Doha Things to Do Tips by bpwillet Top 5 Page for this destination

Qatar National Museum Museums Review

Inside the musuem are many exhibits depicting traditional Qatari life, history, environment and archeology. It also includes the pearl industry, boat making, and fishing. There apparently is also an aquarium located on the premises which is still underdevelopment.

The grounds of the National Museum can be walked with minimal effort as everything is within close proximity. It is interesting to imagine what it would have been like when this was a functioning house for hte emir.

Address: Al Muthaf Street

Qatar National Museum-Now open! Museums Review

Once used as an official residence of Fariq al-Salata and as the palace of Sheik Abdullah bin Qassim from 1901. It is an interesting piece of Qatari architecture that can be enjoyed from the outside. Be sure to go Around back along the Al-Corniche road and see the park and outdoor maritime exhibit.

There are many ethnological exhibits in this museum depicting various aspects of Qatari life; the pearl industry, styles of dress, musical instruments, awards given, and some great old pictures of Doha.

Address: Al Muthaf Street

Directions: Follow the Corniche road till the "chess piece" roundabout. Turn right following the sign for Old Salat Rd. It will be the first right on that street.

Doha Fort Markets Review

Built in the 1880's during the reign of Sheik Abdullah bin Qassim al-Thani and later as a fort during Turkish occupation, the fort now stands in the middle of one of the shopping districts downtown. The 19th century extrior is fitted with turret and small watch tower in a slightly Moorish style. The exterior has some traditional designs in the plaster/gypsum that covers the exterior and the door is also uniquely carved. The fort is closed on Saturdays and is usually open by 9am, with no entrance fee.

UPDATE: They have decided to move the front door to the back. I guess the view is better back there. There is quite a bit of construction going on at the moment and there is no telling when it will open back up again. But at least it still stands in its original spot.

Address: Jasim bin Mohammed St.

Directions: From the Corniche turn right unto Jasim bin Mohammed st. pass the stoplight and the fort is on your left. Parking is either directly in front of the fort, along the side or behind in the shopping area parking lot, which is free.

Ethnological Museum Museums Review

The Ethnological Museum has moved, I am now not sure where unfortunately. However, it WAS here. So now this is office space and more of an exhibit of a traditional Qatari house in it's layout and architectural form. It is interesting to see and visualize a family living in these quarters. The traditional style "tower" is designed to give ventilation throughout the house by taking in cool air from all four courners as the wind blows past. If they are not too busy, the gentlement working there may show you around. Each room is labelled for the function it would have served for the family.

Address: Al-Nayad Shopping Center-Ali Bin Abdullah St.

Directions: Within the al-Nayad shopping center. Continue straight along al-Muthaf St. unitl you come to a stoplight. The shopping center is will be on your left and the museum is the white building in the center.

Corniche parks Parks Review

One of the great areas of Doha to take a family or see local familys walking and relaxing is in one of Doha's many parks. In some the architectural layout of some of the commercial areas become a part of the park themselves.

Directions: Corniche area.

Camel Crossing Camels Review

You don't have to look far to see camels in Qatar. There are signs that show where camel crossings are. Since camel races are a big event in that country it is not too uncommon to see camel farms with cames roaming close to the road. Be careful not to hit them. Rumor has it that if one is hit in the daytime-it is your fault and you will have to pay a pretty hefty fine. If one is hit at night, it is the camel's fault because they got out. I can niether confirm nor deny the truth in this.

Doha Harbour Boating Review

This area will give you some great views of the Doha skyline as well as seeing local fishermen at work. There are many dhow boats that can take people out on tours of the bay or that are used by local fishermen.

Directions: Doha Hoarbour

Grand Mosque Mosques Review

This is one of the largest mosques in the country. It is inaccessible to non Muslims but the architecture is amazing and is very beautiful.

Address: Jasim bin Mohammed Street.

Directions: It is on the corner of Jasim bin Mohammed Street and Ar-Rayyan Rd. and Al Jasra intersection.

Start your Engines!

Who would have thought this would be possible. The City Center Mall has a great adventure arcade on the 3rd floor. Each ride/game is charged from a card that you can get at the cashier's kiosk. They have a wide range of kids fun as well as rides and games for "big" kids.

Directions: City Center Mall

Desert Ice Skating Ice Skating Review

The malls in Doha have a lot to offer. What I didn't realize is that there would be the opportunity to ICE SKATE!! I never would have thought I could do that in this country. It is a lot of fun and is roughly 30QR for an adult for 1 hour. But if you want to watch you can watch from one of the many floors that overlook the rink or pay a fee of 10QR just to sit on the bleachers. Well worth the time, and a lot of fun.

Directions: City Center Mall