How many stops are on the History walking tour in Doha?

The History route in Doha includes 7 curated stops.

How long does the History tour in Doha take?

The History walking tour in Doha takes approximately 3.5 hours at a leisurely pace.

Is the History walking tour in Doha free?

Yes, Promenario's History tour in Doha is free to download and use, with full offline support.

🇶🇦 Doha, Qatar

History in Doha

Historic districts, heritage sites, and origin stories. Explore 7 curated stops in Doha, including Souq Waqif, Museum of Islamic Art, and National Museum of Qatar. Highlights include Souq Waqif, rated 4.7/5 by 6,500 visitors.

7 stops ~3h 30m Available in app

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Map

7 places in this collection

History places

7 places in this collection

By Alfonso Cartes, CC BY 4.0

Souq Waqif

Souq Waqif is the renovated Arabic market quarter, where one can easily wander around the maze-like corridors for hours. The souq is organized more or less by what is sold. There is a section of spice shops, another of textiles, and even a quarter with falcons for sale. Stables with Arabian horses are not far from the falcons, and camels are kept near Al Koot Fort and the parking lot. Also look for places to buy souvenirs, sit down to smoke a Sheesha, or enjoy food at one of the restaurants bordering it. Traditionally-dressed Qatari police occasionally patrol the souq area, in the morning mounted on camels and in the evening on horseback. The souq was completely rebuilt on the site of an older souq, and therefore can feel somewhat artificial; however it is a very popular place for locals, particularly on weekends. The souq was founded at least a century ago in proximity of the dry river bed known as Wadi Musheireb. It was a gathering place where Bedouins and locals would trade a variety of goods, primarily livestock goods. However with the boom in prosperity in the 1990s, the Souq fell into decline and in 2003, most of it was destroyed in a fire. This event initiated a restoration program by the government in 2006, with the purpose of preserving its architectural and historical identity. The first phase of restoration was funded by the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifah al Thani and his wife Sheikha Moza bint Nasser. Buildings constructed after the 1950s were demolished whereas older structures were refurbished. The restoration was completed in 2008. Traditional heating methods are employed by utilizing wood and bamboo imported from various areas of Asia. It is located in the district of Al Souq which is situated in the center of Doha. As it was a market used for trading activities, the area used to be located immediately adjoining the shore to allow for boats to access it. Although still facing the water, the direct link to the water front for boats is now divided by a major road and the recently completed park.

By Alfonso Cartes, CC BY 4.0

Museum of Islamic Art

is a museum on one end of the seven-kilometer-long (4.3 mi) Corniche in Doha. As per the architect I. M. Pei's specifications, the museum is built on an island off an artificial projecting peninsula near the traditional dhow harbor. The museum is influenced by ancient Islamic architecture yet has a uniquely modern design involving geometric patterns. It is the first of its kind to feature over 14 centuries of Islamic art in the Arab States of the Persian Gulf. The Museum of Islamic Art represents Islamic art from three continents over 1,400 years. Its collection includes metal work, ceramics, jewelry, wood work, textiles, and glass obtained from three continents and dating from the 7th to the 20th century. The museum houses a collection of work gathered since the late 1980s including manuscripts, textiles and ceramics. It is one of the world's most complete collections of Islamic artifacts, with items originating in Spain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, India, and Central Asia.

By Alfonso Cartes, CC BY 4.0

National Museum of Qatar

The National Museum of Qatar is a national museum in Doha, Qatar. The current building opened to the public on 28 March 2019, replacing the previous building which opened in 1975. The building was designed by architect Jean Nouvel who was inspired by the desert rose crystal, which can be found in Qatar. The museum site includes Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani's Palace, which is the heart of the Qatari national identity. A tour of the museum takes visitors through a loop of galleries that address three major, interrelated themes. The galleries are loosely arranged in chronological order, beginning with exhibitions on the natural history of the desert and the Persian Gulf, artefacts from Bedouin culture, historical exhibitions on the tribal wars, the establishment of the Qatari state, and finally the discovery of oil to the present.

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By Haakon S. Krohn - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0

Al Corniche

he Doha Corniche is a waterfront promenade extending for seven kilometers along Doha Bay. Annual celebrations of national holidays such as Qatar National Day and National Sports Day are centered on the Doha Corniche. It is a popular tourist and leisure attraction within Qatar. The Corniche used to be an empty stretch of walkway in which the only visible edifice was a Sheraton Hotel, but development has increased in the 21st century with dozens of skyscrapers being built towards the north of the Corniche. The area's development is part of the economic boom the country has been experiencing and part of an effort to promote tourism, which was facilitated by the 2006 Asian Games. Many of Doha's most iconic landmarks are found along the Corniche, beginning from around the Museum of Islamic Art and ending at the Sheraton Park near the distinctive pyramid-shaped Sheraton Doha Resort & Convention Hotel.

By Hufton+Crow - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

Msheireb Museums

Msheireb Museums is a project by Msheireb Properties which celebrates the histories of four historic heritage houses in the heart of Msheireb Downtown Doha. Msheireb Museums are an integral part of the inner city's regeneration of the old commercial centre, with its traditional community-based lifestyle. The restoration of the four heritage houses—Bin Jelmood House, Company House, Mohammed Bin Jassim House and Radwani House—into world-class museums is a vital part of the Msheireb Downtown Doha development.

By Richard Stephen Haynes - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Pearl Monument

The Pearl Monument, formerly the Oyster Fountain. representing the historical pearl trade and pearl diving of the Doha Bay. Pearl diving was a seasonal activity and profession that took place between June and September each year. Divers and crews would set out on a two-month-long journey as well as a 40-day journey in the hopes of returning with a plentiful bounty. But as Japan began cultivating pearl beds and creating oyster farms in the mid-1920s, pearl prices decreased. Coupled with the discovery of oil, Qatar’s priorities underwent a massive shift, and, as they say, the rest is history.

By Hufton and Crow - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

Msheireb Downtown

The world’s first sustainable downtown regeneration project, Msheireb Downtown revives Doha’s old commercial district with a new architectural language. Comprising over 100 buildings with commercial and residential properties as well as retail and cultural offerings, the stunning Barahat or courtyard lies at the heart of Msheireb Downtown. It includes niche retail and a variety of al fresco dining options. The Msheireb Museums are a project by Msheireb Properties and celebrate the history of Qatar through four heritage houses in the heart of Msheireb Downtown Doha. The area includes entertainment venues, Qatar Academy Msheireb and four hotels, Mandarin Oriental Doha, Al Wadi Hotel MGallery, Park Hyatt Hotel and a Boutique. While modern, the architecture of Msheireb is inspired by Qatar’s heritage - its proportion, simplicity, space, light, layering, and response to the country’s climate. The entire project aims to reverse the pattern of energy-hungry development in Doha. MDD will also house the Doha Design District, a cultural hub for regional and international talent.

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