Skip to main content
Doha

Doha travel guide

Capital and largest city of Qatar

Flights from$943 round trip
Things to do48 experiences
Best time to visitDecember to March
Nearest airportDIA · 3 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC+3
Population1,186,023

About Doha

Doha is the capital and largest city, and main financial hub of Qatar. Located on the Persian Gulf coast in the east of the country, north of Al Wakrah and south of Al Khor and Lusail, it is home to most of the country's population. It is also Qatar's fastest growing city and over 80% of the nation's population live in Doha or its surrounding suburbs, which are known collectively as the Doha Metropolitan Area.

Cheap flights to Doha

The lowest round-trip fare found by Destina Holidays travellers in the last 30 days was $943 from Chicago, travelling 20 Jan – 25 Mar. These are the cheapest fares from the most searched cities.

Cheapest month to fly

$1,065 Oct $1,065 Nov $1,162 Dec $943 Jan $1,114 Feb $1,026 Mar $1,076 Apr $1,121 May $1,327 Jun $1,410 Jul $1,355 Aug $1,086 Sep

Airlines travellers compared most often: Qatar Airways, EgyptAir, KLM, Austrian Airlines, Air France, Lufthansa.

Prices are per adult in US dollars, taken from searches between 20 Sep and 20 Oct 2026. Fares change often, so search your dates for live prices.

Search flights to Doha

Places to visit in Doha

  1. Museum of Islamic Art

    Museum of Islamic Art

    Museum

    A striking waterfront museum designed by I. M. Pei, home to a major collection of Islamic art. Stay for the views of the skyline from the park next door at sunset.

  2. Souq Waqif

    Souq Waqif

    Market

    A traditional market rebuilt in old style, filled with spice shops, restaurants and a falcon market. Visit in the evening, when it is cooler and the souq comes alive.

  3. National Museum of Qatar

    National Museum of Qatar

    Museum

    A museum shaped like a desert rose crystal that tells the story of Qatar's people and land. Allow at least two hours to explore the immersive galleries.

  4. Doha Corniche

    Doha Corniche

    Landmark

    A long waterfront promenade around Doha Bay with views of the skyline and traditional dhow boats. Walk or cycle it in the early morning or evening to avoid the heat.

  5. Katara Cultural Village

    Katara Cultural Village

    Neighborhood · 5 mi from centre

    A cultural district with an amphitheater, galleries, mosques and a public beach. Check the event calendar for concerts, film screenings and festivals during your stay, and visit in the evening when it is cooler.

  6. The Pearl

    The Pearl

    Neighborhood · 6 mi from centre

    An artificial island with marinas, waterfront cafes and the colorful Qanat Quartier area. It is a pleasant spot for an evening walk and dinner by the water.

  7. Msheireb Downtown

    Msheireb Downtown

    Neighborhood

    A redeveloped downtown district mixing modern architecture with heritage houses turned into museums. Visit the Msheireb Museums to learn about Doha's history before the oil boom.

  8. Inland Sea

    Inland Sea

    Nature · 48 mi from centre

    A tidal inlet surrounded by huge sand dunes on the southern border with Saudi Arabia. Visit only with an experienced 4x4 tour operator, since the dunes are hard to drive.

Things to do in Doha by type

48 tours, tickets and experiences across 9 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.

How long
  • 3-6 hours 22
  • Over 6 hours 8
  • 1-3 hours 7
Good for
  • Youth 2
  • Senior 2
  • Couples 2
  • Families 1
Ways to go
  • Private 22
Browse all things to do in Doha

Top experiences in Doha

Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 48 available.

See all things to do in Doha

Where to stay in Doha

Popular hotels in Doha, out of 216 properties you can book.

See all hotels in Doha

Best time to visit Doha

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Doha is December to March, when average daytime highs are around 74–80°F and rain falls on about 3 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 59° – 75° 1
Feb 60° – 74° 4
Mar 64° – 80° 6
Apr 74° – 93° 2
May 82° – 102° 1
Jun 86° – 109° 0
Jul 89° – 110° 0
Aug 90° – 107° 0
Sep 85° – 103° 0
Oct 78° – 95° 1
Nov 71° – 87° 0
Dec 62° – 76° 2

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Doha weather forecast

  • Wed 21 Oct 94° 83° 0%
  • Thu 22 Oct 95° 80° 0%
  • Fri 23 Oct 96° 83° 3%
  • Sat 24 Oct 100° 80° 2%
  • Sun 25 Oct 96° 80° 0%
  • Mon 26 Oct 94° 80° 0%

Know before you go

Currency
Qatari riyal (QAR)1 US dollar ≈ ر.ق3.64
Language
Arabic
Calling code
+974
Driving
On the right
Time zone
Asia/QatarUTC+3

Getting to Doha

These are the airports closest to central Doha. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • DIA Doha International Airport3 mi (5 km) from the city centre
  • DOH Hamad International Airport5 mi (8 km) from the city centre
Search flights to Doha

Getting around Doha

The Doha Metro, which opened in May 2019, is the third rapid transit system in the Gulf, representing a new wave of transit projects in the region. It has three lines: the Red Line from Lusail in the north to Al Wakra in the south or the airport depending on the train, the east-west Gold Line that features a stop at the National Museum, and the Green Line, which focuses on educational institutions in particular and has a stop at the National Library. Msheireb serves as the transfer station between every line.

By taxi

Other than public transport, the only alternative to not renting a vehicle is taxis. There are many taxi services, two of them also operated by Mowasalat: Karwa and Al Million. Uber is also a popular alternative to these two. Keep in mind that TaxiF services are, at the time of editing, illegal, so do not book a ride from them. The other main "Limousine" taxis are available, which are unmarked, much more expensive (often two to four times the cost of Karwas) and may not carry a meter.

By car

Several car rental agencies are found in and around Doha International Airport. The rental desks are not that easy to find and the signs to them are poor. They are on the lower floor in the car park area. The popular agencies include Hertz, Avis[dead link] and Budget. These rental agencies offer seasonal discounts and it is advisable to check their websites before booking. If you're looking to rent a car, it is best to reserve in advance, to ensure a good price and minimise wait times.

By tram

There is a tram service in Lusail and Msheireb Downtown, the latter being free to use.

Doha travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Doha?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Doha is December to March, when average daytime highs are around 74–80°F and rain falls on about 3 days a month.

What is the weather like in Doha?

July is usually the warmest month in Doha, with average highs of 110°F (44°C). February is the coolest, with average lows of 60°F (15°C). The wettest month is typically December, with about 34 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Doha?

Doha International Airport (DIA) is the closest airport, about 3 miles (5 km) from the centre of Doha. Other nearby airports include Hamad International Airport (DOH, 5 mi).

How much are flights to Doha?

The cheapest round-trip fare Destina Holidays travellers found to Doha in the last 30 days was $943 from Chicago, travelling 20 Jan – 25 Mar. January is currently the cheapest month to fly, with fares from $943.

What currency is used in Doha?

Doha uses the Qatari riyal (QAR). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ ر.ق3.64.

What time zone is Doha in?

Doha uses the Asia/Qatar time zone (currently UTC+3). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

How do I get around Doha?

The Doha Metro, which opened in May 2019, is the third rapid transit system in the Gulf, representing a new wave of transit projects in the region.

What are the best places to visit in Doha?

Top sights in Doha include Museum of Islamic Art, Souq Waqif, National Museum of Qatar and Doha Corniche. A striking waterfront museum designed by I. M. Pei, home to a major collection of Islamic art. Stay for the views of the skyline from the park next door at sunset.

What are the top things to do in Doha?

Popular experiences you can book in Doha include Al Maha Transit Airport Lounge Doha Airport, Doha Express City Tour and Doha Bus - Hop-on Hop-off Tour. Destina Holidays offers 48 tours and activities here.

What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Doha?

The most popular types of experiences in Doha are outdoor activities & adventure (14), day trips & excursions (10), cruise & water tours (8) and art & culture (7). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.

Where should I stay in Doha?

Popular areas for hotels in Doha include Doha. Well-reviewed options include Grand Regency Doha, Trademark Collection Wyndham and Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha.

How many hotels can I book in Doha?

Destina Holidays currently lists 216 properties in and around Doha, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.