Set to host the FIFA World Cup itself in 2022, Doha is making sure the city feels the excitement of this year’s event, set to take place in Russia over the next month. From fan zones in stadiums to trendy bars and restaurants, check out these top locations to enjoy the beautiful game.
Aptly known as the ‘Locker Room’ for the duration of the World Cup, Mondrian Doha’s Hudson Tavern will be turned into an indoor football pitch complete with whistles, red cards and other sporting regalia. With no booking required, Hudson Tavern has become the talk of the town and a great place to catch a cold one and some handheld snacks like burgers, nachos and tacos. To relish the gaming experience, they offer some in-house games for the supporters of the winning team. Enjoy free bar access (with a minimum spend), happy hour from 3 pm to 7 pm and a DJ on the decks to get the party started. Why go? It’s trendy but not pretentious and gives off a downtown New York vibe.
Not in the mood for the crowds at restaurants and bars? This year the 2018 FIFA World Cup fan zone at Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena, which forms part of the Qatar Summer Festival, will play host to the Qatar Fan Zone. Set to open on June 14 and run until July 15, this fan zone will allow people to feel the atmosphere and excitement of the FIFA World Cup in 2022, which Qatar is gearing towards hosting. Offering a zone which will screen the games live and is perfect for families, Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena will also serve delicious food and there will be opportunities to partake in numerous football-related activities and live entertainment. Grab the family and head on down for an unforgettable experience.
Soak up the World Cup vibe at Al Shurfa Arabic Lounge, part of Al Jomrok Boutique Hotel, which offers shisha and views of the Corniche and the Doha skyline, while also enjoying all the hustle and bustle of the souq, where it’s conveniently located. This rooftop location oozes cool and if you want to experience the game the way the locals do, this is the spot; plus with all those views, it’s totally Instagrammable.
If you’re football obsessed, there is no better place in the city than La Liga Lounge to watch the biggest football tournament in the world. Situated at Hotel Park is this lounge with the best tech for big games, decorated in football memorabilia and set up like a pitch with a goal area for target practice. This lounge is no doubt going to be a fan favourite during the World Cup: burgers, hot dogs, wings and some Spanish specialities are on the menu, so come hungry.
The legendary Irish Harp is a great place to gather with friends to cheer on your favourite team this World Cup. A little bit of Ireland right in Doha, this bar will be screening all the action on 12 large TV screens. The pub offers some delicious bites such as loaded potatoes and bourbon meatballs, and if you’re still wondering about its authenticity, it was designed and created in Ireland by the Irish Pub Company, the world’s largest exporter of Irish pubs. Go for the bubbly atmosphere, where you’re bound to make new friends who will be ever-ready to take selfies with you.
Another favourite from Mondrian Doha, RISE, a bar located on the 27th floor of the hotel overlooking the pool, is a must if you’re looking to fly high this World Cup. A VIP Pass gets you access to the ‘skybox’, which has unlimited food and drinks. This pass also allows access to other nightlife venues at the hotel and free drinks at the trendy Hudson Tavern. Need just one reason to go? Watching the game in one of the prettiest venues in Doha under Marcel Wander’s hand-painted sky dome. VIP Passes can be collected at the hotel, where your name will be printed on a tag and lanyard with your personal image on it, much like the skyboxes at stadiums around the world.
Set to host some games during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Khalifa Stadium will provide a unique outdoor experience for World Cup fans. With Qatar’s summer in full swing, this location boasts outdoor air conditioning and can seat more than 1,000 people in the fan zone area. The stadium has become synonymous with football, as it has hosted local and international matches. Take advantage of the giant LED screens, many food and beverage stalls and a children’s play zone for the little ones. Locals and expats alike are looking forward to watching the games at this venue.
Looking for shisha? How about cheering for your favourite team while noshing on some Lebanese classics like fatoush and baba ganouche? If you are looking for a World Cup venue with an Arabian twist, Zeituna ticks all the boxes for the perfect spot to get caught up in all the football frenzy this tournament has to offer. A special à la carte menu will be served during half time, when you can grab some quick bites to replenish yourself for the second half of the match.
When it comes to World Cup festive feel, Boston’s has Doha sorted. This popular weekend spot is going all out, offering unlimited house beverages, drinks buckets and specials for friends ordering together. You can enjoy the game on the screens and then partake in Boston’s very own world cup of games, like eating a huge bucket of spicy wings in 10 minutes. If you can’t handle this challenge, make sure you come kitted in full World Cup regalia to support your team and you could get a special discount. Go for the relaxed atmosphere, which is both somehow homely yet trendy at the same time.
