24 Hours In Doha

Doha, the capital of Qatar, is a major crossroads for travelers from Asia, Europe, and Africa. If you find yourself with a day-long stopover in Doha, you’re in luck: Qatar’s entry rules are quite accommodating, and it’s a fantastic chance to experience the culture and vibe of this modern, cosmopolitan city. While Hamad International Airport offers plenty to do, stepping out for a mini-stay is highly recommended.

For your 24 hours in Doha stopover, there’s a lot on offer: museums featuring stunning architecture and collections, shopping centers filled with top luxury brands, both indoor and outdoor amusement parks, beautiful sandy beaches, worldwide culinary delights, and luxury hotels that are surprisingly affordable. In short, you’ll get a taste of Qatar that might just make you want to come back.

To help you plan, here are some suggestions for 24 hours in Doha:

Local breakfast

24 Hours In Doha Shay Al Shomoos
Local breakfast at Shay Al Shoomos

Starting your day with a good breakfast is crucial. While your hotel might offer a convenient option, consider beginning your day more authentically.

Morning shopping or museum visit

After filling up on a delicious breakfast, there are many enjoyable ways to spend your morning during 24 hours in Doha.

Visit a museum (2 to 3 hours)

The Museum of Islamic Art 

Museum Of Islamic Art 24 Hours In Doha
Museum of Islamic Art
The Colorful Houses Of The Mina District
The colorful houses of the Mina district

The National Museum of Qatar

Other museums in Doha

Msheireb Museums 24 Hours In Doha
Msheireb Museums

Shopping in a luxury mall (2-3 hours)

Villaggio Shopping Center 24 Hours In Doha
Villaggio Shopping Center in Doha

If museums aren’t your thing, Doha offers a fantastic alternative: its luxurious shopping malls, which are more than just places to shop—they’re experiences in themselves.

The Vendôme Mall 24 Hours In Doha
Place Vendôme Mall shopping center in Doha

Take a scenic stroll on The Pearl (2 hours)

Qanat District In Pearl 24 Hours In Doha
Qanat District in Pearl Qatar
Piano Stairs 24 Hours In Doha
Piano stairs at Pearl Qatar

Tasty lunch break 

Time does fly when you’re traveling, especially with just 24 hours in Doha! After a morning filled with new experiences, you’re likely to be hungry. Luckily, Doha offers many dining options. Here are some suggestions for a satisfying lunch:

24 Hours In Doha Zengo
@zengodoha
Thalatheen 24 Hours In Doha
@thalatheen

Exciting afternoon

After a delicious and invigorating lunch, the afternoon awaits you, with several options to entertain you. Here are our suggestions:

Desert safari (4 to 5 hours)

 24 Hours In Doha Khor Al Adaid
4×4 in the dunes of Khor Al Adaid

Amusement park (3 to 4 hours)

If you’re vacationing in Qatar with kids, or looking for a little action, consider spending the afternoon at an amusement park. Doha has a lot of them.

24 Hours In Doha Quest
@dohaquest

Excursion and water sports (3 to 4 hours)

Kitesurfers At Fuwairit Beach
Kitesurfers at Fuwairit Beach

If aquatic activities are more your thing, consider going on an excursion that includes water sports.

Late afternoon relaxation

The end of your day in Doha should be just as memorable as the beginning.

Here are some of our top picks for a fantastic evening:

Visit to Souq Waqif (1 to 2 hours)

Souq Waqif 24 Hours In Doha
Souq Waqif during the day
Souq Waqif Boutique
Souq Waqif boutique

Relaxing at the beach (1 to 2 hours)

If you prefer a relaxing moment and aim to leave Qatar with a beautiful tan, heading to the beach is an excellent choice. Winter is especially one of the best times to visit Qatar for beachgoers.

Katara Beach 24 Hours In Doha
Katara Beach

Visit to Katara Cultural Village (2 hours) 

Traditional Dovecotes At Katara Cultural Village
Traditional dovecotes at Katara Cultural Village

An unforgettable dinner

Having dinner on a Dhow during your layover in Doha is an unforgettable experience. These traditional wooden boats, which were once used for fishing and trading, have been transformed into floating restaurants. They offer a variety of delicious meals while cruising the turquoise waters of Doha Bay. This provides a perfect opportunity to watch the sunset!

24 Hours In Doha
Traditional Dhows in Doha Bay
Parisa Doha
@parisarestaurants
Nobu Doha
 @nobudoha

Enjoy Doha at night

For those looking to enjoy the nightlife, Doha has several top-notch bars to make the most out of your 24 hours there:

La Vista Doha
@lavistadoha
24 Hours In Doha
@aqualoungedoha

Where to sleep during your 24 hours in Doha? 

Doha is packed with luxurious hotels and palaces that are mostly budget-friendly. The key is to pick a hotel near the main attractions you plan to visit.

For visits to Katara Cultural Village, Souq Waqif, and museums, staying in West Bay or Souq Waqif is ideal.

Alwadi Hotel Doha
View from Alwadi Hotel room with balcony

Finally, note that some airlines, such as Qatar Airways, offer particularly attractive stopover packages for short stays in Doha. Currently, a night in a 4-star hotel starts from 14 USD (or around 13 euros) and in a 5-star hotel, from 20 USD (or around 18 euros). If necessary, check the latest prices on the Qatar Airways website

How to get around Qatar during a short stay?

When visiting Qatar, you have plenty of transportation options.

Metro Doha
Inside Doha Metro