Doha holidays

Doha, Qatar

Doha city breaks have everything you’d expect from a Middle Eastern mega city, from leggy skyscrapers to soft, white beaches.

Doha – a city on the up

Step aside, Dubai, the Middle East’s got a new sheriff in town. Doha’s a relative newcomer on the tourist trail, but it’s more than making up for lost time. The city centre’s growing by the day – mostly upwards thanks to the countless skyscrapers – and the number of global events on the city’s calendar is only going one way, too. Anyone else remember England’s 2022 tournament heartbreak?

Making its mark on the world stage

The football World Cup was just the start of things here. On the outskirts of the city, the Luhail International Circuit hosts one of Formula One’s night races every season, and the Basketball World Cup’s coming to the city in 2027. Throw in international tennis, golf and athletics tournaments that take place regularly here, too, and you’ll see why a stack of new sports stadiums and arenas have sprung up alongside the skyscrapers.

Museums galore

If you want to scratch beneath Doha’s shiny surface, the city’s museums are a great place to start. The National Museum of Qatar delves into the country’s past, present and future. And even if you don’t make it inside, it’s worth grabbing a picture of its weird and wacky exterior. If you’re an art buff, the Museum of Islamic Art is a must-see – this waterfront gallery has the largest collection of Islamic art in the world.

Souks and shopping malls

Long before skyscrapers popped up all over town, it was the ancient souks that ruled the roost here. Souq Waqif’s been around in one form or another for more than 250 years, and it’s still the best place to pick up spices and oud – a classic fragrance in this part of the world. If you prefer snagging your souvenirs from modern malls, there are loads dotted around. The best of the bunch is the Mall of Qatar – it’s got almost 500 shops to wander around.

Popular hotels in Doha

Top things to see and do in Doha

Beaches

The big beach

Katara Beach lies just north of the city centre, and you’ll get great views of the skyline from its pristine, white sands. That’s far from the only attraction on this one-and-a-half kilometre stretch though – there’s a tonne of watersports you can try out, a stack of restaurants and cafés by the sands, plus a playground for kids.

The city beach

West Bay Beach is right on the doorstep of Doha’s business district, so the soft sands come with a side of skyscrapers. There’s plenty going on here, from food trucks serving dishes from around the globe to the outdoor cinema, and a playground for little ones. The beach is fully accessible, too, thanks to a ramp that takes you straight into the water.

The out-of-the-way beach

If you don’t mind travelling out of town, Fuwairit Beach is well worth a visit. It takes around an hour to drive there, which probably explains why it’s so quiet. There’s also very little going on nearby, so it’s ideal if you’re after some peace and quiet. Just remember to bring a packed lunch with you.

Shopping

Bargain buys

Souq Waqif has been a fixture in the heart of the city for more than a century. Its narrow alleyways are filled with spices, souvenirs and handicrafts, and it’s probably the best place in the city to get some traditional Qatari clothing. Just be prepared to haggle if you head here, it’s not so much expected as encouraged.

Mid-range buys

The Mall of Qatar is home to around 500 stores, with every big brand you can think of under its roof. Nike, Adidas, Zara – they’re all in there. And at last check, there was even a Virgin Megastore. Remember those?

Designer buys

The Villagio Mall’s an Italian-themed shopping centre that’s dripping with luxury touches, like gold-tinted ceilings and marble floors, so it’ll come as no surprise to see the tenants they’ve got in here. The likes of Hugo Boss, Armani and Calvin Klein all make the cut.

Nightlife

Laid-back evenings

The Pearl is Qatar’s answer to the Palm in Dubai. This man-made island just off the coast is filled with cafés and restaurants that stay open ‘til late.

Lively evenings

Nightclubs aren’t traditionally big business in Doha, so standalone venues are on the short side. The liveliest bars and clubs tend to be found inside the major hotel chains that are dotted around the city centre.

Food & drink

Majboos

Qatar’s national dish unsurprisingly pops up in restaurants across the capital. The base ingredient’s either lamb or chicken, which is slow-cooked, served over seasoned rice and finished off with salad and homemade tomato sauce.

Saloona

This classic Arabic stew’s a hearty favourite that’s typically served at family dinners – think casserole with a slight kick. The main ingredient can be beef, lamb or fish, which is mixed with vegetables that are seasoned with garlic and ginger, then slow-cooked.

Luquiamat

If you’re a fan of doughnuts, this is a must-try. It’s a sweet, fried dumpling that’s flavoured with cardamom and saffron, and topped with sugar syrup. And you’ll know you’re getting a good one if it’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Warak enab

You may have seen this referred to as dolma, which has been a Middle Eastern staple for centuries. The basic premise is the same – vine leaves stuffed with ground meat or rice, but what sets the Qatari ones apart is the extra seasoning of garlic, coriander and pepper.

Madrouba

This porridge-like dish is a hearty comfort food in these parts. Rice is the primary ingredient, and it’s beaten and boiled for hours, with chicken pieces and a whole load of spices mixed in until it’s served piping hot.

Average Weather in Doha

Facts about Doha

Currency
Qatari Rial
(QAR)
Language
Arabic
Time zone
GMT +2
Flight duration
6 hours 25 minutes from Gatwick

FAQs

Where can I find the latest travel advice?

All your questions about entry requirements, visas, passports or health information are answered on our Travel Advice page.

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