A Short Visit to Qatar - Orlando / Florida Guide
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There are more things to do and see in Qatar than you might imagine and so if you only have a short time here, plan your time wisely. Qatar has more to see than central Doha with the suburbs such as Al Wakra, Al Khor and Al Shamal all having their own treasures.
1 One of the first things to do in Qatar is visiting the 7 km Doha Corniche for a walk and spectacular views of the Doha skyline. Make sure to go on a short dhow cruise around the bay.
2 Also on the Corniche are the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) and Al Riwaq showcasing the best of Qatar’s exhibits. The MIA Park boasts expansive landscaping and Richard Serra’s vertical steel sculpture. Also take a walk around the newly reopened and lush green Al Bidda Park.
3 Across the Corniche is the new National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ), which is a physical manifestation of the story of Qatar and its people. Then walk around the NMoQ Park with a Heritage Garden of native Qatari plants, a lagoon, public artworks, playgrounds, cafés, kiosks and more.
4 Visit the old and traditional Souq Waqif for garments, spices, handicrafts, souvenirs, restaurants and shisha lounges. Don’t forget to bargain! The nearby Gold Souq has all manner of jewellery items. Also visit Qatar’s second Souq Waqif in Al Wakra. Souq Al Wakra is a ‘heritage village’ with markets, shops and restaurants along the seafront.
5 Spend a lazy few hours at Katara Cultural Village. Admire the architecture, visit the galleries or enjoy watersports at the beach. If you’ve gone that far, make sure to visit The Pearl-Qatar, an artificial island, featuring luxury shopping and dining, Mediterranean style yacht lined marinas, upmarket residential towers, villas and an internationally renowned hotel.
6 Go shopping, because new malls are opening all the time. My suggestion would be Tawar Mall, Doha Festival City or Mall of Qatar. If you want more traditional shopping then visit the local souqs.
7 Keep fit by playing a round of golf at the new Education City Golf Club or walking around ‘Sporty City’, Aspire Zone, which includes Aspire Park, Villaggio Mall and KidZania Doha.
8 Explore the waters off Qatar’s coast. Go scuba diving, snorkelling, paddle boarding, or opt to join a group kayak trip through the mangroves.
9 Transport yourself back in time at the numerous fortresses and ruins throughout Qatar such as Al Zubara Archaeological Site and Zekreet.
10 Finally, refuel after a busy day of sightseeing, Qatar has everything from Michelin starred restaurants to cheap and cheerful local treats.
To move around the city easier and faster, use the now fully operational Doha Metro, a rapid transit system across Doha and also outside Doha to suburbs such as Al Wakra, Al Wajba and Lusail City. The Doha Metro currently has three lines; Red, Green and Gold with an approximate overall length of 76 km and 37 stations. You can also step aboard one of the most luxurious traditional dhows in Qatar, which is approved by QNTC. The company offers diverse cruise themes and voyages, providing four safe and pleasant premier touristic experiences including food, sightseeing and day cruises as well as special events and private trips.
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