The Museum of Islamic Art
An angular limestone vision of light and shadow, the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha takes pride of place on its own private island just off the Corniche. The building was designed by internationally renowned architect I. M. Pei – the genius behind the Louvre Museum’s elegant glass pyramid – its bold construction befitting the dazzling treasures within. The museum houses the largest collection of Islamic art in the world, with exhibits of textiles, ceramics, weapons, and scientific instruments dating from the 7th to the 19th century.

Best way to visit: Join a free 40-minute guided tour of the museum’s permanent collection every Thursday at 2pm.

Souq Waqif

Nestled in the heart of Doha, Souq Waqif is a vibrant and historic marketplace steeped in Arabian culture. Its narrow alleyways are lined with shops, restaurants, and shisha lounges, where locals and tourists alike browse the spices and textiles, relax, and talk among friends. Visitors here can enjoy the lively atmosphere and sample delicious local cuisine. With traditional architecture reflective of Qatari heritage, Souq Waqif is a must-visit destination for visitors looking for an authentic taste of Qatari culture.

The National Museum of Qatar
Designed by acclaimed architect Jean Nouvel, the National Museum of Qatar is a masterpiece of modern construction – its shape representing the salt crystals that can form in sand. Inside, visitors can explore 11 galleries of artefacts sharing Qatar’s rich history; from its nomadic beginnings to the pearl-fishing era, the discovery of natural oil and gas resources, and beyond.

For a little extra insight before you go, you can explore the National Museum of Qatar’s curations through the NMOQ Explorer.

The Doha Corniche
The elegant Doha Corniche extends for five miles along the city’s glittering waterfront, with a wide promenade showcasing Doha’s bold construction and sweeping sea views. To one side, shiny skyscrapers soar upwards from street level, dominating the city’s skyline for miles around. And to the other, the Gulf awaits, offering plentiful opportunities for water-based adventure. Thoughtfully placed green spaces offer respite from the bustling streets, while the Corniche’s museums and galleries offer visitors insight into Qatar’s ancient history and colorful culture.

Katara Cultural Village
Located on the northern shores of Doha, the Katara Cultural Village is a hotspot for the Arts and culture-lovers in Qatar – with art galleries, an opera house, mosques showcasing striking Muslim architecture, and an expansive amphitheater with a diverse program of live performances. Admire the elegant Katara Mosque’s intricate Persian tiling, browse 21 High Street’s luxury boutiques, soak up the rays or take to the waves on Katara’s public beach, or sample cuisine from Qatar to Lebanon, Egypt, and beyond along Tasty Street.

Al Safliya Island Cruise
Leave busy Qatar behind and cruise out onto the calm coastal waters of the Arabian Sea with your captain at the helm. Your destination? Al Safliya Island – a sandy stretch of beach far from the soaring skyscrapers and high-end hotels. An Al Safliya Island cruise from Doha offers a welcome change of scenery and an altogether different pace of life. Relax on the beach, cool off with a sea swim, and savor a refreshing drink with the sand between your toes.

Private Al Safliya Evening Dining Experience
You could be in search of a romantic evening with a loved one, or a break from the city with friends and family – but a private Al Safliya dinner from Doha is a dining experience to remember. As Doha’s spectacular West Bay skyline twinkles in the darkness across the water, sit down to a delicious evening meal of cold mezze, mixed grill with saffron rice, and more. You’ll have plenty of time for an evening swim as the bright city lights dance on the water in the distance.

Al Safliya Island Breakfast
Start your day the right way with breakfast on the beach on Al Safliya Island. This private morning tour takes you from Doha out to remote Al Safliya Island, where your comfortable ‘majlis’ – or dining area – awaits. Sit down to a delicious breakfast of shakshuka, avocado on toast with poached egg, or fluffy pancakes, served up with freshly squeezed juice.

Cruise the WavesCruise the Waves by Traditional ‘Dhow’
Pearl-fishing was once big business off the coast of Qatar, as local fishermen cruised the Gulf aboard their ‘dhow’ – or traditional fishing boats – in search of oysters hiding precious pearls in the deep. Those bygone days have passed, but the trusty dhow can still be seen, their sails billowed by the warm coastal breeze as they glide gracefully across the water. Today, dhow cruises offer a wonderful chance to experience a flavor of the old Qatar, and admire the city we see today from a fresh perspective on the water.

Cast your LineCast your Line on a Fishing Charter
The coastal waters off Qatar are teeming with marine life including kingfish, hamour, sea bream, sole, and snapper, and half-day fishing charters from Doha are the perfect way to make your catch of the day. With an experienced captain and crew on hand, and an ice-box to store your catches, you have everything you need for an enjoyable experience on the open seas.

Sunset and Moonlight Sightseeing Cruises
As day turns to night in Qatar, the calm waters off coastal Doha offer spectacular sunset and city views. Guided sunset sightseeing cruises from Doha are the best way to catch the action on the water, and watch as darkness descends and the bright lights of West Bay begin to dance over the waves. Equally as impressive, moonlight boat cruises take visitors out onto the water by night, when the moon hangs in the sky and Doha’s shimmering skyline can be admired to the full.