A Local's Guide to Doha—Must Visit Cultural Hot Spots For An Unforgettable Tour

Doha is a tourist hot spot loved for its blend of modern comforts and traditional allures. The city is fast-paced catering to modern tourists with an ideal blend of attractions that are exotic encounters and insights to a new culture. To truly experience Doha in its authentic form, you need to get off the touristy track and explore the destination like a local. This article will help you explore the best cultural hot spots in Doha to make your holiday unforgettable.

Explore the Katara Cultural Village

Katara is a cultural village that has been reenacted to represent Qatar as it was in the past. You can go there to get a taste of how the locals lived before the nation stepped into the new age. Hence, visiting the place is like taking a step back in time as you explore museums, and artisan workshops where you get to observe traditional tradesmen working on their crafts using time-honoured methods passed down over the ages. The village is a top attraction in Doha and is easy to reach from well-located Qatar hotels. Some of the best accommodation types for exploring the city at your own pace are the short-stay apartments in Doha; these fully serviced holiday apartments are ideal for family holidays or business trips and offer an at-home feel. Katara Village is only about 18 minutes from popular places like Al Najada Doha Hotel Apartments By Oaks so you can easily visit the place even if you are in Doha on business. In addition to its cultural allures, the village features a beach with several cafes and restaurants, as well as an amphitheatre for entertainment and plenty of shops to feed the holiday shopaholic.

Zairon, Doha Katara Cultural Village Katara Square 4, CC BY 4.0

Visit the National Museum of Qatar

A symbol of Qatar's attraction as a modern nation that has preserved its traditional values the futuristic National Museum of Qatar is home to historic artefacts, replicas of relics and displays that give an insight into the nation's history. In contrast, the building is a futuristic marvel designed by Pritzker prize winner architect Jean Nouvel. Apart from exploring the nation's rich history, you get a sneak preview of what in store for the future of the nation.

Check Out the Museum of Islamic Art

As an Islamic nation, Qatar has preserved its heritage through the ages, and there is no better place for a deeper understanding of the religion than the Museum of Islamic Art. The complex is home to beautiful displays that chronicle over 1,400 years of the religions journey in the UAE. You can learn all about Islam exploring the place with assistance from the helpful staff who are more than happy to explain the displays and talk about the artefacts.

Shop Till You Drop at Souq Waqib

Having a holiday apartment in Qatar is ideal for setting off on endless shopping sprees; staying close to Souq Waqib is another plus, and you will find many like the Oaks apartments are only 6 minutes from the amazing bazaar. A traditional market place that emulates olden day trading posts, the souq is segregated into different sections. You can explore the stalls selling spices, garments, accessories, leather goods, jewellery, perfumes and more and then stop for refreshments at the courtyards home to food kiosks, coffee cafes and also shisha lounges. There is even a kids zone for parents exploring the place with angsty children and an arts centre where you can observe artists working on paintings. Its a good place to rub shoulders with the locals, observe their lifestyles and enjoy feeling relaxed while you pick some memorable souvenirs and gifts.