Doha

Doha: what to know

Doha is the capital of Qatar, a small country on the Persian Gulf. A traditional market sits next to skyscrapers here, and museums are designed by architects with global names. The flight from Tashkent takes about 4 hours, so Doha works both for a long weekend and as a trip of its own.

If you are looking for what to see in Doha and in Qatar as a whole, start with the capital: nearly all the main sights are here and it is easy to move between them.

What to see in Doha

Museum of Islamic Art

The museum stands on an artificial island off the Corniche. The building was designed by I. M. Pei, and from the outside it is as striking as the collections inside: ceramics, manuscripts, metalwork and textiles from across the Islamic world. Even if you do not plan to go in, the park around the museum is worth a walk for the view of the city.

Souq Waqif

A restored traditional market in the centre of the city. It sells spices, fabrics, souvenirs and incense, there is a separate falcon souq, and the cafés and restaurants fill up in the evening. The best time to walk through Souq Waqif is after sunset, once the heat fades.

National Museum of Qatar

Jean Nouvel's building resembles a "desert rose", the crystal formation that grows in sand. The museum tells the story of the country, Bedouin life and how Qatar has changed over recent decades.

Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque (known as the "Golden Mosque")

One of the largest mosques in the country, known to visitors as the "Golden Mosque". It is a working mosque: dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered, and check visiting hours in advance.

The Corniche

The waterfront promenade along the bay is a favourite for walks among locals and visitors alike. It offers a view of the West Bay skyline, especially beautiful at sunset.

Katara Cultural Village

A coastal complex with an amphitheatre, galleries, workshops and restaurants. Exhibitions and concerts are held here, and there is a beach nearby.

The Pearl-Qatar island

An artificial island with marinas, waterfront walks and cafés. A good choice for a slow evening stroll and dinner by the water.

Msheireb Downtown

A rebuilt city centre with pedestrian streets, modern architecture with traditional motifs and several small museums. A good option for a hot day when you want to spend more time indoors.

What to see in Doha in one day

If time is short, this route covers the main things without wearing you out:

• Morning: the Museum of Islamic Art and a walk along the Corniche before it gets hot.
• Midday: Msheireb Downtown or Katara Cultural Village, lunch and a rest in the cool.
• Evening: Souq Waqif, dinner and a stroll through the market; if you like, see the city lights from the waterfront.

With two or three days, add the National Museum of Qatar, the Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque and The Pearl-Qatar.

When to go

The most comfortable time is roughly November to April: it is warm by day and pleasant for evening walks along the waterfront and through the market. Summers in Doha are very hot, with daytime temperatures of 40 °C and above, and visitors spend most of the day in air-conditioned museums, malls and cafés. If you do go in summer, plan outings for the morning and late evening.

Getting there and getting around

International flights land at Hamad International Airport (DOH). The flight from Tashkent takes about 4 hours; check the schedule and the availability of direct flights before booking.

The Doha Metro is a convenient way to get around: it links the airport with many districts. Taxis and ride-hailing apps suit short trips. In the centre and along the waterfront much can be covered on foot.

What to try

Start with machboos, a dish of rice with meat or fish and aromatic spices that is among the best-known in the region. Karak, a strong tea with milk and spices, is served alongside it and after meals, as is Arabic coffee with cardamom, which is poured in small cups and traditionally paired with dates. Dates are offered almost everywhere in Qatar, in cafés, in hotels and as a gesture of hospitality.

Souq Waqif is a convenient place to eat: it has many cafés and restaurants with local and international dishes, and the open-air terraces are among the first tables taken in the evening.

Practical information

• The currency is the Qatari riyal (QAR). Check the exchange rate and payment options before you travel.
• Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, museums and shops, so getting by is easy.
• During Ramadan, eating and drinking in public during daylight hours is not customary and is restricted by the rules. Many cafés keep special hours during the day.
• The weekend in Qatar falls on Friday and Saturday, so check the opening hours of museums, markets and shops for those days in advance.

Family-friendly Doha

Doha works well for a trip with children: many places are made for slow walks and relaxed days.

• A cruise on a traditional dhow boat on the bay near the Corniche is especially pleasant in the evening, once the heat fades.
• The beach at Katara Cultural Village is a handy place to swim and rest after the museums.
• Aspire Park is a spacious city park with walking paths, where you can spend time in the shade and fresh air.
• Lusail is a city north of Doha that hosted the final of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. It makes an interesting stop for football fans and lovers of modern architecture.

Tips for visitors

• Dress modestly in mosques and public places: shoulders and knees should be covered.
• Alcohol is restricted in Qatar: it is usually available only in licensed hotels and restaurants.
• Drink plenty of water and wear a hat, especially in the warm months.
• Before booking, check the entry rules for your passport, including the visa and document validity: they depend on citizenship and can change.
• An Onyx Tour consultant can pick a flight from Tashkent and a hotel in Doha for your dates and budget, and help plan your route around the city.