Things to do

If you're looking for some things to do in Doha, you won't have to look far. The capital city of Qatar has expanded rapidly in recent years, and with it has come a wealth of great sights and activities. From resorts to spas, markets to museums, Doha has plenty to offer its visitors.

Six Senses Spa

The Six Senses Spa at the Sharq Village & Spa in Doha is a perfect way to relax after a long day. The spa imitates a Middle Eastern village that has grown organically, and it's made up of winding village streets rather than corridors. With 23 treatment rooms, the spa offers facial and body therapies, massages, yoga instructors, bath and flotation therapy, and a host of other services.

The Corniche

The Corniche is a 7 mile long seaside promenade that offers spectacular views of the bay and the city. The best time to walk along the Corniche is sunset, although if you prefer it to be less crowded, try in the morning. Many of Doha's sights can be found along the Corniche, including a number of parks and statues, and the Heritage Village, which showcases traditional Qatari life.

Doha Zoo

The Doha Zoo, located 20 km from the city, is spread out over 42 acres and holds more that 1500 animals. The main attraction of the Doha Zoo is the Oryx, the national animal of Qatar and an endangered species. The Zoo also contains a mini-amusement park.

Souq Waqif

The Souq Waqif is a great place to shop and to soak up the atmosphere of Qatar. Souq is an Arabic word for shopping center or street market. The Souq Waqif is a renovated Arab market famous for its spices, but you can also find a wide variety of other shops, selling textiles, antiques and souvenirs. Look for a section of the market where you can buy falcons. The Souq Waqif also contains a number of excellent places to eat, making it a full day's excursion. On the outskirts of the Souq Waqif, look for the Al Koot Fort, one of the few remaining military forts in Doha. If you're interested in precious metals and jewelry, try the Gold Souq for some great deals.

Museum of Islamic Art

The Museum of Islamic Art is a remarkable building designed by the Architect I. M. Pei. Worth the trip just to see the building itself, it also contains a treasure trove of Islamic artifacts and culture. The museum showcases manuscripts, ceramics, textiles and other works that have been assembled over the last 20 years. The artifacts are from all over the region and are well worth a visit.