Museum of Islamic Art Doha

Designed by the architect I. M. Pei and opened in 2008, the Museum of Islamic Art stands on its own island at the end of the Corniche, its cream limestone blocks inspired by an ancient fountain in Cairo. Inside, a soaring atrium leads to a wall of glass facing the bay and the West Bay towers.

The galleries hold manuscripts, ceramics, textiles, jewellery and metalwork from Spain to India, including fine Mughal pieces that Indian visitors find especially rewarding.

Allow about two hours, then walk out into MIA Park, where families picnic on the lawns and the view of the skyline is best at dusk. The waterfront path along the Corniche makes an easy evening walk back towards Souq Waqif.