is the MRA Bakery and Restaurant, where we ate the best indian food ever.
