Doha Dreams: a 72hr Guide
- Tasnia Mozammel
- Jun 12, 2023
- 4 min read
Surrounded by the Persian Gulf, Qatar increasingly attracts millions of tourists each year to explore its diverse natural landscapes from sea to sand, futuristic architecture, and enthralling shopping malls. This post offers a full travel guide for first-timers in the island's riveting capital, featuring the ultimate highlights of Doha that can be explored in just one weekend!
As the summer holiday is around the corner and we prepare to return home to Toronto for the next few months, my family and I decided to take a short road trip to Doha, Qatar, from Bahrain. Qatar, although separated from its neighbouring states, shares maritime borders with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Iran. Our journey to the rich, breathtaking capital via road through Saudi took approximately 4-5 hours. This post entails Doha's highlights that can be explored in just one day!
BEFORE YOU GO:
1. E-VISA & CAR ONLINE REGISTRATION. Qatar welcomes tourists and offers Visa-on-Arrival to many nationalities. However, it may be easier to apply for an e-Visa via the official site, Hayya. If travelling by road as we did, the Hayya site also allows you to pre-register your car to avoid long queues at the Saudi-Qatari Abu Samra border.
2. TRANSPORT. Uber is the easiest and an affordable way to commute through Doha. Alternatively, you can use the Doha Metro.
3. HAYYA TO QATAR APP. Download the Hayya to Qatar app on your phone - a digital gateway to access your Entry Permit and official travel documents as well as enjoy other features to enhance your Qatari experience!
4. Don't forget your camera!
Immerse in Qatari Heritage at Souq Waqif
Situated on the banks of Wadi Musheireb, Souq Waqif, built on Doha's century-old trading market is a must-visit site. There are many things to do in the Souq whilst immersing in the country's rich heritage and culture including visiting the Falcon Souq, learning the continued importance of local traditions by visiting the Gold Souq, learning about Pearl-making, enjoying street performances, engaging with doe-eyed camels and beautiful Arabian horses, indulging in alleyway retail therapy, and tasting traditional dishes from restaurants or local street vendors!
Shop till You Drop!
"You have homeless people in your malls; we have rivers in our malls..." - Hiba comparing the Eaton Centre in Toronto to Doha in 2017.
In the Middle East, malls are not merely large enclosed buildings comprising shops you buy clothes or household items at. They offer extravagantly decorated interiors and exteriors serving every influencer's enviable backdrop purposes, food lovers' culinary experiences within infinite impressive restaurants and cafes, and often unique entertainment complexes from indoor amusement and theme parks to - YES - water canals, rivers, and boat rides! We visited three malls during our stay including Villaggio Mall, Vendôme Mall, and Doha Festival City. Must-visit unparalleled recs are as follows:
1. Villaggio Mall - an Indoor Venice
Famed for its Venetian-style interior, Villaggio Mall is a sought-after destination that inspires a unique shopping and entertainment experience comprising an ice-rink, gondolania, and Via Damo - a boulevard lined with luxury lovers' favourite brand names, all located by indoor canals complete with gondolas.
2. The Place Vendôme Mall
Marvel at the wonders of Place Vendôme Mall, an extravagant open-concept temperature-controlled 1,150,000 million square meter mall inspired by classic French architecture! This mall is a must-visit site comprising every global fashion brand, a vast range of cafes and culinary experiences, and entertainment such as a dancing fountain AND river boat rides!
Stroll through Doha Corniche
The Doha Corniche is an iconic crescent-shaped waterfront promenade that outlooks Doha Bay and Doha's awe-inspiring modern skyline. The Corniche stretches from an authentic Arabic side, just 5-7 minutes walking distance from Souq Waqif, to a more Western side of Doha and is worthy of visiting whether driving by, picnicking, renting an electric scooter, or simply taking a stroll to enjoy the scenery.
Visit the Pearl-Qatar
The Pearl-Qatar is a quieter but charming artificial island known for its variety of cafes and restaurants, iconic marina, luxury boutiques, and lavishly pastel residential community!
Stroll through the 'Arabian Riviera' - a Venice-inspired neighbourhood comprising colourful buildings, canals, and bridges - a real feast for the eyes!
Swim or Soak the Sun at a Public or Private Beach
Soak the sun, sand, and sea! Qatar has over 560km of coastline, making the country an ideal beach holiday destination. Spend a day at a private island or beach resort to enjoy the paradise escape to the fullest. We enjoyed the powdery white sand and clear blue waters from Hilton Doha during our weekend stay.
Visit the 2022 World Cup Stadiums and the Legacy Pavillion
There are about 8 FIFA World Cup 2022 stadiums in Qatar. We visited Lusail Stadium en route to Lusail City. The "Sports City" is roughly 10 minutes north of Doha Pearl and is still developing but it's definitely worth driving through Lusail Boulevard for a sneak peek!
Other things not to miss in Doha:
1. Experience the ultimate island luxury at Banana Island
Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara is a must-visit destination for all things entertaining and relaxing. The crescent-shaped island, just a 25-minute boat journey from Doha mainland, has its own marina and reefs waiting to be explored whilst offering both underwater adventures and land activities.
2. Walk through time at the National Museum
3. See the masterpiece collections at the Museum of Islamic Art
4. Explore Katara Cultural Village
5. Elevate yourself in the Torch Tower
6. Take a Desert Safari & Inland Sea Tour
Enjoy a day of desert adventure - camel riding, dune bashing, and sand boarding amidst the fabled sand dunes and the Inland Sea of Qatar.
GALLERY:
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