Top places to visit

Aladdin’s Kingdom

Though it has been built relatively recently, the Souq Waqif is the best place to go if for a glimpse of traditional Qatari culture. Builders utilized traditional building materials like mud and wood to give it an authentic feel. Lots of traditional Arab goods are sold here, including spices, perfume, and clothing. There's also an Art Center that features art galleries, and sells art supplies for the creatively inclined.

This museum is located in a building dating back to the 1930s. It showcases the ethnography of Qatar. The architectural style definitely invokes nostalgia for the old Doha. The stone tower was a feature common to structures in the gulf region since they kept buildings ventilated and cool even in soaring temperatures. Even the exhibits harken back to a time now lost. Most of the pieces showcase the Qatari way of life before oil was discovered in the region.

This outdoor theme park is a treat for children and adults alike. It was opened in 1994. A number of wonderful and adventurous rides can be opted for here. These include rollercoaster rides, go karts, bumper cars, trampolines and carousels. Also included is a video games arcade. Over twenty different rides are available here. Most visitors throng to the thunderbolt rollercoaster which zooms forth at a speed off over 70 kilometers per hour.

Children and adults will love the diversity of fauna housed here. Over 1500 kinds of animals from the globe over are housed here. These include animals specific to the region such as Qatar’s national animal the Oryx as well as birds belonging to this region; A fascinating outing for all.

This is arguably Doha’s most well known and definitely the most popular attraction. Located in Doha Bay, the wonderful beaches are worth a visit. Children are able to enjoy in a shallow pool as well as on some fun fair rides. The dhow rides are also worth going on. Camel rides and water sports for the more adventurous are also available here.

This is one of Doha’s most interesting museums. The collection of weapons and arms is extremely impressive and some of the exhibits truly stunning reflective of expert craftsmanship. The main attraction is the famed Lawrence of Arabia’s dagger. Other pieces comprise of silver and gold daggers and swords some of which date back to the 1500s.

This is a landmark dating back to the Ottoman colonization of Doha. It was built in the 1800s. Originally this fort served as a prison. It was restored in the 1970s and since then houses a museum showcasing Qatari history. Qatari paintings and arts and crafts are on display here. Exhibits include Bedouin handicrafts, gypsum and wooden ornaments, fishing equipment and boats, historical photos, artwork including oil paintings.

This park is a wonderful area to unwind. Adults can relax and have a good time while children amuse themselves on the Ferris wheel and the train. Boating and skateboarding/ roller skating facilities are also available here.

The exterior of this museum is magnificent. The architectural style is extremely contemporary and it is definitely the face of modern Doha. The museum houses one of the largest collections of Islamic art the globe over. The pieces and exhibits are stunning and tell the story of the glorious Islamic civilization. Over 800 pieces and artifacts across 1400 years are on display in this 5 storey museum.

Located in a building dating back to 1900 this museum is housed in what was once the residence of the royal family of Sheikh Al Thani. Tourists must stop here and take time to appreciate the beautiful exhibits on display here. This is a great way to enlighten oneself about Qatari history and culture. Exhibits include Islamic architecture, Qatari jewelry, furniture, traditional dress as well as circumcision tools.

This club is extremely interesting and stamp collectors and enthusiasts are bound to love the stamp collection on display here. This would be a delightful way of learning about the history of Qatar and the victories that this proud nation has achieved over the years.

This attraction is massive, covering an area of over 3500 square meters. Children are bound to love this jungle zone which is an indoor amusement park. Rides include Jungle Train, Elephant Jet, Honey Swing, Lion's Lair, The Crazy Jump, Mountain Coaster, Wild Flume, Eureka, Jungle Castle, Video Arcade and Redemption Games.

For horse lovers this is the place to go. This four hundred acre farm houses the Emir’s mares and stallions. These beautiful animals are worth looking at. Tourists will be dazzled by the grooming and dressage of these horses, and have the opportunity to take jumping lessons as well.