According to forum posts, top attractions in Doha include the Souq Waqif for a taste of local culture and shopping, the Museum of Islamic Art, and the National Museum of Qatar for historical and artistic insights. The Katara Cultural Village and The Pearl Qatar are also highly recommended for their unique architectural and cultural offerings.

Some travelers mentioned desert-related activities such as dune bashing, camel riding, and quad biking as must-do experiences. Additionally, taking a dhow cruise for scenic views of the Doha skyline has been suggested. For sports enthusiasts, visiting the Al Shahaniya Camel Racetrack and the FIFA World Cup stadiums can be quite exciting.

For a unique local experience, travelers have called out participating in falconry and visiting the Falcon Souq. Additionally, Qatar’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, Al Zubarah, provides a historical perspective on the region.

According to forum posts, Karwa taxis are readily available 24/7 at Doha airport and can be found by following the Taxi signs. These taxis are metered and accept credit cards, offering a convenient option for transportation to the city. The cost of a taxi to central locations like The Pearl is approximately QR 60 for a 40-minute ride.

Travelers have noted that Uber and Careem are operational 24 hours and can be accessed easily from Doha airport. These services provide an alternative to taxis and are appreciated for their convenience and reliability.

Some users mentioned the availability of the Doha Metro as a transport option. The Metro operates from the airport to various parts of the city, including Souq Waqif. Standard tickets are QR 2 per journey, with day passes available for QR 9. The metro stations accept credit cards for ticket purchases.

According to forum posts, several hotels in Doha were recommended for their location and amenities. The Wyndham Grand Doha, Al Najadah Hotel, and the Westin Hotel were highlighted for their proximity to local food places and vibrant nightlife, specifically near Souq Waqif. Additionally, the Steigenberger Hotel was mentioned, though specific details about its location or features were not provided.

For travelers looking for beachside accommodations, some users suggested hotels like the Intercontinental Doha, Sheraton, Sharq Village, Hilton Doha, and the Ritz Carlton, as they offer private beaches and are relatively close to the city center. This combination of beach access and proximity to urban amenities makes them attractive to those who prefer both relaxation and city exploration.

For budget-conscious travelers, there was an inquiry about camping options in Doha, indicating interest in more economical lodging solutions. However, detailed responses about budget camping facilities were not available in the posts reviewed.

According to forum posts, travelers from certain countries like the UK and the US can obtain a visa waiver upon arrival in Doha, provided they have a passport with at least six months validity and a return or onward ticket. This waiver allows for a stay of up to 30 days and can be extended for another 30 days.

Some travelers mentioned that, as of October 2023, there are no requirements for a COVID-19 vaccination certificate or testing for entry into Doha. However, these regulations are subject to change, so it is advisable to check the most current information before traveling.

Travelers have called out that while no proof of accommodation is required for UK passport holders, it is essential to be aware that the importation of alcohol into Qatar is prohibited, regardless of the point of entry.

According to forum posts, Hamad International Airport offers various lounges including Al Maha, Oryx, and Al Mourjan. The Al Maha lounge is mentioned as the cheapest with an entry cost of QR 230 (USD 63) for six hours.

Some lounges like Al Mourjan offer access for economy class passengers for a fee, with the option to book amenities such as shower cubicles. Al Maha and Oryx lounges can be accessed via payment or certain credit cards like American Express, which is reported to provide complimentary access to some lounges.

For many users, lounges such as Al Mourjan are recommended for their facilities which include high-quality toiletries and comfortable resting areas. The website URL provided for more detailed information on lounge options and pricing is https://dohahamadairport.com/relax/lounges.

According to forum posts, many travelers have praised Qatar Airways for its excellent in-flight services, noting the quality of the planes, the professionalism of the crew, and the amenities offered, especially in business class. However, some passengers felt that the cabin crew sometimes lacked warmth compared to other airlines.

For many users, experiences with Qatar Airways customer service have been notably poor, particularly when dealing with cancellations, refunds, or other booking changes. Travelers have reported long wait times, unresponsive customer support via phone and email, and difficulties getting compensation for delayed or canceled flights.

Some travelers said that they encountered issues when booking flights or handling changes through the Qatar Airways website, describing the IT systems as problematic. Additionally, there were complaints about the difficulty of securing refunds or proper communication regarding changes in booking.

Travelers have called out Qatar Airways for delays and lack of transparency in processing compensation and refunds, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some passengers mentioned having to endure lengthy processes and poor communication when trying to resolve these issues.