Years of Culture
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2025/04/24
Doha is continually evolving, with new cultural destinations, festivals, and community spaces opening every year. Whether you're discovering hidden gems for the first time or revisiting your favourite haunts, there is always something new to experience. Thanks to its rich cultural calendar, there's never a dull moment — with exhibitions, performances, sporting showcases, and workshops taking place throughout the city all year round.
This guide highlights some of the top things to do in Doha, from iconic landmarks and immersive cultural experiences to family-friendly outings. Many of these destinations have been at the heart of Years of Culture celebrations over the years, so be sure to check out what’s happening as part of this year’s programme.
Perched on its own island along the Corniche, the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) showcases centuries of Islamic heritage through stunning calligraphy, textiles, and ceramics, spanning 1400 years and three continents. Designed by architect I.M. Pei, the museum is an architectural masterpiece. The museum also presents internationally acclaimed exhibitions featuring works by renowned artists, making each visit a fresh and enriching experience.
With its elegant waterfront promenade, MIA Park is perfect for an afternoon stroll, offering shaded walking paths, public art installations, and cafés with stunning views of the Doha skyline. MIA Café is also a great place to unwind, and recently won the Outstanding Service Award at the Qatar Tourism Awards.
A testament to Qatar’s rich heritage and vision for the future, and one of the premier places to visit in Doha, the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) tells the story of the nation through immersive exhibits. The stunning Jean Nouvel-designed building was inspired by the intricate forms of the desert rose crystal.
Inside, the galleries are arranged chronologically to explore Qatar’s geological beginnings, Bedouin traditions, and modern-day development. Interactive displays, oral histories, and rare artefacts bring Qatar’s story vividly to life. This is one of the top Doha tourist attractions for families and anyone curious about Qatar’s past, present, and future.
A model for sustainable urban development, Msheireb Downtown Doha seamlessly blends traditional Qatari architectural heritage with modern design. This pedestrian-friendly district is home to the Msheireb Museums, a group of four historic heritage houses that tell stories of Qatar’s social history.
Visitors can also enjoy luxury shopping, excellent dining options, and beautifully designed public spaces. With its smart city infrastructure, shaded walkways, and cultural venues, Msheireb is one of the most exciting and accessible places to explore in Doha today.
One of Doha’s most atmospheric spots, Souq Waqif is a must-see for both locals and visitors. This traditional marketplace is a perfect blend of the old and new, with a vibrant maze of alleyways selling everything from spices and perfumes to traditional garments and art.
It's also the ideal place to sample authentic Qatari cuisine — stop for a bite at one of the many restaurants offering local dishes like Machboos. Throughout the year, the souq becomes a stage for seasonal exhibitions, shows, parades, and special events that reflect Qatar's living heritage.
Don’t miss the Falcon Souq, where you can learn about the ancient art of falconry in Qatar, and see these majestic birds up close.
Katara Cultural Village is the epicentre of art, culture, and performance in Doha. Set along the waterfront, Katara features a beautiful amphitheatre, art galleries, theatres, and performance venues, alongside beaches, green spaces, and diverse restaurants.
It regularly hosts international festivals, concerts, and exhibitions — many of which are part of the Years of Culture programme. Visitors can stroll the pedestrian-friendly promenades, visit the planetarium, or enjoy public art installations scattered throughout the area. Whether you're attending an open-air film screening, browsing artisan stalls at a pop-up event, or catching a show, Katara offers something new with every visit.
Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art offers the largest collection of modern Arab art in the region, making it a cornerstone of Doha’s contemporary art scene.
Located in Education City, the museum presents a comprehensive narrative of Arab modernism from the 1840s to the present. Exhibitions range from retrospectives of pioneering artists to experimental installations, all with a focus on Arab identity, innovation, and cross-cultural dialogue. Mathaf also regularly holds talks, educational workshops, and public programmes.
For one of the most scenic walks in the city, head to the Doha Corniche. This picturesque 7km promenade curves around the bay and offers unbeatable views of West Bay’s futuristic skyline and traditional dhow boats. Perfect for jogging, walking, or cycling, it’s especially magical at sunset. It’s also the best place to enjoy the annual Qatar National Day firework display held each year on 18th December.
Ideal for sports fans of any age, the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum is one of the most innovative museums of its kind in the world and one of the most fun things to do in Doha.
It chronicles the evolution of sports from ancient civilisations to the modern Olympics, showcasing Qatar’s own sporting achievements. Highlights include original Olympic torches, memorabilia from global sporting icons, and high-tech, interactive installations that make fitness fun for all ages.
Visitors can test their own athletic abilities in the interactive zones and learn how sport connects cultures and inspires unity. The museum also encourages healthy lifestyles with themed exhibitions and wellness initiatives.
The Pearl-Qatar is a man-made island known for its Mediterranean-style marinas, luxury boutiques, and European-style waterfront dining. The island’s Qanat Quartier is especially picturesque, inspired by Venice with its pastel buildings, quaint bridges, and canal-side cafés.
Popular with residents and visitors alike, The Pearl is ideal for a relaxed day out, a romantic evening walk, or a special meal with friends. It’s also a great destination for family outings, with playgrounds and pedestrian-friendly zones throughout the island.
More than just a library, the Qatar National Library is a community hub and a Doha must-see. As well as borrowing from their collection of over 1 million books (including over 100,000 books for children and teens), visitors can attend storytelling events, writing workshops and lectures tailored for every interest.
Explore rare manuscripts, interactive exhibitions, and cutting-edge technology in a strikingly modern space designed by world-famous Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas. QNL is a great spot for quiet reflection or a deep dive into the region's literary heritage.
Doha is a major hub for contemporary art. Qatar Museums Gallery – Al Riwaq, located near the Museum of Islamic Art, is a prominent temporary exhibition space that has hosted monumental shows by world-renowned artists like Damien Hirst, Jeff Koons, and Takashi Murakami.
Equally significant in Doha’s creative ecosystem is the Fire Station, a contemporary arts centre housed in a converted 1980s fire station. It serves as a vibrant hub for both emerging and established artists, offering artist-in-residence programmes, world-class gallery spaces, and dynamic public programming. Visitors can explore exhibitions, attend workshops, browse the on-site art supply shop, or relax at the café — all while immersing themselves in Qatar’s thriving contemporary art scene.
Located in Lusail, Place Vendôme Mall combines luxury shopping, entertainment, and leisure in a lavish setting inspired by Parisian architecture. The mall features high-end brands, and outstanding restaurants. The beautiful canal with a nightly dancing fountain show is fast becoming one of Doha’s top tourist attractions. It’s a perfect destination for families, couples, or solo visitors and has everything you need under one roof for a fun afternoon or evening out in Doha.
One of the most unique experiences in Doha is a day trip to the Inland Sea (Khor Al Adaid), a stunning natural wonder located just a 1.5-hour drive from the city. This UNESCO-recognised natural reserve is a serene coastal lagoon surrounded by towering sand dunes, offering a beautiful contrast to the cityscape. Explore the area by 4x4, riding through the dunes, or simply take in the surreal beauty of the sand-meets-sea landscape.
Families in Doha will love Dadu Gardens, a thoughtfully designed outdoor space that combines play, learning, and nature. Kids can engage in hands-on exhibits, sensory play, gardening, and more.
Located in Al Bidda park, near NMoQ and within walking distance of Souq Waif, it’s part of a growing family-friendly network of cultural destinations opened by Qatar Museums. Dadu Gardens will eventually serve as a living classroom for the Dadu Children’s Museum, which is set to open in the coming years.
It provides safe and educational experiences that help children connect with the world around them. A must-visit in Doha for those with young children.
Whether you're new to Doha or have called it home for years, there's always more to see, do, and experience across the city. From world-class museums and cultural landmarks to outdoor adventures, Doha offers something for every interest and lifestyle.
With a packed calendar of exhibitions, performances, and community events, there's no shortage of things to keep discovering. The city’s evolving landscape ensures there’s always something worth revisiting, or seeing for the very first time.
See more upcoming events in Qatar as part of the Qatar, Argentina and Chile 2025 Year of Culture.
