How to Live Like a Local in Doha - Guide to Enjoying Your Time in Doha like a Local

 Tipped to be one of the Middle East's most popular tourist hotspots, Doha is no ordinary travel destination for the masses. As the bustling and highly cosmopolitan capital of Qatar, the city offers travellers a plethora of exciting things to see and do. From wining and dining to taking part in activities that are revered by the local populace, here are some tips on how to live like a local during your holiday in Doha.

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1. Secure a Central Base

Travellers who wish to make the most of their holiday in Doha and live like a local for the duration of their getaway should first and foremost secure a base that affords easy access to the main highlights of the city. Whether you select the Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara or any one of the other 5 star hotels in Doha, it is crucial to find out just how close or how far the property is to the main landmarks in Doha. Living like a local not only means occupying a strategic location but also immersing oneself in some of the most popular local hangouts in the city; therefore, resorts in various neighbourhoods that offer visitors a slice of life in Doha will also prove useful.

 2. Brunch with the Best of Them

Doha residents love to enjoy brunch on their days off or the weekend, so travellers can follow suit by sitting down for a scrumptious brunch at a local restaurant or hotel. Most 4 and 5 star resorts in Doha will offer a scintillating brunch spread but tourists should keep in mind that brunch in the Middle East is a real feast that goes beyond baked goods, coffee and cereal as most restaurants will also serve alcoholic drinks as a part of the meal.

3. Shop Like Your Life Depends on It

Doha is one of the region's retail powerhouses and shopping is not only a national pastime for Qataris but also something those who reside in the city consider a form of entertainment. Doha's mega-malls are a testament to this obsession with malls, department stores and high-end brands as venues such as The Pearl, the Doha Mall and the Doha Oasis Mall occupy hundreds of hectares. Those who are in search of a more authentic retail experience can head to local markets such as the Souq Waqif where a labyrinth of stores selling everything from spices, carpets and perfumes to fabric and gold is found.

4. Explore the Cultural Attractions

Doha is a cultural capital of the Middle East with some of the most iconic museums and cultural institutions in the world occupying its confines. No trip to Doha would be complete without discovering what lies beyond the dramatic structures designed by I. M. Pei and other celebrated architects and understanding the heritage of the city and the country at large. The Museum of Islamic Art and the Katara Cultural Village are two highlights in this regard while the National Museum and the Qatar Museum Galleries are equally fascinating institutions of historic and artistic record.

 5. Make the Desert Your Playground

Those who call Doha home are never far from the arid and majestic landscapes of the desert and tourists owe it to themselves to spend time exploring this unique geographical terrain that's also the site of Bedouin camps and countless outdoor adventure hubs. Tourists can not only sign up for a desert safari on a 4×4 but also go dune bashing or sandboarding in the desert with the help of a local tour operator. Some tours also include a deeper look into the flora and fauna that thrive in the desert while visitors also have the option of camping out under the stars in a glamping experience of a lifetime.