What To Do, See & Eat

The Ultimate Guide to Doha in 3 days is your gateway to a modern metropolis, featuring soaring skyscrapers, majestic mosques, top-notch restaurants, and luxury hotels, promising and delivering a captivating experience.

After visiting Dubai several times, I was excited to see what Doha had to offer. Given that Qatar is also blessed with a bottomless pit of money, will the mantra of “build it and they will come” vibe be apparent here too?

Doha, the capital city of Qatar, is located on the north-eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula in the Middle East. As one of the wealthiest countries in the world, Doha has undergone significant transformations over the past decade, primarily driven by its abundant oil and gas reserves.

Ultimate Guide to Doha in 3 Days. How To Get To Doha.

After an 8-hour flight from Istanbul, Turkey, I arrived at Hamad International Airport (DOH), the main airport in Doha. As expected, there are numerous transportation options available. Renting a car at the airport will quickly get you to areas such as Msheireb Downtown, which is only 6km away. For even greater convenience, I arranged for my hotel to organize a transfer.

Public transport in Doha is very affordable. The recently established metro system covers a large part of the city, and where it doesn’t, the bus system fills the gap.

Taxi

Mowasalat (Karwa) is the most recognised taxi service in Doha. Government-owned Karwa taxis are unmistakable in their turquoise colour. Booking a Karwa taxi is easy through their app, which is available on both the App Store & Google Play.

Uber

There is no Uber pickup at DOH, Uber can drop you off at the airport on your way back.

This was my go-to taxi service, and was as cheap as chips compared to most other countries.

Tip: In Qatar, the weekend is on Friday and Saturday to accommodate the Muslim holy day of Friday. The city was much busier on Saturday, compared to Sunday and Monday. When planning your itinerary for Qatar, keep this in mind.

Life In Doha

Before my visit, I had heard about the large foreign population in Doha. Only 12% of the population, about 0.36 million people, are Qatari nationals.

While indulging in some retail therapy, it was hard not to notice the male dominance in Doha. With fewer than 700,000 women, this imbalance can be attributed to Qatar’s population explosion. The state has been built by immigrants, who are predominantly young and male.

What To Wear in Doha

Visitors are not required or expected to wear the traditional Qatari attire or be fully covered. While there is no specific dress code for foreigners, everyone is encouraged to wear modest and conservative attire that is comfortable while not being too revealing.

Best Time to Go

Peak season runs from November to April, the temperatures are more moderate. However, when I visited in early June, temperatures regularly soared up to 45°C/108°F during the day, dropping to 32°C/90°F at night. So if you can’t handle that kind of heat, visit between November and April, when the weather is warm, dry, and constantly sunny.

In the summertime, due to the hot climate, you don’t see many people walking around on the streets. Cars are the primary mode of transportation. Most people spend their time in air-conditioned malls, cafes, and restaurants. However, as the sun sets, the local parks become lively with families and friends gathering there.

This itinerary is not in any particular order. I haven’t detailed every hour, as you can explore the city at your own pace. However this should give you an idea of what you can do during your time there.

Southeast Doha: A Perfect Starting Point

Head over to the charming Mina District at the Old Doha Port, which is a relatively new development. It still had wet paint on some of the benches! You’ll fall in love with this neighbourhood, known for its pastel-coloured buildings, in pink, teal, yellow, and orange.

It will make you feel like you’re in a Mediterranean village, aka Santorini on steroids. Take a leisurely stroll around the port area and enjoy the sight of traditional dhows and modern yachts docked side by side. Definitely a must-visit for photography lovers and Instagram junkies.

Box Park

Located in the Doha Port area, the vibrant venue featured repurposed shipping containers and served as a location for live match screenings during the FIFA World Cup 2022. Break up your sightseeing with some snacks from a variety of street food trucks.

Corniche for the best views

The Corniche Promenade in Doha is a beautiful waterfront attraction that spans just over 4 miles along the crescent-shaped Doha Bay. I wanted to walk along it on the first day I arrived, but with temperatures reaching 43 degrees, it wasn’t an option. It’s best to either go early in the morning or wait for sunset during this time of year.

Al Souq, Doha’s historical core, lies just south of the harbour. It features the bustling Souq Waqif market, the Al Koot Fort transformed into a museum of Qatari life, and cultural attractions such as the Al Markhiya Gallery and the Abdul Aziz Nasser Theatre. For your shopping needs or festival entertainment, Al Souq is the definitive destination.

Souq Waqif

The Souq Waqif is a historic marketplace in Doha, established over a century ago. It is located near the Corniche promenade and is known for its cultural richness. The area is great for getting lost in the maze of alleyways and offers a diverse shopping experience with numerous traditional and replica-style buildings.

Explore various small shops selling souvenirs, spices, sweets, rugs, and clothing. Additionally, the marketplace boasts a wide range of international and regional restaurants serving delicious food. For anybody visiting Doha, a visit to Souq Waqif is a must, especially in the evening when the lively atmosphere comes alive. The restaurants and shisha bars quickly fill up, and the sweet aroma of shisha adds to the captivating atmosphere.

The Falcon Souq at Souq Waqif

Visiting this place was truly eye-opening! Falconry is a huge part of Qatar’s culture and economy. Falcons can be sold for thousands of pounds, and it’s amazing to think about how this tradition dates back to the Bedouin tribes, where these birds were trained to hunt migratory birds for food.

Museum of Islamic Art

If you’re up for a Dhow Cruise, just head to the Corniche where you’ll find plenty of dhows to choose from. You can even rent one for yourself. Don’t forget to do a bit of bargaining here!

This is the best cruise I found.

The museum’s collection is truly breath-taking. It includes a diverse array of artefacts such as intricate textiles, exquisite ceramics, majestic calligraphy, and elegant metalwork. Each piece is carefully curated to tell a story, showcasing the profound artistry and craftsmanship of various Islamic civilizations spanning over 1,400 years. The museum’s architecture is a marvel in itself.

The National Museum Of Qatar

I was absolutely blown away by the cutting-edge design of the Qatar National Museum. It is a true masterpiece of architecture, inspired by the desert rose and offering a uniquely awe-inspiring experience that showcases Qatar’s rich cultural heritage. The stunning architecture seamlessly blends modernity with tradition, and the displays are a perfect mix of artifacts, interactive installations, and multimedia presentations that cater to visitors of all ages. If only all museums could reach this standard!

Brunch in Doha

After a day of sightseeing, there are hundreds of food options to choose from in Doha. My top recommendation is the legendary brunch at Nobu situated at the Four Seasons.

During the afternoon, I had the opportunity to taste some of the best dishes at the famed Japanese restaurant, including miso black cod, oysters, foie gras, and the signature fresh sushi and sashimi from the lavish stations. With a panoramic view, this Friday brunch is a stylish way to start the weekend. When: Fridays, 1 pm – 4 pm Price: 375 / 680 QAR

The Pearl

The Pearl-Qatar is an amazing man-made island located just off the coast of Doha’s prestigious West Bay District. It’s almost four million square meters of luxurious development have earned it the loving nickname “Arabian Riviera” due to its Mediterranean-inspired architecture.

The Pearl offers a top-notch shopping experience with high-end brands like Hermes, Balenciaga, Versace, Roberto Cavalli and others. It’s also one of the areas where non-Qataris can buy property.

Lusail

Lusail City is located on the northern edge of Doha, just past The Pearl Island and West Bay.

Karara Towers or the Crescent Tower in Lusail is an iconic building. Rising 36 storeys high and hosting a five-star hotel and also the country’s first six-star hotel. (Raffles and Fairmont).

Where to stay in Doha

Looking for a luxurious stay in Doha? You’re in luck! Doha boasts a fantastic selection of luxury hotels that cater to every traveller’s needs. From ultra-modern skyscrapers with stunning views of the Arabian Gulf to luxury villas, you’ll find a wide range of options to make your stay unforgettable. Indulge in top-notch facilities, fine dining experiences, and personalized service, ensuring that every moment of your stay is a special one.

Qatar’s luxury can be surprisingly affordable. I was able to secure a discounted stays in a five-star hotels for less than £100 per night simply because it was a last-minute booking and they had plenty of rooms available. In comparison, a similar stay in London would cost three times as much.

Mondrian Doha: A Blend of Luxury and Art

The Mondrian Doha is an amazing sight in the West Bay Lagoon area, right next to Lagoona Mall and the Zig Zag Towers. It’s designed by the talented Dutch designer Marcel Wanders, who combined contemporary design with traditional Middle Eastern elements. The hotel’s interiors are inspired by the tales of 1001 Nights, with intricate patterns, bold colours, and whimsical touches creating a truly unique and immersive experience.

With 270 rooms and suites, each designed for a luxurious and comfortable stay, you can expect bespoke furniture, crystal chandeliers, and stunning wall murals. The bathrooms are just as impressive, with marble finishes, deep soaking tubs, and rain showers. And the views of the city or the Arabian Gulf from my room. Absolutely breath-taking.

My personal favourite is the Hudson Tavern, a New York-style tavern serving up gourmet burgers and craft beers. And don’t miss their happy hours from 4 pm till 8 pm, with 35% off selected drinks. Cheers to that!

Alcohol In Doha

Planning to party for a few days straight? Well, in Doha, buying alcohol can get pretty expensive – you might even have to consider selling a body part!

Qatar is a dry state, in which public drinking is banned and is regarded as one of the most expensive countries in the world to buy alcohol. As a tourist in Doha, you can drink alcoholic beverages at licensed venues and various 4 and 5-star hotels. However, these places often have high prices due to the “Sin Tax “imposed by Qatar. To save money, look for bars with happy hours and visit during those times.

Expect to pay 65 QAR – 16 EUR – 14 GBP – 18 USD. For a beer before happy hour kicks in.

Just remember to be respectful of local culture and abide by the rules.

Some of the best views of Doha can be seen from The Infinity Lounge, which is ideally located at the top of The Alwadi Hotel. Situated at one corner of Souq Waqif, it’s convenient to both the Msheireb and Souq Waqif Metro stations.

Tip: If end up at Alwadi Hotel check out O’Glacée bar and enjoy a selection of tacos with two beverages of your choice. QAR 110 (27 EUR – 23 GBP – 30 USD per person on Tuesday.

Marriott Marquis City Centre

I also recommend this hotel for your stay. Located in the West Bay district, these two 50-story towers. have everything! Being connected to the City Centre Mall means convenience at your doorstep.

I even managed to score a complimentary upgrade to a corner suite on the 40th floor.

Some of the bars I enjoyed Champions: Sports Bar, Crossroads Kitchen For some reason I had to order a food item to have a drink. Fortunately the chicken wings were good. Aqua Lounge: Al fresco dining with stunning views of the Doha skyline and Glo Cocktail Bar. What more do you need?

Relax at a Beach Club

You can make the most of your time in Doha with non-stop sightseeing, but where’s the fun in that? Doha is now taking a page out of Dubai’s book with the recent opening of several luxury beach clubs. There are several options to choose from. My top pick.

Sushisamba Beach Club is located at Waldorf Astoria Lusail and is the first beach club of its kind for Sushisamba. It’s a must-visit destination, featuring a dedicated pool area with beautifully designed cabanas, sunbeds, and umbrellas.
Operating hours:

Saturday Copacabana from 1 PM to 4 PM: QAR320 (Day Pass entry inclusive of beverages & food)

Sunday to Thursday: QAR 200 (includes sunbeds and redeemable food)

Friday Playa Brunch from 1 PM to 5 PM: QAR 350 (Day Pass entry inclusive of beverages & food)

Shopping in Doha

Malls in Doha are more than just places to shop, they are social hubs, culinary destinations, and air-conditioned oases all in one. If you love shopping, enjoying delicious food, or need a break from the heat, you’ll find just what you need at Doha’s malls!

Make sure your bank card does not incur fees or interest when spending overseas and withdrawing money, check out my Travel Resources Page.

Villaggio Mall

Ride a gondola on the indoor canal.

Place Vendome

Paris-inspired leisure hub and mall is a must-visit for an authentic Qatari shopping experience. It’s perfect for capturing and sharing on social media. I was lucky, as five minutes after I arrived, the water show started.

How Safe is Doha?

It is widely regarded as one of the safest countries in the world and consistently earns the title of the most secure place on the planet. Instances of violent crimes are extremely rare, and when they do occur, they are typically not targeted at foreigners. So don’t worry about scams or robberies on your sunset stroll, they just don’t happen! I always felt extremely safe regardless of the time of day or night.

Is visiting Doha worth it?

Absolutely, although Doha wasn’t at the top of the list, the city has gained a lot of exposure through big events like the 2022 World Cup, which made me take notice. I found Doha to be a modern, sophisticated, and culturally fascinating city that is quickly becoming a top tourist destination in the Gulf region. It reminded me of Dubai, but with a more relaxed atmosphere.