When to visit Doha
Although Doha can be visited year-round, the most suitable times for travel, given the climate, are spring, autumn, and winter. Because temperatures can exceed 40°C in summer, the period between late October and April is more comfortable. Average temperatures range from 20 to 30°C, especially in November, March, and April, while in January, daytime temperatures of 18 to 20°C create a mild climate. During this period, outdoor activities and desert safaris can be enjoyed comfortably. Calendar-based events can also influence your travel plans. For example, the Qatar International Food Festival, held annually, usually takes place in the spring and showcases flavors from around the world. In autumn, the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix takes place at the Lusail Circuit, drawing motorsport enthusiasts to the city. With concerts, art festivals, and sporting events held throughout the year, Doha offers visitors a lively atmosphere in every season.
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
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 Lagünü
Located approximately 60 km from Doha’s city center, Al Karaana Lagoon was completed in 2020 as one of Qatar’s successful environmental rehabilitation projects. Once home to wastewater ponds, the area has been transformed into a lush oasis with three artificial lagoons through a comprehensive cleanup and restoration. The lagoon offers a great opportunity to observe wildlife and is home to many bird species, especially migratory birds.
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
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
Located on Doha’s northern coast and composed of man-made islands, The Pearl reflects the city’s elite lifestyle through its luxury residences, yacht marinas, shopping galleries, and stylish restaurants. The island’s oyster- and pearl-shaped design symbolizes Qatar’s strong historical connection to pearl diving. As of 2025, The Pearl has become a fully developed living and entertainment hub. You can walk among the yachts in the Porto Arabia Marina area or spend time at open-air cafés in Medina Centrale. In the evenings, the lighting around the marina and the reflections on the water create a romantic atmosphere, while car shows and music events, frequently held in the area, offer enjoyable moments for visitors. The Pearl is an ideal stop for those seeking to experience Doha’s modern face.
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.
What to eat in Doha?
Qatari cuisine is a rich and distinctive culinary tradition, shaped by its geography and blending influences from the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent, and North Africa. In Doha, you can find both traditional Qatari dishes and beloved regional flavors. Here are the standout dishes of Qatari cuisine and where to taste them:
Machboos (Majboos): Qatar’s national dish
Considered the national dish of Qatar, Machboos is a main course in which spiced rice meets meat, usually lamb or chicken, or fish. With warm spices such as cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon, along with dried lime and loomi, it has a distinctive flavor profile. It can also be described as a kind of Gulf-style “biryani” and is frequently found on local tables. To try this authentic flavor in Doha, you can choose traditional restaurants in Souq Waqif or modern Qatari cuisine restaurants in the Msheireb area. In particular, local restaurants such as Al Manchab and Sassna are famous for their delicious Machboos, prepared in the traditional style.
Saloona: One of the staples of Qatari tables
Saloona, one of the essentials on Qatari tables, is a meat stew rich in tomatoes and vegetables. Usually prepared with lamb or fish, this hearty dish is flavored with cardamom, black pepper, ginger, and especially dried black lime. Frequently cooked at home, Saloona is enjoyed by dipping bread into it or served over rice, and it is a staple of family meals. In Doha, Saloona is a common daily home-style dish found in many traditional restaurants. You can taste this filling and flavorful dish especially at places like Al Jasra, which serve home-style cooking, or at some cafés in Katara Cultural Village.
Luqaimat: One of Qatar’s most beloved desserts
Luqaimat, one of Qatar’s most-loved desserts, is made by frying small pieces of leavened dough and then coating them with a sweet syrup. These bite-sized treats, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, are usually topped with date syrup or honey and sprinkled with sesame. They are especially a highlight at iftar tables during Ramadan. Luqaimat is well known across much of the Arab world and has a distinctive Qatari flavor, thanks to cardamom and saffron. One of the best places to try Luqaimat in Doha is the dessert stalls inside Souq Waqif. Enjoying this freshly fried, syrup-soaked sweet while strolling through the market can be a real pleasure.
Balaleet: A staple of Qatari breakfast tables
Balaleet, an essential part of breakfast tables in Qatar, is an intriguing dish that brings sweet and savory together. Served with a fried egg over thin vermicelli noodles, the dish carries a slightly sweet aroma from the noodles, which are flavored with rose water, saffron, cardamom, and sugar, while the savory egg on top creates a balanced contrast. Although Balaleet is usually eaten in the morning, it can be found at any time of day. If you want to try authentic Balaleet in Doha, local breakfast spots such as Shay Al Shomos are the right choice; in fact, the owner of this place is known as a Qatari grandmother famous for her Balaleet.
Qatari Coffee & Karak Tea: More than just food
Local flavors extend beyond dishes. Qatari coffee, Kahwa, a light, cardamom-flavored brew often served with dates, has become a symbol of hospitality. Karak tea, originally from India and now an essential part of daily life in Qatar, is made by boiling strong black tea with milk, cardamom, and sugar. In the streets of Doha, you can pick up a cup of hot, richly aromatic Karak tea from many small shops or street vendors and enjoy it on the go. Places like Chapati & Karak on Sabah Bin Mohammed Street are especially popular, filled with Karak tea lovers throughout the day.
Transportation in Doha
Urban transportation in Doha is highly modern and user-friendly. The public transportation network offers extensive coverage, with the Doha Metro, opened in 2019, and the Mowasalat Karwa bus system spread across the city. The fully automated three-line metro system, Red, Green, and Gold, provides fast access from Hamad International Airport to the city center and tourist areas. For example, the Red Line allows direct travel from the airport to West Bay or Lusail. Smart card systems are available for use on the metro and buses; the Doha Metro has its own Travel Card, while buses use the Karwa Smart Card. These cards can be purchased and topped up at machines at the airport or at metro stations. Single-use tickets or daily unlimited-ride cards can also be practical options for tourists.
Thanks to mobile applications, using public transportation in the city has become even easier. For instance, the Karwa Journey Planner app lets you plan bus and metro routes, view real-time schedules, and manage your smart card balance. In addition, the integrated transport app Sila, launched in 2021, brings together all modes of public transportation, including metro, bus, tram, and taxi, on a single platform. Through the Sila app, you can view the most suitable combined routes to your destination and easily plan transfers between stops. As a result, getting from one point to another in Doha by public transportation has become more user-friendly than ever.
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
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
Visa: Turkish citizens can enter Qatar visa-free for up to 90 days within an 180-day period. (Entry requires a passport; ID cards are not accepted.)
