YOUR GUIDE IN DOHA: places to see, food to try, malls to do shopping
I was living in Doha for 14 months and now I know this city very well. In this article I will describe must-see attractions, tasty food and best malls of the capital of Qatar.
WHAT IS DOHA AND QATAR
Qatar 🇶🇦 is an Arabic state on the eastern cost of Arabian Peninsula. It’s mostly surrounded by Persian Gulf, the capital of Qatar is called Doha. Qatar is one of the richest countries in the World because of the natural gas and oil reserves. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani is an Emir (ruler) of the State of Qatar. His portraits can be easily founded around the city of Doha: inside grocery stores or just on the front of the buildings.
It is crucial not to be confused between the Emirate of Qatar and the UAE (United Arab Emirates). UAE is a federation of 7 Emirates, meanwhile Qatar is an independent state (emirate). The country itself is not very big, it can be crossed from one side to another in 1 hour drive. Mostly it is located in desert. The population is 2 millions, mostly living in Doha — the capital city. 80% of them are expats. Arabic is an official language, but English is widely spoken.
DRESS CODE
There is no strict restrictions. I was wearing T-shirt and shorts (not very short) in the summertime and didn’t face any problems. It is recommended to keep your shoulders and knees covered.
MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS
Souq Waqif — a traditional arabic market. An authentic and well-designed , it is the most vibrant place in Doha. Small stores with traditional goods, the smell of bukhur, a lot of cafés, shisha places and souvenir shops. You can try a lot of traditional middle-eastern food here: harees, basbousa, crispy raqaq, etc. Prices aren’t high here, that’s why I have tried almost everything here. Here is my text about it!
I wouldn’t recommend to buy souvenirs here, becouse prices are too high. If you want to find a lower price, you can go to the store called Ansar Gallery.
There is a metro station called “Souq Waqif” next to the market.
Msheireb downtown is located next to Souq Waqif. It is a new district built in modern arabic architecture style. There are a lot of vibrant cafés and cozy restaurants. It is very nice to walk there during the sunset time. You can also find a tourist tram that will take you around the downtown. There is a metro station called “Msheireb”.
West Bay district is an area with large skyscrapers surrounded by the coastal line. Most of the government buildings, business offices, embassies and 5-star hotels are located in here. Most popular public beaches (with an entrance fee) are located in West Bay Area (e.g., West Bay beach). You can buy some snacks or eat on the foodcourt in a City Center mall, but I would not recommend this place for a good shopping. The closest and the most convenient metro station is DECC.
Corniche is a long waterfront promenade from Souq Waqif to West Bay. There is a nice place for those who likes long walks. A traditional boat ride can be rented here. Also one of the symbols of Doha can be visible from Corniche. It is a Sheraton Grand hotel which was built in 1970s and became the beginning point of Doha tourist development.
Al Bidda park is probably the biggest green park in Doha. Expo 2023–2024 is taking place here.
Katara Cultural Village. Big traditional Bird nests, a very beautiful mosque, Amphitheatre, beach and good street food — everything is located in Katara district. There is a nice park called Katara Hills next to the village. This place is also accessible by metro, the closest station is “Katara”.
The Pearl artificial island is absolutely must-see place in Doha. There is a vibrant seafront and cute small areas in European style. Everyone will find what they like in a huge variety of restaurants on the Pearl. The closest metro station is “Legtaifiya”, from there you can walk or take a free bus to the Island.
Old Doha Port is a district with cute small colourful buildings. Box Park is located on the way to Old Port. There are a lot of metal cargo boxes that have been converted into small shops and cafés. You can either walk there from the “National Museum” metro station or take a taxi.
Lusail is a new and developing area which has a good transport communication with Doha, but it still not very popular place among locals. Administration usually organizes festivals and events to bring some life in that part of the city. You can walk at Marina Promenade there or shop in the best mall called Place Vendôme (more info in the next part). The most convinient metro station is “Legtaifiya”, from there you can take a tram which will bring you wherever you need. The metro station called “Lusail” is a bit far from the most interesting attractions.
WHERE TO TRY LOCAL FOOD
Traditional local food is selling at Souq Waqif square. There are a lot of benches next to the food market where you can comfortably eat while looking at the market life.
I wrote an article about everything I’ve tried there.
Karak Mqanes and TeaTime are 2 best cheap places where you can try local street food. My personal recommendation is chapati or paratha. This is a layered Indian bread which can be filled with meat, chicken or even something sweet (e.g., banana with nutella). It isn’t an Arabic food, but it is very popular in Doha.
Do not forget to drink a famous Karak chai.
It is a strong black tea with spices and evaporated milk. It is selling everywhere and it is a very cheap and tasty option.
THE BEST SHOPPING MALLS
Mall of Qatar is a big mall with huge variety of local and international brands. It is located next to the “Al Riffa Mall of Qatar” metro station.
Doha Festival City is also a huge shopping mall with a lot of brands. The Snow Dunes park a located inside the mall where everyone can enjoy a small piece of winter. It is accessible only by taxi.
Place Vendôme is the best shopping mall in Qatar in my mind. It looks like a real palace and very stylish inside. Moreover, there is a courtyard with dancing fountains! The foodcourt is covered with big glass dome roof which gives a lot of natural light during the daytime. There is a tram going from the “Legtaifiya” metro station to the mall.
Villaggio Mall is interesting because it has a river inside. You can order a boat ride for an additional charge. Also the only one ice rink in Doha is located inside this mall. The closest metro station is “Al Aziziyah”.
That’s the end of my guide about Doha — the capital of the State of Qatar. Subscribe not to miss more interesting content. Thanks for reading!
More live content from my trips find in my Instagram @not_benjamin and my TikTok @qatys2211
