Places to Relax in Qatar
The air of Qatar is imbued with a calm sense of peace. That is why it is easy to have a relaxing time at any spot within it. The first image that crops up for relaxing in Qatar is that of its parks. There are many beautiful parks adorning Qatar landscape, the foremost being the Museum of Islamic Art Park and Aspire park in Doha.
The MIA Park is always full of wonders and holds an inviting atmosphere for everyone who wants to relax there. From one corner to another, we can see families gathered happily on their picnic mats and children playing in open fields in front of them. The park accommodates playing areas for children, sprawling green well-manicured lawns, a café, a beautiful walkway and a spectacular view of Doha skyline. This cityscape constitutes of high rise futuristic buildings set against the sky and water, all meeting together in a perfect picturesque image. If this isn’t the very definition of relaxing, what is? I have always had the best relaxing time just by being in this park.
Want a change of mood, but still relax some more? Head on over to the Museum of Islamic Art; this time inside the museum. The architecture itself is a marvel to gaze at. You can spend countless hours just strolling inside the museum. Take your sweet time to go through each historic artifact and relic and savor its history. Sit inside the stylish museum café, order a freshly brewed tea and simply enjoy the same view of Doha skyline. This is the cooler alternative for sitting outside in the park in summers. You get the historical information, cityscape view and relaxation at the same time.
Drive a little further on the Corniche on which MIA is located, and opposite the other end of this horseshoe boulevard lies the cityscape itself. The Corniche runs along the water inlet of West Bay at one side and the said buildings on the other. This is another great place to relax outdoors. There is a jogging track as well as lawns running the entire length of the Corniche, with coffee shops, restaurants, and exercise equipment found conveniently at regular intervals along the way. If you’re feeling more adventurous, take a tour on the vibrantly colorful dhows docking playfully at several piers.
For shopping lovers, the best relaxation is of course, retail therapy. There are malls aplenty for retail relaxation all over Qatar. A day at the mall spent in desired outlets, topped off with lunch or dinner or even breakfast at any one of the plethora of the best eateries is a day well spent and worth the satisfaction.
Katara is the place to go to for spending a tranquil time. It is the hub of creative and artistic activities, as well as water sports, which are always a treat to attend. Even if you do not fancy going through art and photography exhibitions or boating and sporting activities, strolling along Katara beach is a relaxing treat. In the warmer season Katara’s restaurants provide a great opportunity to unwind with the best food and view of the ocean and part of Doha cityscape. Food lovers will love unwinding with their favorite dishes as an added part of this charming package.
The love of tradition brings me to the place most coveted for it in Doha; Souq Waqif. This amazing blend of traditional plus modern marketplace has an unmatched charm in all of Qatar. Not only is it ideal to spend a relaxing evening at, whether it is spent in any café or one of the various restaurants, it is a gateway to exploring Qatar’s rich culture and tradition firsthand.
Photo credits: Santiago Sanz Romero
maybe you go with a girl . I have been stopped a no. of times. it is not just be, a no. of people have faced the same situation.
Mufti:I have never seen security guards stopping anybody from entering Souq Waqif or MIA park, maybe this was an one of case.
Mohtada- There is a BIG gate at MIA. Perhaps you have never been there. And Souk has multiple entries which are manned by security guards. Get your facts right.
Brit: Lol can't stop laughing imagining rizks on rollerblades in a lungi... Must be so liberating a feeling...
Mufti: There's no gates at the park or souq waqif... No need to exaggerate your point...
its dusty as smitherenes outside! article wasn't timed right!
Actually that was 20 years ago.
"The air of Qatar is imbued with a calm sense of peace"
that was before 5 years ... I miss those days.. nothing remain the same..
"with coffee shops, restaurants, and exercise equipment found conveniently at regular intervals along the way"
I think there is a Costa Cafe & A Sheesha shop available for my understanding along the Corniche. Please correct me if i am wrong. There should be more public rest room facilities along the way.
Apart from this, I think the author make justification on other points.
Btw: Thank you for the post. Kindly write some thing about RAMADAN and if possible, highlight no to waste food. (It's a kind request only). Your article is good.
i agreed with the post.
Well done Abeer
Misleading post. Last time I tried to get inside MIA park, Souq Waqif and Katara- I was stopped at the gate and not allowed to go in.
Ah yes...
We had joy, we had fun
We had seasons in the sun
But the stars we could reach
Were just starfish on the beach
the flowers were seasonal, they vanished as Summer approached ! :(
Oh, where have all the flowers gone?
My Cuban Shotputter and I , along with Rizks on his roller blades would aften walk along the corniche gazing out onto the moonlit sea. Once in a while we would all sit on a bench and watch the children uprooting flowers from the nearby beds...
We would then leisurely walk to the old MIA and have a Karak from one of the kiosks..
Good relaxing times .....
Try to relax on the Doha Expressway. You will be surprised. - "That is why it is easy to have a relaxing time at any spot within it."