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    HomeQatar travel guideDoha travel guideOne city, three days: Doha

    One city, three days: Doha

    In addition to being a major financial center in the region, vibrant Doha offers visitors a high-end holiday of luxury hotels and modern shopping malls, beautiful beaches and nature preserves, and museums and mosques. With the city’s hosting of the FIFA 2022 World Cup, it’s a good time to take a closer look at Doha, the capital of Qatar.

    Turkish Airlines Blog
    Turkish Airlines Blog
    With this account, managed by our writer team, we welcome all who love travel and exploration to enjoy these blog posts. And we gently remind our readers of the delight to be found in 'hitting the road'. As Tolstoy said: “All great literature is one of two stories; a man goes on a journey or a stranger comes to town.”

    When to visit Doha

    Although Doha is an attractive destination for tourists throughout the year, the city’s average temperatures between May and October range between 30 and 37 degrees C. The winter months are less intense, with average temperatures around 21 degrees; January is the coldest month, while July is the hottest. Weatherwise, the optimal times to visit Doha period are March, April and November. For this reason, the World Cup, usually held in the summer, is hosted by Doha in November.

    Turkish Airlines flights to Doha

    Turkish Airlines operates at least one flight per day from İstanbul Airport to Doha. The İstanbul – Doha flights are around four to four and a half hours on average. Please visit the link for Doha flight tickets and a city guide. 


    Places to Visit in Doha

    corniche doha
    Corniche

    Imam Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab Mosque

    Also known as the Qatar State Grand Mosque, the Imam Mohammad Bin Abdul Wahhab Mosque is the largest in the country and can accommodate more than 30,000 worshippers. The expansive complex includes three libraries, separate prayer and ablution halls for men and women, and dedicated halls for Quran memorization, and the mosque itself has 93 domes. Opened in 2011, the sandstone mosque has characteristic Islamic architectural features.

    Al Karaana Lagoon

    Approximately 60 kilometers from the Doha city center, the lagoon is a nature preserve and animal habitat as well as destination for bird watching. Consisting of three separate lagoons, Al Karaana Lagoon is considered one of Doha’s premier natural beauties.

    Al Zubarah Fort

    Al Zubarah Fort is the youngest structure in the Al Zubarah Archaeological Site, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Approximately 105 kilometers from the Doha city center, the walled coastal town of Al Zubarah was a prominent pearling and trading center in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. A museum on the site features exhibits related to the area’s pearl diving heritage.

    Fanar, Qatar Islamic Cultural Center

    The Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center (Fanar Mosque) stands out with its dramatic spiral architecture. The structure is especially beautiful at night when its illumination creates stunning view. The mosque is still open for worship and the cultural center hosts religious, education-related and social activities.

    Kordon (Corniche)

    Known as the Kordon or the Corniche, the seven-kilometer promenade along Doha Bay features cycling and running paths, as well as cafes, parks, and clubs. Various festivals are also hosted along the Corniche. Anchored on its south end by the Museum of Islamic Art, the promenade offers splendid views of the city skyline.

    Khor Al Udaid Beach

    Khor al udaid beach
    Khor Al Udaid Beach

    Renowned for its sunrises and sunsets, the Khor Al Udaid Beach features golden sands and dunes that can reach up to 40 meters. About 80 kilometers from the city, the beach and its Inland Sea are a popular destination for tourists and residents.

    The Pearl 

    The Pearl, a collection of artificial islands, is notable for its oyster and pearl-shaped architecture, a homage to Doha’s heritage as a center of pearl diving and commerce.

    Souq Waqif

    The sprawling Souq Waqif has hundreds of stalls and shops selling a vast range of items and services. One of the city’s top tourist destinations, the market houses the Gold Bazaar and the Falcon Bazaar, as well as hotels, cafes, and street performances.

    Museum of Islamic Art

    Set on an artificial island at the southern end of the Corniche, the Museum of Islamic Art, designed by I.M. Pei, has one of the world’s foremost collections, including a 21,000-volume library. In addition to stellar permanent and temporary exhibitions, the museum also hosts a design shop, a café, and an acclaimed restaurant.


    Dining in Doha

    what to eat in doha eggplant fatteh
    Eggplant Fatteh
    • Fatteh with eggplant, a beloved Qatari dish with Lebanese origins
    • Falafel, the globally popular fried chickpea patty
    • Hummus, which is ‘chickpea’ in Arabic, a spread consumed in abundance in Türkiye
    • Kebab, one of the most popular dishes in the Middle Eastern region

    Getting around Doha

    Fanar
    Fanar

    In Doha, the Mowasalat-operated buses and metro lines are the main public transport system. Karwa Smart Cards, available at Hamad International Airport, are used on the system. You  can access the details and schedule of Doha public transport services via the link.   

    In addition to public transportation, taxis are a popular option.

    For visitors who prefer to drive, car rentals are available. Visit our page to discover car rental options with extra Miles advantages of Turkish Airlines and to complete your reservation.


    Practical information on Doha

    doha museum of islamic art
    Doha Museum of Islamic Art

    Official language: Arabic

    Currency: Qatari rial (QAR)

    Socket type: D, G

    Important phone numbers

    Area Code: +974

    Hamad International Airport: (+974) 4010 6666

    Emergency Assistance: 999

    Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Doha: +974 4495 1300

    *The date of this blog post may have been updated due to additional content. Please be aware that information on fees and transportation is subject to change. The content of this post reflects the author's opinion and views.

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