Qatar Travel Itineraries: Qatar by Night

Enjoy the bright lights and unique sights of Qatar as dusk falls

Stroll around the parks and souqs, sip a cocktail as the sun sets over the spectacular skyline, dine on sumptuous fare from across the globe, escape to a beach club, indulge in a luxe cinema experience, sit back with a shisha, or take the plunge on a record-breaking rollercoaster… diverse Doha is perfect for night owls.

Overcome gravitational forces at Quest Doha
For an adrenaline-fuelled evening, Qatar’s first indoor theme park Quest Doha is home to no less than two Guinness World Record-breaking attractions. With Virtual Reality experiences, gravity-defying rides and a fantastical city that lets your imagination run wild, this may be the most fun you’ll ever have on a night out. The 32,000-square-metre destination is home to more than 30 rides. Those with kids in tow will love the mini Ferris wheel, the frog ride and the pirate ship, while bigger kids and fun-loving adults will get their kicks at the world’s tallest indoor roller coaster, the EpiQ Coaster, and the world’s tallest indoor drop tower, Magma Blast. Al Khaleej, Doha; 2pm to 10pm daily; +974 4410 3444; www.dohaquest.com

Doha Quest

Dial your cinema experience up a notch
In Arabia, a majlis is a meeting place with low comfy sofas and a welcoming ambience. There aren’t many places in the world where you can enjoy a VIP majlis cinema experience to watch the latest films from the comfort of your own sofa, with a four-course meal service courtesy of a private butler. Novo Cinemas at the Mall of Qatar guarantees an elevated “seven-star” moviegoing experience, complete with fully reclining, automated seats and a valet service. They also offer IMAX and 4-D viewing experiences with gourmet food available at the click of a button. Street 373, Mall of Qatar, Ar-Rayyan; screenings start from 1pm with the last screenings at 11.50pm; +974 40 31 5800; www.qa.novocinemas.com

Take a deep breath in Oxygen Park
Taking the elemental life force of oxygen as its inspiration, Oxygen Park – a man-made ‘green lung’ – is a revitalising place for an evening stroll, a moonlit run, or a relaxing picnic under a tree. Keeping exercise interesting, the running tracks are embedded in the topography to create looping tracks, cooled tunnel segments and precipitous hills. The park really comes to life at night when floating, illuminated balloons light up the sky. The waterfall alongside the jogging path is also a photogenic spot as the sun is setting. Education City, Doha; 6am to 10pm daily; www.educationcity.qa 

Oxygen Park

Explore a new world at Lusail City 
Destined to host the World Cup Final, Lusail Iconic Stadium (lead picture) is an eye-catching 86,000-seat landmark, the design of which was inspired by the traditional fanar lantern. The Arab bowls and vessels that embellish the structure reflect the heritage of Qatar. Along with the iconic stadium, the cutting-edge Lusail City is one of the world’s smartest cities with a high-speed fibre technology network and a sustainable environment. Aside from marvelling at the lit-up stadium, visitors can enjoy an evening wander under the palm trees on Marina Promenade, or pop into the Paris-inspired leisure, entertainment and luxury retail hub Place Vendôme, with its array of dining and shopping options. Lusail City, 20km north of central Doha; www.qatar2022.qa/en/tournament/stadiums/lusail-stadium

Hone your artistic eye at Souq Waqif
Follow your nose to the aromatic Arabic spices at Souq Waqif and select saffron, zaatar, sumac and exotic dried flowers, along with a variety of dates, honey, tea leaves and coffee beans. Once you’ve stocked up on dried goods, head to Souq Waqif Art, which offers colourful ways to personalise your home with hand-painted tiles, kaleidoscopic lanterns, high-quality woodwork and oil paintings. You’ll even be able to nurture the artist inside of you by participating in an art class or simply be inspired by the artists at work. Round off your evening by eating like a local. There are a range of street vendors and restaurants serving traditional delicacies, including machboos (seasoned rice with fish or meat), fahsa (slow-cooked meat stew in a clay pot) and satisfyingly sweet kunafas and baklavas. Between Al Asmakh street and Al Ahmed Street, near Doha Corniche; 8am to 12.30pm and 3pm to 10pm daily with select restaurants open 24 hours a day; www.souq-waqif-doha.com  

Souk Waqif

Tuck onto a unique Thai dining experience at Saffron 
Award-winning Saffron, the signature restaurant of the premium Banyan Tree Doha, offers an upscale Thai menu in a regal setting with stunning views of the city’s shimmering skyline. Start with crispy noodle-wrapped prawns or the delightfully titled ‘fried floppy seabass’, before enjoying mainstream mains such as cashew nut chicken or a more unusual – and vegan-friendly Massaman curry with pumpkin, sweet potatoes and chestnuts. The grilled duck breast with lychees and pineapple compote is also a triumph, while the crème brulée trio is a suitably decadent way to round off a memorable night out. Banyan Tree Doha, Al Khaleej Street; 3pm to 11pm daily; +974 4410 3310; www.banyantree.com/qatar/doha 

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‘Maki’ a meal of it at Morimoto
The first restaurant by Chef Morimoto to open in the Middle East, Morimoto Doha is inspired by ancient Japan. With a 16-seat sushi bar and two private interlinking dining rooms complementing the main dining area, Morimoto lends itself to every occasion, from intimate date nights to group dinners with friends or even discrete business meetings. The sushi is sensational, and the lobster risotto and miso black cod are not to be missed. Slick, sassy and sophisticated, both the food and the décor are worthy of the ‘gram. Mondrian Doha, West Bay Lagoon; 6pm to 11pm daily; +974 4045 5555; www.sbe.com/hotels/mondrian/doha

Embrace a new state of mind 
Artsy, lively and colourful, BOHO Social is a breath of fresh air with hip, bohemian décor and a menu that covers the full spectrum of comfort foods. With ornate tiles, umbrella-style lighting fixtures and potted plants everywhere, the unique setting has an instantly calming effect. Its menu journeys across the Americas, Asia and Southern Europe, with the Middle East as its home base. From pulled beef baos, to burrata flatbreads, empanadas and Indian-spiced tacos, the eclectic menu will tantalise a variety of tastes. The Red Velvet Oreo Crunch Cake is possibly the richest dessert you’ll ever sample. They also serve shisha, making it a convivial spot for a nightcap. Level 2, above Katara Club, off Shakespeare Street, Katara Cultural Village; 9am to 12am weekdays; 9am to 12.30am weekends; +974 77 65 5285; www.bohosocialqatar.com 

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Take in the city’s dazzling skyline
For a drink with a view, you can’t beat Aqua Lounge in West Bay. The rooftop bar is guaranteed to get you into the holiday spirit with air-conditioned cabanas, terrace tables and plush sofas overlooking sensational skyscraper views. With a tantalising mezze menu, sharing platters, ice-cold beverages and shisha, this is the perfect place to unwind and watch the world go by. Marriott Marquis City Centre Doha Hotel, West Bay; 5pm to 12am daily; +974 44 19 5510; www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/dohmq-marriott-marquis-city-center-doha-hotel 

Escape the city for seaside sundowners
One of the region’s newest hotspots, KAIA Beach Club, located at Hilton Salwa, offers soothing respite from the city. Nestled on a 3.5km private beach, KAIA exudes a laidback vibe with a sunset party atmosphere. Expertly mixed drinks and a stellar playlist will ensure you say farewell to the day in style as the sun slips away into the Arabian Gulf. Alternatively, you could make a day and a night of it: the venue can arrange free transportation for those heading there for a daycation. Hilton Salwa Beach Resort, Salwa Rd, Exit 84, Learaig, Qatar; 10am to 6pm, Monday to Wednesday and Saturday; 10am to 12am Thursday to Friday; +974 55 72 2235; www.kaiabeachclub.com