Qatar
A small peninsula off Arabia that is the whole country. Museums, souks and desert sit within an hour of each other in Doha, which makes it an easy stopover on the way to Europe.
Landmarks
City museums and markets, and a desert that runs into the sea.
- Islamic art gathered in one placeMuseum of Islamic ArtDoha Corniche
I. M. Pei designed the building on its own island. The Doha skyline stands square in front of it.
- The old mud-walled marketSouq WaqifCentral Doha
Spices, a falcon market and open-air restaurants. Busiest after dark.
- A museum shaped like a desert roseNational Museum of QatarSoutheast Doha
Interlocking discs modelled on a desert rose. The pearling era is at the centre of the story.
- Where the desert meets the seaKhor Al AdaidSouth, near the Saudi border
Dunes run straight into seawater, which is rare anywhere. Reached only on a four-wheel-drive tour.
- World HeritageAl Zubarah archaeological siteNorthwest coast
An eighteenth-century pearling town left under the sand. Qatar’s only World Heritage site.
- A rebuilt old centreMsheireb DowntownCentral Doha
The old quarter was demolished and rebuilt low-rise. A museum there addresses the history of slavery.
Where to go
Doha is effectively the only city; everything else is a day trip.
- DohaThe capitalEast coast
Almost everyone lives here. Museums, souks and the Corniche walk are within walking distance.
- The PearlAn artificial island districtNorth Doha
A Mediterranean-styled marina and shopping streets. Good for an evening walk.
- Katara Cultural VillageTheatres and an amphitheatreNorth Doha coast
A cultural quarter built in traditional style. Events run frequently.
- Al KhorFishing town and mangrovesNortheast coast
Kayak trips run through the mangroves. An hour from Doha.
- The southern desertDune campsSouth
Dune bashing and overnight desert camps. Half-day or one-night trips.
- ZekreetMushroom rocks and land artWestern peninsula
Richard Serra’s large steel plates stand in a wind-carved rock landscape.
When to go
It is barely an exaggeration to say only winter works outdoors.
- WinterNovember to MarchEverywhere
Around 20C by day and comfortable. Festivals and outdoor events cluster here.
- Shoulder seasonApril and OctoberEverywhere
Hot, but mornings and evenings are bearable. Prices come down.
- SummerJune to SeptemberEverywhere
Above 45C with high humidity. Only indoors and early morning are usable.
- RamadanDates shift each yearEverywhere
Eating and drinking in public during daylight is restricted, and attraction hours change.
- EventsConcentrated in winterDoha
Sporting and cultural events run through the winter, which pushes room rates up.
Before you go
Easy to drop into on a layover, with conservative rules.
- EntryVisa-free for short tourist staysEverywhere
Korean passports need no visa for short tourist stays. The permitted length changes, so check before leaving.
- StopoversAirline stopover packagesHamad International Airport
As a hub for Europe and Africa, a night or two here is common. The airline bundles cheap hotel nights.
- MoneyRiyal; cards widely acceptedEverywhere
The currency is pegged to the dollar. Souks and taxis are easier with cash.
- AlcoholOnly inside licensed hotelsDoha
Not sold in ordinary shops, and importing it is prohibited. Drinking in public is an offence.
- DressCover shoulders and kneesPublic places
Rules are stricter than in neighbouring countries and posted on signs. Pools and beach resorts are the exception.
- Getting aroundDrives on the right; the metro is easyDoha
The Doha Metro links the main points, with free shuttles between stations and destinations.
- Emergency number999Everywhere
One number reaches police, ambulance and fire. English is spoken.
Opening hours, fares and schedules change year to year and by season. Check each operator or venue before you travel.