About this English self-guided 54m driving tour in Doha
Welcome to Doha, Qatar! The vibrant and rapidly evolving capital city on the Persian Gulf's eastern coast. A modern city known for its futuristic skyline featuring towering skyscrapers and cutting-edge architecture, it's also a place filled with a deep history and a beautiful heritage. Today, we will make our way to different museums, large monuments and art pieces, religious sites, and of course ending at Qatar's famous Pearl Island. Doha's blend of modernity and tradition, coupled with its commitment to its culture and progress, it is an exciting and multifaceted destination. So, let's get driving, this is a tour you do not want to miss!
Starting off strong! On our left is the National Museum of Qatar. Beautifully encapsulating Qatar’s rich heritage while still embracing modern architecture. The amazing structure is hard to miss, resembling a desert rose which can be found in Qatar’s arid desert regions. The rose building has been constructed around Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani’s original palace that has now been restored. Just as impressive as these two pieces to the museum are, there’s even a large auditorium, two full restaurants, and a cafe.
The museum showcases Qatar’s history, culture, and heritage through a series of immersive exhibits, interactive displays, artifacts, artworks, multimedia installations, and archival materials. It covers various themes such as natural history, archaeology, historical artifacts, Bedouin life, and the overall development of Qatar as a nation. The museum is broken up into four galleries, the first three being described as chapters. The first chapter covers the formation of Qatar, the second is about the people of Qatar, the third chapter presents Qatar’s evolving foreign engagement, and the final gallery looks into the work Qatar is doing in present time. The layout of the space and its pieces are perfectly created, you will leave feeling fulfilled, satisfied, and well read.
The National Museum of Qatar serves as a bridge between its past and present, offering visitors a captivating journey through the nation’s history and traditions. It's truly a one of a kind experience, with its thought-provoking exhibits and innovative design.
Our second stop of the day is the Museum of Islamic Art. This architecturally stunning building is home to one of the most extensive collections of Islamic art in the world. It spans over 1,400 years and represents various regions across three continents. But before we dive into the fantastic pieces that live inside, it's important to note the art that the museum itself stands as too. The structure is a beautiful blend of modern design and traditional Islamic elements. With its use of light, geometric shapes, and the way it lives within its natural environment is a wonderful representation of the Islamic culture’s relationship with nature. The central atrium in particular is absolutely stunning with its large space and natural light.
Okay, back to the collection! There are many different kinds of pieces within the museum such as: manuscripts, textiles, ceramics, metalwork, glass, jewelry, woodwork, and coins. Each item comes with its own unique story, and range in location and background. You could learn about a ceramic piece that came from a nobleman’s palace, or a gorgeous necklace that was owned by an ordinary person from hundreds of years ago or even more modern. There are a total of 12 galleries throughout the museum, all broken up into their own sections such as different countries, or families. The Museum of Islamic Art really is a wonderful collection of art that will teach you about the Islamic people, heritage, and their history.
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour
Place 1National Museum of Qatar
Place 2Museum of Islamic Art
Place 3Souq Waqif
Place 4Flagpoles of World Cup Competitors
Place 5Al Bidda Park
Place 6Orry The Oryx Sculpture
Place 7Pearls to Oil
Place 8Qatari History and Tales
Place 9Al Sumoud Art Work
Place 10Katara Mosque & Cultural Village
Place 11The Pearl-Qatar Island
Place 12Qanat Quartier
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How to take a UCPlaces tour
Taking a UCPlaces tour is fun and easy.
Download the app (Android or iOS), purchase the tour (either here on the website, or from within the app).
That's it, you're ready to go!
When you want to start the tour, find the tour in the app (via a quick in-app search or by clicking the tour link received in your confirmation email) and click "Start Tour" (headphones recommended for best experience.)
* After purchasing a tour you will receive a purchase confirmation email including the tour link and instructions on how to take the tour, so you don't have to remember anything now.
How does the tour work?
UCPlaces acts as your personal tour guide, providing self-guided audio tours fully navigated within our app using GPS-based navigation. You won't need to switch between external navigation apps.
Whenever you approach a point of interest (POI) on the tour, our app will automatically play the relevant audio story at the right time and place.
If you start the tour before reaching the first POI, the app will navigate you to the starting point and then begin the tour.
How is this more convenient than a traditional tour?
UCPlaces offers an innovative and flexible way to explore exciting destinations on your terms.
Here are some key advantages over traditional tours:
No need to commit upfront or purchase in advance; buy a tour only when you're ready to go.
Walk at your own pace.
No waiting for groups; go on your schedule.
Take the tour in your preferred language.
Start, stop and continue the tour whenever you want.
Returning to the same destination? Take the tour again, and again, and again... And bring a friend!
Enjoy preferred prices.
What's included?
A self-guided audio tour taken via the UCPlaces app [Android / iOS (iPhone) / Apple CarPlay].
Tour route map and in-app GPS navigation (via the UCPlaces app).
Audio stories for places visited during the tour.
Apple CarPlay connection (for iOS users); for a seamless driving tour experience.
What's NOT included?
Earphones (highly recommended).
Smartphone.
Any kind of transportation (including tickets and passes).