Everything You Need to Know About Doha While on Your Travels in Qatar

Doha, the capital of Qatar and a city located in the east of the country is a true delight for travelers coming from all around the world. Highly regarded for its fine hospitality, shopping experiences, and a wide range of adventures, this is a city that promises to surprise tourists with what it has to offer.

But here's a thing, no matter which country you visit on your travels, there are certain things you need to know before heading off. Likewise, when it comes to Doha, the city is no different. Whether you think of the famous festival, the best route to travel, or even the temperature in Doha, your knowledge about the city is bound to play a huge role in determining whether your trip to Qatar would be a delight or not.

So, in case you're a traveler headed to Doha but know very few details about the capital of Qatar, here's a round-up of a few things you need to know before your next travel to Doha.

Which Is The Best Route To Doha?

Knowing the best route when it comes to traveling to Doha isn't as difficult as it sounds. While there are no rail tracks and waterways for tourists to come to Doha, travelers find themselves opting for either air travel or a road trip from Saudi Arabia.

Being the largest transit gateways for overseas travelers in the world, Qatar is connected with virtually all destinations around the globe and has direct or indirect flights available from just about every country. Travelers can either contact their local travel agents or book a flight to Qatar online without much hassle.

On the other hand, bus travel from Saudi Arabia is another option that travelers coming from that part of the world can definitely count as an option. Both countries have regular buses coming and going between them. However, customs take longer hours between these routes and can delay the journey by 3-4 hours. Hence, for the tourists traveling by bus, planning the journey accordingly is advisable.

Which Is the Best Time To Travel To Doha?

Perhaps a question that arises in every traveler's mind, knowing the best time to travel to Doha is paramount, and in case you're thinking why, well, here's a fact for you.

The temperature in Doha is as hot as it gets. During the summers, the temperature in the city crosses 50°C with not a single cloud in the sky. In fact, the temperature in the month of June itself touches 44-47°C, just tells you about the scorching heat that Doha bears in the summers.

This is the time when Doha sightseeing becomes virtually impossible during the day and travelers prefer staying indoors during the day. Hence, in case you're planning a trip to Doha at this time, you might want to change your plans.

But hang on, how about winters? While summers are evidently hot in this part of the world, winters are quite pleasant. With temperatures touching a high of only 25°C, this is a perfect time to travel to Doha and head for Doha sightseeing.

Suggested Read: Best Time To Visit Qatar For A Pleasant Vacation

Things You Should Know About Ramadan In Doha

A city that offers so much already, there's no better time to travel when there's Ramadan in Doha. However, there are certain things that travelers need to be mindful of, especially at a time of Ramadan.

During this time, eating anything in public places from sun up to sun down is strictly prohibited in all of Qatar. What is also notable is that all the shops, restaurants, cafes, and coffee shops are closed at the day times during Ramadan in Doha which certainly poses a huge challenge if you're thinking of heading for sightseeing.

Although there are certain restaurants in the hotels that are open and function with full force during this time, the majority of them are closed and it becomes difficult to find even a small drink in the city of Doha.

4 Finest Hotels In Doha

No matter which hotel in Doha you go to, fine hospitality is the name of the game in this city. With hotels for every budget and type, spending a few days staying in Doha is a charm in itself. So here's our take on some of the top hotels in the city.

Suggested Read: A Take in the Finest Resorts in Doha, Qatar

1. W Doha

For any traveler who wishes to enjoy the social vibe of Doha but wants to stay at a hotel that offers stunning views and facilities, W Doha could be a perfect place as the hotel is widely famous for its views from the rooms and social club vibe.

2. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Doha

Another hotel in Doha that has recently been renovated, the Ritz-Carlton Hotel offers an experience like never before. Marbled bathrooms, rooms with a contemporary feel and look, and an array of new restaurants added by the hotel like the cult steakhouse STK Doha and Sel & Miel, this is a hotel that is ready to offer you everything you expect from your trip to Qatar.

3. Mondrian Doha

A suite hotel in Doha that offers something of a dream come true, the Mondrian hotel has attractions within itself like a staircase to nowhere which travelers can actually climb or a frozen forest. The hotel also has a rooftop pool, a spa, and two widely popular restaurants like CUT by Wolfgang Puck and Morimoto. What's more? The hotel has a pub in it as well, eventually guaranteeing you a stay of a lifetime.

4. Mandarin Oriental

Last on our list but another luxury hotel in Doha, Mandarin Oriental is located in the Msheireb region and is one of the newest hotels in Doha. The hotel is particularly famous for its glamour and a whole bunch of services and fine dining experience that it provides to the guests. The rooms and suites of this hotel are naturally lighted and are as comfortable as they get.

Top Places To Visit In Doha

So now we know about some of the finest hotels to stay in Doha, let's take a round-up of some top places to visit in the city.

Museum of Islamic Art

Now if you're getting around in Doha and don't go to the Museum of Islamic Art, you're missing the true attraction. Located in the MIA park in Doha, the Museum of Islamic Art is a place every history lover would want to head over to.

A structural marvel in itself, the museum boasts of some stunning views of Doha from its outer terrace and has probably the largest collection of Islamic art and paintings which have been collected over a span of 1400 years from 3 different continents.

Suggested Read: A Take On The Top Museums In Qatar

Souq Waqif

A traditional market based on the ancient market site, Souq Waqif reminds of the old world charms of Qatar due to its traditional Qatari buildings, restaurants, and a true shopping delight that it offers. The market has been built on an ancient trading sight, as history has it, where animals and other equipment were traded for a nomadic way of life.

The Doha Corniche

For anyone who loves to go on peaceful walks and see the amazing sunset, Corniche is the place for you. A place widely known for its amazing view of the sunset and peaceful walkway, travelers getting around in Doha can head over to the Corniche and gain a glimpse of the city's skyline.

Other Top Places To Visit In Doha

1.Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Stadium

2. Aspire Park

3. Katara Cultural Village

4. The Pearl

5. Qatar National Museum

Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Qatar On Your Travels

Top Restaurants In Doha

Now when getting around in Doha, you are bound to feel hungry, right? But what if you get to taste some of the most delicious delicacies at famed restaurants? Yes, you heard it. A city as gorgeous as Doha, there are many top restaurants here that serve delicious food. Here's our take on some of the top ones and their specialties.

The Market Restaurant

Located in the W Doha hotel, this fine restaurant offers its guests a variety of flavors along with a sense of comfort and feel like that of a family kitchen. The restaurant is particularly famous for its grilled Omani lobster, Champagne mango salad, and a slow-cooked salmon.

Hakkasan Doha

Truly famed for its fine dining experience, the Hakkasan restaurant is rooted in the courtyard of the St Regis Hotel. The restaurant has an award-winning menu with some notable delicacies being steamed and fried dim sum, Peking duck with pancake, and so on.

Nobu Doha

Famed for the signature cuisine of chef Nobu Matsuhisa, the Nobu Doha restaurant is the largest Nobu restaurant in the world that spans over 2,415 square meters of space. The restaurant is located in the four seasons hotel in Doha and offers an experience of a lifetime to its guests.

Being one of the wealthiest cities in the world, Doha continues to attract travelers and entrepreneurs from all over the world. A country that has so much in the offering can be your next perfect holiday spot.

However, for the travelers, being mindful of certain things and laws associated with the city is the key to a successful trip. So, before you head off to the city or think about getting around in Doha, why not read a bit about what the city is like?