Doha captures your heart, mind and soul with its deep culture and modern infrastructure. It is the capital of Qatar, a small Middle Eastern country. The country will host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and Doha is developing into a luxurious, modern city. However, unlike the neighboring tourist hub of Dubai, Doha has managed to maintain a strong sense of self. The Wajiv Bazaar is filled with incredible sights, smells, and sounds, luxury hotels that will give you a glimpse into high society life, and the Museum of Islamic Art will amaze you with its stunning and intricate ancient artifacts.
How to Travel to Doha Qatar
The most common way for people to enter Qatar is through Hamad International Airport in Doha. There are direct flights to many locations, and a quick layover in Dubai connects it with many others. The airport serves a number of airlines, including Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Pegasus Airways and Turkish Airlines.
How to Get Around Doha Qatar
Uber
Uber is by far the quickest, easiest and most cost-effective way to get around Doha. Rides are cheap, and door-to-door service will make you feel relaxed once the weather gets too hot.
Taxicab
In the rare cases where Uber wifi is not available, it is possible to take a taxi and it will not be too expensive. Try to get a rough idea of where you should go, as drivers can sometimes be overconfident in the direction and you may not get to where you want on the first attempt.
Bus
There are buses, but not particularly numerous and not very punctual. However, if you are patient, they can be a good option to save a little money. To ride the bus, you need a prepaid card, which can be purchased at grocery stores or at major bus stops.
Walk
Only short walks are recommended. The lack of walkways is a citywide problem and Doha’s sweltering heat can lead to dehydration, so be sure to bring water and find a shady spot to sit and hydrate if you feel dizzy or overheated. Also, since the city is currently undergoing a renovation for the 2022 World Cup, there are a lot of construction sites, so be careful when walking around these construction sites.
What to Wear in Doha Qatar
Dress expectations in the Middle East are conservative, and Qatar is no exception. Standards here are a little stricter than in nearby Dubai, but more relaxed than in neighboring Saudi Arabia. Visitors should avoid showing their shoulders and knees, and to show respect for the culture, it is best to wear long sleeves, long pants or long skirts, and do not show cleavage or abdomen. Except for mosques and religious sites, headscarves are not required.
Where to Stay in Doha Qatar
Ramada Encore
A 4 star hotel for a reasonable price. They have smoking and non-smoking rooms, a gym, and an indoor rooftop pool. The room was a good size, the bed comfortable and most importantly, the air conditioning was excellent! Walking distance to Waqif Souq and Museum of Islamic Art.
Sheraton
Sheraton Hotel is a 5-star hotel located on the beachfront. This is a luxury hotel with excellent service. There are several restaurants and the lobby is beautiful with luxurious furniture. Although not a budget hotel, the room price is not too expensive. It is walking distance to Doha City Centre Shopping Mall where you will find cinemas, ice rinks, restaurants, and many shops.
Torch
Torch is a brand new sophisticated hotel located on the west side of Doha, close to Villagio Mall and Khalifa Stadium. It is 51 floors high and has a swimming pool on the 19th floor with stunning views of the city and stadium. The Flying Carpet Restaurant will spark your imagination and make you feel like you’re a character in Aladdin. While this hotel is beautiful and well serviced, be aware that it is only 20 minutes away from most of Doha’s attractions.
What to Eat in Doha Qatar
Street Food
Doha is a true blend of flavors. Influence comes from Middle Eastern countries and further afield Europe and Asia. Think flat bread, hummus, Turkish ice cream, pad Thai, zata, and kebabs.
Hookah
Shisha may not be a food, but hookahs are common in restaurants and markets in Doha, so they go hand in hand. Try flavored tobacco and live like a local.
What to Do in Doha Qatar
Museum of Islamic Art
Located on the waterfront in central Doha, this spectacular museum is a work of art even the building itself, with a palm-fringed road leading to the entrance. The 4-storey museum displays artifacts from all over the Middle East, some of which are more than 1000,<> years old. Think gem-encrusted daggers, colorful carpets, and delicate glass lamps. Long after leaving this building, you will be impressed by the rich culture.
Admission is free and admission times change daily, so check online before planning your trip. Before leaving, be sure to walk outside the library to see the beautiful arches that make up the city’s skyscrapers.
Pearl Monument
Located near the Museum of Islamic Art, this statue is worth walking to for a quick tour. It was built to commemorate the local pearl industry that flourished before pearl cultivation became commonplace.
Corniche Waterfront
The waterfront is the perfect spot to see Doha’s skyscrapers and the many traditional dhows on the shore. On Friday night, the area gets very lively as the boats turn into discos!
Wajiv Bazaar
Wajiv Souk is located in the heart of Doha, within walking distance of the Museum of Islamic Art. It has endless alleys full of aromatic spices, colorful fabrics, and exotic flavors. The smell of hookah filled the air. There are plenty of restaurants offering a variety of Middle Eastern cuisine, and you can buy all kinds of souvenirs, including jeweled camels and golden lanterns that people might dream of containing elves! Be sure to find the Gold Bazaar hidden deep in the alleys, where there are vendors selling gold who display long gold chains and exquisite gemstones.
Falcon Bazaar
People in the Middle East, Asia and Europe have used falcons for hunting for thousands of years. In recent years, falcon training has almost disappeared from most of the world as technology has evolved. But Qatar is one of the few places where this culture still exists, and it is deeply ingrained in the culture. Trained falcons can be sold at the Falcon Bazaar in central Doha, located on the westernmost side of the Wajiv Bazaar. These precious birds, worth thousands of dollars, are properly cared for. There is even a Falcon hospital on site. Sellers are used to tourists visiting their stores, and they are keen to discuss the practice of falcons with anyone who shows interest.
Doha City Centre Shopping Mall
The mall is close to many major hotels on the north side of the Corniche Boulevard. It contains several interesting shops where you can buy exquisite tea sets or colored lamps, among other goods. There is an ice rink on the ground floor, perfect for cooling off after a long day in the sun. Upstairs there is a cinema and several restaurants, including a Chinese buffet and an American-style burger chain.
Qatar Pearl Hotel
Qatar Pearl Island is similar to The Palm Dubai in that it is an artificial island. It also attracts the rich, so if you like expensive and flashy cars, grab a seat at the Costa Coffee Shop and watch Maserati and Ferraris drive by. At the marina you can see some of the largest private yachts in existence, with bay buggies speeding around those who have the money to live here. This is the best place to watch people.
Villagio Shopping Center
The Villagio shopping center is designed around a Venetian theme, reminiscent of the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas. There is a canal crossing the center of the mall, and for 10 riyals you can take the cable car. There is also an ice rink and some high-end shops and restaurants.
Stadium
Khalifa Stadium is located next to the Villagio shopping center. This impressive stadium is still being built for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, so you can’t get inside, but it’s a sight worth visiting. For the best views, head to the nearby The Torch Hotel and ask for access to the pool level on the 19th floor.