Doha has quietly become one of the most stylish stopovers on the way to Asia, the Indian Ocean or Australia — and a great winter-sun city break in its own right. World-class museums, an atmospheric souq, waterfront districts and desert dunes that run down to the sea are all within an hour of the airport.
This guide covers how long to stay, where to base yourself and what to do. For our hand-picked trips, see our Qatar holidays page.
The quick answer
- Two or three nights is ideal for a Doha stopover.
- For views and museums, stay in West Bay or on the Corniche.
- For character, choose a boutique hotel in Souq Waqif or Msheireb.
- Don’t miss the Museum of Islamic Art and a desert trip to the Inland Sea.
- Go between November and March.
Where to stay
| Area | Best for | What it feels like |
|---|---|---|
| West Bay & the Corniche | Views, museums | Skyline hotels on the bay, near the waterfront |
| The Pearl & Lusail | Marina living, restaurants | Waterfront dining and Katara’s beach |
| Souq Waqif & Msheireb | Character, culture | Boutique hotels in the old souq and heritage districts |
| Desert & the Inland Sea | Adventure | Dune drives and desert camps at Khor Al Adaid |
For a short stopover, a Corniche or Souq Waqif hotel puts the main sights within a short taxi ride. On a longer stay, add a beach resort north or south of the city, or a night in a desert camp.
Things to do
- The Museum of Islamic Art — I. M. Pei’s landmark on the bay, with its waterfront park.
- The National Museum of Qatar — Jean Nouvel’s ‘desert rose’ building.
- Souq Waqif — spice and textile stalls, falcon shops and the best people-watching in the city.
- Khor Al Adaid — a 4×4 trip over the dunes to the Inland Sea.
- Katara and Msheireb — cultural village, beach and the colourful Mina district.
- A dhow cruise — on Doha Bay at sunset.
When to go
November to March is the best time, with warm, sunny days of 22–29°C and cool evenings. April and October are hot but still pleasant early and late in the day. From May to September temperatures pass 40°C. Ramadan dates change each year.
Getting there and entry
Direct flights from London and several regional UK airports take about 6 hours 30 minutes; Hamad International is about 20 minutes from central Doha. UK passport holders can currently enter visa-free on arrival for a short stay, and Qatar’s laws on alcohol, dress and behaviour in public differ from the UK’s. Check the FCDO travel advice for Qatar before you go.
Money and local costs
The Qatari riyal is pegged to the US dollar, and cards are accepted almost everywhere.
Food and drink
Try machboos, the spiced rice dish, grilled hammour fish and luqaimat dumplings with date syrup, then karak tea in the souq. Doha also has an excellent international restaurant scene in its hotels and at The Pearl.
Ask us to add a Doha stopover →
Frequently asked questions
How long should a Doha stopover be?
Two or three nights: one day for the museums and Souq Waqif, and an afternoon in the desert at the Inland Sea.
When is the best time to visit Qatar?
November to March, with sunny days of 22–29°C. From May to September it is very hot.
How long is the flight to Doha?
About 6 hours 30 minutes direct from London and several regional UK airports.
Do I need a visa for Qatar?
UK passport holders can currently enter visa-free on arrival for a short stay. Check the FCDO advice before you go.
Can I combine Doha with a beach holiday?
Yes — Doha pairs perfectly with the Maldives, Seychelles, Sri Lanka or Thailand.
Planning a Qatar trip or stopover?
Tell us where you are heading next and how long you have, and we will plan the perfect stopover.
