Qatar

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Doha

Gulf capital of museums and souqs

Visa & entry checker Plan a trip to Doha Plan a trip around Qatar

Best time to visit: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Currency: QAR
Time zone: UTC+3
Country: Qatar

Photo: Alex Sergeev (www.asergeev.com), CC BY-SA 3.0

Doha is Qatar's capital and largest city, a fast-growing Gulf metropolis on the Persian Gulf coast with a striking skyline, world-class museums and traditional souqs. Most visitors come for the Museum of Islamic Art, the corniche, desert trips and as a stopover hub.

Largest cities

Doha
Al Rayyan
Al Wakrah
Al Khor
Lusail

Quick facts

Figures are rounded recent official estimates.

Country: Qatar
Capital: Doha
Metro population: 1.2M
Population of Qatar: 2.6M
Country area: 11,437 km²
Official language: Arabic
Currency: Qatari Riyal (QAR) · 1 USD ≈ 3.64 QAR
Time zone: UTC+3
Calling code: +974
Drives on the: Right
Elevation: 7 m
Plugs: D / G · 240V
Emergency numbers: 999
Best time to visit: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar

Temperatures through the year

Average daily high and low for each month in °C. Months marked with a drop are often rainy.

Temperatures through the year

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High	23°	24°	28°	33°	38°	42°	42°	41°	39°	36°	31°	25°
Low	15°	15°	18°	22°	27°	29°	31°	31°	29°	26°	22°	17°

Best time to visitOther months

Approximate daily cost

Per adult per day: food, local transport and half a double room, without activities or flights.

ConservativeSimple stays, free and low-cost sights first.$48
HighComfortable hotels, a balanced mix of sights and trips.$125
LuxuryLuxury hotels, more paid experiences and day trips.$335

Plan a trip to Doha

Top things to do

Free
Museum of Islamic Art
I. M. Pei's landmark building holds one of the world's finest Islamic art collections; free entry, closed Tuesdays.
- Half day
- Souq Waqif and Al Bidda
- Good for kids
- Indoors
- Closed: Tuesday
Free
Souq Waqif
A restored traditional market of spice, textile and craft stalls; liveliest after sunset when the restaurants fill up.
- Half day
- Souq Waqif and Al Bidda
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
Free
Doha Corniche
A 7 km waterfront promenade with skyline views; walk or cycle it in the cooler early morning or evening.
- Half day
- West Bay
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
≈ $14
National Museum of Qatar
Jean Nouvel's desert-rose building tells Qatar's story from pearling to oil; allow two hours.
- Half day
- Msheireb Downtown
- Good for kids
- Indoors
Free
Katara Cultural Village
An amphitheatre, galleries, mosques and a beach in one seafront complex; good for an evening stroll and dinner.
- Half day
- Katara Cultural Village
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
Free
The Pearl-Qatar
An artificial island of marinas, cafés and boutiques; wander the Porto Arabia boardwalk in the evening.
- Half day
- The Pearl-Qatar
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
Free
Msheireb Museums
Four restored heritage houses cover slavery, oil and daily life in Qatar; free entry, closed Fridays.
- Half day
- Msheireb Downtown
- Indoors
≈ $70
Desert safari and Inland Sea
A half-day 4x4 trip over the dunes to Khor Al Adaid; book a licensed operator and go in the cooler months.
- Full day
- West Bay
- Good for kids

Before you go

Entry and visas

Many nationalities, including UK, EU, US, Indian and Latin American passport holders, can get a free visa waiver or visa on arrival for stays up to 30 days; other nationalities need to apply in advance. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from arrival, and travellers staying more than 30 days must buy local health insurance. Check the latest rules on the Qatar Ministry of Interior website before booking.

Official website

From the airport

Hamad International Airport (DOH) is the main gateway, about 15–20 minutes by taxi or metro from the city centre. The Doha Metro Red Line connects the airport to central Doha in roughly 20 minutes.

Getting around

The Doha Metro is clean, cheap and covers most sights; taxis and ride-hailing apps fill the gaps, and buses are cheap but slow.

Local tips

Dress modestly in public places; swimwear is fine at hotel pools and beaches.
Alcohol is served in licensed hotels and restaurants, but drinking in public is illegal.
Carry cash for souqs and small shops; cards are widely accepted elsewhere.
Avoid outdoor sightseeing in July and August, when temperatures exceed 40°C.