Doha is a dynamic capital city where modernity meets tradition and when it comes to outdoor activities, visitors will be spoiled for choice. For six months of the year the weather in Doha is (barring any sandstorms) warm and sunny, and areas of the city – particularly in the newer developments like Msheireb and Souq Waqif – are very walkable.
There are also beaches close to the city, both public and private, and other opportunities to get out on the water, such as a dhow cruise. Although the desert is not theoretically *in* Doha, it is very close by and myriad companies offer desert safaris that include the usual roster of camel riding, dune-bashing and tea and dinner under the stars.
1. Take a sunset walk or bike ride along the Doha Corniche
Do as the Doha-nese do and take to the seven-kilometre promenade in the evening for a walk or a cycle ride. If you head towards the Museum of Islamic Art, you can take in the gardens and admire I.M Pei’s building reflected in the waters of the Arabian Gulf. There are also kid-friendly playgrounds and patches of grass where you can enjoy a picnic at sunset.
Dhow owners also ply their trade here: make sure to shop around for the best price and deal, as some cruises include dinner on the water with the epic skyline of West Bay on the horizon. Unlike a corniche in other Arab cities, there are not a lot of restaurants on the corniche itself, but the streets just off it are good places to stop for an affordable Lebanese or Indian meal.
2. Wander the alleys of Souq Waqif
Souq Waqif may not be the traditional Bedouin market it once was, but this new version, restored two decades ago, has retained its layout of narrow alleys and tiny little shops selling everything from souvenirs and spices to gold. It is best enjoyed in the evening, when the temperature is at its coolest, and the little tea shops and eateries are doing a roaring trade. Be sure not to miss the attached art gallery for local and international exhibits.
3. Go dune bashing on a desert safari just outside the city
Sure, you need to leave Doha’s city limits, but most tours begin with city pickups by 4X4 before taking a short drive into the desert for camel rides, dune bashing and sand-boarding. Trips are best organised through your hotels and – again – shop around, as this is a crowded market.
It is perfectly possible to reach the Inland Sea (Khor Al Adaid) or the mangrove parks to the north and south of Doha in a day trip from the city, particularly if you have your own wheels. Al Zubarah is also reachable by car from Doha, although if you want to see a modern reconstruction of the historic town, you can simply head to the National Museum of Qatar.
4. Catch a performance at the open-air amphitheatre at Katara Cultural Village
Katara is, in itself, an excellent outdoor activity for Doha, with impressive mosques, shops, museums and a public beach, where you can kayak, parasail or just hang out. Note that there are separate areas for solo men, women and families, and even in the women-only areas of the beach, shoulders and knees should remain covered.
Also worth a visit is Katara Hills, one of Doha’s largest public parks, where you can stroll the paths alongside water features and catch panoramic views of the cultural village. Aspiring botanists will enjoy the range of plants and trees on display, marked with helpful name tags.
Katara’s 5,000-seater amphitheatre steals the show and, depending on the time you visit, you might be able to catch a musical performance with views over the Arabian Gulf.
5. Spend a day at Aspire Park and the Villaggio Canal
Aspire Park is Doha’s largest green space, and is perfect for jogging, picnics and family time. If you’re getting a little hot or need a bite to eat, why not head over to Villaggio Mall, Doha’s Venice-themed shopping centre for gondola rides (indoors) and plenty of dining options.
6. Ride the Doha Metro to Lusail Marina Promenade
Easily reached from central Doha, Lusail’s waterfront is the newest area of the city and offers modern walking paths, cafés, and futuristic architecture. It is best visited in the evening when the area comes alive with locals and soft lighting.
7. Recharge in Oxygen Park’s green oasis
If you have time, Education City is Doha’s student hub and is home to the impressive Qatar National Library, with all its sites – indoor and outdoor – linked by a convenient and cheap tram.
But for outdoor activities, check out Oxygen Park, which has futuristic landscaping and family areas, as well as the largest air-conditioned outdoor walkway in the world.
8. Enjoy modern architecture with a sustainable twist at Msheireb Downtown
Msheireb fuses traditional Qatari and Middle Eastern architecture with futuristic design and smart city tech, and is a great place to wander, dipping in and out of museums and eateries.
It is home to both the largest car park in the world (as attested to by the Guiness Book of Records, no less) and the largest open-air covered pedestrian square, Barahat Msheireb.
Msheireb is also where Doha’s three metro lines converge, making it an excellent – if busy – transport hub that is easily combined with visits to Souq Waqif and the Corniche.
9. Head to The Pearl for Arabian Riviera vibes
A manmade island that is a popular hang out for expats and tourists, the Pearl has Mediterranean-style marinas, designer boutiques and waterfront restaurants and cafes.
Divided into three key neighbourhoods, the canals and colourful buildings of the Venice-inspired Qanat Quartier or Porto Arabia, known for its marinas and street food, are great places to while away an afternoon. Medina Centrale has plazas and playgrounds for kids.
