Souk Shopping, Desert Adventures, Dhows and More: 7 Doha’s Must-Do’s for First-Timers

In less than half a century, the pint-sized sheikdom of Qatar has transformed into a glitzy Gulf metropolis.

Now rivaling its neighbor Dubai with its eye-popping architectural feats, uberwealthy Qatar is also carving out a reputation as a cultural destination designed to flourish long after its moment in the spotlight.

Visiting for the first time? Add these top experiences to your itinerary.

As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip.

Get Lost in Souq Waqif

Step back into Doha’s fabled past at the nation’s largest souk. This sprawling, refurbished bazaar in the heart of Qatar’s capital is the place to pick up everything from bejeweled daggers to hand-painted pottery, vibrant textiles to shisha pipes.

There’s also a section, the Falcon Souq, that stocks all things related to falconry, a favorite Qatari pastime. Visit in the evening to experience Souq Waqif at its buzziest.

Enjoy an Arts Fest

Doha’s ambitions to become a major arts hub have seen it birth some of the world’s most spectacular arts institutions. First came the Museum of Islamic Art, housed in a highly Instagrammable, Cubist-inspired building on its own artificial island. Admire it from the inside out. Then be similarly awed by the National Museum of Qatar; its futuristic form is modeled on a desert rose, the delicate crystal clusters that “bloom” in the desert.

Public art also pops up everywhere, from the giant golden thumb by French sculptor César Baldaccini that rises up out of a Souq Waqif thoroughfare to the surreal desert installation by U.S. artist Richard Serra.

Throughout the city, look out for street art by prominent local and international artists.

Book a Desert Adventure

Take a thrilling four-wheel-drive tour through the sand dunes south of Doha, which spill into an azure “inland sea.” Bring your swimwear and enjoy a refreshing dip, keeping an eye out for greater flamingos, which flock to the tidal embayment between November and April.

Other easy desert adventures from Doha include historic forts, ancient petroglyphs, the fascinating Heenat Salma eco-farm and more.

Wander The Pearl-Qatar

The Pearl is Qatar’s showpiece residential and lifestyle development. Be sure to stroll the Porto Arabia precinct, which encircles a luxury-yacht-studded marina fringed by restaurants.

Meanwhile, The Pearl’s brightly-colored Qanat Quartier precinct offers a slice of Venice in the Gulf, complete with a replica Rialto Bridge. Alas, there are no gondola rides (you’ll need to go to Doha’s Italianate-themed Villaggio Mall for those), but you can take a boat cruise on its canals.

Take an Evening Dhow Cruise

A legacy of Qatar’s seafaring traditions, the wooden dhow boats tied up along Doha’s waterfront Corniche — a lovely spot for an evening stroll — aren’t just for show.

Head down to the harbor at sunset to join an organized cruise, or haggle for a price to charter your own private dhow, admiring the spectacular views as the city lights up.

Savor a Taste of Qatari Cuisine

Qatar has a surprisingly diverse culinary scene, owing to its multicultural makeup — ethnic Qataris make up less than 12 percent of the population. But if there’s one local dish you should try, it’s machboos. Qatar’s national dish, it’s made with spiced rice and slow-cooked meat — usually chicken or lamb — and topped with roasted nuts.

Look out for the flavorsome dish on Souq Waqif restaurant menus, or head to Bayt Sharq. Located in a beautifully restored 1920s home, this classic Qatari restaurant has a charming leafy outdoor dining area, but don’t miss the mini-museum inside.

Check Out Katara

Between the skyscrapers of Doha’s West Bay financial district and The Pearl lies Katara, a modern seaside cultural district packed with performance and gallery spaces, as well as architectural gems, including two beautiful modern mosques, the Katara Hills park and a classical Greek-style amphitheater.

There’s also a luxury shopping mall, a planetarium, dozens of restaurants and a beach. You’ll find public art here, too.