How to plan a perfect trip to Doha

 The capital of Qatar is no longer just a transit hub. It has become a new travel destination with history, art, culture and the spell of the desert to discover. Doha is also a bustling city, and there is much fun to be had in terms of modern luxury and delectable cuisine. Let us explore how to plan a trip to Doha in detail.

What is the best time to visit Doha?

Qatar is a warm and sunny country with very little rainfall. The best months to be in Doha, Qatar would be between October and late April. You will find plenty of sunshine, but temperatures are comfortable. However, remember to skip visiting during Ramadan as most restaurants won’t function during that period. This is because it is illegal to eat and drink in public from sunrise to sunset during the holy month. You may miss out on the chance to enjoy eating at the best restaurants in Doha. Also, it is advisable to sort out your accommodation well in advance before your visit. There are plenty of hotel and apartment options in Doha such as the Al Najada Doha Hotel Apartments by Oaks.

How to get around in Doha?

Al Ghanim bus station in Doha | Image via Wikimedia Commons

The most popular method of getting around in Qatar is by taxi or car hire. You’ll find kiosks run by car hire companies at the airport. Public buses are air-conditioned and clean. But the schedules tend to be a bit erratic. If you plan on using buses, buy a Karwa Smart card. Alternatively, you can ask your hotel to book a limousine for hourly or day rates.

Useful tips for traveling in Doha

While women are not required to wear abaya or cover their heads, the unwritten rule is that they have to cover their shoulders and legs (down to the knees). Men should ideally opt-out of wearing shorts. At the beach, you can wear briefs and bikinis. But topless sunbathing is not allowed. The malls in Doha tend to blast their AC at top volume. Hence, carrying a cardigan when out and about is advisable.
You will find plenty of ATMs that dispense QAR even if you use a foreign card. And, there are plenty of money exchange kiosks too. Banks close down from 7.30 am to 1 pm on Fridays. Otherwise, they are open daily.

What to eat and drink in Doha

You’ll find Lebanese, Yemeni and Indian cuisine influencing Qatari food. You’ll feast on succulent chunks of lamb, beef and chicken paired with salads, hummus and other dips. Dates and honeyed sweets are in abundance in Doha. The most popular dish however is ‘Majboos’, cooked with rice, vegetables, meat and sprinkled with spices. You can also expect tender camel meat in Shawarmas. Stuffed vine leaves and fatayer – a pie stuffed with meat, spinach and cheese are popular Qatari dishes you should try.

Things to do in Doha

Doha is definitely a bustling city. You can definitely find museums and galleries worth your time. The Al Wakara museum for example is housed in an old fortress offering glimpses into the old way of life. You could go for promenades along the beach and along the corniche. There are plenty of malls offering luxury goods and entertainment in the city. But the most important (arguably) part of your visit to Doha would be the desert safari. You can drive around the mighty desert blessed with the endless blue sky, go around sand dunes and spot desert wildlife.
You could also consider sand dune bashing, which means bumping purposely into sand dunes while on an SUV.
An overnight glamping trip will allow you to experience the allure of the desert with its star tingles and timeless atmosphere.