Where to stay and what to do in Qatari capital Doha

It’s well worth a window seat for the descent into Doha’s Hamad International Airport, particularly at night, as the desert landscape peppered with small dots of light gives way to a dazzling skyline. Qatar’s capital impresses even before touchdown, but most people who land at this major Middle Eastern hub connect to onward flights and never step outside the airport. Those who do stop off can explore its world-class cultural attractions and family-friendly theme parks and water parks, which sit alongside a diverse culinary scene and a growing number of luxury hotels.

 

It’s not all about the glitz and glamour of the downtown and West Bay neighbourhoods, though – there’s adventure beyond the skyline, with authentic souqs, desert landscapes, beautiful beaches and lush mangroves, all within striking distance of the city. What’s more, Doha is very well connected to the UK, with direct flights taking under seven hours and departing daily from Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh with flag-carrier Qatar Airways. British Airways also flies direct daily from Heathrow.

 

Why sell it

 

In 2023, Qatar welcomed four million international tourists – a small fraction of the 45 million passengers that passed through Doha’s airport in the same period, presenting a huge opportunity to tempt visitors outside of the terminal. Qatar Airways is one step ahead, offering a selection of stopover programmes of up to four days at four and five-star hotels, some with beach access. There’s a luxury hotel option that includes breakfast, costing from $81 per person for one night, promising excellent value for money for those who are keen to extend their layover.

 

But Doha is a city-break destination in its own right, and perfect for those looking for a vibrant city with plenty to do without the crowds. Traffic jams are a rarity here, but the new metro system is worth trying out all the same. Visitors might be surprised that their journey will cost as little as 40p per trip. Even the elevated gold class carriage is priced at just £2 a go.

 

What’s new

 

All signs point towards more growth in Doha, with new accommodation options and experiences frequently being added to its line-up. Waldorf Astoria Doha West Bay opened its doors in January, the brand’s second property in Qatar, and a new Four Seasons Resort & Residences recently launched on the man-made Pearl Island. Meanwhile, close to the famous Katara Towers in Lusail is where Rosewood Doha is set to welcome its first guests this year.

 

A wave of attractions opened in Doha before the Fifa World Cup took place in Qatar at the end of 2022, including the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum and the seasonal Winter Wonderland, which, similar to a London venue of the same name, is full of rides and experiences. Meryal Waterpark opened in 2023, and its newest attraction, the Alghazal rollercoaster, will be launching soon.

 

When to go

 

There’s no denying that Doha can get exceedingly hot – temperatures regularly soar into the 40s in the late spring and early summer. But the city is well equipped for the heat, with hotels, metro trains, restaurants and attractions all extremely well air-conditioned. The winter months boast comfortable temperatures in the 20s, which drop further in the evenings before climbing to the high 20s and low 30s in April and May. Clients keen to experience some of the heat of the Middle Eastern sun should consider spring and autumn.

 

Where to stay

 

If your clients have a preferred brand of luxury hotel, there’s a good chance they’ll find it in Doha. Among the high-rise buildings in the West Bay neighbourhood are W Doha, Kempinski Residences and Suites, Le Méridien City Center and InterContinental Doha Beach & Spa. 

 

Closer to the airport, a few streets back from the Corniche, is the Msheireb neighbourhood, where Banyan Tree and Mandarin Oriental hotels reside alongside MGallery Collection property Alwadi Hotel Doha. For those who would prefer to stay outside of the capital, just 15 minutes’ drive from West Bay is the close-by city of Lusail. Here, clients can take their pick of Waldorf Astoria Lusail, Fairmont Doha and Agora Doha Autograph Collection.

 

What to do

 

While much of Doha is new, you don’t need to look too hard to see evidence of its rich history. As a starting point, the National Museum of Qatar displays everything from archaeological artefacts that show how people lived in the desert, to exhibits of the once-thriving pearl industry. To learn more about Qatar’s culture, Embrace Doha, located in Al Wakrah Souq, offers experiences such as coffee ceremonies, walking tours and weaving workshops.

 

Then there’s the Museum of Islamic Art, a striking building on the Corniche, designed by renowned architect IM Pei (the brain behind the Louvre’s pyramid in Paris), home to ceramics, textiles and manuscripts spanning 1,300 years from across the Islamic world.

 

Families who are looking for a little more in the way of adventure can find plenty to thrill in the many attraction parks across the city. The Museum of Illusions in West Bay boasts mind-boggling installations that make for unusual photo opportunities, while the first indoor theme park in Qatar, Doha Quest, is home to 30 rides, including exhilarating rollercoasters and 3D and virtual experiences. In the north of the city, gaming theme park Virtuocity will keep the family entertained for hours.

 

What to see

 

The Souq Waqif is one of the most famous spots in the city. It’s a hub of activity in the evenings, which, thanks to the cooler temperatures, is also the best time to explore the souq’s labyrinth of boutiques, cafes, restaurants and even falcon stores.

 

Right next to the beach, Katara Cultural Village is a real highlight for visitors keen to see more of the traditional side of Qatar. As well as a mix of authentic restaurants, there are two mosques – the gold mosque gets its name from its exterior of small gold tiles – galleries, and an amphitheatre that can hold 5,000 spectators. It’s also well worth stopping by 21 High Street, an outdoor air[1]conditioned street that’s lined with shops and restaurants.

 

Where to dine

 

Just like the city’s accommodation, the Doha culinary scene is world class. Many of its top restaurants are in, or close to, its hotels including the likes of Sushi Samba, a buzzing Asian restaurant that’s part of Waldorf Astoria Lusail.

 

Qalamkarri at Banyan Tree Doha serves up Indian dishes with a creative twist. Meanwhile, incredible seafood and steaks can be ordered at Peruvian restaurant La Mar by Gastón Acurio at InterContinental Doha Beach & Spa. For a unique dining experience, JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha offers private dinners on its helipad, where unforgettable views among the skyscrapers accompany a delicious meal.

 

Those who want to eat local should try BoHo Social in Katara Cultural Village, which has an eclectic interior and a menu of tasty salads and crowd-pleaser mains. And whether visitors want a quick snack or a sit-down meal, they can find a fine selection of coffee shops, bakeries, cafes and restaurants at Souq Waqif.

 

Book it: Pure Luxury offers five nights at Waldorf Astoria Lusail with breakfast for £1,889 per person, based on two adults sharing a King Deluxe Room. The price also includes flights with Qatar Airways from Heathrow, departing on June 5, 2025, and private car transfers.
goldmedal.co.uk/pure-luxury