It may have gained worldwide fame as host of the 2022 Fifa World Cup, but Qatar is still not on most people’s radars when it comes to travel. That said, things are slowly starting to change. More and more cruise ships are docking at the new terminal in Doha’s revamped Old Port, and hearing a foreign language spoken in the souk no longer automatically means it was uttered by an expat resident.
The capital, Doha, has transformed itself into a veritable art hub, with a dozen or so installations in the airport alone, and many more dotted throughout the city (and further out across the country). The museums here have won international plaudits, and the sheer choice of accommodation and restaurants – serving local cuisine and international dishes – is dazzling. There is an ever-present juxtaposition of tradition and modernity almost everywhere. Futuristic architecture is embellished with calligraphy, steps from the design quarter Mshereib you’ll find a place where the tradition of falconry is alive and well (with sustainable hunting rules), and the country’s pearl heritage is a source of evident pride.
Visiting Doha allows you to experience the old traditions and culture, but also enjoy the contemporary advances, which exist side-by-side. As it evolves as a tourist destination, so too will the appeal of this tiny nation continue to grow.
Best time to visit
From February to May and October to December the temperatures reach mid-twenties and low thirties, with evening and nighttime temperatures in the mid to high 10s. It is warm but comfortable, and while there might be some rainfall in the winter months, it’s minimal (around 15mm).
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Best things to do
Walk the Corniche
Walk the city’s Corniche to reach MIA park
(Getty Images)
To get a good overview of the city, which stretches along the turquoise waters of horseshoe-shaped Doha Bay, walk the length of the Corniche. The 7km bayside road has a wide pedestrianised walkway, offering incredible views while connecting some of the main sights of the city. Start at the southern end, by the National Museum of Qatar. This Jean Nouvel-designed space is in the shape of a desert rose – a gypsum formation found locally – and tells the story Qatar’s ancient and modern history.
Head on toward the IM Pei-designed Museum of Islamic Art, set in MIA Park, and then…
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