Old Doha Port lies in the centre of Doha, alongside Doha Corniche. It is now famous as Mina District and is a must-visit destination in Qatar. Here, you can enjoy beautiful, photogenic spots in the city.
The colourful buildings contrast perfectly with the turquoise-blue waters, offering a Santorini vibe. Let’s explore why the Old Doha Port should top your list of must-visit places in Doha.
- Mina Park
- Box Park (Containers Yard)
- Water Activities
- Mina District
- The Fish Market
- The Terminal
- Qatar Boat Shoe
- Shopping Malls Near Old Doha Port
- Restaurants and Cafes
- Hotels Near Old Doha Port
- Cultural Attractions
- How to Reach Old Doha Port
- FAQs
History and Overview of Old Doha Port
The Mina District spans over 800,000 square metres, with an estimated 300,000 tourists annually. It is the most recent addition to Qatar’s landscape, featuring an enchanting neighbourhood with cobblestone streets and pastel buildings.
Strategically positioned along Qatar’s coastline and the Arabian Gulf, the port is adjacent to Doha’s centre. The location makes Doha Airport and other popular attractions easily accessible.
This port played an essential role in the country’s history, as it was a major hub for pearl divers. Before oil discovery, it was the primary gateway for pearl exports, the major source of Qatar’s wealth.
After four years of hard work and renovation, the port offers multiple activities for its visitors in both summer and winter. The place boasts about 50 cafes and restaurants, 100 shops and 150 hotel apartments, with a fresh look influenced by Qatari architecture.
The best part? Entry to the district is absolutely free!
Things to Do at Old Doha Port
The Old Doha Port has been transformed into a vibrant marina for cruise ships and the most Instagrammable tourist destination.
Feel the touristy vibes at the port, where you can enjoy the following spots:
- Mina Park
The first thing you would notice upon entering the port is the Mina Park. It is a lush green space with proper sitting areas, ample lighting and utmost cleanliness. There are cushioned walkways, rubber jogging tracks, a 5-km cycling track and a dedicated kids’ play area.
- Box Park (Containers Yard)
Next, you can move forward to the Containers Yard, also called the Box Park. This place will immediately become your favourite because it has stunning spots with colourful shipping containers in the background. These containers have been repurposed as shops, cafés, restaurants and commercial spaces.
Remember to bring your camera and capture that perfect Instagram picture in front of the containers with walls displaying artistic creativity. Grab a snack from the cafes and enjoy the beautiful coastline while relaxing inside the air-conditioned containers.
The upper floors of the containers will let you watch the panoramic vistas of the city. This includes the Doha skyline and popular attractions like Ras Abu Aboud Stadium, MIA Park and the National Museum of Qatar. Truly breathtaking!
- Water Activities
During summer, the Old Doha Port becomes a hub for many water activities like jet skiing, speed boating, parasailing and more.
The best thing? You can even experience a traditional Arabic Dhow ride. These traditional wooden boats offer a unique perspective of Doha’s skyline, allowing visitors to experience Qatar’s maritime heritage.
- Mina District
The Mina District is the most popular spot here and for good reason. Its beautiful buildings overlook the Grand Cruise Terminal, set along the waters of Doha.
The area is pedestrian-friendly, with cobblestone paths winding between the iconic pastel-coloured, cube-shaped houses. People enjoy walking along the promenade or relaxing on benches by the sea.
The district also features the Mina Hotel and Residences. The hotel offers visitors a lovely place to stay and enjoy the luxury amenities there.
- The Fish Market
The Old Doha Port is also home to a bustling fish market called Chabrat Al Mina. It features many seafood delicacies, both inside the market and its restaurant.
Under a beautiful glass ceiling, you can buy fresh seafood like salmon, scallops, tuna, sea bass, crabs, squid, oysters, mussels and more. Or, enjoy a delicious seafood meal at the stylish Chabrat Al Mina Restaurant, where chefs expertly cook the day’s catch.
The restaurant features a stunning design, with lights reflecting on the entrance walls to create a beautiful display of light and shadow. Its blue-toned architecture is inspired by the water, presenting a peaceful atmosphere.
- The Terminal
The last stop to visit is the cruise terminal, which serves as a world-class attraction during the cruising season. The sprawling building of the Grand Terminal has an art gallery and an open-air rooftop terrace.
The terminal is an entry and exit port for cruise ships and also features a tunnel leading to the City Gallery Aquarium. Here, you can enjoy unique visual and aquatic experiences and watch rare aquatic species and other audiovisual presentations.
- Qatar Boat Show
The first-ever Qatar Boat Show at the port is all set to open doors from November 6th to 9th, 2024, against the stunning Doha coast. This event is a partnered effort of Old Doha Port and Gulf Marine Services, aiming to unite all boating enthusiasts on one platform.
This upcoming event is expected to be the biggest boat exhibition in Qatar’s history, with over 400 exhibitors and brands. Also, it is expected to have a visitor count of over 20,000. It will showcase 95 boats and watercraft on land and in the water.
Shopping Malls Near Old Doha Port
Near the Old Doha Port and Mina District, you will find several popular shopping malls in Qatar, such as:
Near the Old Doha Port and Mina District, you will find several shopping malls:
- Galeries Lafayette Doha – The renowned French department store offering multiple luxury and fashion brands.
- Place Vendôme Mall – A high-end shopping mall providing a lavish experience with international brand stores and family-friendly entertainment.
- Mall of Qatar – The largest mall in the country, combining retail, dining and entertainment options for all ages.
Restaurants and Cafes Inside the Port
The Mina District has over 50 restaurants and cafes, inviting visitors to enjoy the best Qatari cuisines. For instance, the following are a few popular eateries that you will find inside:
- La Mesa Doha
- Tim Hortons
- Karak Mqanes
- Oriental Pearl
- Crome London
- Al Mandarin
- Chabrat Al Mina
- Exit55
- Terracotta Steakhouse Doha
- Shawarma El Khebbez
- Claw BBQ Doha
Hotels Near Old Doha Port
There are many hotels you will find near the port for a comfortable and luxurious stay, just a short distance away. These hotels suit different budgets and offer all amenities for tourists. For instance:
- Mandarin Oriental Doha
- Alwadi Hotel Doha – MGallery
- Royal Qatar Hotel
- Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels – Tivoli
- Al Najada Doha Hotel by Tivoli
- Al Najada Doha Hotel Apartments by Oaks
- Park Hyatt Doha
- Fraser Suites Doha
- Mövenpick Hotel Doha
Cultural Attractions
The Old Doha Port is home to many cultural attractions of the city, like the Museum of Islamic Art and the National Museum of Qatar. It also has art galleries and traditional souks like Souq Waqif.
The market has a bustling atmosphere with labyrinth alleys, traditional Qatari crafts and busy stalls.
How to Reach Doha Port
Here’s how you can reach the Old Doha Port easily:
- Take the bus from the National Museum Metro Station or a Doha Bus.
- Book a taxi or drive to the port in your private car, as there is ample parking space outside the entrance and the Box Park.
- Doha Metro’s closest stops are Souq Waqif and the National Museum (Via Gold Line).
Opening Hours
Mon-Sun: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
FAQs
1. Is Hamad Port and Doha Port the Same?
No, Doha Port is a passenger and cruise terminal, while Hamad Port, located south of Doha, is Qatar’s seaport.
2. How Big is Hamad Port?
Hamad Port spans 28.5 square kilometres and is designed to handle an annual capacity of 1.7 million tons of general cargo and 1 million tons of grain. Additionally, it features a specialized terminal capable of accommodating around 500,000 vehicles per year.
Overall, the Old Doha Port provides visitors with a captivating blend of history, culture and maritime heritage, making it a must-visit destination for tourists exploring Qatar.
You can also explore these rental apartments in Doha for a more accessible visit. Also, keep reading Property Finder blogs for more on the best places to visit in Qatar.
