Things To Do
in Doha
Nestled along the coast of the Persian Gulf, Doha is the vibrant capital city of Qatar, known for its futuristic skyline and ultramodern architecture, including the iconic Museum of Islamic Art and the spiraling minaret of the Great Mosque. It is a cultural and commercial hub, offering a blend of traditional Souqs, such as Souq Waqif, with modern shopping malls and luxurious attractions, including the artificial island known as The Pearl.
Despite its rapid development, Doha retains its cultural roots, hosting various international events and festivals that celebrate the rich heritage of the Middle East.
- "Marhaba" - Hello
- "Shukran" - Thank you
- "Afwan" - You're welcome
- "Insha'Allah" - God willing
- "Ahlan wa sahlan" - Welcome
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $300
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $7
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $100
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Explore the Museum of Islamic Art to appreciate its stunning architecture and diverse collections. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Corniche after your visit.
Head to Souq Waqif for lunch and experience local flavors. Browse through the market’s vibrant stalls selling spices, textiles, and handmade crafts.
Dine at one of the upscale restaurants in The Pearl-Qatar. Enjoy scenic views and a taste of fine international cuisine.
Relax at Katara Beach and soak up the sun while enjoying the beautiful sea breeze. Consider renting some water sports equipment to make the most of your time.
Visit the Katara Cultural Village and explore its art galleries and theatrical performances. Enjoy lunch at a beachfront café with fresh seafood.
Take a stroll along the shoreline and enjoy the sunset over the Persian Gulf. Treat yourself to a beachside barbecue to end the day.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strategically located as a hub between East and West, facilitating travel and commerce.
- Home to a diverse expatriate community, offering a rich cultural experience.
- Strong economy supported by oil and gas revenues, providing job opportunities.
- Modern infrastructure, including a state-of-the-art airport and extensive road networks.
- Investment in education, sports, and the arts, exemplified by initiatives like the Qatar National Vision 2030.
- Hot and arid climate, with extreme summer temperatures that can be uncomfortable.
- High cost of living, particularly in housing and consumer goods.
- Limited cultural and entertainment options compared to larger global cities.
- Complex labor laws and sponsorship system that can affect some expatriates.
- Traffic congestion in urban areas, especially during peak hours.
Best Activities in Doha
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the sand dunes and enjoy activities such as dune bashing, camel riding, and sandboarding.
Take a cruise on a traditional wooden dhow boat and enjoy views of Doha's skyline.
Engage in various water sports activities such as kite surfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll or a picnic in this expansive park, which also offers cycling and running tracks.
Immerse yourself in art, culture, and heritage with various outdoor events, exhibitions, and performances.
Tours
Uncover the best of Doha with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Doha
Visit one of these nice places.
A man-made island known for its picturesque waterfront and stunning skyline views.
A vibrant marketplace with traditional architecture and perfect for capturing local culture and activities.
Home to an amphitheater, a beach, and numerous art installations, offering diverse backdrops for photography.
Food in Doha
Doha Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A fragrant rice dish with tender spiced meat, often chicken or lamb, and garnished with nuts and caramelized onions. Best enjoyed at Al Tawash restaurant in Souq Waqif.
Must-Try!
A slow-cooked dish made from wheat and meat, usually chicken or lamb, seasoned with ghee and aromatic spices. Visit Al Jasra restaurant for an authentic taste.
A delectable dessert similar to bread pudding, featuring layers of pastry, nuts, and cream, flavored with rose water and cardamom. You can savor the best Umm Ali at Parisa restaurant.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Doha better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This vibrant traditional marketplace is a food lover's delight with its maze of alleyways packed with stalls and eateries offering local delights such as kebabs, falafel, and shawarma.
The Katara Cultural Village hosts a regular food festival where visitors can sample an array of Qatari street food, from savory snacks to sweet treats, amidst a lively cultural atmosphere.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
It is important to show respect for Islamic customs and traditions in Doha, including dressing modestly, especially during religious occasions and visits to mosques.
When greeting someone in Doha, it is important to offer a warm handshake, and for men, to wait for women to extend their hand first. Conversations should be polite and respectful, and it is recommended to avoid discussing sensitive topics like politics or criticism of the ruling family.
When dining in Qatar, it is customary to eat with the right hand, as the left hand is traditionally considered unclean. Additionally, it is polite to accept offers of food and drink as a sign of hospitality, and to avoid using your left hand for gestures or handing over items.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Doha with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Doha
Ensure a smooth experience
In Doha, Qatar, tipping is generally not expected but appreciated. Many restaurants and hotels automatically add a service charge to the bill, so it's advisable to check before leaving an additional tip. However, if exceptional service is provided, a small tip is welcome.
In Doha, Qatar, cash is widely used for smaller transactions, while credit and debit cards are commonly accepted at larger establishments. It's important to note that some places may not accept certain credit cards, so it's recommended to inquire beforehand. Mobile payment apps and digital wallets are also gaining popularity in the country.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Doha.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The best time to visit Doha with pleasant temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. It's the peak tourist season with many outdoor activities and events taking place.
Another good time to visit with temperatures around 20°C to 30°C. It's less crowded than winter, and you can enjoy various cultural and sporting events across the city.
Hot and humid weather with temperatures exceeding 40°C. It's a low tourist season, but there are indoor attractions and events to explore, and hotel rates are lower.
Temperatures start to cool down to around 25°C to 35°C, and it's a pleasant time for outdoor activities. It's also a good time to explore local markets and festivals.
Doha at Night
Hiking in Doha
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic hiking trail that winds through the natural beauty of the Msheireb area, featuring unique rock formations and desert flora.
A popular route for hikers that offers views of the desert landscape, this trail is easily accessible and provides a moderate challenge.
This park features gentle hiking paths and is ideal for families or beginners looking to enjoy a leisurely walk in a natural setting.
A serene park area located north of Doha, ideal for short hikes and walks with ample green space and facilities.
Located outside the city, this hiking spot provides a more challenging experience with rocky terrain and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Doha through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Doha by plane.
The primary international airport serving Doha, Qatar, known for its modern architecture and extensive facilities.
Located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, this airport serves as a major gateway for pilgrims traveling to Mecca.
Situated in Dubai, UAE, it is one of the busiest airports in the world and a significant hub for international travel.
Located in Manama, Bahrain, this airport serves as a vital connection between the region and the rest of the world.
The primary airport serving Muscat, Oman, known for its contemporary terminals and important regional connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Comprising the majority of the population, expatriates from various countries, especially from South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Western countries, make up a significant portion of Doha's demographic.
Qatari citizens represent the native population, accounting for around 10-15% of the total population, with strong cultural and political influence in the country.
Other Arab nationalities, including those from neighboring Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the broader Arab world, form an important demographic group in Doha.
A smaller subgroup among expatriates, this group includes individuals from Western countries such as the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia, often working in finance, education, and healthcare sectors.
This group includes workers and families primarily from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal, contributing significantly to the labor market in various sectors.
Individuals from countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia, who work primarily in service industries such as hospitality and domestic work.
A smaller demographic that includes individuals from various African countries residing in Doha for work or education.
The Soul of Doha
Discover the essence of Doha through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Qatar, with a significant following and a strong national team. The country has hosted numerous international tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup 2022.
Qatar has invested in athletics, promoting various events and fostering local talent. The nation has hosted several international athletics competitions.
Handball is popular in Qatar, with a well-structured league and a national team that competes internationally. Qatar has also hosted the IHF World Men's Handball Championship.
Basketball has a growing following in Qatar, with various clubs and leagues. The sport is popular among youth and has seen increased participation.
A traditional sport in Qatar, camel racing holds cultural significance and is popular among locals. It is often accompanied by festivals and events.
Motorsports, including Formula E and MotoGP events, are gaining popularity in Qatar, with the Losail International Circuit being a prominent venue.
Tennis is also a popular sport in Doha, with several international tournaments held annually, attracting top-ranked players from around the world.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Doha.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Qatari cuisine is meat-centric, many restaurants offer delicious vegetarian options such as stuffed vine leaves, grilled halloumi, and flavorful falafel.
Vegans can enjoy dishes like hummus, fattoush salad, and vegetable biryani at various eateries specializing in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine.
Numerous restaurants in Doha cater to gluten-free diets, serving dishes like grilled fish, rice pilaf, and gluten-free pastries made with alternative flours.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Doha with these cultural adventures.
