A seven-kilometer long waterfront promenade around Doha Bay, the Corniche offers spectacular vistas of the city, from the dramatic high rise towers of the central business district to the bold shapes of the Museum of Islamic Art. Traditional wooden dhows lining the Bay evoke echoes of Qatar’s great seafaring past. The Corniche also provides a green, vehicle-free pedestrian space in the heart of the capital. The Corniche is also a popular destination for joggers and fitness enthusiasts.

A stroll down the bustling alleys of Souq Waqif provides an authentic taste of traditional commerce, architecture and culture. The maze of small shops offer a dazzling array of Middle Eastern merchandise from spices and seasonal delicacies to perfumes, jewellery, clothing, handicrafts and a treasure trove of souvenir bargains. Traditional music, art and cultural shows add to the ambience of this special place. Relax and soak up the energy and atmosphere at one of its eclectic mix of great restaurants and cafes. www.souq-waqif-doha.com

The new National Museum of Qatar brings the unique story of Qatar and its people to life, covering the earliest times to the present day and offering a vision of the future. Visitors embark on an eye-opening journey through three “chapters” — Beginnings, Life in Qatar, and The Modern History of Qatar — each presented through compelling story-telling and fully immersive environments that engage all the senses. nmoq.org.qa

Experience 15 centuries of Islamic art in a single day. The MIA’s magnificent and imaginatively presented displays of the finest art and artefacts from across the Islamic world have earned it recognition among the world’s top cultural institutions. No visitor can fail to be impressed by the quality and diversity the collections, housed in a modern architectural masterpiece designed by the award winning architect IM Pei. The museum ensures fresh interest through its constantly changing programme of special exhibitions. A fee may be charged for these temporary shows, but admission to the permanent galleries is free. www.mia.org.qa/en

An innovative interpretation of the region’s architectural heritage, this purpose-built development’s impressive theatres, galleries and performance venues stage a lively year-round programme of concerts, shows and exhibitions. Among Katara’s recreational attractions are a wide choice of dining options, including top class restaurants offering a variety of cuisines, and a spacious, well-maintained public beach with water sports. www.katara.net/en

The Pearl-Qatar is a man-made island off the West Bay coast featuring Mediterranean-style yacht-lined marinas, residential towers, villas and hotels, as well as luxury shopping at top brand name boutiques and showrooms. A popular dining spot, its waterfront promenades are lined with cafes and restaurants serving every taste – from a refreshing ice cream to a five-star dining experience. The Pearl is a popular visitor attraction by virtue of its chic elegance, inviting description as the ‘Arabian Riviera’. www.thepearlqatar.com/EN/Pages/default.aspx

One of Qatar’s leading shopping destinations is home to 500 of the best international and local retail stores covering every shopping need. Doha Festival City also features two food courts and an array of fine dining options to suit both casual and formal needs. The mall is also home to indoor and outdoor attractions unique to Qatar – from the country’s first VOX Cinema, Angry Birds World, and recently-opened Virtuocity; all of which were created exclusively for Qatar. www.dohafestivalcity.com/home/aboutus

Mall of Qatar has introduced a brand new shopping concept that is capturing the imagination of the entire nation with 500,000 sq. m of innovative shopping, top-notch recreation and remarkable leisure options. www.mallofqatar.com.qa/english/home

Located on Qatar’s north-west coast and comprising the immaculately restored Al Zubarah Fort and surrounding 60-hectare archaeological works, this UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most extensive and best preserved examples of an 18th–19th century settlement in the region. It covers the remains of a walled coastal town that once ranked as one of the Gulf’s most important pearl diving and trading centers, with links extending to the Indian Ocean. The fort houses a visitor’s center. www.qm.org.qa/en/project/al-zubarah

Some 60 km from Doha in the south-eastern corner of the country lies one of Qatar’s most impressive natural wonders, the ‘Inland Sea’ or Khor Al Adaid. A UNESCO recognized natural reserve with its own ecosystem, this is one of the few places in the world where the sea encroaches deep into the heart of the desert. Inaccessible by road, this tranquil expanse of water can only be reached by a 4x4WD vehicle across the rolling dunes. www.visitqatar.qa/discover/tourist-hotspots/khor-al-adaid.html