Take a walk along the city's spectacular Al-Corniche -- a seaside promenade -- to see why Qataris are so proud of their capital. On one side you'll find ultra-modern buildings on the Doha skyline like the Aspire Tower, the city's tallest completed skyscraper and the largest in the world to feature woven wire cloth incorporating LEDs that light up the night. The views of the Persian Gulf from the shady footpaths and bike lanes that cover the 5 miles along the perimeter of the crescent-shaped Al-Corniche from the port to Sheraton park are not to be missed. Lonely Planet says the Al-Corniche is unquestionably the highlight of the capital.
Doha has many traditional souqs, or markets, in the older parts of town. The Souq Waqif stands out as the place to go in the evenings for a mix of traditional and modern. Located near the port, this renovated bazaar attracts visitors from all over the world who come to peruse the wares being hawked at the colorful souvenir shops and to breathe in the hodgepodge of smells of spices, food and perfumes. The local government encourages young Qataris to open businesses here to help promote local artisanal wares and traditional crafts. Other notable markets are the Omani, which features everything from Saudi dates to handwoven baskets, while on Fridays in the Najma area, the Second-hand Market is the Qatari version of a flea market.
Visitors looking for a more modern shopping experience or simply interested in watching the crowds of wealthy patrons at luxury shops like Bulgari or Rolex can head to Doha's shopping centers. The City Center-Doha mall is the largest in the Middle East with more than 350 stores, an ice skating rink, bowling alleys and international brands of every kind from Footlocker to QuickSilver. The Villagio shopping center comes complete with an indoor, Venetian-style canal that offers gondola rides that pass a host of luxury jewelry stores and high-fashion clothing outlets.
The most important of Doha's museums is the Museum of Islamic Arts. This impressive building is designed like a postmodern fortress with a large avenue lined with palm trees that leads to the main entrance from the Al-Corniche. In addition to housing the largest collection of Islamic arts in the world, the museum also includes a gallery, a library, exhibition halls and a restaurant. Visit the Weaponry Museum for a look at its collection of arms and armor, some of which date back to the 16th century. Exhibits include a collection of gold and silver swords including a traditional khanjar dagger which belonged to Lawrence of Arabia. The museum is open only for organized groups, so call ahead for entry. The Heritage House Museum was built as an ethnographic museum in 1935. From here you can see one of the best views of the badghir, or wind tower, the method for cooling Middle Eastern residences before air conditioning.
The Doha Fort, officially called Al Khoot, was built in the heart of the city during the Turkish occupation of the 1800s. Over the centuries it has been used as a prison and an ethnographic museum. Inside, visitors learn about local crafts such as rope making, boat building and weaving. Other exhibits feature the weapons used to protect Doha during the many battles fought over the years. The Qatar Philatelic and Numismatic Club is home to Qatar's national stamp collection. Enthusiasts are invited to enjoy this cafe-style building where the philatelic websites can be accessed while you enjoy the stamps on display. The Katara Cultural Village, 30 minutes north of the city center, hosts operas, dramas and concerts in a traditional outdoor amphitheater. Art galleries featuring local artists and restaurants with views of the Persian Gulf round out the cultural activities. The complex has its own mile-long stretch of beach with water sports facilities that offer everything from wakeboarding to banana boat rides.
Doha offers several attractions for family entertainment. Aladdin's Kingdom thrills patrons with a roller coaster, bumper cars and go-karts. Some days the park is open only to women or families so it is a good idea to call ahead. Rumeilah (Al-Bidda) Park, on the Al-Corniche, has a Ferris wheel, boats and a small train to entertain the kids. The Doha Zoo's more than 1,500 animals and garden setting make it "one of the better zoos the region has to offer," according to Lonely Planet. The large number of local birds and animals on display provide an excellent opportunity to appreciate the regional fauna without having to trek into the desert.
