Qatar Travel Guide

Qatar Turkish Citizens enjoy visa-free entry and visitors are granted a 90 day stay. The most important requirement upon entry to the country is completing the Mandatory Health Insurance before travel. The mandatory health insurance process can be carried out through companies designated by the State of Qatar for a fee of 50 QAR. You can find and purchase your mandatory health insurance plan through the following websites:

• Mandatory Health Insurance Scheme

You may choose any of the insurance companies designated by the State of Qatar. I have previously used Qatar Insurance Company (QIC) and can recommend it. Access address: https://qic.online/en/visitors

^{General View of Qatar (Photo: Bilal Utku KARAKOÇ)}

Doha has a single metro line. This line allows you to reach many tourist attractions. You can access the metro map at station desks or online. The fare for a metro ride is 2 QAR and you can purchase a travel card from automated machines at metro stations. Alternatively you can buy a prepaid card for 10 QAR and load it with credit for as many rides as needed or opt for a daily pass for 6 QAR. Automated machines at stations accept contactless payment with cards so you can load or purchase without using cash.

^{Qatar Metro Network Map (}Qatar Rail⁾

You can use Uber in Qatar as you would in many other countries. After adding your card details to the app you can choose to pay by card or cash. Uber offers vehicles of different sizes depending on group size and for larger groups the XL option is recommended.

Located in the center of Doha place area Souq Waqif is considered the city’s heart. At Souq Waqif an old market you can find many items including souvenirs and cultural goods. The market is popular among tourists and typically becomes crowded in the evening hours. I recommend visiting after 17:00 when shops reopen and note that restaurants and cafes remain open throughout the day.

You can easily reach Souq Waqif via the Souq Waqif metro station on the Gold (Yellow) Hat line. If your accommodation is on the Red Line or green Line you can transfer to the Yellow Line at Msheireb station. Another option is to get off at Msheireb station and walk to Souq Waqif.

^{Souq Waqif (Photo: Bilal Utku KARAKOÇ)}

Bander Aden Yemen Restaurant: Yemen cuisine offers Fahsa traditionally prepared with flatbread. One portion is sufficient for two people.

Tea Time: Tea Time has multiple branches across Qatar where you can drink tea sample fresh fruit juices and find various sandwiches at reasonable prices. I recommend trying the mint lemonade.

Al QUDS Restaurant: At Al QUDS operated by a Palestinian family you can eat meat/chicken shawarma and falafel. The falafel wrap is highly recommended and you can also try the meat shawarma.

Zaitoon Restaurant: At Zaitoon a Indian restaurant you can try spiced dishes. Although slightly spicy I recommend trying the Chicken Tikka Masala.

Al Aker Sweets: If you want to try Qatari/Palestinian kunafeh I recommend visiting Al Aker a very popular stop.

Msheireb is a district in the heart of Doha the capital of Qatar and the world’s first sustainable urban regeneration project. Msheireb aims to preserve Doha’s historical and cultural heritage while integrating modern elements. In Arabic Msheireb means “a place to drink water”. Msheireb is one of the ideal places to experience modern life in Qatar with many shops and restaurants. However prices are high as it is a popular destination among Qataris.

You can easily reach Msheireb by metro as it is the intersection point of all metro lines.

^{Msheireb (Photo: Bilal Utku KARAKOÇ)}

Monoprix Msheireb: I recommend trying pizza at Monoprix located in Msheireb Galleria and its other branches. Among the many pizza varieties my favorites are Salmon and Four Cheese Pizza.

Casio Msheireb: This store typically sells Japanese hour brands where you can find Seiko watches at reasonable prices.

Mina District takes its name from the Arabic word for port. Restored from the old Doha Port Mina District attracts attention with its architecture and unique concept.

Unfortunately public transportation does not reach Mina District. You can reach it by Uber from Souq Waqif or based on your hotel location.

Although a new region Mina District offers diverse food and drink options.

Karak Mqanes: At the Old Doha Port branch of Karak Mqanes you can enjoy a relaxing beautiful atmosphere and try various sandwiches along with Karak tea. I recommend adding extra sugar to your Karak tea.

Tea Time: At the Old Doha Port branch of Tea Time you can try the Chilli Chicken Parata from the menu which is distinct from other branches.

The Pearl is an artificial island covering approximately 1.5 square kilometers (0.6 mile square). Known in Turkish as Pearl Island this island is one of the first places in Qatar where non-Qataris can own property. As a result the island’s population is largely composed of Europeans and Turks. Deep canals have been dug around the island connecting them to the Basra Gulf.

Porto Arabia: Porto Arabia is a modern Mediterranean-style area of The Pearl featuring luxury yachts and dining venues. Here you can walk along the coast promenade.

Qanat Quartier: Inspired by Venice this colorful neighborhood features buildings canals and bridges. You can stroll through narrow streets enjoy the views and have a cup coffee at one of its stylish cafes.

Medina Centrale: As its name suggests combining the Arabic word for city Medina and the English word for center Medina Centrale is considered the heart of The Pearl. Here you will find squares gardens cafes restaurants and shops. Medina Centrale is one of the most vibrant locations on The Pearl.

To reach The Pearl take the Legtaifiya metro station and then board an Uber or book a Free Metro Link vehicle via the Karwa Taxi app. The Karwa Taxi app allows reservations for up to three people so it may be difficult for large groups.

Monoprix Medina Centrale: I recommend trying pizza at Monoprix which also has a branch in Medina Centrale. Among the many pizza varieties my favorites are Salmon and Four Cheese Pizza.

Texas Chicken: At Texas Chicken which serves crispy chicken similar to KFC you can confidently order any menu item. I recommend trying the menu with 3 pieces of chicken.

With limited shopping options The Pearl has LULU Hypermarket. The Pearl branch is the newest and cleanest LULU Hypermarket in the country where you can purchase technological devices according to campaign season.

Katara Cultural Village is one of the most important cultural centers hosting local and international events. Designed as an example of traditional Qatari architecture Katara spans a large area with an opera house libraries amphitheaters art galleries and other academic facilities alongside cafes restaurants museums art galleries business centers green spaces and massive.

You can walk through the streets of Katara Cultural Village and along the waterfront. As a popular tourist destination Katara features shops selling world-famous famous brands and upscale markets.

You can easily reach Katara by getting off at the Katara metro station.

^{Katara (Photo: Bilal Utku KARAKOÇ)}

Katara has a wide range of restaurants and cafes but prices are relatively high as it is mostly frequented by Qataris. I recommend visiting Chapati & Karak café where you can try Karak tea and chapati. I suggest trying the egg and cheese chapati.

Lusail is a smart city under construction north of Doha. Lusail incorporates many feature such as eco-friendly resources smart transportation systems waste recycling facilities and green spaces to become an environmentally friendly and sustainable city. Lusail consists of two parts Marina and Downtown and is home to iconic buildings.

The Katara Towers symbolizing two crossed swords and the Lusail Stadium where the 2022 FIFA World Cup Final was held are located in this area. The Marina section along the waterfront is ideal for walking and enjoying views of iconic buildings while the Downtown area is better suited for observing smart city features.

^{Katara Towers (Photo: Bilal Utku KARAKOÇ)}

To reach Lusail Marina transfer to the tram at the Legtaifiya station on the Red Line and get off at the Marina station. To reach Lusail Downtown get off at the Lusail station on the Red Line and walk a short duration.

At the Night Market in the Marina area I recommend trying the Zinger Supreme menu at Karak Mqanes. I also recommend drinking Karak tea here.

Place Vendome Mall in Lusail is one of Qatar’s largest shopping centers. You can shop at Brands For Less Alef Stores and Monoprix inside.

The Corniche is a 7-kilometer waterfront promenade surrounding the bay in the capital of Qatar Doha. The Corniche is one of Doha’s most popular and lively areas. Especially in the evenings the illuminated skyscrapers and sailboats create a stunning view. Along the promenade you can board traditional dhow boats to sail into the bay and enjoy the scenery. Boat operators will recognize you as a tourist and quote higher prices but you can often negotiate down to one-tenth of the initial offer. For two people 20-30 riyals is ideal while for larger groups you can bring the price down to around 10 riyals per person. You can walk along the Corniche promenade and take photos with city views at photograph.

You can reach the Corniche by walking from Souq Waqif. Although there is a metro station named Corniche do not be misled.

West Bay located at the center of the city can be described as Doha’s district of skyscrapers and plazas. Here you can see skyscrapers with diverse architectural styles and experience a miniature Manhattan.

You can reach West Bay by getting off at the DECC station on the Red Line.

Although Monoprix serves pizza at many branches the pizzas at the West Bay Monoprix are clearly more delicious than elsewhere. I recommend trying the salmon pizza.

You can reach this mall which meets many of your needs by getting off at the DECC metro station on the Red Line. Inside you will find stores such as Carrefour and Vodafone for basic needs as well as Brands For Less. You can also drink Karak tea at Karak Mqanes located in the metro station.

Place Vendome one of Qatar’s most modern and luxurious malls is a must-visit due to its grand architecture. I recommend watching the scheduled water shows.

Villaggio Mall one of Qatar’s most preferred malls features Original architecture and offers a unique shopping experience with sky motifs on its ceiling.

Al Hazm may be considered Qatar’s most luxurious mall. Inside you will find a McLaren car dealership and many luxury brands. I recommend visiting if you have time.