How to Turn an Extended Stopover in Doha into a Mini Holiday – Captivating Escapades Await

The appealing city of Doha in Qatar will offer much that would draw the interest of the discerning traveller. Even if you have just a stopover in Doha and limited time to experience its attractions, you could still enjoy its main features of interest; this would include historical and artistic highlights, adventures amidst nature and delicious cuisine. Provided below are some suggestions for making the most of Doha if you have limited time. 

Experience the main sightseeing attractions

You will find that Doha happens to be a fascinating blend of ultra-modern elements and traditional cultural and artistic features. A great place at which to commence your tour of Doha’s highlights would be the remarkable Museum of Islamic Art which was designed by the renowned architect, I. M. Pei. Here, you will find an array of exquisite artworks from throughout the Islamic world.Another must-visit attraction in Doha would be Souq Waqif, a traditional marketplace that would provide you with a fascinating insight into the local way of life. You will find a host of stalls and shops offering an amazing selection of merchandise ranging from jewellery to textiles and spices. You could also savour the delectable foods available here which would include Qatari, Iranian, Moroccan, Yemeni and other varieties of cuisine. In the evening, you could take a stroll along the city’s Corniche, an extensive promenade looking over the harbour. 

Visit the captivating landscapes of the desert

Naturally, your visit to Doha wouldn’t be complete without visiting the entrancing environment of the desert. You could easily take a trip to visit the desert dunes as well as the inland sea from the city. An experienced driver would take you in a four-wheel-drive vehicle excursion over the imposing sand dunes and up to the gleaming waters of the inland sea or Khor Al Adaid. You would also have the chance to admire the lofty Sheraton Dune and take in the views of the Arabian Sea before making your way back to Doha. 

Enjoy water-based experiences

Those interested in marine creatures may take the opportunity to go on an excursion to observe whale sharks which could be found in abundance in Qatar’s coastal areas. You would be obliged to undertake a relatively lengthy journey by yacht to reach the localities where these impressive creatures could be seen feeding near the surface of the water.Another interesting water-based experience would be going kayaking amidst Qatar’s mangrove forests. As the nation may be more readily associated with desert landscapes, you may be surprised to encounter the lush Al Thakira Mangrove Forest which would undoubtedly capture the imagination of the nature lover. Within this flourishing ecosystem, you would be able to observe migratory birds like flamingos and herons, in addition to various crustaceans and fish.

Image via Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara

Tour the other highlights

If you have additional time on your hands, you may choose to experience some of the other noteworthy cultural attractions in Doha. One of these would be the remarkable National Museum of Qatar which will present a striking sight with its eye-catching architecture. Here, visitors would be able to gain an engrossing insight into Qatar’s history as well as its economic development. To truly do justice to Doha’s numerous attractions, you should undertake a longer stay in the city. An accommodation choice to consider in this regard from which you could easily visit the above museum and other key attractions would be Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara; it may be counted amongst the appealingly located five-star hotels in Doha that offer beachside getaways.Another not-to-be-missed attraction for art and culture lovers would be the well-known Katara Cultural Village where you would find features like an al fresco amphitheatre, galleries and art spaces. You could also enjoy the various concerts and festivals conducted here, and replenish your energies at one of the restaurants or cafes. Beside this site is a scenic beach as well perfect for fun in the sun, sand and surf.