An intoxicating mix of old and new, the city of Doha is constantly evolving without leaving its heritage behind. It's a place where you can easily transition from treasure hunting in incense-scented traditional souks to browsing designer boutiques in gleaming shopping malls. The capital of the State of Qatar, Doha is busy, slightly bewitching and full of beautiful contrasts, like a grassy, tree-lined waterfront promenade to the east and a vast sandy desert to the west. Beyond the soaring city skyline you'll find cultural and historical sites as well a UNESCO World Heritage-listed reserve.
Many hostels in Doha have large outdoor spaces brightened up by traditional Middle Eastern fabrics. There's Doha hostels with games areas, in-room TVs and an on-site restaurant, as well as handy extras like free Wi-Fi and air con. Look out for a Doha hostel with a kitchen or laundry facilities.
Discover the unique character of Doha through its neighbourhoods. You'll find plenty of action in the West Bay area, home to the city's business and commercial area. There are high-rise shopping centres packed with entertainment venues like cinemas, bowling alleys and an ice-skating rink. On the seafront, the Corniche offers spectacular views and has a number of leafy parks and vehicle-free recreation spaces. Al Souq, named after a traditional market, is an old-world area with historic sites like Al Koot Fort. Venture out of the centre and across the desert dunes to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site Khor Al-Adaid, an inland sea.
Doha is a city full of activities to enlighten and entertain. Public art installations by leading international artists are dotted throughout the region and there are significant works to discover at the Museum of Islamic Art. Watch spices and colourful fabrics being bartered for at the dynamic Souq Waqif market, then cool off with water sports and a gondola ride at Katara Beach. Visitors of all denominations are welcome at the highly decorative Katara Mosque, an inspiring place to learn about the history and practices of the state religion, Islam.
It's easy to get around Doha. Eco-friendly government buses run on many city routes every 15 to 30 minutes and a free shuttle circles the busy West Bay area. Taxis are also widely available – just make sure to agree on a price before your ride if you flag a taxi down on the street. Hamad International Airport is about a 20-minute drive from the city. You can get a bus, taxi or chauffeur-driven limousine from outside the main terminal.
