How to navigate Doha’s cultural landscape: a guide for first-time visitors

A cultural melting pot of the rarest kind, Doha, the capital city of Qatar has a lot going for it. From flashy accommodation, historic forts, ancient marketplaces to leisure destinations that will have you clapping your hands in glee; Doha is a popular playground for the globetrotter of today. 

For the first-timer, the following guide will come in handy so that you give yourself the best possible chance to enjoy your time here.

Time your visit

To be seen moving about in sweltering heat can make for quite the uncomfortable experience which is why timing your visit to Doha can make a massive difference to the outcome. Though subjected to a desert climate, the city’s cool season which runs from December through February is your best bet with average temperatures known to hover between 14-25 degrees Celsius. Clear skies, minimal rainfall and tempered desert gusts make Doha a favourable place to holiday at during this time.

Doha follows a strict dress code

Doha Traditional Dress code | Image via Wikimedia Commons

Revealing too much skin in public can land you in trouble as even wearing swimsuits is a practice that ought to be reserved for private beaches and hotel pool areas alone. Tourists are expected to cover their shoulders and knees when out and about. Also, in terms of what is acceptable, long, loose fitting apparel must be your go to when in Doha. To be found in violation of such protocol will easily have you at the receiving end of frowns or worse, hefty fines imposed by the police and a risk of being evicted from a certain venue by security.

Have a bucket list packed with a mix of the old and new

Museum lovers will do well to step within the National Museum of Qatar whose architecture has drawn inspiration from a desert rose. Once inside, you will be escorted past an array of immersive exhibits that portray the history and culture of Qatar admirably well. Should you want a holiday backdrop like no other, then waste no time in beelining for the 52-floor Tornado Tower which represents the ingenuity of the contemporary builder and a classic example of the many skyscrapers that you will encounter in Doha. 

The century-old traditional marketplace of the Souq Waqif will vie for your attention on the back of there being plenty to do and see. Found near one of the best hotels in Doha which is Al Najada Doha Hotel by Tivoli, patrons of the souq will be afforded a glimpse into how life once was during when members of Bedouin tribes would arrive to engage in trade and commerce. 

Pause by pearl shops before focussing your gaze on stalls packed to the rafters with many a variety of Arabic incense or ‘bakhoor.’ Also, the Gold Souq ought to be visited where you may browse 50 jewellery shops in order to get your hands on some fancy gold jewellery. For an introduction into the vision of the country, do schedule some time for Msheireb Downtown whose streets are an amalgamation of the past and present. 

As you meander, vistas of traditional Qatari design will be your companion before giving way to the world’s largest concentration of LEED certified buildings that adorn this section of Doha.

Eat and drink well

While you will readily have access to celebrated cuisine of the world in the city, tucking into the distinct flavours of the Middle East ought to rank high on your priority list. Bringing the culinary influences of the Silk Road to Doha is Michelin star winning chef Akrame Benallal whose restaurant Shirvan Metisse found on the man-made island of the Pearl Doha is an absolute must. 

Take a trip through Syria when at Damasca One while you will be well placed to learn of Persia by arriving at Parisa Souq Waqif whose ambience will be too good to ignore. 

For some of the best beverages, head for Nomad Coffee which serves a selection of homemade juices and coffee blends that will excite your tastebuds with every slurp. On a concluding note, consider Evergreen Organics if you have a longing for health drinks with a Middle Eastern twist with sprouted cashew milk made with black pepper, cardamom, ginger and turmeric being a standout on the menu.