UNWRAPPING DOHA

UNWRAPPING DOHA
UNWRAPPING DOHA

Explore the best of Doha with our Unwrapping Doha guide. From the famous markets to the best places to relax in the city, we’ll help you discover Doha whether you’re Middle-East experienced or its your first time in Qatar.

Shop

Traditional - Souq Waqif

As popular as it is, this souq (market) has to be on your list of places to visit in Doha. From spice to handcrafted metal, leather and fabric, souvenirs to food, this is one of the most famous markets in the Middle East. At over one hundred years old, its also one of the most traditional links to old Doha. Stop by to pick up some souvenirs, relax in a Shisha lounge or café, and don’t forget to explore the falconry area of this unique Qatar experience.

Modern – Mall of Qatar

500,000sqm of modern mega-mall, the Mall of Qatar is just outside of central Doha, but worth the 20-minute drive. Not only housing one of the biggest shop selections in Qatar, the mall was designed with recreation, dining and entertainment at its heart. State-of-the-art movie screens, in-house theatre productions, large open spaces for between-shopping coffee breaks and much more make this one of the most popular shopping destinations to discover in Doha.

Culture

Classic – Museum of Islamic Art

This five-storey museum on the famous Doha Corniche is home to over 1400 years of Islamic art, celebrating everything from ceramic to glass, metal work to textiles. The artworks capture the full spectrum of ancient and more modern Islamic creativity and have been gathered from Spain, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, India, Asia and Egypt. The building design is itself a work of art, with a design by Pritzker Prize winning architect I.M. Pei that is a modern reinterpretation of Cairo’s Ibn Tulun Mosque.

Contemporary – Arab Museum of Modern Art

The Mathaf (Arabic translation of museum) is widely regarded as one of the most important cultural attractions in Qatar. The permanent exhibitions offer an Arabic focus on modern art, with over 9,000 pieces that establish it as one of the largest collections of its type on the planet. The collection shows the evolution of modern Arabic art since the mid 1800s until today, and encourages dialogue on the future of Arabic art. 

Relax

On the Water - Corniche

As popular with locals as it is with visitors the relaxed vibe on the Doha Corniche is a popular draw even when it isn’t hosting one of the city’s larger events. This 7km promenade runs along the bay and includes three sections; the Government area, the Promenade and the Park. Visitors to Doha looking to relax should head to the Promenade and Park sections of the Corniche where you can sit back, take a stroll, or opt for something even more energetic, all with a Doha skyline as your backdrop.

In the City - Aspire Park

Overlooked by the iconic 300m high Torch Doha hotel, the park is 88 hectares of inner-city greenery and recreation areas. Known for its fountains, one-of-a-kind lake, children’s playgrounds and rich variety of trees, there is nowhere quite like it in the city. The perfect place for picnics or family-time, Aspire Park is one of the best places in Doha to relax and do nothing. For guests at The Torch Doha, the park location creates a peaceful and green setting surrounding 5-star iconic hotel luxury.