Qatar Travel Guide: Doha, Heritage and Desert

Qatar is a compact state on the Arabian Gulf, and most visitors base themselves in Doha, the capital. The city has a traditional market, a museum on its own island, a cultural village and a regenerated downtown district.

Outside Doha, the main draws are the Al Zubarah Archaeological Site, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Inland Sea, a desert and coastal nature reserve in the south-east.

Places to visit in Qatar

Souq Waqif, Doha

Visit Qatar says Souq Waqif is built on the site of Doha's century old trading market, on the banks of the Wadi Musheireb. Its mud-daubed buildings and winding alleys give a picture of traditional street life. The Falcon Souq sits within the market, where you can see falcons up close.

Museum of Islamic Art, Doha

The museum stands on a purpose-built island next to the Corniche, Doha's waterfront promenade. It was designed by the architect I.M. Pei and has four floors of permanent and temporary exhibitions. The nearest metro station is Qatar National Museum, on the Gold line.

Katara Cultural Village and Msheireb Downtown

Katara combines art galleries, workshops, theatres and performance venues around a central amphitheatre, and has a public beach next to it. Msheireb Downtown Doha revives the city's old commercial district with architecture inspired by Qatar's heritage.

Al Zubarah Archaeological Site

UNESCO describes Al Zubarah as a walled coastal town that flourished as a pearling and trading centre in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2013. Visit Qatar groups it with the Al Jassasiya Rock Art Site among Qatar's heritage sites.

The Inland Sea (Khor Al Adaid)

Visit Qatar describes the Inland Sea as an inlet of the Arabian Gulf in southeast Qatar, on the border with Saudi Arabia, where sand dunes meet the sea. The area was declared a nature reserve in 2007. There is no road to it, so Visit Qatar says a 4x4 vehicle is a must and points to desert safaris and daily tours.

Getting to Qatar

Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha is the main gateway. Visit Qatar says it opened in 2014 and serves more than 50 airlines, connecting travellers to over 190 destinations.

The Doha Metro links the airport with West Bay, Education City and Al Wakrah, according to Visit Qatar. Karwa taxis and Uber are also widely used.

Getting around

Visit Qatar says five main highways link Doha to its neighbouring cities. In Doha, the metro has three lines, Red, Green and Gold, which meet at Msheireb Station. Karwa Bus is the public bus network, and Metrolink feeder buses serve metro stations.

Remote sights need a suitable vehicle. Visit Qatar says distant attractions such as the Al Jassasiya Rock Carvings require a 4x4, and the Inland Sea has no road to it.

When to go to Qatar

Winter (November to February)

Visit Qatar describes sunny skies and mild temperatures from November to February, with temperatures between 15°C and 20°C. January is usually the coolest month.

Summer (June to September)

Visit Qatar suggests museums, shopping and other indoor experiences from June to September, as welcome escapes from the summer heat. It also notes occasional humidity in summer, especially in coastal areas.

Outdoor months (October to May)

Visit Qatar points to October to May for outdoor adventures in pleasant weather. For the Inland Sea it recommends November to April. Rainfall is limited and typically occurs in winter.

What to book ahead

• Desert safaris and daily Inland Sea tours can be booked during your stay, but fix them early if your dates are tight, since the site has no road and needs a 4x4.
• Dhow trips run from the Corniche, Al Khor and Al Wakra. Decide which evening you want before you travel.
• Museum opening days and hours vary. Check them before fixing your Doha itinerary.
• Look at the entry process early, because Qatar uses the Hayya platform for e-visas.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements depend on your nationality and change over time. Check the current rules on the Hayya portal before you book, and confirm again shortly before you travel.

Official source: Hayya Portal (Qatar e-visa platform).

Frequently asked questions

What is the main airport in Qatar?

Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha. Visit Qatar says it opened in 2014 and serves more than 50 airlines.

Is there a UNESCO World Heritage site in Qatar?

Yes. UNESCO inscribed the Al Zubarah Archaeological Site in 2013. It is a walled coastal town that flourished as a pearling and trading centre. Visit Qatar says the Inland Sea is on a tentative list for World Heritage status.

When should I visit Qatar?

Visit Qatar describes sunny skies and mild temperatures from November to February. June to September is hot, and Visit Qatar suggests indoor experiences then.

Can I reach the Inland Sea without a 4x4?

Visit Qatar says there is no road to it and a 4x4 vehicle is a must. It points to desert safaris and daily Inland Sea tours as options.

Do I need a visa for Qatar?

It depends on your nationality, and the rules change. Check the Hayya portal for the current requirements before you book.