Over the years Doha has been transformed into a vibrant city with plenty to offer. It offers a unique blend of traditional culture and contemporary marvels making it a worthwhile travel destination in the Persian Gulf Coast. If you plan to visit Qatar’s stunning capital for the first time, here is a quick travel guide to help you make the most of your stay there.
The Best Time To Visit
February to May and October to December are the best times to make your trip to Doha. During these times, the temperatures range from the mid-twenties to the thirties, with nighttime temperatures dropping to the mid to late tens. The weather is generally warm but comfortable in these months making it the perfect time to visit.
Where To Stay
If you’ve chosen Qatar’s capital as your next travel destination, you’ll have some of the best hotels in Doha that cater to a variety of tastes and preferences. From budget-friendly properties to modern luxury hotels to accommodations with a bit of cultural flair like the Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels by Tivoli, you’ll have no shortage of options to choose from.
Things To Do
A large part of Doha’s appeal is its multitude of attractions and sites that speak to a unique duality of tradition and modernity.
If you’re looking to take in the stunning view of the cityscape, you can start off with a stroll along the Corniche, a 7 km walkway along the bay. In addition to the scenic views of the city, you can also use the Corniche to access several of the city’s main sites. Along the way you can visit the National Museum of Qatar, shaped like a desert rose and carrying all of Qatar’s ancient and modern history. Alternatively, you could explore Souq Waqif, Doha’s old commercial centre, where you’ll find plenty of cafes, restaurants and numerous stalls selling jewellery, textiles, spices, homeware and more.
Doha is also a city for art enthusiasts with a number of art galleries and exhibitions. Jeff Koon’s Dugong, Cesar Baldaccini’s Le Pouce and Damien Hirst’s 17-piece installation The Miraculous Journey are all worth exploring.
If you’re looking to venture outside the city limits, the Desert landscapes make for an incredible adventure. Dune bashing, camel riding and sandboarding along the silky-smooth sand make for a worthwhile experience that you won’t have anywhere else.
Food and Dining Options
There are several restaurants and cafes that you visit if you’re eager to try the local cuisine. Shay Al Shoomos is a restaurant run by a local lady who serves the best of traditional Qatari food from balaleet to machboos. SMAT restaurant is a popular place that is known for its aesthetically presented Arab cuisine prepared with a modern twist.
You can also find the best Persian and Middle Eastern cuisine at Parisa Souq Waqif, a Persian restaurant with impressive interior decor.
If you want to eat healthily, Evergreen Organics is a vegan health cafe that offers wholesome meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner along with fresh smoothies and juices.