Last updated on June 15th, 2026 at 12:48 pm
Doha is one of world’s fastest growing holiday destinations and having now been, I can understand why. Whether you’re looking for time by or on the ocean, great shopping and dining, vibrant souqs and culture, some amazing architecture, world class museums, desert adventures not to mention an amazing airport, then the Qatari capital will tick all the boxes.
I visited Doha during October as part of a stopover offered by Qatar Airways (read more about that in my my post Is the Qatar Airways Stopover Worth It?) and although my time there was short, just 3 nights or two full days, I packed in a lot!
In this travel guide I’ll set out 13 of the best things to do in Doha. I’ll also answer several frequently asked questions, provide some travel tips and suggest a few other activities you may want to include in your Doha itinerary.
I wasn’t sure what to expect in Doha, but during my short stay I found a city where the traditional and the modern coexist, where the people are very friendly and where there always seemed to be more to do than I had time for!
13 of the Best Things to Do in Doha
When it comes to planning your itinerary, you will of course need to prioritize what you want to see and do within the time you have available so to help you with that, here is my list of 13 of the best things to do in Doha:
1. Visit the National Museum of Qatar
I just love the shape of the National Museum of Qatar! Designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, the shape of the museum is inspired by the desert rose, a formation of crystals that create a rose like shape. I actually saw some of this in Souq Waqif – you can see it in the image below.
The galleries within the museum tell the story of Qatar through the ages. The architecture inside and outside in the surrounding buildings is wonderful and it’s worth taking a walk around the grounds of the museum too.
When planning your visit, you should know that:
- tickets cost 25 Qatari Riyals (QAR 25) (roughly £5/USD$7)
- the museum is open Monday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday 9am to 7pm, Thursday 9am to 9pm and Friday 1.30pm to 7pm. The museum is closed on Tuesdays
- as the museum is a National building, shoulders & knees must be covered
- some galleries may be closed for ‘enhancement’ during your visit (as they were for mine)
Check the official National Museum of Qatar website for information as to current exhibitions and general visitor information.
2. Visit the Katara Cultural Village
There is a lot to experience at the Katara Cultural Village but unfortunately, I only managed to see a small part of it. A self styled cultural site, the Village is home to the iconic pigeon towers, shops, galleries, a mosque, amphitheatre, beach…the list goes on!
It’s free to visit and I recommend standing on the outside air conditioning if Doha’s heat is getting to you!
3. Stop by the Qanat Quartier at The Pearl
If pastel coloured buildings and Venice inspired canals appeal to you, then make your way to the Qanat Quartier. To be honest, I didn’t spend much time here but it was interesting to visit all the same.
It’s a popular residential area and there are views toward Lusail and its iconic Katara Towers from here.
4. Join a Sunset Dhow cruise
Who doesn’t love a good sunset!
Doha is hot, even in October, so the idea of getting out on the water in a traditional dhow boat and into a bit of a breeze was really appealing! Add to that a lovely sunset, amazing skyline and views of the impressive Museum of Islamic Art and you have a wonderful way to spend an hour.
If you want to join a sunset dhow cruise you can either negotiate with the boat operators along the Corniche or you can do as I did and book online. The cruise I booked is no longer available but this is a very similar option:
I chose a cruise only option and there was plenty of opportunity for photos, videos and meeting fellow travellers. This was a popular option so I recommend booking ahead of your visit.
The cruise left at 5pm and by 6pm we were back at our departure point. By then, it was already dark and a perfect time to head into Souq Waqif for something to eat. And my recommendation for dinner…Parisa Restaurant…more on that below!
Read more about my experience on the cruise in my post Doha Sunset Dhow Cruise – A Great Way to Spend an Hour?
5. Wander around Souq Waqif
No trip to Doha would be complete without spending time in Souq Waqif. Its central location, wide variety of shops and wonderful array of restaurants make it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
Make sure to visit both during the day and in the evening, the atmosphere is markedly different at different times! Don’t forget to look out for camels here too!
6. Explore the Mina District
I highly recommend spending time in the Mina District. The District is home to many pastel coloured buildings, street art, shops, cafes and restaurants and the beautiful fish market!
You wouldn’t normally expect a fish market to be such a drawcard, but this one is different. Beautiful mosaics, a stunning stained glass ceiling and the absence of any fishy smell make it a must see. The air conditioning is a definite bonus!
Close by you will find the colourful Box Park where shipping containers have been converted into shops and cafes. A stroll around the adjacent marina is also worth adding to your itinerary.
7. Visit the Museum of Islamic Art
You cannot miss the Museum of Islamic Art! Located on a purpose built island next to the Corniche, the MIA is another architecturally beautiful building. It was designed by Chinese-American architect I.M. Pei and opened in 2008.
The various galleries are spread over multiple floors and tell the story of Islamic art over the centuries. There are thousands of artefacts, large and small, to see. Jewellery, ceramics, manuscripts, metalwork and textiles are all on display.
There are various on-site facilities including a café and terrace, each with wonderful views over Doha Bay and the Persian Gulf. The gift shop is also worth checking out.
When planning your visit, be aware that:
- tickets cost QAR 50 (roughly £10/USD$14)
- the museum is open Monday, Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday 9am to 7pm, Thursday 9am to 9pm and Friday 1.30pm to 7pm. The museum is closed on Wednesdays
- as the museum is a National building, shoulders & knees must be covered
Check the official Museum of Islamic Art website for information as to current exhibitions and general visitor information.
8. Take a ride on a gondola at the Villaggio Shopping Mall
If you’re looking for something a bit quirky, then head to the beautiful Villaggio Shopping Mall and allow a gondolier to take you through the canals of Venice! Yes, you read that correctly!
Inside the Mall there is a theme park featuring, amongst other things, various rides, an ice skating rink and the gondola ride. Tickets for the gondola cost QAR 10 per person (although as a solo traveller on my own in a gondola I was charged QAR 20!)
It’s fun and not something you’d do every day so give it a go!
9. Visit the National Library of Qatar
Another amazing example of Doha architecture worth visiting is the National Library of Doha. I love to read and always find libraries both relaxing and interesting…and this one is no exception!
The National Library of Qatar only opened in 2017 and has a futuristic feel to it. There is a lot of light in the main space with bookshelves rising up and outward toward the corners of what is a diamond shaped building.
Along one side of the interior space is a people moving conveyor belt which enables you to travel from one side to the other. Of course I had to have a go!
When planning your visit, be aware that the library is:
- free to visit
- open Saturday to Thursday 8am to 8pm and Friday 4-8pm
- a National building so shoulders & knees should be covered
10. Dine at Parisa
If you want to experience delicious Persian food in an incredibly opulent atmosphere, then make sure you dine at Parisa restaurant in Souq Waqif.
I did not make a prior booking but arrived ahead of the opening time and waited. They were able to accommodate me immediately, however if you don’t want to take that risk, I suggest making a reservation ahead of time.
Don’t forget to ask to see the private dining room shown below, it’s even more spectacular in person!
11. Visit the Falcon Souq
This is an unusual experience and one you should definitely add to your Doha itinerary. The Falcon Souq is part of Souq Waqif so make sure when you’re exploring one, you visit the other.
Falcons are birds of prey and the national bird of Qatar. Within the Souq you will be able to see falcons of different colours, sizes and types up close. During my visit I saw the white falcon pictured below…it was worth USD$42,000!
Falcons are so important to Qatari culture you will even find, within the Souq, a falcon hospital. It’s free to visit and houses a small museum. You may even see, as I did, a couple of patients waiting their turn to see a vet!
12. Stroll along the Corniche
The Corniche is a 7 kilometre long waterfront promenade that offers the most iconic views out over Doha Bay and the Doha skyline. The distinctive pyramid shaped Sheraton Hotel is located at the northern end of the Corniche. At the southern end is the iconic Museum of Islamic Art.
The Corniche is home to plenty of restaurants, cafes, parks and the dhow harbour so there is a lot to see and experience. Given the heat however, I would suggest exploring the Corniche either early morning or, as I did, late afternoon and evening.
13. Look for your National Flag in the Flag Plaza
Located roughly between the Museum of Islamic Art and Old Port is the Flag Plaza. There are 119 flags within the plaza representing those nations with diplomatic missions in Qatar along with the flags of the European Union, United Nations and the Gulf Cooperation Council.
You will also see an interesting piece of public art. The limestone sculpture, named Us, Her, Him, is a reflection on human interaction and connection.
Palm trees line the plaza and with the flags and their poles offering a tiny bit of shade and a mist of finely sprayed water falling down, I thought it was worth having a wander through, in my case on the way to the Mina District.
City Tour
If your time in Doha is short (as mine was) then I would recommend joining a city tour. It will take you to some of these places and you can then use the rest of your time to explore on your own. I booked and highly recommend this Doha City Tour.
You can check the availability of this tour and book your place here:
Frequently Asked Questions
I had a load of questions before I visited Doha and I’m guessing you will too so here are my answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:
There are two main seasons in Qatar, summer and winter:
a) Summer (June, July and August) experiences high temperatures up into the 40°s Celsius (104°+ Fahrenheit)
b) Winter (November – February) the average high ranges from 20° to 25° C (68° to 77° F)
March to mid-May can experience thunderstorms, strong winds and heavy rain and October to mid-December can experience intermittent spells of rain and storms.
I visited Doha in early October and it was hot, with the daytime temperature reaching into the mid-30°s C (85°/90° F).
Overall, the best time to visit Doha is in the winter.
In my experience, yes Doha is safe. It has low crime rates, however as with any destination you should exercise caution, keep an eye on your valuables etc.
Men and women alike are expected to show respect for the local culture and keep shoulders and knees covered when entering national buildings. You should avoid wearing anything too revealing in public. Shorts, swimwear etc. are fine if you’re at the hotel pool or resort. Loose fitting trousers, cropped pants, midi/maxi skirts and dresses are ideal. Linen and cotton fabrics are a great choice. Overall, think loose, covered and breathable! See what I wore in the images below.
The currency used in Qatar is the Qatari Riyal (QAR). Cards are widely accepted but it’s handy to have some cash on you for smaller purchases.
You can either walk, use the metro or take taxis. I walked a lot but I also used Uber. I also had the benefit of transport provided as part of this Doha City Tour. Taxi fares are not expensive and although I did not use the metro, I understand it is easy to use, affordable and efficient.
The images above show what I wore during my 2 days in Doha. Make sure you check out my ‘What to Wear in Doha’ Instagram reel too.
Visitor Tips
In addition to the other travel tips and advice in this post, here are a few other things to keep in mind when visiting Doha:
- stay hydrated – you can drink the tap water but bottled water is widely available
- wear sunscreen and sunglasses
- wear comfortable shoes if you plan to walk a lot. I wore these shoes on day 1 and a pair similar to these shoes on day 2
- there is a lot of traffic in Doha, especially along the Corniche, so take care when crossing the roads
- respect the culture and customs e.g. avoid public displays of affection, consume alcohol only where permitted (e.g. restaurants and hotels, not in public), be aware businesses close for Friday prayers (10am-12pm)
- plugs are the same as those in the UK
- a service charge is usually added to bills but a tip of 10-15% is appreciated
Staying Online in Doha
If you like to stay online when travelling, either to keep in touch with family and friends, update social media, make bookings or use google maps, but you don’t want to incur roaming charges from your home provider, then consider an eSim from Airalo.
Easy to install, an eSim avoids the need to buy a local Sim card (and risk losing your home Sim when taking it out!) and allows you to continue using your own phone number for calls and texts.
I have used data packages purchased from Airalo on several occasions now, including in Doha, and highly recommend them. When time is of the essence as it can be when travelling, accessing online resources can be a real time saver. For solo travellers, it can also be a comfort to know you have online access all the time.
People in Doha tend to travel by taxi a lot (it’s often too hot to walk!) so online access is vital for booking that Uber!
Extra Time in Doha
If you plan to stay in Doha for longer than a couple of days or you’re looking for something else to do, then you may want to add some of these very popular activities into your itinerary:
For those looking for something a little more sedate, then consider afternoon tea at one of Doha’s many luxury hotels or spend the day at a spa or beach resort.
There really is a lot to do in Doha!
Final Thoughts
Doha is definitely worth visiting! Whether you’re planning to take advantage of the stopover program, hoping to make a short city break there or even considering a week or 2 in a resort, you will find that there is plenty to do.
Shopping malls, museums and national buildings are destinations in themselves, but they also provide much needed shade and air conditioning from the hot Middle East sun. Water activities, pastel coloured neighbourhoods and delicious food options will compete with falcons and camels for your attention!
I really enjoyed my time in Doha and I hope that, by using this Doha travel guide, you will be able to create your own comprehensive itinerary and get the most from your visit too.
If you need further help in planning a trip to Doha, do check my Resources page.
Which of these things to do in Doha would be first on your itinerary?
Disclaimer – Information correct at the time of writing but do check before visiting.
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