Qatar is a rising star — and Doha, its capital, is its brightest spot. With a wealth of culture, art and adventure to discover, it’s no wonder this Middle Eastern metropolis is lighting up travelers’ radars.
With the secret out, Doha is going big. From cutting-edge museums and spectacular diving to jaw-dropping malls and family fun, the city has something for every vacation style.
As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip.
For Cultural Trendsetters
Doha isn’t just a city — it’s a living, breathing art gallery. Not content with having some of the world’s most extravagant architecture (think crescent-shaped skyscrapers, human-made islands and countless glittering towers), Qatar’s capital is also dotted with outdoor sculptures by famous talents: Don’t miss Louise Bourgeois’s Maman, Tom Claassen’s Falcon and Damien Hirst’s The Miraculous Journey.
For a peek at work by local artists, head to Fire Station, which hosts a dynamic lineup of contemporary exhibitions, craft workshops and food trucks. The building itself (you guessed it, a former fire station) is covered in vivid street art: a little slice of Miami or Berlin, right in the Middle East.
Chasing that only-in-Doha #travelgram? Start the night with a sunset boat cruise along the Corniche and West Bay: When darkness falls, their flashing, futuristic skyscrapers are a phenomenal backdrop.
For Families
Let the kids get wet and wild at Katara Beach — a mile-long stretch of soft white sand with an inflatable water park, free playground and sheltered swimming area. Conveniently, the beach is also surrounded by places to eat. For older children, Katara’s water sports are awesome: think parasailing, waterskiing and speedboat rides.
Want to inspire little learners? Many of Doha’s galleries and museums have entire sections especially for kids that are packed with state-of-the-art exhibits and virtual-reality fun. Check out 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum‘s interactive sports challenges, while Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art hosts painting workshops, storytelling and art exhibitions just for tots.
For a family-friendly introduction to Qatari culture, head to Souq Waqif. This central market is traditional in style, with treasure-filled shops and street food stalls. It’s also squeaky-clean and very laid-back — ideal for an afternoon of exploring.
For Outdoor Adventurers
Don’t be fooled by Doha’s urban cool: It’s also a hub for water sports, wildlife and adventure — so make a splash on your city break with sea-kayaking, kitesurfing and foiling.
For paddleboarding, there are two epic options to choose from. At The Pearl, you’ll float alongside million-dollar yachts in the island’s marina and gawp at its skyscrapers and beaches from a whole new angle. Or, a 35-minute drive from the city, dip your paddle in the Al Thakira’s mangroves: They’re a lush haven for wildlife, with hundreds of flamingos arriving every winter.
Love diving? Scuba trips depart daily from Doha heading to colorful reefs, vibrant wrecks and fish-filled sunken tankers. Swimming with turtles, whale sharks and rays: This is Qatar at its wildest.
For Luxury Lovers
From exquisite hotels to horse racing and helicopter rides, no place does luxury quite like Doha. Dip your toe in the luxe life with a trip to browse the art collection of one of the world’s richest men at the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum.
Indeed, Qatar is a nation of unfathomable wealth, and Doha’s designer malls wow even the most discerning shopper. Head to Galeries Lafayette for high-end European and Qatari brands or The Pearl for the likes of Lalique, Hermès and Versace.
Meanwhile, Place Vendôme Qatar has almost 600 boutiques within its ornate Paris-inspired architecture, plus dancing fountains and live entertainment. Here you can spend the day immersed in Manolo Blahnik, Louis Vuitton and more before checking into Le Royal Méridien Doha for fine dining and flawless service. The hotel is directly connected to the mall, so you can shop — and then flop — in style.
For Bleisure Travelers
In a city as small as Doha, it’s easy to squeeze maximum recreation into your work trip. Kick off your day at the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ), whose priceless pearl collection and Hollywood-quality film installations bring the country’s pearl-diving history to life.
For lunch, head to Alain Ducasse’s Jiwan Restaurant on the museum’s rooftop, which serves Qatari fare with an haute cuisine twist. From here, you can gaze across the city to the towers of West Bay — and your next destination, the Museum of Islamic Art. It boasts one of the world’s biggest collections of Middle Eastern calligraphy, ceramics, jewelry and textiles and is surrounded by sea-view gardens.
After your day working, join the locals at Msheireb Downtown for buzzing restaurants and upscale shopping till late.
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