How to Plan a Perfect Trip to Doha – An Enchanting City of Many Attractions

 Qatar’s bustling capital Doha draws many travellers from across the world as it offers diverse attractions including cultural highlights, museums, shopping opportunities, outstanding dining options and more. Easily accessible from both West and East, you will find that Doha is a captivating city to explore, with novel and engrossing experiences as well. Provided below is some useful information for planning a rewarding trip to Doha.

Francisco Anzola, Doha skyline in the morning (12544910974) (cropped), CC BY 2.0

 Choose the time at which to visit

You will find that it is quite possible to visit Doha at any time, with the city experiencing sunny weather throughout the year. If you desire to experience optimal weather conditions and comfortable temperatures throughout the day, you may choose to visit the city from October through late April, when the weather should be at its best. This period will also be the peak season for tourism. On the other hand, if you desire to encounter as few fellow tourists as possible and can cope with the heat you may consider visiting Doha during the off-season months of summer; although the hotel rates will not vary a great deal, you will find that rates will be slightly cheaper in this period. You should also remember that during the month of Ramadan, Muslims will fast from sunrise to the time of sunset, and cafes and restaurants will be closed.

 Understand how to get about

You will find that probably the best way to get about in Doha would be to travel by taxi or hired car. All the well-known car rental companies will have kiosks at the international airport. Meanwhile, the Karwa taxis will be abundant and reasonably priced. Another good way to travel would be by public bus, as they happen to be clean, air-conditioned and follow a schedule. To buy bus tickets, you will need to avail yourself of a Karwa Smart Card.

 Respect the customs and culture

Qatar by and large has a rather conservative Muslim culture, and this must be respected by visitors. The local Qataris will attire themselves modestly and will appreciate it when visitors show due respect for their traditions and culture. However, foreign women will not be obliged to wear an abaya or cover their hair. That said, it would be recommendable for women to wear clothes that cover the shoulders and knees. Similarly, men also should avoid wearing shorts when going about in public. On the other hand, in hotels and resorts, you may dress pretty much as you like. It will also be acceptable to wear swimwear at the beach.

 Enjoy the attractions

You will find an array of interesting places to visit in the city of Doha. If you enjoy shopping, you should undoubtedly take the opportunity to visit Souq Waqif which happens to be a traditional Middle Eastern marketplace with a distinctive atmosphere. You can enjoy browsing through the numerous alfresco stalls to be found at this souq selling interesting merchandise like spices, incense, traditional lamps, jewellery, Bedouin blankets and much more. A choice of accommodation to consider from which you could easily walk to the Souq Waqif would be Al Najada Doha Hotel Apartments by Oaks which offers appealingly located hotel apartments in Qatar.

 Meanwhile, if you appreciate interesting religious attractions, take the opportunity to visit the impressive Abdul Wahaab Shaikh Mosque which will be an impressive and beautiful sight. Culture lovers will also be enthralled by the Msheireb Museums which contain numerous engrossing cultural relics. Another not-to-be-missed attraction would be the Museum of Islamic Art which features a splendid collection of artworks from across the Islamic world. You could also visit the cultural and recreational hub of Katara Village, which is also a popular venue in the city, while don’t miss taking an evening stroll along the waterfront promenade called the Doha Corniche.