Known as an exciting tourist attraction, Old Doha Port is now redeveloping into a new destination named Mina District. Housing a cruise terminal, this is a prominent attraction for World Cup Fans. It’s the newest trending destination in Qatar and has taken four years for transforming into a new tourist place and a marina for cruise ships. The project has been built on an area of 800,00 square meters confirming a main terminal for the passengers receiving more than 300,000 tourist every year. Also, the port will host three floating hotels during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
Places You Must Explore in Mina District for a Wonderful Experience
If you are in Qatar during FIFA World Cup then you must visit Mina District for a beautiful experience with your family and friends. This place with several scope of fun and entertainment will make your holiday a memorable one. So, below we have listed some of the places you must visit here.
1. Restaurants: Enjoy the Delicious Cuisines and Fine Dining
There are total of 50 cafes and restaurants in Mina District where you can try the best Qatari cuisine. This cuisine represents Arabia and the Middle East which are some of the major tastes of the world. From fine dining to casual and family style restaurants here you can get several spectacular experiences. These restaurants are some of the best places to visit in Mina. There are several culinary maestros here offering contemporary cuisines as well. These restaurants with a beautiful ambiance are the place you must visit with your loved ones for an amazing experience.
Below we have listed the top 5 restaurants of this beautiful place:
- Shawarma El Khebbez
- Claw BBQ Doha
- Museum Restaurant
- Jiwan Restaurant
- Bander Aden Restaurant
2. Cafes: To Have an Amazing Time with a Cup of Coffee
Get ready to try some delicious coffee with snacks in some of the most famous cafes in Old Doha Port. These coffeeshops are the best place to tryout a cup of coffee and cakes. Some of these cafes are also famous for unmatchable and breathtaking views. From Cappuccinos and Latte to Arabica and Robusta, here you can taste several different types of coffee delight. The amazing ambiance of these coffee shop makes this place one of the best places to visit in Mina Qatar.
Below we have listed the top 5 cafes of this beautiful place:
- Brooks Café
- Rii Crib
- New Plaza Cafeteria
- FiLLi Café
- Café 42
3. Top Attractions: Explore the Rich Culture and Heritage
There are various amazing sights in Mina district that attracts the visitors from all over the world. These are the most spectacular modern buildings and cultural heritage that are also known as one of the Qatar’s gems. From amazing museums and old souks to huge malls and lush green parks, you can explore several places to visit in Mina. The malls here are beautiful and are also known as a perfect leisure spot for entertainment. Hence, this is one of the best tourist destinations for a person who want to have an unparallel experience.
Below we have listed the top 5 sights of this amazing city:
4. Hotels Accommodations: With an Amazing Qatari Architecture
If you are on a trip to Mina district Qatar and looking for some famous hotels then it will be an easy task. With 150 hotel apartments, this place is a well-known and vibrant city. It is very important for a tourist to have a good hotel room with all the facilities. These hotels with all the styles and comfort are offering their best services during FIFA World Cup with a main hotel of 30 rooms. The design of the project was inspired by sea shipping containers which is inspired by Qatari architecture. These hotels are worth spending your time and money.
Below we have curated the list of top hotels in Mina district, Qatar:
- Double Tree by Hilton Doha-Old Town
- Premier Inn Doha Airport Hotel
- Hampton by Hilton Doha Old Town
- Hilton Doha
- Steigenberger Hotel
5. Shops: To Buy Some of the Best Souvenirs
If you are a shopaholic then no need to worry. There are total of 100 shops in the Mina district which include old souks and modern shops as well. These shops always provide the best shopping experience in Doha, both to locals and tourists. The traditional markets and souks will give you a chance to buy the best souvenirs. Also, here you can discover several eye catching and unexpected gems making these shops one of the top attractions in Qatar. From jewelries and handicrafts to clothes and spices, here you can get everything you want.
Below we have listed some of the famous shops in Mina District:
- Gold Souq
- Souq Waqif
- Souq Al Dira
- MIA Park Bazaar
- Omani Souq
Suggested Read: Kaia Beach Club, Qatar: A Marvelous Escape into an Epitome of Luxury
6. Seafood Delights: Ocean to Table Experience at Mina District
If you are a diehard seafood lover, visit the Chabrat Al Mina, the newly established fish market and restaurant in the Mina district. You can even check out the best catches like salmon, scallops, tuna, sea bass, crabs, squids, oysters, mussels, kept under a glass ceiling and marvel at the natural eccentricities of these varied fish species. You can even dine out at the restaurant nearby where you can devour a wholesome seafood platter handcrafted by the skilled chef out of love, passion, and innovation and unwind in an elegant, yet comfortable setting.
Try out the restaurant’s signature dishes while visiting Mina district:
- Pad Thai
- Baked stuffed Prawns
- Lobster Thermidor with Saffron Rice
- Seabass Charred
- Crab Yellow Curry
7. Cruise Culture: Unwind in the Lap of Luxury in Doha’s Cruise
With the newly established Grand Cruise Terminal in Mina port Qatar, cruising has become a popular activity where you will be greeted and treated with Qatari hospitality. You will be amazed to marvel at the majestic facade flaunting the Arabic architectural style. It features an exquisite art gallery with an extensive collection of impressive artefacts and a large open-air terrace from where you can take a bird’s eye view of the captivating port and the enchanting Corniche in the forefront. Gear yourself up for the ultimate thrill and adventure amid the azure blues.
Let’s have a look at the top cruise lines gracing the Doha Port:
- MSC Cruises
- Costa Cruises
- Emerald
- Silversea
Mina District Qatar Additional Info
One of the most important parts of Old Mina district Doha Port is its three categories for receiving yachts, marina for small-sized yachts, and also 30 wooden boats serving as floating hotels for the FIFA World Cup. Also, the new Doha port is a part of the Corniche with same regulations as the Corniche area and Hayya Card. The officials permit will be required for the entry of employees, tenants, working cadres, and guest of wooden ships and floating hotels.
Timings of the port: The port will officially open prior to the start of the World Cup. Until November 14, it will open from 4 PM to 10 PM and after the official inauguration it will open from 4 PM to 2 AM, prior to the World Cup events.
Transport Facilities: The port will be offering bus stops during the World Cup connecting the fans to the major stations in Souq Waqif, and will help to transport the fans to the country’s major event sites.
So, get ready to pe a part of this exciting destination which is a prominent attraction by the sea and houses a cruise terminal as well. From coffee shops, restaurants internal roads and apartments to car parks, cinema and boutique hotels, Mina district, Qatar is the place where you can have a quality time with your family and friends during the World cup. Also, if you want to explore Qatar which is a blend of both adventure and luxury then you can avail yourself of the best Qatar tour packages. Here you can experience world class museums, head out into the dessert and spend time exploring the culture and natural wonders.
FAQs
There are several different places that you must explore in Mina District, Qatar. Below we have listed some of those places.
- Restaurants
- Cafes
- Shops
- Tourist attractions
Officially, the port will open prior to the start of the World Cup. It will open from 4 PM to 10 PM until November and after that the official inauguration it will open from 4 PM to 2 AM prior to the World Cup events.
There are several famous shops in Mina District, Qatar where you can have the best shopping experiences. Below we have listed some of those shops.
- Gold Souq
- Souq Waqif
- Souq Al Dira
- MIA Park Bazaar
The port will be offering bus stops during the World Cup which connect the fans to the major stations in Souq Waqif. It will help to transport the fans to the country’s major World Cup event sites as well.
There are several famous restaurants in Mina District, Qatar that you must visit with your family and friends. Below we have listed some of those restaurants.
- Shawarma El Khebbez
- Claw BBQ Doha
- Museum Restaurant
- Jiwan Restaurant
The Mina District, Qatar was previously known as Old Doha Port. It is now being renovated to become an exciting tourist destination which is a prominent attraction by the sea and also housing a cruise terminal.
One can explore several amazing tourist attractions in Mina District, Qatar. Below we have listed some of the famous sights.
- Museum of Islamic Art
- National Museum of Qatar
- Souq Waqif
- Katara Cultural Village
The best month to visit Qatar are from November to March. At this time, you can experience the local culture as Qatar cools way down in November making the sightseeing eminently more comfortable.