10 Best Things to Do in Doha, Qatar (Perfect for a Layover or Short Trip)
Discover the best things to do in Doha whether you’re on a layover or visiting the area for a few days!
Doha is an actively growing city in Qatar in the Middle East. It is also the hub of Qatar Airways, an expanding airline with flights coming and going around the world with many stopping over in Doha. If you have a day or two layover, you can easily check out the top sights in Doha.
If you need help planning your day in Doha, you’re not alone. Transportation around the city is a bit limited and the summer heat is completely overwhelming. This means you’ll need to have a plan to tackle the best Doha activities, so let’s take a look at what you need to include on your itinerary!
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1. Explore Souk Waqif
The best thing to do in Doha? Visit the traditional Arabian marketplace at Souk Waqif. This souk features narrow covered hallways with shops on both sides offering everything from gold to plastic key chains. If you’re in the market for spices, souvenirs, or even traditional food and drink, Souk Waqif is worth a visit.
It’s a perfect place to learn more about Doha, it’s people, and the city’s rich cultural heritage. When planning your visit, try to avoid mid-day as the souk quiets down in the heat of the day, but it livens back up in the evening.
2. Visit the Museum of Islamic Art
The Museum of Islamic Art is one of Doha’s most impressive landmarks and an icon of the city. It sits on the waterfront in a beautifully designed building with a striking geometric design by architect I.M. Pei. When viewed at the right angle, it can almost appear to be floating above the water.
Inside the museum there are artifacts from Muslim dynasties all over the Asia, Europe, and Africa. Free to visit and air conditioned, this museum is a great way to escape the heat of the day. Even if you have little interest in Islamic Art, it is worth a stop to check out the impressive architecture.
3. Go on a Desert Safari from Doha
While there are many great attractions in Doha, there’s even more unique opportunities outside of the city. If you’re an adventure seeker, head out to the surrounding desert to try your hand at other amazing Doha activities.
Go dune bashing in a 4×4 vehicle on a Doha desert safari. Take a camel ride across the desert just outside the city. Try your hand at sand boarding down the dunes. There are all kinds of desert activities in Doha that await. Just make sure to pack lots of sunscreen and water!
Here are some great options to get into the desert of Qatar:
4. Experience the National Museum of Qatar
The National Museum of Qatar is one of the best museums in Doha offering insight into the history and culture of Qatar in a fun and interactive way. Learn all about Qatar’s past, present, and future from its natural history to its Bedouin culture.
Plan an hour or two to explore the museum. It’s the best way to learn about Qatar, and as a bonus it’s housed in a beautiful building designed by French architect Jean Nouvel.
5. Walk the Corniche
The Corniche is a beautiful waterfront promenade along the Doha Bay featuring brilliant views of the ever growing number of skyscrapers around the city. Admire the skyline and pick out landmark buildings in Doha like the Sheraton Hotel and Tornado Tower.
The waterfront is the best place to get some exercise in the city due to its flat, scenic path. However, it’s also in direct sunlight most of the day. This means it is best to visit the Corniche in the morning or evening. On dry dusty days the view from the Corniche may be obstructed from all of the dust in the air.
6. Learn at the Katara Cultural Village
The Katara Cultural Village is a cultural center built by the Cultural Village Foundation, a project of hope for human interaction through art and cultural exchange. It celebrates Qatar’s rich artistic and cultural heritage. This project is under the leadership of HH Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Emir of the State of Qatar.
Today, you’ll find a Roman amphitheater, a few small museums and galleries, which most are free to wander in and out of, a library, some restaurants, and a few other miscellaneous exhibitions spaces and buildings. This is one of those areas you will find tour and school groups exploring. It’s worth spending a couple of hours looking around, but it has a touristy feel versus an authentic Qatari feel.
7. Admire the Pearl Qatar
Who doesn’t love a man-made island? That’s right, you might have thought only the United Arab Emirates was building islands like the Palm and the World, but Qatar has built man-made islands too. In fact, that’s precisely what the Pearl is – a man-made island shaped like a pearl.
This island features some of the most luxurious residential and commercial properties in all of Qatar. You’ll see the wealth of the area on display everywhere including fancy skyscrapers and houses, luxury shops, and expensive cars. The marina also displays this wealth with a large number of yachts and private boats.
When visiting the Pearl, you can stroll around the island enjoying this picture perfect area. Shop at high-end boutiques. Admire futuristic architecture. Dine at upscale restaurants. Spot exotic cars. It’s really a playground for the wealthy, and it is fun to explore.
8. Visit the Aspire Zone
The Aspire Zone, also known as Doha Sport City, is a sporting complex in the suburbs of Qatar. Built as an international sports destination in 2003, it has continued to grow in size and purpose from the 2006 Asian Games, 2022 FIFA World Cup, and the 2016 Summer Olympics bid from Qatar.
This zone features the Aspire Tower – Doha’s tallest structure, the Villaggio Mall, the most popular mall in Qatar, and of course a large number of sporting venues and training facilities. Head to Aspire Park to enjoy some green space in the heart of Doha with well-manicured gardens, a large lake, and several walking and biking trails. This park is popular with tourists and locals alike to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
9. Take a Boat Ride on Doha Bay
One of the best attractions in Doha is the Doha Bay as it serves as an important landmark within the city. Head to the Dhow Harbor for a guided boat tour on either a traditional dhow boat or modern day yacht. You’ll explore the skyline and learn about the history and culture as you sail past each place.
Here are your best options to get out on Doha Bay:
10. Book a Tour of Doha
Some places seem overwhelming to try and tackle on your own. Doha can certainly be one of them. Don’t let that stop you from exploring. Take a tour of Doha! You’ll find all kinds of tours of Doha are available – featuring both day and night adventures. Here are some of my favorite options:
- Private City Tour of Doha: This tour includes the National Museum of Qatar, Souq Waqif, Corniche, the Pearl, and Katara Cultural Village, and the State Grand Mosque.
- Private Night Tour of Doha: Discover Doha after dark when you can enjoy the Pearl, Katara Cultural Village, Souq Waqif, and impressive skyline views on the Corniche.
- Combo Doha City Tour and Half Day Desert Safari: Make the most of your trip to Doha with a combination of all of the best things to do in Doha in one tour!
Taking a tour of Doha enables you to safely and efficiently explore the city and the surrounding areas in the comfort of air conditioned coaches and experienced guides. Want to see more options? Check out these Doha tour options.
Other Amazing Things to See in Doha, Qatar
If you find yourself with more time on your hands, there are plenty of additional sites and experiences to add to your Doha itinerary. My top recommendations are:
- Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art: A contemporary art museum in Doha – the only museum in the Arab world dedicated to contemporary art.
- Msheireb Museums: A group of four museums which showcase Qatar’s rich history and heritage, featuring the Company House, Bin Jelmood House, Radwani House, and Mohammed Bin Jassim House.
- Al Shouyoukh Mosque: One of the oldest mosques in Doha, Al Shouyoukh features traditional Islamic architecture with intricate carings, patterns, and calligraphy on the walls and ceilings.
- Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum: A private museum in Doha that houses vintage cars, motorcycles, planes, as well as rare weapons, art, and manuscripts.
- Al Zubarah Fort: A well preserved fort and UNESCO World Heritage Site that shows the traditional mud-brick architecture of Qatar.
Where to Stay in Doha, Qatar
Doha offers some of the most astounding hotels in the world! If you’re planning a visit to Doha, treat yourself to one of the best hotels in the area for a really special treat or stay in budget with one of the budget-friendly hotels in Doha. Here are some of the best Doha hotels to check out:
- Doha Airport Hotels: Oryx Airport Hotel (transit only) | Premier Inn Doha Airport (budget) | Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha | Sharq Village & Spa
- Budget Hotels in Doha: Swiss-Belinn Doha | Wonder Palace Hotel Qatar | Kingsgate Hotel Doha
- Mid-range Hotels in Doha: Velero Hotel Doha | Ezdan Palace Hotel | Mondrian Doha
- Luxury Hotels in Doha: Raffles Doha | Banyan Tree Doha at La Cigale Mushaireb | Mandarin Oriental Doha | The Chedi Katara Hotel & Resort
Explore More of the Middle East
The best things to do in Doha, Qatar provide just a small sample of this fascinating region of the world. Explore more of the Middle East by adventuring to other nearby countries for once in a lifetime opportunities like:
- Qatar Stopover Guide: Making the Most of a Layover in Doha
- Where is Qatar? Location, Maps, and Facts
- Jerusalem’s Old City: A First-Timer’s Guide to the Holy City’s Highlights
- Where is Egypt? Location, Culture, and Identity
- 2 Days in Petra: The Ultimate Itinerary (Tickets, Tips & What to Skip)
- 9 Common Scams in Egypt (and How to Avoid Them)
- One Day in Cairo: Explore the Best of Egypt’s Capital in 24 Hours
- Why Visit Tel Aviv? 9 Reasons It Deserves a Visit
- How to Spend 3 Days in Dahab: Paradise on a Budget
- Discover the 8 Best Hotels in Dahab: Where to Stay on Vacation
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