Things to do in Msheireb Downtown this winter

The lovely little neighborhood of Msheireb Downtown is one of the most popular destinations for locals and visitors to Qatar. The location is also the world’s first sustainable downtown regeneration project, allowing it to make use of a natural cooling system to keep the district well-ventilated and airy. The smart city has something new to offer at every turn, with much to be explored this winter. Conveniently, the smart district is a major junction for the Doha Metro with the Red, Green, and Gold Lines intersecting here.

Plan a day out to Msheireb Downtown and tick these sights off your list.

Take a ride in the Msheireb Tram

Who doesn’t love a tram ride? Free of cost, the Msheireb Downtown tram traverses a nearly 2 km closed-loop track. It stops at different junctions in the quarter, including Baraha Msheireb, Msheireb Galleria, Al Kahraba Street, Msheireb Mosque, and other stops. Not only is this a sustainable, fast way to get around Msheireb, but a ride on the tram is sure to be fun and show you the city with a fresh perspective.

Dine at new restaurants and coffeeshops

With the many restaurants and coffeeshops in Msheireb Downtown catering to varying tastes, you’ll be sure to find yours with varying options for al fresco dining and indoor seating. Outdoor seating placements are a great way to enjoy the cool weather, but you’ll be warmed to find many places have heaters to keep patrons warm. You can always choose to dine at restaurants that have been here for a while or try newly opened ones like Hoppers, Mezumi oriental and others. More restaurants are expected to open up in the next few weeks.

Msheireb Downtown also has some great cafes that offer good quality roasts and artisanal coffees. Find your favorite brew at Café Kitsune, Go Home Café, Arabica, Ministry of Coffee, Savant, Qinwan Café, Yoza, Said Dal 1923 and many others.

Visit Tiger Sugar for some authentic boba milk tea. Mary’s, the Belgian chocolatier brand has opened up in Downtown and offers a dine-in dessert parlor and chocolate shop. The Buttery Bakery has also opened up inside Msheireb Galleria and brings you delicious hot chocolate, quick bites, and artisanal bread. 

Watch the latest movies at NOVO Cinemas

If you need an afternoon reprieve after a day of exploring Msheireb Downtown, then go watch a movie at NOVO Cinemas. Situated on the second floor of Msheireb Galleria, the theater is a great place to escape the downtown buzz and relax to a good movie showing. Check screen timings and head to the theater for a movie-day with friends and family (or even alone!).

Indulge in some shopping

Msheireb Downtown is home to many upscale brands, making it the ideal spot for retail therapy. Get your weekly shopping done at Monoprix. If you are a sneakerhead, then visit PresentedBy to check out their collection of super cool sneakers and shoes. Also be sure to check out Wang Couture, Project Soleil, and Project Two for those with a love of abayas and modest wear couture. You’ll find plenty of stores that offer concept leather goods, prayer beads, accessories, eyewear, perfumes, children’s clothes, carpets, and lifestyle goods too.

Visit Msheireb Museums

The Msheireb Museums are a celebration of the heritage of Msheireb Downtown through its four houses: The Bin Jelmood House, Mohammed bin Jassim House, Radwani House and Company House. Each of these houses feature important aspects of Qatari life, architecture, tradition, development, and future value. Take a walk around the Museums’ houses to get a sense of Qatar’s history and its recent accomplishments.

Entry is free.

Visit temporary exhibits in Msheireb Downtown

With a number of excellent exhibitions currently on display in Msheireb, be sure to visit them if you love arts and culture. Here are a few:

•     Forever Valentino exhibit at M7
•     Anassir at M7
•     Sports Memory with Sultan al-Jassim at Galleria
•     Mesra at M7
•     Doha Has Design at Doha Design District
•     Frida Kahlo—the immersive biography at Bin Jelmood House
•     The Age of Modern Architecture in Qatar at M7

Take the kids to a play area

If you happen to be in Downtown Doha with kids, check out this small but fun kids’ play area tucked behind Said Dal restaurant. This soft play area is cool and features slides, monkey bars, see-saws, and a swing. The play area is decently sized but can get pretty crowded during peak timings so plan accordingly.

Take a leisurely stroll through Msheireb Downtown

If you’ve got no set plans or checklist to follow in Msheireb Downtown, it is an enjoyable place to take a stroll. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the neighborhood in comfortable walking shoes, warm clothes, and a hot coffee in hand. Admire the buildings, their architecture, and the tram zooming by. 

For bonus points, check out the vegetable patch owned by Msheireb Properties, replete with herbs and greens and a grounding natural experience in downtown Doha.

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