Things to Visit in Doha: Museums, Souqs, and Desert Adventures
See the best of Doha from world-class museums and traditional souqs to desert safaris and waterfront dining. Covers cultural landmarks, shopping, food, desert experiences, and modern architecture.
Designed by I.M. Pei, this stunning building on its own artificial island houses one of the world's most significant collections of Islamic art spanning 1,400 years. The collection includes ceramics, textiles, manuscripts, and metalwork from Spain to China. Free entry. Allow 2-3 hours for the galleries and waterfront park.
Explore the National Museum of Qatar
Designed by Jean Nouvel to resemble a desert rose crystal formation, this museum tells Qatar's story from geological formation to modern statehood. The immersive galleries use film, sound, and original artifacts. Entry is 50 QAR for adults. The architecture alone justifies the visit.
Walk through Msheireb Museums in the heritage quarter
Four restored heritage houses in the redeveloped Msheireb Downtown area cover different aspects of Qatari history: slavery abolition, oil discovery, daily life, and the neighborhood's transformation. Free entry. The surrounding Msheireb district is the world's first sustainable downtown regeneration project.
See the Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art
The only museum in the Arab world dedicated to modern and contemporary Arab art, with over 9,000 works. The collection spans from the 1840s to the present, offering perspectives rarely seen in Western museums. Entry is 25 QAR. Located in Education City alongside several international university campuses.
Waterfront and Islands
Stroll along the Corniche waterfront
This 7-km crescent-shaped promenade offers the best views of Doha's futuristic skyline across the bay. The path is popular with joggers and families in the evening when temperatures cool. The dhow harbor at the southern end has traditional wooden boats against the modern backdrop. Free and open 24 hours.
Visit the Pearl-Qatar luxury island
This artificial island modeled after the Riviera has marina-front apartments, designer shops, and waterfront restaurants. The Qanat Quartier section resembles a colorful Italian village with canals. Window shopping and people-watching are free. Restaurant mains cost 60-150 QAR.
Explore Katara Cultural Village
This purpose-built cultural center on the waterfront has an amphitheater, art galleries, a heritage village, a mosque, and a public beach. The architecture blends traditional Qatari design with modern aesthetics. Most exhibitions and galleries are free. The beach costs 25 QAR and has calm swimming waters.
Food and Markets
Bargain at Souq Waqif
This restored traditional market has the atmosphere of an old Arabian souq with modern comforts. Spice shops, falcon sellers, textile stalls, and perfume vendors fill the winding alleys. The souq restaurants serve excellent Middle Eastern food at 30-80 QAR per dish. Evening is the best time when the alley cafes fill with shisha smoke.
Eat machboos, Qatar's national rice dish
Spiced rice cooked with saffron, dried limes, and meat or fish is Qatar's signature comfort food. The best versions use locally caught hammour fish or slow-cooked lamb. Traditional restaurants in Souq Waqif and the Old Airport area serve it for 35-65 QAR per plate.
Try karak tea from a street-side kiosk
This heavily sweetened cardamom milk tea is Qatar's unofficial national drink, served at tiny kiosks and tea shops across the city. A cup costs 2-5 QAR. The tea is brewed slowly with evaporated milk and cardamom until the flavor is rich and creamy. Locals drink it at all hours.
Eat at a traditional Qatari restaurant
Beyond machboos, Qatari cuisine includes harees, a porridge-like dish of wheat and meat, and thareed, a lamb and vegetable stew over thin bread. Traditional restaurants are concentrated in and around Souq Waqif. A full meal with appetizers and main courses costs 50-100 QAR per person.
Desert and Day Trips
Take a desert safari with dune bashing
Half-day safaris head to the Inland Sea at the Saudi border for dune bashing in 4x4 vehicles, sandboarding, and camel riding. The drive across rolling sand dunes to the sea is dramatic. Tours cost 250-450 QAR per person and typically include pickup from your hotel.
Visit the Inland Sea at Khor Al Adaid
This UNESCO-recognized natural reserve is one of the few places where the sea reaches deep into the desert. The turquoise water surrounded by sand dunes creates surreal landscapes. Only accessible by 4x4 vehicle. Most desert safari tours include a stop here for swimming and photos.
See the Richard Serra sculptures in the desert
Four massive steel plates standing 14 meters tall are installed in the Brouq Nature Reserve, an hour from Doha. The sculptures align with the surrounding landscape and shift in appearance with the light. Free and open access. Combine with a desert drive for a half-day trip.
Modern Doha
See the skyline from the Dhow Harbor
The harbor at the south end of the Corniche has traditional wooden dhow boats moored against the backdrop of Doha's glass towers. Sunset is the best time for photos when the buildings glow gold. Dinner cruises on restored dhows cost 150-300 QAR and sail along the Corniche for 2 hours.
Visit Lusail City and the Iconic Stadium
This newly built city north of Doha hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup final. The stadium, designed to resemble a golden fanal lantern, can be visited on guided tours. Lusail Boulevard has shops, restaurants, and the Marina Promenade. The city is connected to Doha by metro.
Shop at Villaggio Mall and its Venice canal
This themed shopping mall has an indoor replica of Venice's canals with gondola rides, an ice rink, and a theme park alongside luxury retail. Gondola rides cost 20 QAR. The mall is over-the-top but entertaining, and the food court has good affordable options at 25-50 QAR per meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Doha?
Three to five days covers the museums, souq, desert trip, and waterfront experiences. Spend one day on the Museum of Islamic Art and Souq Waqif, one day at the National Museum and Katara, one day on a desert safari, and extra days for the Pearl, Lusail, or deeper cultural exploration.
What is the best time to visit Doha?
November through March offers the most pleasant weather at 15-25 degrees Celsius with clear skies. Summer from June through September is extremely hot, regularly exceeding 45 degrees Celsius with high humidity, making outdoor activities very uncomfortable. Spring and autumn shoulder months are warm but manageable.
Is Doha expensive?
Doha is a premium destination but offers more value than many visitors expect. Budget hotels start at 200-400 QAR per night and mid-range hotels at 400-800 QAR. Street food and casual restaurants serve meals for 20-50 QAR. Museums are affordable at 25-50 QAR. The biggest expenses are desert safaris and fine dining.
How do you get around Doha?
The Doha Metro opened in 2019 and connects the airport, downtown, the Pearl, and Lusail for 2-10 QAR per ride. Ride-hailing apps are widely available with most trips costing 15-40 QAR. Taxis are metered with a minimum fare of 10 QAR. The city is very spread out and not walkable between major areas, but individual neighborhoods like Souq Waqif and the Corniche are pleasant on foot.