Spending quality time with a loved one doesn’t need to be done only during an anniversary, a first date, or any other symbolic occasion. Wanting to bond and cultivate your relationship is more than enough reason for you to do so.
That said, romantic getaways don’t need to happen on a special day. Even weekends can become extraordinary when spent in Qatar.
But when you’re not sure what to include in your weekend activities in Doha, it may be time to get some ideas from travelers all over the world. Start with the six most romantic destinations listed below and let the ideas overflow.
1. Al Koot Fort
Unlike Paris, Doha is not an established “couple’s destination,” which means you won’t find many places that specifically cater to romantic getaways. Even so, you can still have a fantastic time with your special someone in the city.
Many spots in Doha have an air of romance and make excellent backgrounds for romantic photographs. One of them is Al Koot Fort.
Also called the “Doha Fort,” Al Koot was built in 1927 as a police station and incarceration center. But what served as a jail in the 19th century could also be an excellent background for the most romantic pre-nuptial photos. You see, Al Koot is a white fort that has become a favorite background for gorgeous wedding photographs.
Its proximity to other Doha attractions like Souq Waqif could also be a major contributing factor to its popularity.
2. Katara Cultural Village
Very few can match the fame and beauty of Doha’s Katara Cultural Village when it comes to cultural attractions. Known for being a favorite spot for passing time during flight layovers, this village in Doha has something to offer to everyone – including couples.
Katara Cultural Village is said to give off a different vibe during the evenings. As the sun sets, travelers who come in pairs could very well be strolling through an outdoor museum of Qatari culture, where art galleries lit up in colors of the rainbow are sprinkled along the way.
The best part? It also has a spot for a dreamy dinner date underneath the stars.
Vesuvio, a French-Italian restaurant, offers a combination of delicious food and gorgeous views overlooking the Arabian Sea and is the perfect place for the ultimate romantic dinner date on your Doha getaway.
3. Inland Sea
If dining and strolling are too relaxing for you and your beau, you might want to consider a more adventurous spot in Doha for an equally interesting couple’s trip. The Inland Sea, also known as Khor Al Adaid, is definitely the spot you’re looking for.
A water inlet nestled along the southernmost part of Qatar, the Inland Sea is deemed one of the nation’s greatest natural treasures.
Its azure waters, sand dunes, and one-of-a-kind beach experience offer couples a chance to get to know each other better while experiencing wonderful and thrilling scenery.
If you choose to bring your partner here, you’ll need to be ready to travel via four-wheel drive to reach the place. Some local travel agencies can help you arrange this and sometimes include tours organized for groups.
4. Doha Festival City
Doha Festival City is another excellent spot to include in your weekend in Qatar. Besides shopping in one of the best malls in the city, you can also tickle your tastebuds with international cuisine from the best restaurants in Doha.
To make your day more enjoyable, consider the following date activities your significant other will surely love:
- Watching awesome movies at Vox Cinemas.
- Cooling off at the Snow Dunes.
- Enjoying some fitness fun at the Outdoor Leisure Trail.
Vox Cinemas
Offering a wide range of Hollywood, Arabic, and Bollywood box office hits, Vox Cinemas has dedicated 18 screens only for Doha Festival City. Here, you can witness the magic of the movies in four different experiences:
- Theatre
- 4DX
- Max
- Kids
Snow Dunes
The Snow Dunes is an indoor snow park with a theme of a fantastical Arabian city inspired by Qatari culture.
Some of its exciting attractions include:
- Dune Dash (the longest slide).
- Snow Storm (a duo racer ride).
- White Dunes (dune bashing through snowy hills).
- Snowy Mount (a mountain expedition).
- Snow Slide (a snow-covered slide).
- Snow Motion (an icy merry-go-round).
Outdoor Leisure Trail
The Outdoor Leisure Trail is an amenity offered for free to all Doha Festival City visitors. Here, you can choose from several trails and routes, each offering different gradients and obstacles for bikers with varying levels of expertise.
Its running track also comes with exercise stations that allow both serious and casual runners to enjoy the green space and fresh air while getting some physical activity.
The Outdoor Leisure Trail is a perfect choice for active couples. Those looking for a spot for more challenging cycling will surely enjoy the 13 different Technical Trail Features there.
5. Dhow Cruise
If you’re strolling along the Doha Corniche anyway, why not toss in a cruise experience on your weekend getaway in Qatar?
Although the Doha Corniche is famous for watching the sunset-painted sky, it is also a place to enjoy a rare cruise experience underneath the stars.
Come evening, you and your special someone can come aboard the dhow where you can bask in the beauty of the Qatari evening sky while enjoying some of the most mouthwatering delicacies of the Arabic region. The best part? Not only is your food cooked onboard, but you can also get your very own private waiter for your romantic dhow cruise date.
6. Souq Waqif
Another famous and amazing Qatari attraction you’ll find in Doha is the Souq Waqif. Although it is well-known for shopping and market-based trading, it has a different charm that brings about images of the old world. This ancient trading site has numerous local shops and traditional buildings that offer a unique shopping experience and a glimpse of Qatari culture.
Plus, couples visiting Souq Waqif have another thing to look forward to: an enjoyable nightlife.
Visitors who come to the marketplace can stroll, shop, and even relish the flavors of traditional Qatari cuisine. Some restaurants also have outdoor seating where you and your loved one can bask in the beautiful waters surrounding the city.
Love is in the Air
Doha is more than just a city – it can also be the perfect destination for a romantic getaway. Choose the most-suited destination for you and your partner from this list and plan the most memorable vacation of your life.