During the summer months when the desert sun blazes and the humidity hits the beaches and streets of Doha, most Qatari residents retreat inside to where air conditioning keeps the world at a brisk 20C.
The good news is that whether you’re just stopping over, in the city with kids, or a culture vulture, there is plenty to do in Doha indoors. From malls and museums to theme parks and even gondola rides, indoor options abound for those looking to beat the heat for a day or three. Here are some fun things to do indoors in Doha.
1. Explore the galleries at the Museum of Islamic Art
Doha’s remarkable Museum of Islamic Art is now over 15 years old but still awes visitors both for its architecture – it was designed by Japanese starchitect I.M Pei – and its exhibitions, which span 1,500 years of Islamic history. Since a restoration project in 2022, the MIA is now ranked among the region’s most sustainable museums. If you can brave the humidity, it is worth checking out the building’s incredible exterior reflected in the waters of the Arabian Gulf. Also visit the MIA cafe for great views and don’t miss the geometric ceiling in the atrium.
2. Step inside the National Museum of Qatar
Come to Doha for the MIA, but stay for the National Museum of Qatar, designed by Jean Nouvel and packed with exhibits that will entertain solo travellers and families alike. As well as traditional jewellery and tools, the museum charts Qatari history through its pearl diving past up to the present day, and has a natural history section that will keep children entertained. Check out the reconstruction of Al Zubarah, the pearl fishing town to the north of Doha, and a selection of artefacts that have been found at the site during ongoing archaeological work.
3. Shop and dine at Villaggio Mall
Think summer will be too hot for a gondola ride? Never fear. At Doha’s latest mall, Villagio, the canals are inside the building, allowing punters to channel their Venetian best life without stepping outside, with a domed glass ceiling designed to imitate a perfect blue Italian sky. Once you have your canal fix, either hit up luxury boutiques from Valentino to Louis Vuitton or grab what you need at high-street favourites like H&M. There is also a cinema complex and an indoor theme park – complete with an ice skating rink – that is great for entertaining overheated kids.
4. Take the kids to KidZania Doha
Located at Aspire Park, KidZania (which has franchises in Dubai and Abu Dhabi as well) is a miniature city where children aged 4 to 14 can roleplay jobs including pilot, doctor or chef. For carrying out these roles they receive ‘money’ which can be spent in the shops and attractions. It is a popular spot for birthday parties, and parents report it being secure enough to leave their kids for a few blissful hours to sit in the lounge and relax.
5. Visit the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum
Attached to Khalifa International Stadium, this museum charts the history of sport from ancient athletic artefacts to Olympic torches (it contains every torch from the Summer and Winter Olympic Games from 1936 onwards), as well as memorabilia from sports stars like Lionel Messi, across seven-galleries. The museum also has interactive displays including VR and AR that will keep older children interested and activities like cycling and sprint simulators. Try to time your visit alongside a tour of the nearby Khalifa Stadium.
6. Discover The Pearl’s indoor promenades and restaurants
The Pearl was specifically designed for the heat and the entire complex is connected with underground walkways for the summer months. In areas like Medina Centrale and Porto Arabia, you’ll find shaded arcades, boutique shops and indoor cafes, meaning that it is perfectly possible to spend an afternoon on the Arabian Riviera without even stepping outside.
7. Enjoy family fun at Doha Festival City’s indoor theme parks
Doha Festival City is home to at least three major theme parks, all of which are indoors and air conditioned, and one of which, Snow Dunes, takes beating the heat to extremes with actual snow, ski slopes and other winter fun. For rollercoasters and rides, head to Angry Birds World, with rides including a 42-metre slingshot and dozens more that channel the mid-noughties cult mobile game. There is also a vast Vox Cinema complex and even an IKEA if you want to get your Swedish meatballs fix.
8. Wander through Souq Waqif Art Center
Tucked away in the lively and atmospheric Souq Waqif is this small gallery and studio space with air-conditioned calm and rotating exhibitions of local and regional art. Artists often work on-site, and you can even sign up for painting or calligraphy workshops. An essential stop for travellers looking for something other than thrills and retail therapy on a hot afternoon.
9. Relax at an indoor spa or hammam
If you’re solo or travelling with friends, check out one of the many luxury spas and hammams located in the Qatari capital, most of which are linked to one of the five-star resorts. For a high-end option, the Anantara Spa at Banana Island gets rave reviews (and includes a boat ride from the mainland), as does ESPA at Mondrian Doha. Most of the city’s hotels also have indoor pools, so be sure to check when you book or alternatively look for day rates for non-guests.
10. Tour a Doha’s grand mosque with a guide
The vast State Grand Mosque – Imam Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab Mosque – was opened in 2011 and can welcome as many as 30,000 worshippers at the same time. Outside of prayer times, the mosque offers guided tours for non-Muslim visitors that dig into the Islamic architecture of the building and Muslim customs in general. Modest dress is required, and scarves are provided for women.
