Doha

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Shutterstock
Photo provided by Visit Qatar
Photo provided by Visit Qatar
Photo provided by Visit Qatar
Photo provided by Visit Qatar

A mix of traditional Qatari art and culture and ultra-modern architecture and opportunities make this Middle Eastern city a fascinating destination.

Doha, Qatar’s capital, began as a tribal port settlement in a desert land, with pearl diving, fishing and sea trade supporting its economy. When the nation developed an oil industry, Doha began a rapid path of modernization. Visit this fascinating city that preserves traditions of art, religion and markets alongside impressive architecture and technological investment.

Modernizing while preserving traditions is part of the country’s long-term plan, Qatar National Vision 2030. Stroll along Doha’s pretty shoreline to view both aspects of the city. From the Doha Corniche and peaceful MIA Park, gaze out over the Persian Gulf, where pearl divers found treasures in the sea. Look for the Pearl Monument commemorating the importance of the gems to Doha’s early economy. Turn inland to view the dramatic skyline of modern high-rises such as the Doha Tower gleaming in the sun.

Jutting out over the bay, the Museum of Islamic Art showcases 14 centuries of intriguing art from Qatar and elsewhere. A bit inland, step into the Souq Waqif’s busy alleys to experience a traditional marketplace with Middle Eastern treasures. Purchase spices, sample local foods, observe falconry and browse art galleries. With the futuristic shape of a desert rose, the nearby National Museum of Qatar provides insights on the nation’s past, present and future.

Many modern developments are on Doha’s western side. The impressive Education City Stadium and Khalifa International Stadium show the nation’s dedication to promoting sports. Hosting international soccer competitions gives Qatar a chance to demonstrate its hospitality. Aspire Tower is a five-star hotel, with a shape resembiing a blazing torch. Education Cityhas numerous international satellite universities. Nearby, appreciate the modern architecture of Qatar National Library and Qatar National Convention Centre.

Arrive in Qatar at Hamad International Airport, about a 20-minute drive from Doha Port and downtown. Include time in your schedule to visit modern and traditional sites outside Doha, including gleaming new developments at Pearl-Qatar and Lusail and ancient forts and ancient wells on the Qatar peninsula.

Where to stay in Doha

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West Bay

4/5(16 area reviews)

Noted for its beaches and restaurants, there's plenty to explore in West Bay. Top attractions like Katara Cultural Village and Katara Beach are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Katara Station or Al Qassar Station to see more of the city.

West Bay
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Diplomatic Area

4.5/5(49 area reviews)

The beaches and abundant dining options are just a few top-rate features of the neighbourhood. Make a stop by City Centre Shopping Mall or Hotel Park while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at DECC Station to get around town.

Diplomatic Area
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Msheireb Downtown

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

If you're spending time in Msheireb Downtown, check out sights like Msheireb Museums or Al Khoot Fort and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Al Baraha Tram Stop or Sahat Al-Masjid Tram Stop.

Msheireb Downtown
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Al Sadd

Shopping and spas are just a few features Al Sadd is known for, and you can get around the area by hopping on the metro at Joaan Station or Hamad Hospital Station.

Al Sadd
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As Salatah

If you're spending some time in As Salatah, National Museum of Qatar and Doha Corniche are top sights worth seeing.

As Salatah
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Musherib

Musherib is well liked for its restaurants, and you can visit sights like Souq Waqif Art Center and Gold Souq if you have time to explore the area.

Musherib
Oryx Airport Hotel

Oryx Airport Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Hamad International Airport, Doha, Qatar
The price is RM1,380 per night from 23 Nov to 24 Nov
RM1,380
RM1,380 total
23 Nov - 24 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Doha. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 16 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,218 reviews)
The location was convenient and easy to find in Doha airport. The room was clean and quiet and provided a comfortable slumber during our 11 hour layover. Wonderful shower in the morning and enjoyed the in-room coffee before catching our next flight.

Reviewed on 28 Oct 2025

Oryx Airport Hotel
Steigenberger Hotel Doha

Steigenberger Hotel Doha

5 out of 5
Al Matar Street, Plot. No. 9, Street No. 850, Area No. 26, Doha
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM491 per night from 31 Oct to 1 Nov
RM491
RM491 total
31 Oct - 1 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Doha. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa, and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (449 reviews)
Property was really nice, very clean and staff were amazing. Location was sort of in the ghetto and the breakfast buffet was very limited

Reviewed on 10 Oct 2025

Steigenberger Hotel Doha
Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha

Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha

5 out of 5
Ras Abu Aboud Street, Building 2, Street 920, Zone 28, Doha
The price is RM948 per night from 6 Nov to 7 Nov
RM948
RM948 total
6 Nov - 7 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Doha. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (208 reviews)
Clean and nice service

Reviewed on 22 Oct 2025

Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Steigenberger Residence Doha

Steigenberger Residence Doha

5 out of 5
Ibn Muawiya St, Doha
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Doha. Enjoy a full-service spa, 3 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (93 reviews)
Nice

Reviewed on 23 Oct 2025

Steigenberger Residence Doha
Royal Mirage Hotel and Apartments

Royal Mirage Hotel and Apartments

3.5 out of 5
treet 850 Building 7, Doha, Doha
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Doha. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Souq Waqif Art Center and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (50 reviews)
The staff is very approachable, the house is neat and clean, and quit

Reviewed on 24 Oct 2025

Royal Mirage Hotel and Apartments
Westpac Hotel & Suites - Westbay Doha

Westpac Hotel & Suites - Westbay Doha

Zone 61,Umm Awaarad St, Deplomatic Area, 228, Doha, Doha Municipality
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Doha. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions City Centre Shopping Mall and Katara ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (9 reviews)
Clean room clean hotel the staff was very friendly

Reviewed on 21 Oct 2025

Westpac Hotel & Suites - Westbay Doha
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Doha

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
106
5 - Excellent 55%
4 - Good
71
4 - Good 37%
3 - Okay
14
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

I went for business. If you're going other than visiting friends family o business there's no real point going TBH. If you want the whole middle east bling experience go to Dubai

3/5 - Okay

Ali

I am not a big fan of any of these Persian Gulf states. I was here on business. They are all ok, Doha is a quieter version of Dubai

5/5 - Excellent

Jas

My stopover 36hrs. Definitely would go again for a longer duration to explore Qatar.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

The night view in the sharq village was wonderful. Parisa in sharq village has the best food. Nobu restaurant has the best drinks.

3/5 - Okay

tim

I went for football tournament . They need to up their organisation for the World Cup . Metro amazing Full of cars . Not pedestrian friendly at all . Limited and expensive alcohol . No public display of affection . Nor western dress .

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Easy and relatively cheap to get around using the Karwa Taxi's. Has a fairly relaxed feel to it so if you want big city amenities with a quieter feel, Doha is the place