Wondering how to spend one day in Doha? This guide showcases the best sights to include in your Doha stopover, plus tips on how to get around the city on public transport, and where to stay.
Qatar’s modern capital, is brimming with museums, culture, art galleries, shopping malls, and great eateries. With 24 hours in Doha, you can get a real taste of what makes this Qatar city so appealing.
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If you are wondering what to do in Doha in 24 hours, this article is for you. Thrust into the limelight during the 2022 World Cup, Doha city in Qatar is becoming more popular with tourists, and is a city that’s going places.
Huge investments are being made in Doha, and traditional culture, and history sit comfortably alongside the futuristic architecture, skyline icons, and modern shopping malls.
Is Doha worth visiting if you only have 24 hours in the city? Absolutely. We recently stopped in Doha for two nights on our way to Sri Lanka, and you can definitely see the best of Doha highlights in one day.
We really enjoyed exploring the city for two days and would thoroughly recommend a longer stay. The city is clean, easy to navigate with excellent public transport options.
YOUR ONE DAY IN DOHA ITINERARY
Before we start, there are a couple of important travel tips we want to share for when you plan your own trip.
1. FRIDAY IS THE START OF THE WEEKEND
Friday is a day for locals to attend prayers, spend time with their families, and generally relax. So, it might be easier if your day in the city doesn’t fall on a Friday, because of the following:
- Doha Metro doesn’t begin running until 2pm in the afternoon.
- Museums open at 1.30pm
- During the holy month of Ramadan hours of operation can be different.
2. THE BEST WAY TO GET AROUND DOHA
Navigating the city is incredibly easy using the metro and taking a taxi or Uber. We suggest you utilise these methods of transport to maximise your time in Doha.
- Take a Karwa taxi or Uber from the airport. Download the relevant Karwa and Uber apps before you arrive so you are ready to go when you arrive. They are so easy to use, and you know exactly how much the fare will be upfront.
- Doha Metro is immaculate, efficient, and the best mode of transport in Doha. There are 3 lines (red, green, and gold) with stops for Souq Waqif, the National Museum, and Katara. A day ticket costs 6AED for an unlimited number of journeys. There are staff on hand to assist you buying and paying for your tickets.
3. MUSEUM TICKETS MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE
You must purchase tickets in advance to select your preferred entry time. Tickets are offered in one-hour time slots. For this reason, we suggest visiting any museum first thing in the morning so you don’t have to worry about getting to the museum on time.
4. BE MINDFUL OF LOCAL CULTURE AND DRESS ACCORDINGLY
Shoulders and knees should be covered when visiting public places like museums and religious buildings. Entrance may be refused if your clothing is deemed unsuitable. If you don’t know what to wear, just dress modestly out of respect, and not to stand out.
5. TIPPING IS CUSTOMARY IN QATAR
While the most local hotels, restaurants, and shops accept payment by card, a standard 10-15% tip is standard in Doha.
HOW TO SPEND ONE DAY IN DOHA
This is the first day of our own Doha itinerary which we enjoyed in the cooler month of February. It was a well-paced day and gave us a good introduction to the city as first-time visitors.
After breakfast, take a taxi or Uber from your hotel to your first stop.
VISIT THE MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ART (MIA)
With just 1 day in Doha, you have to choose between two great museums, namely MIA and the National Museum of Qatar.
Designed by Pritzker Prize winning architect I.M. Pei, the building is stunning, and a true architectural gem. Located on a purpose-built island, the building can easily be seen from the waterfront promenade.
The museum houses one of the most complete Islamic art collections in the world, ranging from the 7th to the 20th centuries.
Permanent and temporary exhibitions are showcased over four floors. The heritage library houses 21,000 books, including 2,000 rare editions in English and Arabic.
The building’s interior is stunning, with a curved double staircase leading up to the first floor. Be sure to look up to see the ornate circular metal chandelier which appears to float.
The panoramic views across the bay from the north side’s 45-metre-tall window are spectacular.
Architecturally, the museum building is stunning from every angle.
Refuel in the café before heading outside to admire the cream-coloured limestone exterior, and the central courtyard.
- Location: Off Al Corniche St Doha
- Check opening hours, reserve tickets, and see upcoming exhibitions on the official website.
MIA PARK, CITY VIEWS AND DOHA CORNICHE
From the Museum of Islamic Art, take a 15-minute stroll along the palm-tree lined pathway that hugs MIA Park. There are several viewpoints to enjoy Doha skyline which is certainly impressive.
At the end of the pathway is the seven-sided artwork by artist Richard Serra. Constructed from seven steel plates, and standing 78 feet high, the work is inspired by a minaret. In Islamic culture, the number seven has spiritual significance.
Walk back through picturesque MIA Park to the Corniche walkway which stretches for 7km along the seafront. You will pass Dhow harbour full of traditional wooden dhows (boats) bobbing up and down on the water.
If you walk the length of the harbour, you can enjoy the fantastic Doha skyline viewpoint. Here the contrast between traditional and modern Doha is very much visible.
Another popular photo stop is a sculpture depicting an open oyster shell with running water. Cut through pretty Souq Waqif Park and proceed to Souq Waqif metro station.
Take the gold line to Msheireb, then change to the red line and continue to Katara metro station.
KATARA CULTURAL VILLAGE
This self-styled culture village is bordered on one side by Katara Hills, and a sandy beach on the other. The arts venue hosts several events throughout the year and is free to wander around.
- Katara Mosque – features Persian and Turkish tile and enamel work in shades of blue and gold. Next to the mosque are two oblong structures with holes and perches for pigeons.
- Gold Mosque – Facing the amphitheatre, it is covered with gold tiling, which glints in the sun.
- Greek style amphitheatre – With arched entrances and great views of the village, and sea.
- Art Galleries – tucked in between the alleyways.
- Public Beach – Walk along the seafront for great views across the water.
Head to Snan Food Hall, housed in a beautiful building for lunch. Fancy something different? Try Chapati & Karak Cafe, Kava Koffee, or L’wzaar Sea Food Restaurant.
Retrace your steps to Katara Metro Station, and alight at Souq Waqif.
SOUQ WAQIF
This traditional bustling marketplace with a myriad of alleyways, has welcomed a massive rehabilitation program. It continues to be the social heart of the city.
Its name means “the standing souq” as vendors would stand in the water, or wadi, to trade. Running as it did 100 years ago, its mud-daubed buildings are in sharp contrast to Doha’s modern skyline.
The market’s winding alleyways provide an atmospheric view of traditional street life and offer a sensory overload. Wander the perfumed alleyways and enjoy the whole atmosphere.
Bear in mind that living pets and birds are bought and traded here and housed in small cages.
Some places to check out include:
- Camel Pen – near the Falcon Souq
- Falcon Souq & Hospital – Falconry is a traditional sport, and falcons are revered birds.
Qatar’s national bird is majestic and a part of the country’s rich culture and heritage. Observe these birds up close, they are truly majestic. They are sold at public auction with prices depending on size, strength, and skill level. The falcons will probably be hooded which keeps the birds calm in unfamiliar surroundings.
The birds are so important to Qatari culture that the Souq also houses a falcon hospital, which is equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment.
Follow your nose to the jute sacks laden with exotic Arabic aromatics like saffron, zater, sumac, and varieties of dates, honey, tea leaves and coffee beans.
View local art, buy handicrafts, souvenirs, rugs, and everything in between. With an array of cafes and restaurants to tempt your taste buds, enjoy dinner as dusk falls, and the souq truly comes alive.
Some great choices include Parisa Persian Restaurant, Bandar Aden Restaurant, Danat Al Bahar BBQ Fish, and Shay Al Shamoos.
Souq Waqif closes for a couple of hours around midday, but the stallholders will have their shutters down while they have a siesta. Stalls stay open late into the evening.
MAP FOR YOUR DOHA ITINERARY
All the above-mentioned landmarks can be found on the Doha map below.
DOHA STOPOVER FAQ’S
IS DOHA SAFE AT NIGHT?
In Qatar, safety is paramount, and whether you are a solo female traveller or travelling as a family, you can have peace of mind when it comes to travelling in and around the country.
According to Numbeo’s Safe City Index for 2024, Doha, Qatar, is ranked 3rd among the safest cities in the world. Simply apply the normal safety precautions as you would when visiting any other city.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT DOHA?
Qatar, in the Middle East, is in the Persian Gulf, and enjoys a desert climate with virtually year-round sunshine. Summers are scorching hot, and unbearable for most visitors.
Winter months (November-March) are the busiest time to visit but offer comfortable temperatures to enjoy outdoor activities. We visited in mid-February, and were able to easily walk around the city.
IS DOHA EXPENSIVE?
We were pleasantly surprised at how affordably Doha proved to be budget-wise. Doha Metro is a great way to get around the city. You can explore all day for a maximum cost of QAR 6 (£1.28).
Accommodation will be your biggest expense. Even the museums are affordable at 50AED per adult (£11), and with numerous free things to do in Doha you can keep costs down and still enjoy the best of Doha, and its rich culture.
CAN YOU TAKE A QATAR STOPOVER TOUR INSTEAD?
If you have less time in Doha, you could take this four-hour transit tour which includes airport pickup and drop off.
Other top-rated tours include the following:
WHAT TO SEE IF YOU HAVE MORE TIME IN DOHA
If you have a long layover in Doha or plan on staying 2/3 nights, you can include more places to visit in Doha. With an extra day you could visit the National Museum of Qatar, The Pearl Qatar, or have a beach day.
Alternatively, enjoy a desert safari, which is one of the most popular day trips from Doha.
WHERE TO STAY DURING YOUR DOHA LAYOVER
If you book your airfare direct with Qatar Airways you can take advantage of their special layover deal, and stay in heavily discounted four and five star hotels in the city.
We stayed at Embassy Suites by Hilton Doha Old Town for 2 nights which was only a 10-minute walk to the nearest metro station. The rooms were very spacious, and the cost excellent value for money.
- Oryx Transit Hotel is a great choice at the airport if you are on a shorter layover.
- For world-class service InterContinental Doha The City ticks all the boxes.
We have done the hard work for you and written a separate article about the best places to stay in Doha, so be sure to check it out.
One day in Doha is an ideal amount of time for first-time visitors to get a taste of Qatar. Hopefully you now have a better idea of what to do in Doha for a day and can easily plan your own Doha itinerary.
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