The transformation of Doha from a desert land to a modern city is astonishing. Tall buildings that occupy the skyline, theme parks, kids’ parks, gardens, museums, art galleries, souks and shopping malls all come together to give you an unforgettable holiday experience. If you have only two days in Doha, here’s a guide to exploring the city and making the most of your time here.
Accommodation
As you have very limited time, you should choose your accommodations wisely. Find a place that’s close to city attractions. You have so many choices, including Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels by Tivoli. Keep in mind that the best hotels in Doha tout hefty rates, especially during the high season. This does not mean you cannot holiday in Doha on a budget; some hotels offer seasonal discounts and guest packages, so keep an eye out for them!
Day one
Once you’ve checked into your hotel and relaxed a little bit, you should visit Aspire Park. This is a marvellous sporting centre that’s been selected for FIFA 2022 World Cup. The massive dome and the indoor multipurpose sports hall are two highlights of the place. Next, you should visit KidZania Doha. Your kids can spend hours and hours here exploring the model city; the place is ideal for children between one and fourteen years of age. The Villaggio Mall is located just a few paces from KidZania Doha; this is the principal shopping centre in the city. Inside the mall, you’ll find an array of shops, an ice rink, a bowling centre, and the Gondolania Theme Park; this indoor amusement park offers you a roller coaster and Ferris wheel. The park also features many restaurants and cafes.
Night fun
You are sure to work up a good appetite after all the exploring and shopping. For dinner, you should visit Aspire Tower, located at the centre of Aspire Park. The tower houses five-star hotels and a revolving restaurant, the only restaurant of its kind in the country. The restaurant dabbles in Mediterranean cuisine and provides an exceptional guest experience; however, the prices are quite high. For the best experience, you should visit when it’s dark; the tower sparkles with lights and brings you beautiful panoramas of the city.
Day two
To experience Qatar’s authenticity, visit Downtown. Strolling around the city might not be ideal as the temperatures are constantly on the rise, but if you want to work on your tan, you should go for a walk. Dhow Harbour and Doha Port are two places you must make stops at. For the best cultural experience, however, you should visit the Museum of Islamic Art and the National Museum of Qatar. The Museum of Islamic Art, located by the corniche, is a must-visit if you are a lover of art; the place displays a wide selection of artworks sourced from all around the world. You can spend your whole day here if you like; inside the museum is a restaurant that serves delicious foods and drinks.
More on day two
Your next stop should be Souq Waqif. A souq is a traditional marketplace that gives you a glimpse of the old way of living. This is one of the most visited traditional markets in the city. The market is sectioned into several zones by alleyways fringed by small stalls. These stalls sell a variety of things, including handicrafts, clothes, spices, essential oils, fruits, and incense. You’ll also find a few restaurants and shisha lounges here. If you have more time, visit The Peral-Qatar, a lavish, man-made island. This is a swanky neighbourhood with many entertainment facilities, hotels, restaurants, and shopping malls. Last but not least is Katara Cultural Village; this is one of the must-visit places in Doha. The village is known to provide visitors with an immersive experience. You should also visit Katara Beach.
