Things to do in Doha

Why go to Doha

• Museum of Islamic Art

  An I.M. Pei masterpiece housing 1,400 years of Islamic art, set dramatically on its own island peninsula, and free to enter.

• Souq Waqif

  Doha's labyrinthine old market bursting with spices, falcons, shisha cafés, and the authentic pulse of Qatari life.

• The Pearl-Qatar

  A glittering man-made island of marinas and luxury boutiques that costs nothing to stroll and photograph.

• National Museum of Qatar

  Jean Nouvel's desert-rose-shaped architectural wonder telling Qatar's story from ancient seas to oil boom, free entry.

• Katara Cultural Village

  Amphitheaters, galleries, a golden mosque, and beach access all rolled into one stunning free-entry cultural campus.

Good to know in Doha

• The Doha Metro is modern, air-conditioned, and cheap, a single journey costs about $0.55-$1.65 with a Karwa Smart Card, covering most major attractions including the Museum of Islamic Art and Souq Waqif stations.
• Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up or leaving 10% at restaurants is the norm, and service charges are often already included at hotels.
• Tap water is technically safe but heavily desalinated and tastes poor, locals and visitors universally drink bottled water, which costs under $0.50 for 1.5L at supermarkets.
• The Museum of Islamic Art and National Museum of Qatar are permanently free; check museum websites before visiting as special exhibitions occasionally charge a small fee.

Trip essentials