DOHA MUST DO FOR FIRST TIME TRAVELERS

If you are looking for a destination that is up and coming, then Doha should be on your list! It’s an exciting time to visit since this multicultural city is currently undergoing many developments, especially since Qatar has won the bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Doha has something to offer for every type of traveler as the city is surrounded by beautiful architecture, delicious international cuisine, extraordinary hospitality, and amazing art and culture. I would advise to visit Doha now to fully appreciate and see the city for what it is before the chaotic World Cup and once again during the World Cup if you thrive off sports and a passionate futbul crowd.

HOW TO GET TO DOHA, QATAR

Whether you have 24 hours in Doha or a full week, you will certainly not be disappointed by the amazing attractions and options. For first time travelers, flying on Qatar Airways is a must! If you are not familiar with the award winning airline, Qatar Airways offers a Qatar stop over in most of their routes and you can find all the details and information here.

Qatar Stopover is a unique programme designed by Qatar Airways and its destination management division, Discover Qatar, in collaboration with the National Tourism Council. It enables passengers to experience Qatar with a stopover during transiting through Doha on their holiday or travel itinerary.”

Take advantage of their program because you are then able to essentially experience two destinations in one trip. Qatar Airways also has an amazing business class and if you have the opportunity to try their Q suite, you should definitely do so as it is an experience like no other (I also reviewed my first time experience, which you can read all about here)!

WHERE TO STAY IN DOHA

There are many hotels in Doha, but the best option would be the Mandarin Oriental. Located in the centre of Msheireb Downtown Doha and overlooking Barahat Msheireb town square, this luxury hotel is within walking distance from top attractions such as Souq Waqif, Museum of Islamic Art and the newly opened National Museum of Qatar. Architect Simon Rawlings designed the hotel in a modern way while still maintaining Arabic influences. Guests can admire the contemporary design, which draw from traditional Qatari heritage and culture and consistent elements from the Mandarin Oriental brand.

The courtyard (photographed above) has a special atmosphere, which is perfect to enjoy during the evenings as it will soon be surrounded by restaurants and cafes. The geometric shapes and floor tiles create a beautiful outdoor space that is consistent and complementary to the elegant interior. Evidently, Mandarin Oriental has everything you are looking for as a first time traveler!

GUEST ROOMS:

• 117 rooms
• 41 spacious suites
• 91 serviced apartments

RESTAURANTS AND BARS:

• French Mediterranean dining at IZU
• Nine open kitchens showcasing authentic flavours from around the world at Mosaic
• Authentic Cantonese and select provincial dishes from around China at Liang
• Alfresco rooftop dining and drinks at Aqua
• Refined afternoon tea experience at Mandarin Lounge with its open air terrace and Baraha Lounge overlooking the bustling Barahat Msheireb
• A stylish venue offering meticulously crafted cocktails by resident mixologist at Ambar
• Homemade gelato and frozen desserts with the most unique flavours at Gelato
• Creative edible masterpieces in the form of cakes and chocolates The Mandarin Cake Shop 

WHAT TO DO IN DOHA

• Souq Waqif: The Souq Waqif  is a marketplace in Doha where you can find traditional garments, spices, handicrafts, and souvenirs. It is truly a unique experience that will give you an authentic sense of Doha’s culture and atmosphere. I would recommend going at night specifically on a weekend because the market comes to life and is enjoyed by both tourists and locals. Not only can you shop all the vendors, but you can enjoy delicious food from a wide range of great restaurants and cafes, which offer traditional Qatari food as well as regional dishes and treats from Asia and North Africa.
• Museum of Islamic Art: Designed by IM Pei, the architect of the Louvre pyramid in Paris, the Museum of Islamic Art is a must visit for those who love architecture, museums and art in general. It is an iconic landmark in Doha and is comprised of a main building with an adjacent education wing connected by a large central courtyard. The main building has five stories, topped by a high domed atrium within a central tower. The exterior is just as beautiful as the interior. Visitors are greeted with a beautiful curved double staircase (which was the first aspect I noticed upon entering) and an option to admire the spectacular panoramic views across the bay from the five-store 45-metre tall window on the north side. With the largest collection of Islamic art in the world, the museum  invites people to learn about the full scope of Islamic art, across three continents and over 1400 years.

  
  

  
  
• Desert Safari: If there’s one thing first time travelers should do in Doha is book a half day desert safari with Discover Qatar! Even if you only have an 8 hour layover, I think this would be worth it. “This tour combines the adventure and excitement of 4×4 driving through the spectacular desert landscape and discovering one of Qatar’s most special natural heritage assets, Khor Al-Adaid.” If you truly want to make the most of this experience, then you should book this tour in the evening so you can ride camels and watch the amazing sunset from the desert and even enjoy a lovely meal at the luxury camp. This experience will give you a love for Doha that will leave you desiring to explore more!
• Katara Cultural Tour: If you want to get a better sense and feel of Doha’s culture, then you should visit  Katara Cultural Village, which is the largest and the most multidimensional cultural project of Qatar. “Katara serves as a guardian to the heritage and traditions of Qatar and endeavors to spread awareness about the importance of every culture and civilization.” Not only can you expect to be entertained by performances and events at the Katara Amphitheater and concert halls, but you can also enjoy food from the cafes and restaurants, visit the mosques and pigeon towers, and admire the beautiful fusion of oriental architecture and retro-romantic style of this cultural place.
• Indulge in delicious Food: If you are a foodie, then you will enjoy Qatar’s culinary scene. Qatari cuisine is made up of traditional Arab cuisine, but also has influences from other regions including the Middle East and North African (MENA) region. Some of the food you can expect include machboos, a stew of richly spiced rice with seafood or meat, mutton served with yogurt; ghuzi, a whole roast lamb on a bed of rice and nuts; and stuffed boiled sheep or goat served with seasoned rice. One restaurant that you should also add on your list is Parisa Souq Waqif.

  “At Parisa Souq Waqif restaurant, you will be dazzled by authentic Persian delights and mesmerizing interiors that combine hand-painted Persian artwork of myths and legends, intricate mosaics, ornate chandeliers and thousands of tiny mirrors that were handpicked from Iran and assembled in Doha over 3.5 years that provide for an authentic Persian dining experience.”

  If you do a quick google search and read the reviews and photos, you’ll know why this comes highly recommended by travelers and locals.

   

  My favorite restaurant in Doha so far is Al Mourjan Restaurant, which is a stylish 7-star dining place, located on the Corniche in Doha. The best part is the outdoor seatings because the view overlooking the sea makes for the perfect way to enjoy their delicious food.

  Surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the sea, Al Mourjan comes to life to bring you the finest Lebanese cuisine and seafood in Doha and the Arab region.

  Some of the standout Arabian food from the menu for me were sambousek cheese, tabbouleh salad and the hot mezze!

This is a comprehensive list of activities to do in Doha for first time travelers. Unlike other major cities, Doha should be enjoyed at a slower pace because there is so much history and culture there. In a few years, it’s going to be recognized as a top travel destination, so I would advise to add this to your next travel plans now! I also love the stop over that Qatar Airways provide because it’s a great excuse to visit Doha again, especially if there’s a route that works with your local airport to your desired destination. I look forward to seeing Doha develop over the next years because I know it’s a city that is up and coming and I’m excited for its future!