- Doha's museums are the main draw, led by the Museum of Islamic Art and the National Museum
- A stopover of two or three days on the way to Asia or Australia works well
- British visitors currently get a free visa waiver on arrival
- Visit between November and March to avoid the extreme summer heat
- Airports
- Doha Hamad International (DOH)
- Flight time
- about 6h30 direct from London to Doha
- Best time to go
- November-March
- Currency
- Qatari riyal (QAR)
Qatar is a small peninsula jutting into the Gulf, but its capital, Doha, has transformed itself into one of the region's most interesting cities. Since hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup it has a driverless metro, a revived waterfront and some of the best museums in the Middle East, alongside the atmospheric lanes of Souq Waqif. Beyond the city, the desert runs down to the Inland Sea, where dunes meet the water.
Most British visitors come on a stopover with Qatar Airways, but a few days of winter sun here work well in their own right. This guide, part of our Middle East series, covers where to go, when and what it costs. For comparison, see our guide to the neighbouring UAE.
Where to go in Qatar
Doha
Doha is where you will spend most of your time. Highlights include the Museum of Islamic Art, the National Museum of Qatar with its desert-rose architecture, Souq Waqif, the Corniche and the Msheireb district. For hotels, choose between the beach towers of West Bay, the artificial island of The Pearl and boutique stays near the souq.
Lusail
North of Doha, the new city of Lusail is home to the World Cup final stadium, a waterfront boulevard, Place Vendôme mall and Qetaifan Island's beach clubs and water park. It is linked to Doha by metro and tram.
Khor Al Adaid (the Inland Sea)
In the far south-east, the Inland Sea is a UNESCO-recognised natural reserve where tall dunes slope straight into a tidal inlet. It is reachable only by 4x4 across the sand, so most visitors book a half-day desert safari with dune bashing and sandboarding.
The north and west
Al Zubarah, Qatar's UNESCO-listed former pearling town, has a restored fort, while the Zekreet peninsula on the west coast is home to Richard Serra's monumental sculpture East-West/West-East and wind-carved rock formations. Purple Island and the mangroves at Al Thakhira are good for kayaking.
Best time to visit Qatar
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Winter (November-March) | Warm, sunny days, typically in the low to mid-20s °C; the best time for outdoor sightseeing and the desert |
| Spring (April-May) | Heating up fast, often in the mid-30s °C |
| Summer (June-September) | Extremely hot and humid, often above 40 °C; life moves indoors |
| Autumn (October) | Still hot, but cooling towards the end of the month |
Getting to Qatar from the UK
Qatar Airways flies direct to Doha from London Heathrow and Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh, and British Airways flies from Heathrow. The flight takes around six and a half hours from London. Hamad International is one of the world's major transit hubs, so Doha is an easy stopover on the way to Asia, Australia or Africa. Qatar is three hours ahead of the UK in winter and two in summer.
Entry requirements
British passport holders can currently enter Qatar visa-free on arrival for tourism for a period of up to 30 days, with a passport valid for at least six months. You may be asked to show a return ticket and hotel booking. Rules can change, so check the GOV.UK foreign travel advice for Qatar before booking.
Getting around
The Doha Metro is fast, clean and cheap, with Red, Gold and Green lines linking the airport, West Bay, Souq Waqif, Msheireb, Katara and Lusail. Taxis from Karwa and ride-hailing apps such as Uber fill the gaps. Doha isn't built for walking long distances, especially when it is hot, but the Corniche, souq and Msheireb are pleasant on foot in winter. Hire a car or book a tour for the desert and the north.
Money and costs
The Qatari riyal is pegged to the US dollar. Qatar is expensive, especially for hotels and alcohol, which is only served in licensed hotel bars and restaurants. Budget around £100-150 a day per person for a mid-range stay; eating in the souq and using the metro keeps costs down. Many museums charge non-residents an entry fee, and Qatar Airways stopover packages can make hotels cheaper. Cards are accepted almost everywhere. A service charge is often included; otherwise, 10% is a generous tip.
Qatar on the map
Frequently asked questions
Is Qatar worth visiting for a holiday?
For a few days, yes, particularly for museums, food and desert trips in winter. It suits a stopover or a short break more than a two-week beach holiday.
What is the dress code in Qatar?
Visitors are asked to cover shoulders and knees in public places such as museums, malls and government buildings. Swimwear is fine at hotel pools and beaches.
How long should a Doha stopover be?
Two or three days is ideal: one for the museums, one for the souq, Corniche and Msheireb, and one for a desert safari.
Can you drink alcohol in Qatar?
Only in licensed hotel bars, restaurants and some clubs. It is not sold in ordinary shops, and drinking in public or being drunk in public is an offence.
Written by
Anna Beach, family & practical travel editor
Anna knows which beach has shade at 3pm and which car hire excess is a rip-off. She covers sun, islands, family trips and practical travel tips.
More from AnnaWe research every guide carefully, but prices, opening times and timetables change. Check them shortly before you travel. Links to our booking partners are affiliate links.
