Doha – Travel Guide
Doha, the dynamic capital of Qatar, is known for its futuristic skyline, rich cultural heritage, and growing reputation as a global destination. Visitors can explore the stunning Museum of Islamic Art, housing an impressive collection of art and artifacts from across the Islamic world. The traditional Souq Waqif offers an authentic experience of Qatari culture, with its vibrant markets, cafes, and local crafts. Doha`s Corniche, a waterfront promenade, provides breathtaking views of the city`s skyline and is perfect for leisurely walks. The city`s blend of modernity, tradition, and world-class attractions makes Doha a captivating destination in the Gulf region.
All about Doha
Getting around Doha
On Foot
In the cooler months, it is perfectly feasible to walk around Doha. But it is not a common or the best way to get around, as the city simply has not evolved around pedestrians, and the roads often don’t have many crossings, or even sidewalks.
That said, a stroll along the Corniche is one of the best ways to see the bay, the city’s museums, and the older quarters around Souq Waqif. All the various parks and the Pearl are fantastic to walk in and around, but in general walking is not the best option for exploration.
By Metro
The state-of-the art Doha Metro is largely operational (anticipated to be fully operational in time for the FIFA World Cup in 2022), connecting various points of interest across Doha. While currently mostly underground, a tram system is under development, and expected to open shortly.
The automated rail network offers some of the fastest driverless trains in the world, the Doha Metro rapid transit system has three lines: Red, Green and Gold, with 37 stations across 47 miles, which converge at the centrally located Msheireb Station, close to Doha’s main cultural attractions.
-Red (coastal) Line connects Hamad International Airport to West Bay, Katara Cultural Village, Qatar University and Lusail.
-Green (educational) Line connects Hamad Hospital, Al Bidda park, Qatar Foundation’s Education City and Mall of Qatar.
-Gold (historic) Line runs through Khalifa Stadium, Villaggio Mall, to Souq Waqif and National Museum of Qatar.
Tickets:
-A single ticket in Standard Class costs QAR2.
-An unlimited day pass in Standard Class costs QAR6.
-A single ticket in Gold Class is QAR10, and a day pass QAR30.
-Tickets for Family Class are the same as Standard, but only available to women with children.
Tickets are available from the machines in each station, and re-chargeable cards are being planned.
Prices still subject to change. This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
By Bus
The government-run national bus company, Karwa Public Bus (www.mowasalat.com), provides comfortable city services around Doha in environmentally friendly vehicles. Timetables are displayed at each of the sheltered bus stops.
Buses operate every 15 to 30 minutes along many city routes; most start from Al Ghanim Bus Station and have stops every quarter mile. To travel by bus, you must purchase a Karwa Smartcard. Without a card, there’s a QR10 fee for a single journey. Cards are available at the bus station and at some supermarkets (you need ID to purchase).
The free West Bay Shuttle loops through the West Bay area and can be handy for getting from one end of the bay to the other. Route maps are posted at bus stops and are available on www.mowasalat.com.
By Car
Driving in Doha can be difficult. Watch out for impatient drivers overtaking on both the left and right, honking the horn, flashing their lights and exhibiting a general disregard for roundabouts and free-roaming pedestrians. Parking is not too much of a problem, except in the souq (market) areas. Most hotels and malls have car parks or parking services. Ongoing construction and a lack of street signs can make navigation difficult. It is worth noting, most people navigate by landmark, not by road sign.
All the well-known car rental companies have a kiosk at the airport. In order to rent a car, tourists will need a driver’s license of their home country and a credit card with the required amount of collateral in the account. Travelers who want to rent a car for more than ten days will need to make a temporary driving license in the local governance. It should be noted that the cost of car rental is quite low and ranges from $25 a day.
By Taxi or Uber
There are three types of taxis in Qatar: Karwa, Uber, and Careem. Uber and Careem can only be hailed via their respective apps. The city’s bright-turquoise taxis can be hailed by the side of the road or found at the airport and outside malls and hotels. If you don’t use an app, taxi journeys cost around QR4 plus QR1.60/1.80 per kilometre during daylight/nighttime hours, although very few taxis use their meters these days. It is always good practice to agree on a price before getting in. The minimum fare is QR10, and waiting time costs QR8 for each 15 minutes.
Short Uber trips start at about QR15. Careem and Uber taxis allow you to book, check the fares, and track the cars online via the apps, and both offer cashless payments.
By Bicycle
Cycling in Doha is not the best way to get around. The traffic can be chaotic, and cycle lanes either do not exist or are ignored and not safe. However, it is a great way to explore the Corniche and the various parks, and there are dedicated and safe cycle tracks along parks such as Aspire Park and Al Bidda. The parks have bike-rental outlets, such as Berg Arabia, which not only rent bicycles, but also go-karts and four-wheel bicycles for the entire family. Costs start from around 25 QAR per hour.
By Chauffeur-Driven Limousine
Limousine hire is very common in Doha, and there are plenty of companies to choose from. You can hire anything from a stretch- to a Hummer-limousine, but most common are the comfortable, clean, air-conditioned sedans or SUVs, that can take you around the city and wait for you outside shops or museums, taking away the time and effort connected with finding suitable public transport or a taxi right at the moment you need it. One example of limousine hire is Mowasalat, the company that also runs the public buses, metro and taxis in Doha. The hourly rate ranges from $60 to $200, the daily rate from around $600 to $2,000, plus tips, all depending on how many people are traveling and what type of car you require.
Doha FAQ
What is Qatar known for?
Doha Hamad International Airport serves the Gulf state of Qatar. If you have not booked a private transfer with us, you have a few options for transportation such as bus, taxi or by car.
Bus: Regular Mowasalat bus services 109 and 474 (www.mowasalat.com) operate from the Bus Pavilion, located to the right of the Arrivals Hall, into the city. Payment is via an electronic ‘Karwa” Smartcard which can be purchased at ticket vending machines at Doha Bus Station and Doha Hamad International Airport. The ‘Limited’ version of the card is valid for two journeys within 24 hours of purchase and costs about QR10. The ‘Unlimited’ card costs about QR20 and is valid for unlimited trips around the city, also within 24 hours of purchase.
Taxi: Taxis are operated by the state-owned Mowasalat, and are readily available from the Taxi Pavilion located just outside Arrivals. All taxis are metered and have a starting fair of QR25. The journey time into the city center is 20 minutes or less. Note that only Qatari Riyals in cash are accepted as payment. The same company also offers limousine service.
For people with reduced mobility, call Mowasalat in advance to book a suitable taxi for your needs.
Numerous international and local car rental companies are located at the airport. Service counters can be found across the Arrivals Hall in the passenger terminal. In order to rent a car, tourists will need a driver’s license of their home country and a credit card with the required amount of collateral in the account. Travelers who want to rent a car for more than ten days will need to make a temporary driving license in the local governance. It should be noted that the cost of car rental is quite low and start at around $25 a day.
Also, Uber is available in Doha.
How do I get around Doha using public transportation?
The state-of-the art Doha Metro is largely operational, connecting various points of interest across Doha. While currently mostly underground, a tram system is under development, and expected to open shortly.
The automated rail network offers some of the fastest driverless trains in the world, the Doha Metro rapid transit system has three lines: Red, Green and Gold, with 37 stations across 47 miles which converge at the centrally located Msheireb Station, close to Doha’s main cultural attractions.
-Red (coastal) Line connects Hamad International Airport to West Bay, Katara Cultural Village, Qatar University and Lusail.
-Green (educational) Line connects Hamad Hospital, Al Bidda park, Qatar Foundation’s Education City and Mall of Qatar.
-Gold (historic) Line runs through Khalifa Stadium, Villaggio Mall, to Souq Waqif and National Museum of Qatar.
Are there any cultural difference that I need to be aware of when traveling to Qatar?
Qatar is a Muslim country and it is expected that visitors dress modestly, covering shoulders and legs down to the knee when outside of their hotel. On the beaches and by the pools you are allowed to wear bikinis, although topless bathing is not allowed. Alcohol is available in most hotels and restaurants located within hotels, although you will find local smaller restaurants will not have an alcohol license. Pork products are not available in Qatar. During Ramadan it is forbidden to eat and drink in public between sunrise and sunset, and most shops and restaurants will be closed during the day. The major hotels will have a secluded restaurant open for visitors to eat in.
When eating with your hands, avoid using your left hand, as that one is deemed unclean. Equally, if you choose to sit on the floor with locals, try not to show the soles of your feet to the other guests.
Where can I eat in Doha?
Doha has many great dining options. You’ll find fast food, regional and cultural cuisine, and fine dining in the top-end hotels.
Katara Cultural Village offers a variety of nicer restaurants including Khan Farouk (Egyptian), Mamig (Armenian), and Vesuvio (Italian), as well as stalls where you can eat chapatti and drink karak, a local favorite snack and drink.
For a more cultural experience, there are many good restaurants and coffee shops in Souq Waqif, located in the city center. Some good options at the Souq include Tajine (Moroccan), Le Gourmet (International), Al Bandar (Seafood/Arab), Al-Adhamiyya (Iraqi), Isfahan Gardens (Persian), and more. A local favorite are the many shwarma restaurants found all over town.
Qatari cuisine is a mix of Lebanese, Yemeni, and Indian. Expect a lot of chicken, lamb, and rice, paired with plenty of salads, dips like hummus and moutabal, fresh fish, and honeyed sweets and dates. Restaurants in Doha are as diverse as the cuisine. You can enjoy a meal at luxurious fine-dining restaurants like Hakkasan or have a more down-to-Earth, but equally delicious meal at Bandar Aden. Head to Al Aker Sweets to enjoy some traditional desserts. You will also find nightclubs and bars for tourists.
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Is Doha safe to visit?
Yes, it’s actually one of the safest countries in the world, and occasionally ranks as the safest place on the entire planet. Violent crimes are extremely rare in this country, and when they happen, they’re not usually aimed at foreigners.
When is the best time to visit Qatar?
The best time to visit Qatar is during the less humid dry season, which starts in November and continues through April. The heat, humidity, and precipitation can be oppressive during the summer months, hampering sightseeing opportunities in the emirate.
How many days should I spend in Qatar?
We recommend approximately 3-7 days based on what you want to see and do. We offer flexible vacation packages so you can select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities. We suggest a minimum of 3 nights in Doha.
What is the currency of Qatar?
The currency of Qatar is the Qatari riyal (QR), of which there are 100 dirhams. Have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for riyals upon arrival. Currency exchange desks are available at the airport, most high-end hotels and resorts, and many other places around the country.
Do people speak English in Qatar?
The majority of people in Qatar can speak English, due to its history as a British protectorate and its longstanding place in Qatari schools and in the business community. It will not be difficult to locate English speakers in cities and tourist areas. Arabic is the official language, however; be prepared to learn basic Arabic phrases like hello/goodbye, please/thank you, and the numbers from 1-10, 50, 100, and 1,000. To say `How do you speak English`, say `Hal tatahadath al’injilizia?`
Top Attractions
Museum of Islamic Art
The museum is built on an island off an artificial projecting peninsula near the traditional dhow harbor.
National Museum of Qatar
A vibrant and immersive space that invites all visitors to explore Qatar’s rich heritage and culture.
Aspire Park
The lush 88-hectare park is a popular events hub and offers fun for everyone: sprawling lawns, play areas, running tracks and more.
The Souq Waqif
Literally translated to `the standing market,` this shopping destination is renowned for selling traditional garments, spices, handicrafts, and souvenirs
Unique Experiences
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Private Combo City Tour & Desert Safari: If your time in Doha is limited but you still want to explore both the city and its surrounding desert, this private tour provides both in one stress-free day. Travel by chauffeured private vehicle to see The Pearl and Souq Waqif.
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Gold Sunset Desert Safari, Sand Boarding, Camel Ride, Inland Sea: On this rugged, half-day adventure tour, you`ll escape the city and venture to some of Qatar`s most impressive landscapes. Get special off-road access in an air-conditioned 4WD vehicle.
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Qatar ATV And Quad Bike Experience With Sand Boarding: Get your adrenaline pumping as you zip through the Qatari desert on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) when you book this exciting tour. Join a small group and receive a comfortable transfer to the desert.
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Private 4 Hours City Tour: Save time and cover Doha`s key sights in one seamless and comfortable trip rather than making separate independent excursions on this private city tour. You`ll get to know the capital of Qatar on a deeper level than by touring alone.
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Private Souq Waqif with Lunch or Dinner Tour: Choose to visit Souq Waqif, a warren of gift and craft shops within a beautifully restored Bedouin marketplace; or Al Wakra Souq, a seafront heritage souk and village alongside a corniche.
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What to expect while traveling
