Qatar: Doha – The Marina and Old Port

July 27, 2025
Qatar
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We had an amazing visit to the National Museum, but it was time to move on. Before heading on further, we checked out a vegan cafe, a rare find in the Arabian Peninsula. It was spendy so we ended up next door at an ice cream shop and bought two milkshakes.

The next place I wanted to visit was the Old Port of Qatar, which was completely rebuilt for the World Cup. It was about 3 km from the museum to the port. It was a nice day, so we decided to walk.

About halfway into a journey, we came to a large park, called the MIA (Museum of Islamic Art) park, which had a square full of flag poles displaying flags from around the world. This is known as ‘Flag Plaza’, and the 119 flags on show celebrate unity and cultural exchange.

From ‘Flag Plaza’ we crossed MIA park and walked another 500m to the marina, which was full of jet skis and expensive boats – this was Qatar after all. We were not here to see the boats, but it was the offices of the marina that had drawn us here! When looking for things to do in Doha, I had seen pictures of the marina, and I was intrigued. The offices are home to rental agencies, chandlers and other marine supplies companies. The buildings are completely constructed from shipping containers stacked two high and painted in bright, primary colours. Some of the containers are set perpendicular to one another, so that they overhang the space below – a little scary, but I am sure they are secure. The overall effect looks like a giant’s child’s Lego model. The end of some containers had been removed and replaced with large picture windows and had balconies added.

Around the outside of the structures there were wooden boardwalks complemented by wrought iron lamp posts. We were very impressed.

We walked all around the marina, taking a lot of photos before heading out.

Beyond the marina were the pastel-coloured buildings of the Old Port. I was not sure about going to see these, but Karen tempted me with potential views of the impressive Doha cityscape. So, we crossed the road from the marina into another park where many people were setting up activities for families. Tomorrow was National Sports Day, a public holiday where locals are encouraged to come outside and participate in.

We followed the pathway through the park to the wall of the harbour, and we were indeed treated to amazing views of Doha’s iconic financial district

From the harbour wall we walked into the Old Port area, which is more or less one street, which is probably about one-and-a-half kilometres. The buildings are quite lovely, a mixture of single storey and multiple storey structures all covered in adobe plaster and painted different shades of pastel colours. Everything here is related to tourism. There was a hotel and many boutique shops, cafes and restaurants. None of which interested us, but what we did love was the street art. Several buildings had large murals painted on their outside. They were clearly done by different artists.

One building here was very different and at first, we were a little resistant to going in, mainly due to its purpose – a fish market. We were so glad we did decide to go in.

The fish market building was about 100 metres long. The most amazing feature of the fish market was the stunning Tiffany style glass ceiling. The walls of the fish market were also interesting, they were covered in motifs related to fishing, all of which were created in mosaics and tile work.

Despite my initial reticence, I really enjoyed our time exploring the Old Port.

Planning your visit to Doha’s Old Port

To get to the Old Port in Doha, Qatar, you have several options depending on your starting point and preferred mode of transportation:

🚶 Walking

If you’re staying near the Corniche or Souq Waqif, the Old Port is within walking distance. It’s located near the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) and Doha Port.

🚇 Metro

Take the Doha Metro (Red Line) and get off at Souq Waqif station or National Museum station.
From either station, it’s about a 10–15 minute walk to the Old Port.

🚕 Taxi/Uber

Taxis and ride-sharing apps like Uber and Careem are widely available in Doha.
Just enter “Old Port Doha” or “Doha Port” as your destination.
A trip from central Doha (West Bay or Souq Waqif) will cost approximately 10–20 QAR depending on traffic.

🚗 Driving

If you have a car, you can drive to the Old Port.
Parking is available near the port and the Museum of Islamic Art.
Use Google Maps or Waze and search for “Old Port Doha” or “Doha Port” for directions.

The best time to visit Doha

The best time to visit Doha, Qatar is during the cooler months from November to early April. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect during different seasons:

✅ Best Time: November to Early April

Weather: Pleasant and mild, with daytime temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F).
Activities: Ideal for outdoor activities like sightseeing, desert safaris, visiting souqs, and walking along the Corniche.
Events: This is also festival season, with events like the Doha International Book Fair, Qatar International Food Festival, and various sports events.

🌞 Shoulder Season: Late April to Early June

Weather: Warmer, with temperatures between 30°C and 38°C (86°F to 100°F).
Activities: You can still enjoy some outdoor activities in the evenings, but mid-day heat can be intense.
Crowds: Fewer tourists, so hotel rates and flights may be cheaper.

🔥 Avoid: Late June to Early September

Weather: Extremely hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F) and sometimes reaching 50°C (122°F).
Activities: Outdoor activities are very limited due to the intense heat.
Best Bet: If you visit during this time, stick to air-conditioned attractions like museums, shopping malls, and indoor markets.

🍁 Transition Period: October

Weather: Starts cooling down from the summer peak, with temperatures around 30°C to 35°C (86°F to 95°F).
Activities: Early evenings are pleasant for walks and outdoor dining.

🎯 Recommendation:

For the best experience, visit between December and March when the weather is comfortable, and major events and cultural activities are in full swing.

Where to stay in Doha

1. Mid Range: Hampton By Hilton Doha Old Town

Hampton by Hilton Doha Old Town is a modern and stylish hotel located in the heart of Doha, Qatar, offering convenient access to the city’s vibrant cultural and historical landmarks. Situated near the iconic Doha Corniche and the Museum of Islamic Art, the hotel provides an ideal base for exploring the rich heritage and contemporary attractions of the city. Guests can enjoy well-appointed rooms with modern amenities, including complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and comfortable bedding. The hotel also features a fitness center, an on-site restaurant serving a variety of international and local dishes, and a business center for those traveling for work. With its friendly service, convenient location, and comfortable accommodations, Hampton by Hilton Doha Old Town is an excellent choice for both business and leisure travelers looking to experience the best of Doha.

2. Luxury – Dusit Doha Hotel

The Dusit Doha Hotel is a luxurious five-star hotel located in the vibrant West Bay district of Doha, Qatar. Known for its elegant Thai-inspired hospitality, the hotel offers a sophisticated blend of contemporary design and traditional Thai touches. It features spacious and well-appointed rooms and suites, along with a range of world-class amenities including a rooftop swimming pool with panoramic city views, a fully equipped fitness center, and the renowned Devarana Spa, which offers rejuvenating Thai treatments. Guests can indulge in a variety of dining options, including international cuisine and authentic Thai dishes. Its prime location near major attractions like the Corniche and City Center Mall makes it a popular choice for both business and leisure travelers seeking comfort, luxury, and a touch of Thai elegance in the heart of Doha.

3. La Villa Suites Hotel

La Villa Suites Hotel Doha is a comfortable and conveniently located hotel in the heart of Doha, Qatar. Known for its warm hospitality and modern amenities, the hotel caters to both business and leisure travelers. It offers well-appointed suites equipped with contemporary furnishings, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and kitchenettes, ensuring a comfortable stay. Guests can enjoy a variety of services, including 24-hour front desk assistance, room service, and laundry facilities. Its central location provides easy access to popular attractions such as Souq Waqif, the Museum of Islamic Art, and the Corniche, making it an ideal choice for travelers looking to explore Doha’s vibrant culture and history.