Amanda PhillipsThe Middle East is becoming a popular stop-over hub for anyone looking to travel to the furthest corners of the eastern hemisphere. There’s a good selection of cities to choose from, each of them with their own characteristics catering to different types of holidaymakers. For Doha in Qatar, it’s definitely suited to holidaymakers after an authentic and relaxed Arabic experience. One of the best things about Doha is its balance between having plenty to do but being compact enough that you can get it all done in one day.
So what attractions should be at the top of your list when you only have 24 hours? Here is our top picks.
Walk along the Doha Corniche
A waterfront city in the Middle East is not complete without a sparkling promenade lined with skyscrapers. In Doha it is named the Corniche and can be found in the downtown area where it is a popular spot for families, couples and runners.
A few hours at The Pearl-Qatar
Another thing that all modern Middle East cities have is its own modern man-made archipelago. Pearl-Qatar is yet to be completed but when it is, it will boost 13 islands and its public attractions will include 2 million square feet of international retail, restaurants, cafes, and entertainment facilities.
Visit the Museum of Islamic Art
Doha’s chief cultural attraction is the Museum of Islamic Art – a distinctive pyramid shaped building on the waterfront. Inside, its physical design is just as impressive and sets the tone for its stunning collection of Islamic art that includes ceramics, carpets and beautiful calligraphy from old Korans that is split across four floors.
And also pop by Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art
The modern day cousin to the Museum of Islamic Art, this museum provides Arabic commentary on modern and contemporary art. More than 9,000 works of art can be found here spanning a timeline that starts from 1440 and ends in the modern day. It is thought to be one of the largest collections of Arab-produced paintings and sculptures in the world and is considered one of the most important cultural attractions in the country.
Shop at the Souq Waqif
Not far away from the waterfront lies Doha’s main shopping district. Souq Waqif is noted for selling traditional garments, spices, handicrafts, and souvenirs as well as being home to dozens of restaurants and Shisha lounges.
We imagine this list has provided you with plenty of activities to keep you busy during your one day layover, but there’s plenty more to do if you want to – such as the National Museum of Qatar, Al Wajbah Fort and Aspire Park. Let us know in the comments what your must-do in Doha would be if you only had one day.