Top 5 things to do in Doha

Nicknamed ‘the Arabian Riviera’, this man-made island shows Qatari life at its most opulent. Stretching for one-and-a-half kilometres, The Pearl-Qatar is teeming with luxury apartments, five-star hotels and gourmet restaurants. And the marina is one of the most impressive in the world.

You can stroll along the waterfront, gape at gigantic superyachts, and step into Italy in Qanat Quartier. This area is filled with Mediterranean-style architecture, including a made-to-measure replica of Venice’s Rialto Bridge. Extravagance is definitely the theme of the day here.

Like any modern city, Doha has several gleaming malls crammed with brightly-lit stores. But, if you want a more authentic shopping experience, head to Souq Waqif. Although the market was refurbished in 2004, this place has been a trading spot for centuries.

The spice-scented alleyways are a maze of traditional clothes, sweet perfumes and cooking ingredients. You’ll see tailors creating outfits from patterned fabrics, and locals catching up in the shisha lounges. Most of the shops close at lunchtime for a couple of hours, before reopening around four o’clock. We’d recommend visiting Souq Waqif in the evening, when the lights create a magical atmosphere.

At a first glance, it might look like Doha’s Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) is floating. But it’s actually built on its very own island, to make sure that no other buildings would ever obstruct it – which is understandable, really, when you see how cool the building is. Inside, you’ll find beautiful examples of textiles, ceramics and glass, with some dating back to the ninth century. MIA is free to enter but it’s still best to plan your visit, as you’ll need to cover your shoulders and knees to go in.

If you fancy a special treat, head right to the top of the museum, where you’ll find fine-dining restaurant, IDAM. The remarkable menu was created by French chef Alain Ducasse, and features Mediterranean dishes served with an Arabian twist. Outside, the terrace has stunning views of the city skyline.

Just around the corner from MIA is Katara Cultural Village – another of Doha’s highlights. The architecture is simply amazing. Covered in turquoise and purple mosaics, the grand Katara Mosque is a must-see. Meanwhile, the 5000-capacity Katara Amphitheatre has been built in the Greek style, with added Islamic features to give it a contemporary feel.

There’s also a theatre, an opera house and the beautiful Katara Gardens. This colourful space is home to over 200 kinds of plants from countries all over the world, including Cuba, India and America. The gardens are a symbol of peace and unity – the perfect spot for a relaxing walk in the sunshine.

Qatar’s capital city is overflowing with delicious places to eat. Whether you’re looking for Mexican food, Japanese dishes or Arabic specialities, Doha has a restaurant for you.

If you’re into Moroccan cuisine, Argan is the place to go. Tucked away in Souq Waqif, Argan combines flavour-filled food with bright décor – and it bagged a spot on the list of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Or why not head to La Spiga by Paper Moon? Found inside the five-star W Doha, this fabulous Italian restaurant serves authentic anti-pasti, pizza, pasta and seafood dishes, all made with the freshest ingredients. Or, for the ultimate treat, book a table at Nobu Doha. Found at Four Seasons Hotel Doha, this world-famous Japanese restaurant is sure to impress.