3 Days in Doha: The Best Qatar Itinerary
Visiting Qatar for the first time? If you have a stopover in the Qatari capital, this 3 days in Doha itinerary is the perfect introduction to the country. Doha is a growing metropolitan capital city of Qatar and is known for its modern high-rise buildings and cultural heritage. This city connects over a hundred destinations around the world and is one of the busiest transit points to major cities in Europe, America, Asia, and the Middle East.
Qatar is a multicultural country that will pleasantly surprise you. While flying Qatar Airways, we were transiting through Doha on our way to Europe, so on the return journey, we decided to spend 3 days in Doha to see some of the city’s main attractions and experience Middle Eastern culture. A Qatar Airways stopover is the easiest way to organize your visit to Doha. This was my first time in the Middle East and I was blown away by the grandeur and modernity of the country. There is certainly no shortage of attractions in Doha.
With the plethora of tourist attractions in Doha, your time in this modern city is sure to be a memorable one. This itinerary for 3 days in Doha highlights the city’s main tourist attractions and should help you plan the perfect trip to the city.
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Best Time to Visit Doha
The Middle East can put up some of the highest temperatures which can make walking around the city and sightseeing quite unpleasant. The weather in Doha is best from December–March and April and October. May–September put up the hottest months (July being the hottest month) so if you are not a fan of the extreme temperatures, don’t visit during this time of the year.
Another thing to keep in mind is during the month of Ramadan much of the city is closed. The Muslim community usually fast and don’t eat or drink from dawn to dusk. Alcohol is also prohibited everywhere. The dates for Ramadan vary so it’s best to check ahead of time.
How to spend 3 days in Doha
With 3 days in Doha, you’ll have enough time to visit the souks, extravagant malls, and cultural monuments, or even head out into the desert for some sun and sand. Its small size makes it the perfect destination to visit for 3 days. Whether you want time spend time relaxing on a beach or spend a day in the desert, Qatar has something to offer everyone. This 3 days in Doha itinerary provides highlights of some of the must-see attractions in Doha and the top places to visit all while helping you make the most of your time in this wonderful city.
Day 1: 3 Days in Doha
Depending on when you arrive in the city, you’ll be able to cover some of the top places to visit in Doha on day 1.
Doha Corniche
The Doha Corniche is one of the best places to visit in Doha. Take an Uber to an area of the Corniche that’s located close to Souq Waqif. Stretching for kilometers in front of Doha’s skyline, this promenade is a great place to take a stroll and get acquainted with a few of the attractions in Doha. It looks outward at the Persian Gulf or inland to the West Bay’s eclectic skyline of tall buildings. The walkway along the water extends for 7 kilometers (4 miles).
The northern end of the corniche starts near the Sheraton Hotel. If you head southwest, you’ll pass some of the city’s iconic buildings such as the Doha Tower. Halfway down the promenade is the Qatar National Theatre. You’ll also find the famous Pearl Monument along the Corniche which is a symbol of the historic importance of pearl diving in the region. Near the south-eastern end of Doha Corniche is the Museum of Islamic Art.
If you continue walking a little further ahead, you can board a dhow here and take a cruise across the bay. I’d recommend taking an evening/nighttime cruise so you can catch the sunset and night-time views of the West Bay skyline when buildings are decorated with colorful lights. It’s one of the best things to see in Doha.
Pearl Monument
For decades pearl diving has been a massive part of Qatar’s economy. The Pearl Monument is a large symbol of Qatar’s past. The monument is a large open oyster that has a gentle flow of water from the lip of the lower shell. A beautiful gleaming pearl rests in the center of the oyster.
If you visit the Pearl Monument during the day, be sure to return at night when the pearl and its shell are brilliantly lit.
The Pearl Monument is less than 0.8 kilometers (0.5 miles) north of the Souq Waqif. If you are driving here, you can park in the underground parking lot below the Souq Waqif.
The Monument is located in the heart of Doha. While standing at the monument, turn west to view the high-rises of Doha’s skyline or head north to visit the Museum of Islamic Art. Turn east to visit the Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center for helpful introductions to local culture.
Lunch at Souq Waqif
By this point depending on how much walking you have done along the Corniche, you’ll either want to take a break and stop for lunch or you can continue to the Museum of Islamic Art. There is a café within the Museum so you could also grab a bite there instead.
Enjoy the view at the Museum of Islamic Art
The Museum of Islamic Art is located on the Doha Corniche and is home to the largest collection of Islamic art in the world from three continents! The building itself is a work of art and has beautiful plazas on either side of the museum. You can get some spectacular views of Doha’s skyline here.
The white five-story building has five floors with a gallery, library, and educational center. It was designed by the legendary architect I. M. Pei (the famous architect who designed the glass pyramid at the Louvre Museum). The interior of the building is filled with light and space, with its main feature being the dome. It will take you a couple of hours to stroll through the museum.
The MIA Park is located right outside the Museum. It has a large green space and is perfect for relaxing. Walk along the semi-circular promenade to admire views of the museum from all angles. At the end of the pier is artist Richard Serra’s tall tower, a steel sculpture called 7.
It is roughly a 12-minute walk from the Pearl Monument or a 20-minute walk from the Souq Waqif parking lot. The museum offers free guided tours every Thursday and Saturday at 2 pm in English and Arabic.
With its stunning architecture and enormous collection of art, the Museum of Islamic Art is one of the best things to do in Doha and a sight you must visit during your time here. If you can I’d highly recommend you add this to your list of places to visit in Doha at night.
Embark on a Dhow Cruise
After your introductory day exploring a few of the top attractions in the city, relax with a sunset cruise around the waterfront in a dhow, a traditional wooden boat. You’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the Doha skyline, the Museum of Islamic Arts, The Pearl, and so much more.
You can choose to embark on a cruise that lasts a couple of hours and takes you out to see the sunset. Alternatively, you can also book yourself onto a cruise that includes dinner and entertainment. Just be sure to book ahead. I would recommend going for the sunset cruise only and then making your way to the Souq to enjoy a traditional meal.
Explore and eat dinner at Souq Waqif
Finally, end your day at Souq Waqif, known to be one of the top Doha attractions. Visiting the market at night when it’s filled with locals and the lights throughout the market light up provides a lively and buzzing experience. It provides a sense of Qatari life. The quickest way to experience the culture of a country is to visit its local markets.
Souq Waqif is known as the central market of Doha. The market was renovated in 2006 after a fire, but it still retains much of the Qatari architecture. It has hundreds of small streets intersecting each other. The stalls and shops are placed side by side with a wide range of typical products such as spices, incense, beautiful hand-woven rugs, colorful lamps, and much more. It’s the perfect place to buy souvenirs that are both traditional and unique. You could spend hours walking through this market. In the 3 days we spent in Doha, we returned to this market every night. It was easily one of the best things to do in Doha.
Apart from shopping, the market is also a place for visitors to relax and enjoy traditional dishes. You’ll find fragrant smoke from shisha at every corner. Evenings here are often very crowded, so you’ll find yourself waiting for a seat or table at one of the food establishments. Totally worth it though.
While it’s great to wander around and take in the sights and smells, be sure not to miss any of the main attractions listed below. Grab a map from the Souq Waqif Information & Tourism Centre to help you find some of the must-see attractions!
The Falcon Souq
Did you know Falconry is a traditional Qatari sport still practiced today? These majestic birds retail for thousands of dollars. In the falcon area of the market, be sure to visit the shop dedicated to selling all things related to the birds (including falcons themselves). You can even get a photo of yourself holding one. The ideal time to visit is in the evenings, especially on Thursdays
The Gold Souq:
If you are looking to purchase some gold, this section of the Souq has a large variety of beautiful pieces of gold. Or you could just window shop.
The Bird Souq
You’ll hear the bird Souq before you even see it. The number of species available for sale is overwhelming.
The Horse Stables: For a bit of calm away from the chaos of the central souq, head over to The Horse Stables and bid your salams to the horses. Don’t worry though, visitors are encouraged.
The Shops
If you’re looking to purchase souvenirs from Qatar, Souq Waqif is the place to do it! You’ll find everything from magnets and trinkets to more traditional Qatari goods like spices, incense, and hand-woven rugs.
The Food
There are plenty of areas serving food and drink in the Souq. So, you’ll never go hungry. Choose from Qatari, Iraqi, Syrian, Indian, and Mediterranean cuisine. It’s also a great place to get some takeaway for later in the night when you get hungry.
You’ll likely be tired on your first day. So if you haven’t eaten at the Souq, I’d suggest grabbing some takeaways from there and enjoying it in the comfort of your hotel. The Souq Waqif is one of the most popular attractions in the city and admittedly one of the best places to visit in Qatar at night.
Day 2: 3 Days in Doha
Day 2 is all about exploring the history and visiting some of the most beautiful sites in Doha.
Msheireb Museums
Start your day at Msheireb Museums where you can learn more about the history of Qatar. In the heart of Msheireb Downtown Doha, you’ll find four historic heritage houses that were restored and transformed into museums that explore key periods in Qatar’s history and evolution.
Tip: Grab a couple of snack-type meals from Souq Waqif located across the road from the museum. These will come in handy later.
Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque
From Msheireb Museums (or at the Souq), take a bus or Uber to the Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque. (I’d recommend taking an Uber, it’s easier and quicker to get between destinations). This is one of the finest tourist attractions in Doha.
The Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque is the national Mosque and also the largest Mosque in Qatar. The attention to detail and striking architecture of the Mosque is simply mind-blowing. The Mosque has over 90 domes and can accommodate over 30,000 people. Definitely deserving of the title of Qatar’s National Mosque.
Women need to wear abayas to enter and men need to dress appropriately too. Shoulders and knees need to be covered when entering the Mosque. Visits are only allowed outside of prayer times and should be booked in advance by calling ahead or arranging with a local tour agency.
Qatar National Library
For your next stop, make your way to Qatar National Library. I know it’s something you may think you want to skip when you have limited time, but if you are someone who has a fascination for libraries and books and wants to learn a bit more about Qatari history, then take time to swing by this fascinating facility. (This is a bit out of the way so if you think it’s not something that will interest you or you are short on time, jump onto the next attraction).
This state-of-the-art library is stunning inside and out with the building located in the middle of the desert near Doha city center, in Education City. You’ll find a plethora of resources such as a heritage collection of historic books, a 3D printer, a quiet study corner, a café, and more. The space itself is breathtaking and a literary wonderland. This is one of the famous Doha tourist places. All visitors can read the books while visiting the library, but only Qatari residents may borrow them from the building.
Note: Remember my tip from earlier on to grab some food from the Souq so you can eat while you are on the go. Well, all this sightseeing must have you a bit hungry, so dig in and enjoy. If you can hold on a bit longer, sit comfortably at one of the cafes or restaurants at Katara Cultural Village which is your next destination.
Explore Katara Cultural Village
Katara Village is home to huge events like the Doha Tribeca Film Festival, TEDx Doha, and Ajyal Youth Film Festival and provides a cultural essence of Doha. This cultural landmark is filled with small art galleries, a Greek-style amphitheater, shopping centers, two grand mosques, traditional handicraft stalls, and restaurants and cafes. It even has its own beach! Although it is called a village, the scale and size, as well as the stature of this place, bring so much more value. It’s no doubt one of the best places to visit in Doha.
Most of the buildings here are built in a distinct architectural style. Katara Qatar Cultural Village is the perfect representation of ancient origins and modernization. The area attracts a large number of tourists, especially those wanting to learn more about culture and architecture.
Spend an hour walking around and then head to the beach for a bit of downtime. The beach has a pleasant sandy stretch and offers water sports from parasailing to wakeboarding. It’s the perfect place to spend the afternoon if you are traveling with kids. Generally, women can’t swim here unless they are completely covered and men aren’t allowed to wear speedos. Check the rules right before your visit.
You could easily spend an entire afternoon exploring Katara Cultural Village. It is a must-visit Doha tourist attraction and your Doha sightseeing isn’t complete till you’ve visited Katara Cultural Village.
Take a walk around The Pearl
The Pearl is a man-made island off the coast located in the West Bay. It’s a residential area filled with luxury shops, restaurants, cafes, and hotels. This area was predominantly built to attract foreign real estate investment in Qatar. It was the first land in Qatar where non-Qataris could purchase real estate. The Pearl is said to now be home to Doha’s largest marina and is one of the most popular places to visit in Doha.
Walk around the island and enjoy its peaceful atmosphere and cool sea breeze. Or if you are in the mood for some luxury shopping, you’ll find some of the most luxurious brands in the fashion world.
This is the perfect place to end day 2. Find a restaurant (aim to find a traditional spot so you can enjoy some of the delicious cuisines Qatar has to offer) and grab an early dinner before you head back for a good night’s rest.
Day 3: 3 Days in Doha
While it’s been a busy two days, we have covered most of the main attractions in Doha. So day 3 is all about taking it a bit easy and having some fun.
Desert Safari
A visit to any part of the Middle East wouldn’t be complete without a desert safari. It’s an experience you must try at least once. You will need to book a tour well in advance as this is not something you can do yourself. Some tours include everything from pick-ups and drop-offs to meals, and the experience itself. So, try and find something that’s all-inclusive even if it costs a bit more as it will be totally worth it. If you are looking for a unique experience, this night tour includes stargazing
If you don’t mind spending a full day on a tour, you can consider a tour that ends with dinner in the desert. A magical experience as you watch the sunset and admire traditional Arabic culture such as watching belly dance, singing, and dancing with the locals.
My recommendation would be to consider the half-day tour which leaves the evening for you to visit Villagio Mall or go back to any of the other attractions that you really enjoyed. I haven’t listed any specific tours as it’s best for you to find one that meets all your requirements, especially if you are short on time.
Villagio Mall
After your safari head back to your hotel for a bit to relax. Grab a drink or a bite before you make your way to Villagio Mall.
Villagio Mall is one of the most luxurious shopping malls and one of the most beautiful places to visit in Doha. It offers some of the best shopping in Doha. It is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Doha for families. The interior of the mall is designed with Venetian-style art and architecture complete with canals and a painted roof. This mall transports you to Italy and provides a dreamy experience.
The mall welcomes close to tens of thousands of visitors daily and over one million visitors monthly. You’ll find famous brands like Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Gucci, and Valentino amongst many others. It encompasses not just fashion boutiques, but also a massive entertainment complex with an IMAX screen, luxury cinemas, an ice-skating rink, a bowling alley, and the enormous Gondolania amusement park. Definitely worth a visit on your last night in Doha.
You can grab dinner at one of the many restaurants. If you have time and are feeling up to it, you can head back to the Pearl Monument to see it lit up at night. Then make your way to the Souq for one last meal before your time in Doha comes to an end.
Since most people only spend a few days in Doha, this Qatar itinerary provides some of the best things to do in Doha so you can plan your 3 days in Doha perfectly. If you want something easy, take this Doha City Tour which covers a lot of the top attractions in Doha.
Happy Travels!
Frequently Asked Questions About Doha’s Top Tourist Attractions
Is Doha a safe place to visit?
Qatar is considered to be one of the safest countries in the world. There is a huge population of ex-pats and visitors can enjoy a safe holiday in Doha.
Is Doha expensive?
Qatar can be expensive but also affordable at the same time. It provides a range of luxurious hotels and Michelin-star restaurants but also has options for the budget traveler. The easiest way to get around the city is via taxi or Uber so transportation can be quite expensive. You can also use the metro which is cheaper than taking a taxi.
Is there a dress code in Doha?
Most locals and ex-pats in Doha dress modestly as it is recommended to wear modest and conservative clothes. Women should avoid mini-skirts, shorts, and tank tops and men should also avoid wearing shorts where possible. Cover your shoulders and knees at a minimum. The rules are of course a lot stricter if you’re visiting a mosque or religious site. You won’t be permitted entry to a mosque unless you’re covered up and wearing a scarf over your hair (for women)
Do you need a visa for Qatar?
Qatar offers visa-free entry for citizens of more than 80 countries Check to see if you need a Qatar visa on iVisa.
How many days do you need in Doha?
Although it comes down to personal preference, you’ll see from this 3 days in Doha itinerary that you can cover most of the main tourist attractions in Doha.
What is the best area to stay in Doha?
The best place to stay in Doha is the West Bay area. Ideally within the city´s financial and commercial district. This area is just 30 minutes by car from Hamad International Airport.
What are the best attractions in Doha to see?
If you had a layover and only had one day in Doha, I’d suggest visiting Doha Cornice, Pearl Monument, Souq Waqif, the Museum of Islamic Art, and Katara Village.
3 Days in Doha Overview
Day 1:
- Doha Corniche,
- Pearl Monument
- Museums of Islamic Art
- Dhow Cruise
- Souq Waqif
Day 2:
- Msheireb Museums
- Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque
- Qatar National Library
- Katara Cultural Village
- The Pearl
Day 3: Dessert Safari, Villagio Mall
- Desert Safari
- Villagio Mall
Note: The information here is updated the best we can at the time of writing this article. Please check attractions, activities, and transport before you can as things tend to change from time to time.