Our previous stay in Doha in June 2023 was filled with such great experiences and memories we couldn’t wait to spend more time there.

That first visit left us curious rather than satisfied.

Back in 2023, we’d arrived in June when the heat made wandering less inviting and at times difficult. Over our three day visit back then, we saw glimpses of a city that felt polished yet deeply connected to its traditions, but we never really had the chance to immerse ourselves in it through the people and their daily lives, choosing more indoor activities such as museums.

When we left, we made a quiet promise to ourselves that next time we’d come back when the weather was cooler and more comfortable for exploration.

February 2025 turned out to be exactly the right choice and the right season to walk, linger, eat outdoors, people watch and discover the local rhythm. It was a four night destination on our way to Europe.

For both visits we stayed at the Al Najada Doha Hotel by Tivoli. We’d loved the location and hotel so much last time we didn’t think twice about it. It sits close to the old souqs rather than among the towers of the West Bay (you can see the city scape above). The old town area offered something we value when we travel: the chance to step outside and immediately feel connected to place.

From there it was easy to wander into the markets, watch daily life unfold, seek out memorable meals, and explore the cultural highlights that make Doha feel both modern and deeply rooted in its heritage.

This time, Doha revealed itself properly and we were ready for it.

Souq Waqif

If there was one place that captured exactly why we chose to stay in this part of Doha again, it was Souq Waqif.

Stepping out from the hotel and into the souk felt like moving between worlds. This was a place that felt textured, colourful and alive, a place where daily life, shopping, eating, family time, community and tradition sit comfortably alongside the city’s rapid growth.

Daytime or nightime was equally fascinated, transfixing us with the myriad of sights, sounds, smells and colour.

This wasn’t somewhere to tick off sights with a checklist. It was somewhere to wander, and wander we did.

Every turn seemed to reveal something different. Narrow laneways opened into courtyards, market stalls spilled over with vibrant fabrics and traditional clothing, and locals moved through the souk in flowing white thobes and elegant black abayas, creating a sense of place that felt unmistakably Qatari.

Then there were the surprises.

One moment we found ourselves admiring beautifully displayed textiles and handcrafted goods; the next we were standing quietly in the falcon market, fascinated by the calm dignity of birds that hold such an important place in local culture.

Nearby, the camel market appeared as another reminder that this region’s traditions remain visible and celebrated rather than tucked away for tourists.

And everywhere there was food with the scent of spices, coffee and grilling meats drifting through the laneways, making it impossible to decide what to eat.

Souq Waqif became more than a market for us. We visited so often it became a familiar place that rewarded our curiosity and our taste buds.

The cooler weather made it much more comfortable to get around. We caught the train across to Doha’s West Bay district and spent the day exploring on foot. Emerging from the station into the city centre felt like stepping into another version of Doha altogether with car filled streets, soaring building and a skyline that was obviously designed to impress.

We wandered without much of a plan, eventually making our way through gardens and in between buildings down towards the waterfront and beach area,. The long stretch of sand, the carefully designed shade structures and the sense of space created a very different atmosphere from the bustle of the souk.

Ramadan had started and the area was very quiet. Rather than detracting from the scenes, it made it more interesting. The usual energy of a city was temporarily softened which gave us room to notice more details, like the architecture. It felt unrushed and was like the city was taking a pause, breathing out and resting.

Returning to Doha in February gave us exactly what we had hoped for after our first visit – a chance to experience the city beyond the heat and discover more of what had intrigued us the first time around.

Would we return? Without hesitation.

Because even after two visits, Doha still feels like a city we’ve only just begun to know, and that’s definitely part of its appeal. We left this time with plenty of photos, good memories and a feeling we’d be back.

Catherine & Jeff