Doha Travelers Recommend

With three days to spend in the Qatari capital, you’ll have enough time to explore the colorful souks, visit the world-class museums, head out into the desert for some sun and sand, and spend time visiting the cultural and natural wonders of North Qatar. Here’s how to get the most out of your three days in Doha. 

Day 1: Around Town

Doha is a modern city with a historic heart, and today you’ll explore what makes this city on the Persian Gulf so special. Start the day with a sightseeing tour around town to get a sense of what Doha has to offer. A typical itinerary includes colorful Souq Waqif, man-made Pearl Qatar island, Katara Cultural Village, the Museum of Islamic Art (itself an architectural masterpiece), and the Corniche waterfront promenade. In the afternoon, head back into the souk for a more in-depth exploration; join a local foodie to sample some of the city’s best bites, or take a guided shopping tour in search of jewelry, fabrics, and traditional Qatari handicrafts. Finish your day with a relaxing and romantic sunset cruise aboard a traditional wooden dhow. 

Day 2: Desert Days and Arabian Nights

Now that you’ve experienced the best of urban Doha, head out into the desert for a day of outdoor adventure. With an experienced driver behind the wheel of a 4WD vehicle, spend the day dune bashing, sandboarding, riding a camel across the undulating dunes, or swimming at one of the few spots on Earth where the desert meets the sea. For the ultimate desert experience, opt for an overnight tour for the chance to stargaze far from the city lights and spend the night in a Bedouin-style camp. It’s a great way to learn about Qatar’s desert-dwelling communities. 

Day 3: Northern Qatar

Doha may be Qatar’s biggest city, but there’s plenty to see in the surrounding region as well. Take today to explore the heritage sites of North Qatar. Walk through the seaside cities of Al Khor and Al Thakhira, visit a mangrove forest where flamingos and herons live, and explore the Al Zubara archaeological site, a former fort that has been transformed into a museum. You’ll learn about the area’s pearling industry and how local communities have adapted to these often barren landscapes. Upon your return to Doha, take advantage of your last opportunity to taste Qatari specialties with a quiet dinner at your hotel or a nearby restaurant.

Doha rivals Dubai as one of the Persian Gulf’s most ambitious and dynamic cities. From ultramodern skyscrapers to atmospheric souks, this city in the desert has a lot to offer, and 24 hours is enough to give you a taste of Doha’s appeal. Here are some tips for how to make the most of your limited time.

Morning: City Sightseeing

This morning, get an introduction to the always evolving city of Doha by joining a guided sightseeing tour to some of the city’s most important landmarks and attractions. Learn about Arabian horses at the Racing and Equestrian Club, tour the oyster-shaped island known as the Pearl, pick up some souvenirs in the colorful Souq Waqif, and browse the extensive collection at the Museum of Islamic Arts. Opt for a private tour with your own guide and driver to customize your itinerary—see the things you want, skip the things you don’t. 

Afternoon: Desert Safari

No trip to Qatar would be complete without an excursion into the Arabian Desert, and the best way to do so is in a 4WD vehicle. Leave the driving to the experts as you sit back, relax, and take in the views of the rolling dunes. Many desert safaris include the opportunity to ride a camel across the sand, experience the thrill of dune bashing with the help of an experienced driver, try sandboarding, or enjoy cooling drinks at a traditional desert camp. Choose between the value of a small-group excursion or the flexibility and personalized attention of a private tour.

Night: Sunset Cruise

There’s no better place to end the day than along the Doha waterfront. Step aboard a traditional dhow boat for a romantic sunset cruise along the coast for views of the Dubai Towers, Museum of Islamic Art, and Al Safliya Island from the water. Finish off your evening with a leisurely stroll along the Corniche, Doha’s waterfront promenade, which stretches for more than 4 miles (7 kilometers) along Doha Bay. The area is particularly lively on Friday evenings, when local families come to enjoy the cool evening air. 

With two days to spend in the up-and-coming Gulf city of Doha, you’ll be able to explore its modern architecture, shop its historic souks, get out into the desert, and get a taste of Bedouin culture. Read on for ideas on how to make the most of your 48 hours in Doha.

Day 1: Around Town

Morning: Get oriented this morning with a guided sightseeing tour of Doha, with stops at important points of interest such as the Katara Cultural Village, Pearl man-made island, the waterfront Corniche promenade, and the busy Dhow Harbor. Choose a private tour to make sure you don’t miss anything on your must-see list.

Afternoon: In the afternoon, take some time to dig deeper into your interests. Art lovers might want to explore the collection at the spectacular Museum of Islamic Art, while shoppers won’t want to miss a chance to peruse the colorful Souq Waqif. Foodies can track down some of the city’s best bites on a food tour of the souk.

Night: Finish your day as many local families do, with a late-afternoon stroll along the Corniche. Stop for a coffee and some people watching before climbing aboard a traditional wooden dhow for a sunset cruise on Doha Bay.

Day 2: Sand and Sea

Morning: Get up early for a memorable trip into the Arabian Desert with a morning of dune bashing, sandboarding, camel riding, and swimming at one of the few places on the planet where the rolling sands of the desert meet the sea.

Afternoon: After a beachside barbecue lunch, head back into town for an afternoon on the waters of the Arabian Gulf. Catch your own dinner during a fishing excursion aboard a speedboat or traditional wooden dhow.

Night: This evening, take the opportunity to sample some traditional Qatari cuisine at a local restaurant. Taste machboos, a spicy stew and Qatar’s national dish, with some sweet and sticky halvah for dessert.