Doha
Visited in October 2017
At a glance
- Country
- Qatar
- Region
- Ad-Dawhah
- Population
- 1.2 million
- Best time to go
- November to March
- Main airport
- Hamad International (DOH)
- Coordinates
- 25.29°N, 51.53°E
Country visited City visited Still to go Click a pin or country to read more. Zoom with + and −, a double-click or a pinch.
Overview
Doha has risen from a small pearling port to a skyline of glass towers in little more than a generation. Behind the ambition is a city that takes culture seriously, with world-class museums designed by famous architects.
It works well as a stopover of two or three days. Mornings are for museums, evenings for strolling the Corniche and drinking mint tea in the souq, and a trip into the dunes shows what lies beyond the city.
Things to see
-
Photo: Ralf Steinberger from Milan, Berlin + Munich, Italy + German, CC-BY-2.0 Museum of Islamic Art
I. M. Pei's geometric building on its own island holds a superb collection spanning 1,400 years.
-
Photo: Msarg77, CC BY-SA 4.0 National Museum of Qatar
Jean Nouvel's building of interlocking discs, inspired by the desert rose, tells the country's story.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0 Souq Waqif
A restored market of spice stalls, falcon shops and shisha cafés that comes alive after dark.
-
Photo: Spetsnaz 1991, CC BY 2.0 The Corniche
A seven-kilometre waterfront promenade curving around Doha Bay with views of the West Bay towers.
-
Photo: Chainwit., CC BY-SA 4.0 Katara Cultural Village
Galleries, an amphitheatre, mosques and a public beach in a purpose-built cultural district.
Things to do
-
Desert safari to Khor Al Adaid
Dune-bash in a 4x4 to the Inland Sea, where the sand dunes meet the water on the Saudi border.
Find tours -
Photo: Muhammad Mahdi Karim, GFDL 1.2 Dhow cruise
Sail around the bay on a traditional wooden boat as the skyline lights up in the evening.
Find tours -
Photo: Hufton and Crow, CC BY-SA 4.0 Explore Msheireb
A new downtown quarter with heritage house museums and shaded walkways next to Souq Waqif.
Where to stay
West Bay
The skyscraper district with big international hotels and a beach or two.
Hotels in West BayMsheireb and Souq Waqif
The most atmospheric base, close to the museums and well served by the Metro.
Hotels in Msheireb and Souq WaqifThe Pearl
An artificial island of marinas, restaurants and apartments, good for longer stays.
Hotels in The Pearl
Getting around
The Doha Metro is clean, modern and cheap, and covers most sights. Taxis and ride-hailing apps fill the gaps. Dress modestly in public places, covering shoulders and knees.
The Metro Red Line runs from Hamad International to the city centre in about 20 minutes.
When to go
November to March is warm and sunny, the best time for being outdoors. From May to September the heat is intense and humid, and life moves indoors. Ramadan changes daily rhythms, with lively evenings after sunset.
Plan your trip to Doha
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
Some of these are affiliate links: if you book through them I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. More about this.
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.