Doha for first-time visitors

If historic forts, desert landscapes, and islands are your choice of spots for an ideal vacation, Doha should be your pick. It’s still a city in the making, yet it oozes style and confidence, which is a rare sight for a traveller to witness. Since 2004, Doha has undergone massive transformations, and have managed to become the powerhouse of the Middle East. Mostly, overlooked by travellers, this exotic destination is home to a wide range of attractions. Here are some must visit places in Doha that you should definitely explore if you are visiting it for the first time.

It is home to the world's largest collection of Islamic art, which makes this museum so rich in treasure that it’s intensely rewarding for short visits. Set in an extensive landscape of ornamental trees and lawns, the museum is shaped like a postmodern fortress that features minimal windows.

IM Pei, the architect of the Louvre pyramid in Paris, is the man behind designing the museum. The moment you enter through a grand, palm-tree-lined entrance, the extravagance of the building will take you by surprise. There are free 40-min guided tours (in English and Arabic) in case you are interested to know more about the collections.

Note: Both men and women should avoid strappy vests, tops, and shorts, as you might be refused admission.

This is one of the most vibrant complexes, and the area still remains the social heart of Doha. Earlier, Bedouin used to come here to trade their goats, sheep, and wool for essentials. Now, the entire market area has been redeveloped and looks the part of a 19th-century souq, which features some beautiful and authentic original Qatari buildings.

The Falcon Souq is the highlight here, but this is not the only traditional leisure pursuit that you can witness in this market. There are stables also that house Arabian horses that you should definitely check out when here. Some of the shops that you will find here are like museums that display artefacts, along with jewellery collected from around the Arab world. While many restaurants and cafes remain open all day, there are also many stalls that close around 1 PM and reopen at 4 PM.

It is touted as one of the world’s best libraries that features spaceship-like structure and boasts of a literary wonderland of around two million books. You can lay your hands on interesting things, such as Qurans, ancient maps, and literature dating back to the 15th century. As you enter the building, you will pass through a futuristic hatch, and when you reach inside, you will be amazed to witness how the bookshelves appear to almost float on the wall of the library. Then in the centre of the library, there is a labyrinth-like pit where all the ancient books are kept on a maze of carefully positioned shelves.

Banana Island Resort spreads across 13 ha island that features its own reef and marina. It is just 20 min drive away from the downtown Doha, and a 20 min luxury yacht ferry ride from the Corniche area. Further, this crescent-shaped Banana Island is one of the much-loved excursions in Qatar, covered in tropical plants and lush greenery. Restaurants ranging from traditional Middle Eastern and Italian to American, will keep you fuelled up for the many activities that this island has on offer.

It’s one of the most beautiful beaches of Qatar that spans across 15 km. If you love beaches, this is the best spot to be while in Doha. You can indulge in certain water activities too, such as wakeboarding and parasailing, whereas there are inflatable play structures available to keep the kids engaged.

Note: Women are not allowed to swim unless they are completely covered, whereas men aren’t allowed to wear speedos.