Doha, the capital of Qatar, is one of those cities that many visit almost out of obligation or by accident. In this 24-hour itinerary in Doha, you will be able to visit the best places.
I have traveled several times with Qatar Airways and passed through the airport (Hamad International Airport) many times, but on very short layovers, meaning no time to leave the airport and explore the city. Until I finally got "stuck" in Qatar, having missed a connecting flight, and took the opportunity to spend a day in Doha—a city that won me over. And it’s also because of these unforeseen situations that I always travel with travel insurance.
Being the main hub of Qatar Airways, it is very likely that you will have to make a layover one day in Doha, in the Persian Gulf. I recommend starting your one-day visit to Doha early in the morning (or at dusk), as the heat in Qatar can be unbearable at certain times of the year — see the best time to visit Qatar.
The night I arrived in Doha, the temperature was 36 degrees and the humidity was quite high.
And, if you visit like I did during Ramadan, it’s important to remember that eating or drinking in public during the day is not allowed — and most restaurants don’t even open their doors. Doha is an excellent place to go on vacation in winter.
24 hours in Doha - an itinerary to explore the Qatari capital
Doha International Airport
Yes, it's true, you can start your 24-hour itinerary in Doha at the airport. Although I don't like spending a lot of time cooped up in the airport, I confess that at Hamad International Airport time passes quickly because there's so much to do, so much to see.
Opened in 2014, the huge indoor space has room to relax, several computers for surfing the Internet, free Wi-Fi and smoking areas.
The terminal has three levels with shops, restaurants and cafés, as well as VIP lounges, a 5-star hotel and children's play areas. In collaboration with Qatar Museums, Hamad Airport also exhibits various art objects created by international and local artists.
One of the most famous sculptures is near Terminal E, known as the Little Lie - a kind of giant Pinocchio. Made from Afrormosia wood, the sculpture weighs 15 tonnes and is over nine metres tall.
Additionally, the spacious area of Doha International Airport allows you to walk around and take the opportunity to fight jetlag.
- Hotel in Doha - Find the ideal accommodation in Doha, with incredible offers and excellent facilities
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- Book the best tours, activities, transfers and entry to monuments in advance, without any unforeseen problems with GetYourGuide
Architecture and Doha Bay
Designed by the famous architect I. M. Pei, the Museum of Islamic Art is one of Doha's architectural attractions. Pei is the same author of the Pyramid of the Louvre Museum in Paris (see photo below).
A recent addition to the list was the Qatar National Library, an opulent building designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas. And soon you will also be able to visit the National Museum of Qatar, a work inspired by the team of Jean Nouvel. The project, valued at 375 million euros, is expected to be completed in December 2018.
But Doha's architecture is bold and touches the sky. Along the Corniche you can see several skyscrapers such as the Tornado Tower Dusk, or the Doha Tower (also known as Burj Doha) - the brightest building that changes colour at night - also designed by French architect Jean Nouvel (see photo at top of page).
Even if you don’t like football, the Ras Abu Aboud Stadium might be another interesting place to visit during a day in Doha – since the architectural firm Fenwick Iribarren’s design plans for most of the complex to be built with shipping containers.
The city isn't all about modern architecture, as you can also enjoy other types of construction such as the minaret at the Doha Islamic Centre.
Boat trip
Along the Corniche - a seafront promenade stretching several kilometres along Doha Bay - there are several traditional wooden boats, known as Dhow. Many of these boats are a real maritime discotheque.
During the night, I saw boats full (and others less so) with people dancing and enjoying the moment to the sound of dubious music - and coloured lights.
These boats are parked next to the Museum of Islamic Art and journeys can take between one and two hours. The night I visited Doha Bay, the pace was frantic, but as I had a flight to catch, I ended up not travelling on one at all Dhow.
Souk Waqif
This is one of my favourite parts of Doha. In the attractive labyrinth of the Souk Waqif, the streets are lined with stalls and small shops selling everything from spices and ceramics to fabrics, perfumes and, of course, tea.
Don't hesitate to negotiate prices in the Souk Waqif, because this is the perfect place to do it. I'm sure that a large part of your 24 hours in Doha will be spent between the Souk Waqif and the Museum of Islamic Art.
At night, especially during Ramadan (when I visited the Souk Waqif), the terraces of cafés and restaurants were packed with people as giant fans tried to cool down the hot Qatari night.
In the Souk Waqif you'll also find a kind of bird market, although the animals don't seem to be in the best condition.
Museum of Islamic Art
Whether you're spending a day in Doha or just a few hours, this is one of the places you shouldn't leave off your itinerary. There are several buildings in Doha that catch the eye - especially the skyscrapers on the Bay of Qatar's capital. However, there is one that is just as attractive without touching the sky - the Museum of Islamic Art.
Located in a privileged area on the Corniche and surrounded by Doha Bay, the Museum of Islamic Art is fantastic. Inside and out you'll find reasons to prolong your visit.
The outside corridor, bordered by palm trees, takes you to the beautiful fountain at the entrance, before you enter the building to discover three floors of Islamic art. And the icing on the cake: entry is free.
To summarise, I was very happy to have finally decided to leave Hamad airport and follow this 24-hour itinerary in Doha. A missed flight connection doesn't have to be a tragedy. I have to confess that I felt like getting to know even more of Qatar's culture - a country in the oil-rich Persian Gulf.
Other places to visit on your next 24-hour trip to Doha
Cultural village
Doha's cultural village (Katara) is one of the places I plan to visit on my next day trip to Doha. It's another fascinating place, with a library, amphitheatre (in the Greek style), opera house, art galleries, restaurants and green spaces. This cultural village kisses the ocean, so you can also take the opportunity to go to the beach.
Map of tourist attractions in Doha
Extra information
When to visit Doha
The best time of year to visit Doha is between October and the end of April, when the temperatures are more comfortable and the humidity is lower. When I visited, the temperatures in Doha were very high and it was impossible to go out during the day. Temperatures of 47 degrees Celsius or more (in the shade) are not inviting at any other time of the year.
Hotel rates in Doha don't vary much, but they are a little cheaper in the hot summer months. Doha's dry, subtropical climate is very difficult to bear between May and the end of September (the period when I visited Doha), with scorching temperatures and extreme humidity levels.
Also bear in mind the Ramadan calendar, as during this period it is not permitted to eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. Even for non-Muslim visitors, it's almost impossible to find restaurants open during the day. Your only option will be to order a meal for your hotel room (which I did).
Money in Doha
It's easy to withdraw money in the city, but I advise you to do so at Hamad airport. The local currency in Qatar is the Rial (QAR). Credit cards, including American Express, Visa and Mastercard, are accepted in Doha, but I recommend travelling with this card.
What to wear in Doha
It is recommended to dress conservatively in Qatar, as it is a country with Muslim customs, so you should cover your arms and legs (this applies to both men and women), although shorts below the knee are acceptable for men.
Women don't need to cover their hair, as in other Islamic countries.
Visa to Qatar
Most citizens do not need a visa to enter Qatar. And some might be issued at Doha Airport for multiple entries, on presentation of a valid passport (valid for at least six months) and a return ticket.
Be prepared, however, for some waiting at the airport. In my case, the wait was about an hour.
How to get to Doha
There are various flights to Qatar. From London or other European capitals, it’s about a seven-hour journey.
As for the cost, the best way to visit Doha - without increasing costs - is to include a stopover in the city as part of your holiday, for example, when the destination is Burma or Namibia.
Stopovers are usually short, but you can check all the options and choose a longer stopover, allowing you a few hours in Doha. Use Skyscanner to simulate a multi-city route and add 24 hours in Doha before you reach your final destination.
Hotel in Doha
During my short stay, I stayed at a fantastic hotel by the Doha Bay. The M Doha Hotel is a modern hotel with huge rooms—some with sea views—and the meals are also to die for. If you can, stay at this hotel. It is highly recommended.
Other comfortable hotels in Doha
- Dusit Doha Hotel (9.0)
- Swiss-Belinn Doha (9.0)
- Alwadi Hotel Doha (9.2)
- La Cigale Hotel (9.0)
- Zubarah Hotel (9.3)
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