Things to Do in Doha
Travel advisory, as of November 2026. Qatar was hit by Iranian missile and drone strikes from 28 February 2026, and flights to Doha were suspended before returning in phases from March and April. Missile barrages over Doha were reported again in July, so do not assume a ceasefire is holding. The UK FCDO does not advise against all travel to Qatar but warns of short-notice airport and airspace closures, and the US State Department publishes its own advisory. Check your airline and insurer before you book. Everything below describes normal operations and can change.
Start in Souq Waqif
Souq Waqif is the rebuilt old market quarter and the easiest first evening in Doha. Lanes of spice, textile and coffee-pot shops lead to the Falcon Souq, which the official tourism page lists as open 09:00 to 13:00 and 16:00 to 20:00 on weekdays and evenings only on Fridays. Falconry is a living Qatari tradition, so watch and photograph the hooded birds from the shop front and ask the shopkeeper before taking pictures. The souq also sells live birds and pets, which are best left alone. Gold Line trains stop at Souq Waqif station.
Museums that fill a day
The Museum of Islamic Art is closed on Wednesdays and the National Museum of Qatar is closed on Tuesdays. Both open 09:00 to 19:00 on most days, 09:00 to 21:00 on Thursdays and 13:30 to 19:00 on Fridays. Non-resident adult tickets are reported at about QAR 50 for the Islamic art museum and between QAR 25 and 50 for the National Museum, with children aged 16 and under free, so confirm on the Qatar Museums site . Mathaf, the Arab museum of modern art in Education City, is free but needs a ticket and is closed on Mondays.
Culture without a ticket
The four Msheireb Museums in downtown Doha are free. Hours on the official visitor page are Monday to Thursday and Saturday 09:00 to 17:00, Friday 15:00 to 21:00, closed Sunday. Bin Jelmood House covers the history of slavery in the region and deserves a quiet, unhurried visit. Katara Cultural Village has free entry, with galleries, an amphitheatre and a seasonal pay beach; it is on the Red Line and is a separate district from the Corniche.
Desert and sea
An Inland Sea trip to Khor Al Adaid is a 4x4 journey, normally through Sealine, over high dunes to a bay where the Gulf meets the sand. Go only with a licensed operator, confirm inclusions in writing and carry your passport. Shared half-day trips are advertised from roughly QAR 200 to 250 per person, and the best months are November to April. Banana Island Resort is a day-pass island reached by a 30-minute catamaran from Al Shyoukh Terminal on the Corniche; day passes are listed at about QAR 395 per adult on the Anantara page .
Racing camels, watched from the rail
Al Shahaniya racetrack west of Doha lets visitors watch camels train on many mornings, even outside race days. The racers carry small remote-controlled robot jockeys. The season is reported to run from about October to February, so check dates locally.
Practical tips
- Plan outdoor activities for November to March, or early morning and evening. Summer reaches 40C or more with heavy humidity.
- Uber and Karwa taxis are the ride options in Doha. The driverless Metro runs three lines and costs about QAR 2 a journey; check the current fare with Qatar Rail.
- Alcohol is served only in licensed hotel venues, and drinking or being drunk in public can bring prison or a fine. Dress covers shoulders and knees.
- The currency is the Qatari riyal, pegged at 3.64 to US$1.
Read more: Sightseeing in Doha , day trips from Doha and the 3-day Doha itinerary .
Tours and activities are listed at GetYourGuide .