Doha is a thriving, bustling city – it is constantly changing and can be quite bewildering to experience. Qatar’s government has poured billions of riyals into its cultural infrastructure, with some incredible results. What draws people to the city isn’t all because of its fast pace dynamism and epic construction. There’s a more modest, historical side to Doha as well, which can be seen at markets like the Souq Waqif or the stunning Museum of Islamic Art. At the heart of Doha though is West Bay, a futuristic city centre that has a skyline that will catch your eye, a magnificent collection of huge buildings to rival Hong Kong or New York.
One of the standout highlights of these dazzling buildings in West Bay is the award-winning Burj Qatar. This is the building that will catch your eye — mostly because of its spherical, unique shape. At nighttime, there are white light shows on its side, which look stunning from the Corniche. It is like something out of a comic book.
The Corniche is undoubtedly many people’s highlights when they come to Doha. The Corniche is a waterfront promenade stretches out for several kilometres along Doha Bay. It’s perfect for a casual stroll, or running as it offers a wonderful view of the bay and gives you the rare chance to enjoy fresh sea breezes in an otherwise stifling city.
As you stroll along the Corniche you will come across Sheraton Park, a nice serene, green spot that rather fittingly for Doha actually has its own Wi-Fi access. It’s a beautiful place to watch the sunset.
A must see on the Corniche for those wanting to sample and enjoy Qatari culture, head up the Corniche to Souq Waqif. Lose yourself in the winding alleys where you will find a plethora of things to buy, from falcons and kittens to abayas and artwork. It’s a buzzing hub of traditional local culture and has some of Doha’s best places to eat. If you like smoking shisha there are plenty of cafés where you can buy it in heaps of different flavours. I’m not a shisha fan, but it certainly makes the souq smell amazing. Souq Waqif is a perfect place to hang out with locals and practice Arabic over a mint tea, karak or shisha pipe.
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