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World Travel Guide > Guides > Middle East > Qatar > Doha

Local time Doha

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Getting around Doha

Public transport

Mowasalat (tel: 4458 8888; www.mowasalat.com) runs a bus network in and around the city. Intercity buses (which serve the city centre only) are numbered with double digits, while 'Inter Urban' buses (for the suburbs and other cities in the emirate) have three digits. Bus fares are cheap with a selection of day, week and monthly passes available for those with extended stays in the city. Most foreigners and more affluent Qataris avoid the bus network, preferring to take taxis.

A metro system is under construction in Doha. Four lines are planned, with the first expected to be running by 2019.

Taxis

Hailing a taxi or limousine (the latter are not as grand as they sound, tending to be just larger cars charging at least double the fare) in the street is the easiest way to secure a ride in Doha, but can lead to overcharging, so either book at a hotel or call ahead with companies such as Twenty Twenty Limousine Services (tel: 4467 1007) and Mustafawi Limousine (tel: 3340 2984). Newer taxis are frequently green in colour, while older models tend to be orange or white.

Driving

There are no tolls/fees for driving in Doha, but traffic is heavy and challenging so be prepared for jams and some aggressive driving techniques. Most malls have pay-for parking, as does Souq Waqif. Most international hotels offer valet parking.

Car hire

Drivers must be 21 or over to hire a car in Doha. A number of international car hire companies have offices in Doha, including Budget (tel: 4431 0411; www.budgetqatar.com), Sixt (tel: 4428 1739; www.sixt.com) and Avis (tel: 4466 7744; www.avis.com).

Bicycle hire

Cycling on Doha's busy, hot streets is not recommended. If you do decide to give it a go, Carbon Wheels Bike Shop in the Al Maha Center (tel: 4441 9048; www.facebook.com/CarbonWheelsQTR) rents out bikes. You can also hire bikes in Aspire Park (tel: 4413 8188; www.aspirezone.qa) and try out the 5km (3-mile) bike track.

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

City Highlight: Doha

In Doha, going to the shopping malls is more than a hobby, it's a necessity. Read on to find out why.

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Featured Hotels

W Doha

Those who are familiar with the W brand will know what to expect here – a little bit of Manhattan in the heart of the Middle East. It's well located and could just as feasibly be used by business travellers as well as trend-conscious urban socialites. The décor is sleek and modern and there are some quality dining and nightlife options.

Four Seasons Hotel Doha

The Four Seasons is a solid choice for a fly-and-flop few days, with a gently curving private beach and one of the best spas in Doha – across three storeys, no less. The pool areas are beautifully landscaped and there's a choice of seven restaurants and lounges. It's an upscale hotel with high-class service, opulent marble interiors and a surprisingly relaxed feel. Those with children are well catered for with a kids' club and family activities.

Meliã

Those who want to be in the mix will be more than happy with this Spanish-owned hotel. Guest rooms are contemporary and spacious, and the third-floor swimming pool offers a stylish spot to cool off and relax. The award-winning Signature restaurant by Sanjeev Kapoor is its best highlight. You can also try Aceite for cheery service and sangria on tap. This hotel offers guests special entrance fees for Katara Beach and Banana Island.

Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels

This collection of nine buildings places you in the heart of Souq Waqif, offering a real taste of the Doha's historic side. The hotel has an alluring Arabesque style and boutique vibe and offers access to a range of facilities, including a luxury spa offering Arabic treatments (including a traditional hammam), eight restaurants and a rooftop pool. Other highlights include 11 room categories, valet parking and warm Qatari hospitality.

The Torch Doha

Part of the city's high-tech Aspire Zone, this 300m-high (984ft) tower designed to resemble a vast torch is the currently the tallest hotel in Qatar. Not originally built as a hotel, it offers excellent levels of in-room comfort and some genuinely impressive facilities nonetheless. Expect to rub shoulder with the likes of footballers on warm-weather trips and the Venice-themed Villaggio Mall is close by.

Warwick, Doha

This hotel is well located for accessing the sights of Downtown Doha, and has 164 classic Arabic designed rooms and suites, meeting rooms, a rooftop swimming pool and a 335 square metre spa which includes steam and fitness rooms. Their Wednesday BBQ nights and dining at L'auberge are particularly popular. Moon Deck, their Rooftop Grill, is a pleasant place to sit and enjoy the city views.

Introducing Doha

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