Top 5 Must Do's in Doha

Doha, the capital city of Qatar, offers a great deal of excellent activities. With a rich cultural heritage and the modern vestiges of a fortune made in oil and natural gas, there are many sights and sounds to be absorbed in the city.

1. Visit the Corniche

A lot of the city's life is centered around the Corniche, a walkway that follows the approximately 7 mile curve of the bay Doha is built around. Offering views of the waterfront and the city, the Corniche is a great place to spend your time. Visiting towards sunset will give you views of the city and its lights, while an early morning stroll will give you more privacy to enjoy the scenery. Sights to enjoy along the Corniche include the Pearl Monument, the Emiri Diwan, Doha's presidential palace and the statue of Orry the Oryx, which was the mascot of the 2006 Asian Games.

2. Visit the Museum of Islamic Art

Designed by I. M. Pei, the famed modernist architect, the Museum of Islamic Art offers a visual treat both inside and out. Located just across the bay from the Corniche, the Museum is worth the visit just to see the building itself. Inside, you will find a treasure trove of artifacts and history gathered from all across Qatar and the surrounding region.

3. Head to the Souqs

No vacation is complete without spending entirely too much money on things you may or may not need. To satisfy your shopping needs, and to soak up some of the original culture of Doha, head to the Souqs (Arabian for 'marketplace'). One of the biggest and most well known, the Souq Waqif, is famous for its spices. Another, the Gold Souq, is focused almost entirely on the sale of precious metals and jewelry.

4. Visit Heritage Village

The Heritage Village, located just off the Corniche, is a replica of a traditional Qatari village. Visit to get a picture of what life was like on the peninsula before oil wealth permeated the country. Attractions include an authentic pearl trader and a Dhow, or traditional Qatari boat, that is permanently under repair. During special occasions and festivals, the village becomes a hive of activities, featuring music and dancing, in addition to more displays and authentic Qatari recreations.

5. Visit the Zoo

Located about 20 km outside of the city, the Doha Zoo sprawls over 42 acres and showcases more than 1500 animals. One of the key attractions is the Oryx, an endangered species which is the national animal of Qatar. The zoo also features a mini-amusement park, perfect for children, or just to satisfy the kid in each one of us.