An expert view: 5 reasons to visit Doha

A few of our experts have just returned from an incredible trip to Doha, travelling with one of our top airline partners, Qatar Airways. We asked Vicky Bignell, Assistant Manager at Kuoni Milton Keynes, to share why this glitzy multi-cultural hub should be next on your travel radar, whether you're chasing winter sun or planning a smart stopover. Here are her top five reasons to go.

1. It’s the ideal stopover

Doha is around a seven-hour flight from the UK, making it a handy stop-off point for trips to the Indian Ocean, Asia or Africa. It’s easy to add a couple of nights here to break up a long journey. You’ll step off the plane and into warm sunshine, swap terminals for a five-star hotel and arrive at your final destination feeling far more refreshed.

2. But it also stands on its own

This isn’t just a stopover city, you could happily spend your whole holiday here. Doha has warm, dry weather during the UK’s cooler months, with beaches and pools for laid-back days, but it also delivers more – world-class museums, striking architecture and a rich cultural depth. It’s packed with great places to explore and the standard of service is genuinely excellent.

3. It’s a beach break and a cultural hit in one

One of the things that surprised Vicky most was how much variety you get – there’s genuinely something for everyone. You can relax by the sea in the morning and visit an art gallery in the afternoon. Beautiful hotels with parasol-lined pools sit alongside souqs and traditional coffee houses. There are dhow cruises and desert adventures for families and serene hammams and skyline-view spas for those seeking downtime.

4. The food is worth the trip alone

From local favourites like machboos (spiced rice with meat or fish) and luqaimat (sticky sweet dumplings) to elegant afternoon teas and big weekend brunches, the food scene in Doha is varied and full of flavour. The city stays lively late into the night too, with locals often meeting for coffee and dessert well past 10pm. Vicky recommends Persian-themed Parisa, tucked inside the Souq Waqif, for its gorgeous décor and generous serving plates. 

Hotel highlights include Miss Wong at Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas for bold Asian flavours and Al Liwan at Sharq Village & Spa for melt-in-the-mouth mezze, grills and sweets. 

Read more about our favourite hotels here.

5. There’s loads to do – or not do

Whether you're planning to pack it in or take it slow, Doha has plenty going on. Culture lovers can visit the Visual Art Centre or take in the intricate tiles at Katara Mosque. Fanar, the city’s Islamic Cultural Centre, is also worth a stop. 

For something more active, try a desert safari, hop on a dolphin-watching dhow cruise or cool off at a waterpark (Desert Falls is a fab one for families). Or just wander the Corniche at dusk, when the heat dips and the sky is streaked in colour. 

Vicky’s top tips

• Visit Souq Waqif in the evening when it’s cooler and more atmospheric. It’s great for people-watching with a cup of karak (a sweet, spiced tea made with condensed milk).

• Book your desert trip in advance if you want to catch the Inland Sea at sunset. The best guides get snapped up quickly. 

• Use Uber to get around. It’s widely available in Doha, easy to use and often more convenient than local taxis.

• Respect local customs. Dress modestly, avoid public displays of affection and steer clear of taking photos where locals are relaxing or socialising.

• Escape the heat in the extravagant malls. Top picks include Villaggio Mall with its indoor gondola ride and Place Vendôme for shopping, dining and dancing fountains.

• The best time to visit Doha is early May or late October to November. You’ll get warm days, comfortable evenings and avoid the peak summer heat.

• No need to pack a plug adapter. Qatar uses the same three-pin sockets as the UK.

• Qatari riyal is the local currency, but cards are accepted pretty much everywhere.

This feature was updated on 5th June 2025. The information within this feature is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication.