Doha event weekends: what to do between sessions

Museums by I. M. Pei and Jean Nouvel, the Souq Waqif and inland sea dunes, with a modern metro to Lusail.

Events we cover in Doha

Arriving

Hamad International (DOH) is on the metro red line, 20 minutes from the centre.

Where to stay

Three hotels we would book

• Budget: Ibis Doha
• Mid-range: Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels
• Splurge: Raffles Doha

Event weekends sell out early and prices rise as the date gets closer: book a cancellable room as soon as you know you are going.

Tours

Where to eat

• Souq Waqif restaurants Arabic and Persian
• Parisa Persian in the souq
• Karak tea stalls Sweet spiced tea everywhere

With kids

• 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum.
• Desert Falls Water and Adventure Park.

Rainy-day backups

• National Museum of Qatar.
• Museum of Islamic Art.

Free things to do

• Corniche walk.
• Museum of Islamic Art park.

Getting around

• Doha Metro red line serves the airport, West Bay and Lusail.
• Uber and Careem work across the Gulf and are the easiest way around.
• Dress modestly in malls, souks and religious sites; beach clubs and hotels are relaxed.
• Check current travel advisories for the region before travelling and keep bookings flexible.