Perfect 3 days itinerary for doha, qatar

Doha is the capital city of Qatar and is a considerably small country. It has often been overlooked in comparison to Dubai or Abu Dhabi. However, since the success of FIFA 2022 and Qatar Airways, many people are starting to take notice of this little Arabian peninsula. Doha is the capital city and there is a charming side to this city well worth paying a visit for!

You can easily spend more than 3 days exploring the country. Nonetheless, understanding that this is usually a transit destination, I’ve prepared this 3 day itinerary. If you have more time allocated in the country, feel free to add to this itinerary as suits you.

Check o ut this ultimate guide of things to in Qatar to customise your own itinerary!

DAY 1:

To start off your day, I’d suggest first going to the National Museum of Qatar. Except on Fridays where the museum opens at 130PM, other days they operate from 9AM. They close at 7pm daily.
The museum introduces the nation’s history, culture and people. It’s the perfect way to get to know the country better and gain knowledge about the region. Besides that, the facade and architecture of the museum itself is one to witness! Inspired by a desert rose, the design pays homage to this rare crystal mineral found in deserts.
For brunch, consider visiting the restaurant found inside the museum. Jiwan is the perfect place to have a taste of local Qatari cuisine and immerse yourself in the Arabic hospitality.
After that, head to Msheireb Downtown, a smart and sustainable district with contemporary architecture. There are many cozy cafes around the area to have a cup of coffee.
From there, a short walk away will be the not-to-miss Souq Waqif. The atmosphere during the day and at night is vastly different so if you have a chance, be sure to revisit the Souq at night. Take your time and wander around the different alleys.
The Souq is segregated into different sections: Spice, Handicraft, Gold, Falcon and many others. Get some dates, saffron and nuts as souvenirs if you need to! If you get peckish, make sure to have some chapati and karak tea. Tea Time is the local favorite joint.
Next up will be a stroll along The Corniche, the whole stretch is 7 km but for the purpose of this itinerary, it’s best to cut across from the Souq towards The Pearl Monument. You’ll have a chance to hop on a Dhow Boat from here to have a short cruise and enjoy the view of West Bay and the iconic Sheraton Hotel. Do take note that you may have to do some haggling with several operators. (Cash is required for this activity.)
Next up on the agenda will be The Museum of Islamic Arts. If you have time, you may consider going through the galleries in the museum but if not, it is a nice area to enjoy the sunset. Next to the museum will be the MIA Park.
During cooler months, there are bazaars and different events organized for the community.
The last stop of this long day will be Mina District – The Old Doha Port. The whole district features pastel colored buildings housing restaurants, cafes and shops. There is also a fancy Fish Market in the area that’s worth visiting. Have dinner at one of the many restaurants around the district.

DAY 2:

For today’s itinerary, we are heading up north of the city. Your first stop will be Katara Cultural Village. It is the go-to place for art and culture, as well as luxury shopping. In fact, there is the iconic Parisian department store Galeries La Fayette catered for those interested in high-end branded goods.
Besides that, they have an array of public art installations, museums and galleries. Some things to look out for in the village are: The Gold Mosque, The Blue Mosque, The Amphitheatre, Katara Hills and the Planetarium.
No trip is complete without visiting The Pearl. It is an artificial island built on reclaimed land and is one of the biggest real-estate developments in the Middle East. Many expatriates live on the island and upon arrival, it will feel as though you’re visiting a different country.
There are several areas to the Pearl, some of them are purely residential buildings and some have mixed commercial and residential areas. Some note-worthy areas are Qanat Quartier (colorful buildings with Venetian canals), Medina Centrale (a town square inspired by the Mediterranean ambience) and Porto Arabia (a marina with a mixture of indoor and outdoor retail outlets, many yachts are parked by the marina as well).
I’d suggest finding a restaurant of your choice in Porto Arabia to enjoy the marina and people-watch. Some places to consider are Basta, Kunefe House and Karak Mqanes. There are also plenty of international options available around the Medina Centrale area.
The last stop of Day 2 will be Lusail. Technically out of Doha but still connected via the Metro, it’s one of the latest developments of the country. Dubbed the city of the future, there are still plenty of works ongoing.
However, of places that have been established, some must-visits include: Lusail Boulevard, Lusail Winter Wonderland, Place Vendome Mall, Marina Promenade and stop for some dinner at the Lusail Night Markets.

DAY 3:

No trip to the Middle East would be complete without visiting the deserts. That’s no exception for visiting Qatar as one of the most popular spots for locals and visitors is the Inland Sea.
You may opt for a half day tour for a taste of dune bashing and camel riding. Or if you’d prefer something more chilled, there are options for a full day by the desert with a meal at a desert camp by the sea.
Another day trip out of Doha to consider is kayaking or paddle-boarding in Al Thakira Mangrove Islands (Purple Island).
There are also several beach clubs within the city if you don’t fancy traveling out. They are located along the West Bay Diplomatic area. B12 Beach Club, West Bay Beach charges an entrance fee and provides water and towels for guests.
Certain hotels and resorts also have day passes to their beaches for non in-house guests. Some famous ones include Sharq Village, Rixos, Intercontinental the Beach, St Regis, Sheraton, Hilton and many more.

GETTING AROUND:

Walking: While it is possible to walk around certain areas of Qatar, it’s important to consider the climate, which can be extremely hot during the summer months. There are pedestrian-friendly areas but walking long distances may be less practical and uncomfortable due to the heat.
Bicycling: Bicycling is not as commonly used as a mode of transportation in Qatar, but there are some areas in Doha where you can find bicycle rental services. AL Bidda Park and the Hotel Park in front of Sheraton have such services. Additionally, there may be bike-sharing applications available for short-distance rides within the city.
Public transport: The Doha Metro, consisting of multiple lines, connects various parts of the city, making it convenient for getting around. It is also very affordable to travel by the metro where it costs QAR 2 (USD 0.55) per journey. There is also a daily cap of QAR 6 (USD 1.65). The public transport network also includes buses operated by Mowasalat (Karwa), which cover a wide range of routes within Doha and beyond.
Car rental: Renting a car in Qatar is a popular option for those who prefer more flexibility and independence in their travels. Car rental services are available, and they can be useful if you plan to explore areas outside of Doha or have specific transportation needs. Metered taxis and ride-hailing applications like Uber and Karwa are also widely available in Qatar as alternative transportation options.

TIPS:

Language: Arabic is the official language of Qatar, and it is widely spoken by the local population. However, English is widely understood and used for business and communication purposes, especially in urban areas.
Currency: The currency used in Qatar is the Qatari Riyal (QAR). It is often denoted with the symbol “QR”. ATMs and currency exchange services are readily available throughout the country, and most establishments accept major credit cards. Cashless payments are commonly used but it is still advisable to carry some cash in case of emergencies.
Tipping: In Qatar, tipping is not mandatory but is generally appreciated for good service. Many restaurants and hotels include a service charge in the bill, which is typically around 10%. If a service charge is not included, leaving a gratuity of 10-15% of the total bill is customary. Tipping taxi drivers and hotel staff for exceptional service is also common.
Safety: Qatar is considered a safe country with a low crime rate. However, it is always advisable to take precautions, such as keeping an eye on your belongings and being aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas or tourist attractions. In case of emergencies, the local emergency helpline is 999.
Climate: Qatar has a desert climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Summers (May – September) can be extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F). It is advisable to carry sun protection, such as hats and sunscreen, and stay hydrated. Winters (November – February) are mild and pleasant, making it the best time to explore outdoor attractions, it can get quite chilly, especially as the sun sets, so make sure to pack warmer clothes.
Visa: Visa requirements for Qatar vary depending on nationality and purpose of visit. Citizens of many countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and countries in the European Union, can obtain a visa on arrival at Hamad International Airport. The duration of stay allowed varies, usually ranging from 30 to 90 days. However, it is recommended to check the specific visa requirements for your country before traveling to Qatar.