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The West Bay towers seen from the Doha Corniche at night

No. 73 Top 100 City Destinations 2025

Doha

Qatar

Qatar's waterfront capital of striking museums, a restored souq and desert dunes.

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Photo: Alex Sergeev (www.asergeev.com), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Doha is No. 73 in Euromonitor International's Top 100 City Destinations Index 2025. The capital of Qatar curves around a bay on the Arabian Gulf, with the skyscrapers of West Bay facing the old centre across the water.

It is home to some of the region's finest museums, and the desert, with its dunes and inland sea, is easy to reach.

Souq Waqif, Doha
Souq Waqif, Doha. Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0, source

Best time to go

November to March is the best time, with warm, sunny days.

From June to September temperatures often exceed 40°C.

Top sights

  • 1

    Museum of Islamic Art

    A building by I. M. Pei on its own island, with a superb collection spanning 1,400 years, and a park with skyline views.

  • 2

    National Museum of Qatar

    Jean Nouvel's building, inspired by the desert rose crystal, tells the story of Qatar and its people.

  • 3

    Souq Waqif

    A restored traditional market of spices, textiles and crafts, with restaurants and a falcon souq.

  • 4

    The Corniche

    A waterfront promenade of about 7 km around Doha Bay, best in the evening.

  • 5

    Katara Cultural Village

    A cultural district with galleries, an amphitheatre, mosques and a beach.

  • 6

    Msheireb Downtown

    A rebuilt city-centre district with museums in restored heritage houses.

  • 7

    Desert safari

    Four-wheel-drive tours to the dunes and the Khor Al Adaid inland sea in the south of the country.

Getting there

Hamad International Airport (DOH) is close to the city on the shore of the bay; the Doha Metro Red Line runs from the airport to the centre and West Bay.

Getting around

The Doha Metro has three lines (Red, Gold and Green); trams serve Msheireb and Lusail.

Taxis, including Karwa, and ride-hailing apps are widely used.

Practical tips

Currency
Qatari riyal (QAR). Cards are accepted almost everywhere.
Language
Arabic is the official language. English is widely spoken.
Local customs
Dress modestly in public places, covering shoulders and knees. Alcohol is served only in licensed hotel bars and restaurants.
Safety
Doha has a very low crime rate. The emergency number is 999.
Visa & entry
Citizens of many countries, including the US, Canada, the UK, Australia and EU countries, can visit Qatar visa-free; the permitted stay depends on your passport. Check Visit Qatar (visitqatar.com) or your airline before you travel.
Power
240 V, 50 Hz; plug type G (type D sockets are also found).

Official information: Visit Qatar (official tourism website). Check opening hours, prices and entry rules there before you go.

Map

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