Things to see in Doha

Tourist offices

Qatar Tourist Authority

Address: Doha, PO Box 24624, Qatar
Tel: +974 4499 7499.
www.qatartourism.gov.qa

Katara Cultural Village

This cultural village brings together performance spaces, galleries, restaurants, cafes, offices and a growing number of shops in the Katara Plaza. It’s best visited in the evening, when the temperatures cool and exhibitions, plays, art fairs, music concerts and culinary festivals all feature in its programme of events.

Opening Times: Daily 1000-0000.
Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Address: Katara, Doha, Qatar
Telephone: +974 4408 0000.
Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art

This converted school building features thousands of works collected by Sheikh Hassan bin Mohammed bin Ali Al Thani and boasts the world’s largest collection of modern and contemporary Arab art spanning from 1849 to the present day.

Opening Times: Tues-Thurs 1100-1800, Fri 1500-2000, Sat-Sun 1100-1800.
Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Address: Education City, Al Luqta Street, Doha, Qatar
Telephone: +974 4402 8855. +974 4402 8830.
Museum of Islamic Art

Architect I.M. Pei’s extraordinary Museum of Islamic Art appears to ‘float’ above the Gulf Sea and has become one of Doha’s most iconic buildings. At night, the building is illuminated, giving it an austere beauty. The museum hosts one of the Middle East's most impressive Islamic Art collections; discover everything from ceramics and calligraphy to the world’s oldest Korans.

Opening Times: Sun-Mon 1030-1730, Wed 1030-1730, Thurs 1200-2000, Fri 1400-2000, Sat 1200-2000.
Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Address: Doha Bay, Doha, Qatar
Telephone: +974 4422 4444.
National Museum of Qatar

Set to open in 2017 or 2018, the architecturally ambitious national museum was designed to resemble a vast desert rose and is intended to become a cultural hub for Doha. The exhibits themselves will focus on Qatar’s traditional heritage whilst also celebrating its future. The museum will feature a research centre, restaurant, shops and auditorium.

Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No
Address: Corniche, Doha, Qatar
Telephone: +974 4452 5555.
Corniche

This curving 7km (4-mile) waterfront promenade is the focal point of daily life in Doha. Young lovers stroll along the promenade, mixing with workers getting away from the office. The soft Arabian Gulf breeze and views of traditional dhows on the water are fantastic, but best enjoyed in the relative cool of the early morning or evening.

Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Address: Corniche, Al Dafna, Doha, Qatar
Doha Fort

Doha Fort (known locally as Al Koot) is a 20th-century fort originally built to protect Souk Waqif from thieves. It is one of the few remaining military forts in Doha and houses a modest display of arts and crafts. Its main attractions are its wall-less mosque, Qatar-style battlements and distinct Moorish design.

Opening Times: Mon-Sun 0900-1200 and Sun-Thurs 1600-1900.
Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No
Address: Jasim bin Mohammed Street, Al Jasra, Doha, Qatar
Telephone: +974 4452 5555.
Souq Waqif

This sprawling marketplace of open-air stalls and a restored version of the original Souq Waqif is well worth a visit. Shisha and burning incense scent the air in its bustling bazaar, and tourists haggle over Bedouin blankets, twinkling jewellery and Middle Eastern lamps. You’ll also find the Waqif Art Center and cafés amongst its alleyways.

Opening Times: Daily 1000-1200 and 1600-2200.
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No
Address: Al Souq Street, Doha, Qatar
The Pearl-Qatar

The Pearl-Qatar, or ‘Arabian Riviera’, is a man-made island that combines eye-wateringly pricey real estate with designer shopping aimed squarely at the affluent. Built on one of Qatar’s original pearl diving sites, it’s the ideal place to admire the elegant yachts from a waterfront restaurant and admire the Mediterranean, Moorish and Arabian architectural design.

Opening Times: Daily 24 hours.
Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No
Address: Doha, Qatar
Telephone: +974 4409 5155.
Al Shaqab Stud

Discover Qatar’s equestrian heritage at Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Ali Al Thani's famed Arabian purebred show and racehorses at Al Shaqab Stud. Tours (by appointment only) take in the training grounds and stables, and if you’re lucky, a horse might be using the equine Jacuzzi during your visit. The Riding Academy offers lessons for riders of all standards.

Opening Times: Sun-Thurs 0730-0330.
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No
Address: Ar-Rayyan, Doha, Qatar
Telephone: +974 4454 6320.
Gondolania

This Venice-themed entertainment centre is mainly aimed at shoppers and families and features a ferris wheel, bumper cars, a roller coaster and other rides in the Gondolania Theme Park. An onsite bowling centre, go-kart track, ice rink and Gondolania boat ride are some of the other attractions.

Opening Times: Sat-Wed 0900-2300; Thurs 0900-0000; Fri 0900-1130, 1230-0000.
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No
Address: Villaggio Mall, Aspire Park Road, Doha, Qatar
Telephone: +974 4403 9800.
Weaponry Museum

Worthy of more visitors than it gets, this delightful museum is only available to visit as part of a tour or by appointment. For those who make the effort, Lawrence of Arabia’s khanjar (ceremonial dagger) is usually the highlight, but there are some equally impressive gold swords and 16th century silver armoury.

Opening Times: By appointment only.
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No
Address: Al-Luqta Street, Doha, Qatar
Telephone: +974 4486 7473.
Visa and passport information is updated regularly and is correct at the time of publishing. You should verify critical travel information independently with the relevant embassy before you travel.