Sky View at La Cigale Hotel

Sky View is the rooftop bar on top of La Cigale Hotel and a well-known name in Doha's small nightlife scene. As a licensed hotel bar, it is one of the places in the city where alcohol is served, and the hotel describes it as one of the most sophisticated nightlife spots in Qatar. The terrace looks out over the city with panoramic views of the skyline, which is the main reason to come.

The drinks list centres on cocktails, and there is a separate happy hour menu, which makes an early evening visit good value. A food menu is also available. The music starts with ambient beats earlier in the evening, a resident DJ plays, and there are live DJs at weekends and themed nights that pair music with mixology, so the mood builds as the night goes on.

Sky View opens daily from 5pm to 2am. Prior reservation is required and is made through the hotel's online booking system or by phone, so do not turn up without a booking, especially on a weekend night. The dress code is smart casual. As with all licensed venues in Qatar, carry your passport or Qatari ID, as you may be asked to show it at the door, and remember that drinking alcohol in public or being drunk in public is not tolerated, so arrange a taxi home.

It suits couples, groups of friends and visitors who want a lively rooftop evening with a view rather than a quiet hotel lounge. Arrive around sunset to see the city light up, and stay on if you want the busier DJ hours later in the night. Like most rooftop venues in Doha, it may change its programme or opening during Ramadan and in the hottest summer months, so check before you go at those times.

A taxi or ride-hailing app is the simplest way to get to La Cigale Hotel and back. Combine an evening at Sky View with an early dinner, either in the hotel or elsewhere in the city, so that you arrive on the roof in time for the evening light.