QatarTravel Guide

Home to Doha's iconic high-rise and close to many of the city's attractions, West Bay is the best place to drop your bags if you're a first-time visitor to Qatar. The pyramid-shaped Sheraton Grand Doha Resort is just a leisurely amble from the city's beautiful waterfront Corniche Promenade, while hotels such as the InterContinental, The Four Seasons Hotel and the City Centre Rotana Doha Hotel are close to the City Centre Doha Mall and the city's Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre. The InterContinental also doubles as a seaside resort with its own private beach. 

Doha's Hamad International Airport (DOH) serves as Qatar's primary airport and the base for Qatar Airways, the national carrier providing extensive connectivity to destinations worldwide.   

If your stay in Qatar is brief, or you're simply the type of traveller who prefers the convenience of staying near your exit point, then you're well catered for. The Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha offers 5-star luxury within 6km of Hamad International Airport — as does the Rixos Gulf Hotel, which is complete with superb waterfront views. More affordable options nearby include the Concorde Hotel and the Oasis Beach Club.   

The city centre calls if you want to base yourself close to attractions such as Doha's traditional Souq Waqif market, Dhow Harbour, the Museum of Islamic Art and the picturesque southern end of the Doha Corniche Promenade. Plus, it's closer to Doha's international airport than West Bay. Not only that, but the city centre is brimming with a range of affordable stays from the Movenpick Doha to high-end delights such as the Banyan Tree.   

Qatar is home to some stunning modern architecture and Katara Towers is undoubtably Doha's signature jaw-dropper. Its twin inwardly curving towers, designed to evoke the crossing curved swords of Qatar's national crest, house not one luxury hotel brand, but two: Raffles Doha and Fairmont Doha. Staying at either is a destination in itself! 

Just landed in Doha? Get your bearings in this magnificent seaside city by taking a walk around the Doha Corniche — a 7km promenade running the length of the city's crescent waterfront. Stretching round Doha Bay from the Sheraton Hotel to the Museum of Islamic Art, you’ll stroll past restaurants, parks, picnic spots and cultural attractions, all with spectacular views of the city's space-age skyline and traditional dhows.

The moment you cast eyes on Doha’s National Museum of Qatar you realise it's a stunning artwork itself. Its exterior of interlocking discs evokes "sand rose" crystal formations found naturally in the surrounding desert and prepares you for the intriguing cultural treasures and interactive displays housed within. The national museum offers you the full picture of how Qatar’s heritage is ushering in its future.

Likewise, a visit to the Museum of Islamic Art will captivate you for hours with its works of ancient and modern metalwork, ceramics, jewellery, woodwork, textiles, coins, glass and religious texts — drawn from a range of collections spanning centuries and many walks of life.  

Also known as the Qatar State Grand Mosque, this centre for Islamic prayer and instruction is the largest in Qatar. You may only visit during non-prayer times, and we recommend joining an organised tour to get more out of your experience. As with any place of prayer, a visit to a mosque has a set of customs and protocols — remember to dress respectfully and remove your shoes before you enter. Women are provided with scarves to cover their heads or a full-body abaya, if necessary

Discover the intriguing history of the Gulf region's pearl fishing industry that was at its height in the coastal town of Al Zubarah in the 18th and 19 centuries. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is 105km from Doha with easy boardwalk access around the well-preserved stone remains of fortifications, mosques, date presses, houses and a market.  

Built on an artificial island on the northern shore of Doha, the Pearl-Qatar is dubbed the "Arabian Riviera" for its Mediterranean-style marinas, luxurious shopping experiences and eclectic waterfront dining. Grab a morning coffee from any number of Pearl Qatar's chic cafes and wander the bridges, canals and colourful facades of its Venice-inspired Qanat Quartier. Then enjoy an ice cream or perhaps brunch by the water at a French bakery, Sushi bar or Mexican eatery.

What's so special about an old fire station? It's now a contemporary art space! The Fire Station Gallery showcases Qatar's exciting new artists and vibrant art scene, inviting you to not only look, but participate in art workshops and exhibition events.

A desert safari can be as thrilling or as tranquil as you'd like. For an adrenaline rush, scatter some sand and go 4x4 dune bashing with a guide or drive your own dune buggy across the steep and undulating terrain. For a more authentic desert experience, traverse the sand dunes on a camel and camp overnight in traditional Bedouin style by Qatar's incredible inland sea.

Blending influences from India, Iran, Lebanon and North Africa, Qatari cuisine is a sumptuous delight for vegans, vegetarians and meat lovers alike.  

Venture into the alleyways of Souq Waqif and you'll find Al Jasra. It boasts a delicious menu of some of the most authentic Qatari dishes you'll find in Doha — at very affordable prices.  

Fancy savouring Qatari flavours in an elegant setting? Jiwan in the National Museum of Qatar serves up refined, modern twists on traditional Qatari recipes with an emphasis on shared dishes.  

Coffee making is an art form in the Middle East. When you order a 'gahwa' from a coffee shop in Qatar you'll be served a small, piping hot cup of intrigue embellished with the aromas of saffron, cardamom, cloves and dried shaiba leaves. Sip it with a sweet side like dates.  

You'll enjoy another aromatic experience when you opt for a traditional karak tea, a drink with strong hints of cinnamon and ginger, softened with evaporated milk.  

Zengo Doha literally takes high-end dining to a whole new level. Once you’ve taken in the incredible views of Doha from the 61st floor of the Kempinski Residences and Suites, sit back and enjoy the restaurant’s Pan-Asian menu, which has everything from sushi to wok dishes and superb curries.  

As its name suggests, the Three-Sixty Restaurant on the 47th floor of The Torch Doha is Qatar's first and only revolving restaurant. The menu picks and chooses from international influences across the Mediterranean, Middle East and beyond.  

Delicious street food  

You'll not only find eating on the go in Doha to be an endlessly delicious experience, but you'll also love the convenience of being able to stop and source a snack from the many stands, trucks, carts and refurbished shipping containers dotted throughout the city while you explore.  

Enjoy local favourites like flat chapati breads stuffed with meats, cheeses or sweet fillings alongside  karak tea from vendors throughout the sprawling Souq Waqif market. Or delight in shawarma — boneless strips of chicken or beef wrapped in bread with pickles and sauces and served with fries.   

Find just about every international brand and designer label you're looking for at both the Pearl-Qatar, located on an artificial island on the northern shore off Doha, or Villaggio Mall in the in the Aspire Zone in the west end of the city.

For a truly authentic Qatari experience, visit Doha’s open-air Wholesale Market. Here, local restaurant owners and households alike haggle over fresh produce. There's even a pen where live farm animals are sold.

Getting lost in the twisting alleyways of this this large, vibrant market in central Doha is more an adventure than a mishap. Colourful stores sell everything from street food, spices and textiles to jewellery, handicrafts and souvenirs at every turn.  

Remember: haggling for a fair price for goods is considered part of the transaction here so be prepared for a polite exchange with vendors.  

Housed within this lively labyrinth is the popular Falcon Souq, where you can learn about the ancient local traditions of falconry and even get a photo with one of these majestic national birds of Qatar on your arm. 

Souq Waqif is just the tip of the bazaar iceberg! There's a market (souq) for just about everything when you visit Qatar. Specialty souqs include the Souq Al Dira (textile and tailor shops), Gold Souq (gold, silver and platinum jewellery) and Omani Souq (spices, ceramics and perfumes), to name a few.

Located inside Katara Cultural Village on the north shore of Doha, make your way to Katara Beach if you seek on-water activities such as stand-up paddle boarding, water skiing, kayaking or boat rides. Ideal for families, Katara Beach is Doha's best and most accessible shore.

Beyond Sealine Beach and about a two-and-a-half hour drive from Doha, Qatar's Inland Sea (Khor al Adaid) is a UNESCO-recognised natural reserve where you can enjoy a spot of fishing and camping in addition to swimming. The area's towering sand dunes are also good for sand boarding and dune bashing tours.

Although it's about a 40-minute drive south from Doha, Sealine Beach is one of the most popular in Qatar. After you cool off with a dip in the Gulf, embrace the beach's desert setting with a camel ride or desert safari tour.  

Looking for sugary-white sand and turquoise waters akin to a tropical paradise? You'll find it at Fuwairut Beach, just two hours north of Doha near the northern tip of Qatar. A popular kitesurfing destination, Fuwairit Beach is an Insta-worthy gem. However, note that the beach is closed between April and July when protected hawksbill sea turtle eggs hatch from the sand.