Home to one of the world’s greatest airlines—Qatar Airways—a layover is most likely bringing you to Doha, Qatar’s capital, but by the time you’re done reading this, you’ll be happy it did.
One of the safest countries in the world, if you’re traveling solo, it’s even easier to navigate, with little traffic, convenience at every turn, and so much to take in, making it a great place to take advantage of for a few hours or a full day.
In this blog post, I’ll tell you exactly how to spend your layover in Doha to get a taste of the culture and experience some of the must-visit sites in the city before heading to your final destination.
Note: This itinerary best suits those with 8-24 hours to explore Doha. Also, keep in mind that on Fridays, many places in Doha are closed in the mornings and early afternoon to observe prayers, so plan accordingly!
Disclaimer: This blog post may contain affiliate links which means that if you book one of these activities using my link (which I know you will because you loved how helpful this blog post is *wink*I am going to receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting BCJ!
Have a traditional Qatari breakfast at a historic eatery
Start your time in Doha with a traditional Qatari breakfast spread from Shay Al Shomous, owned by the first Qatari woman, Shams Al Qassabi, to open a shop and run the first authentic restaurant in Souq Waqif, a market here in Doha.
Many, if not most, aspects of Qatari culture from what I’ve seen during my time here are adopted from the region in general, so this is a great first place to stop and get to indulge in a more traditional meal instead of a Western one.
Order delights like Balaleet, vermicelli sweet noodles toasted with spices and egg on top, Regag, a paper-thin crispy crepe with different fillings, and my favorite, Karak Chai Tea.
One of my favorite parts of the restaurant is how the walls are covered with photos of famous visitors, like this one of David Beckham and the owner, Qassabi, herself below.
Family-ran, Shay Al Shomous has more of a homey feel to it. I felt like I was in someone’s home, waiting for my meal to be ready!
Hold a falcon, Qatar’s national bird, at the Falcon Souq
Falcons are the national bird of Qatar and are well-respected.
As part of Qatar’s culture, falcons were once trained to help Qatari people hunt for food in the desert, building a great bond between the bird and its owner.
Falcons are kept as pets in some homes, with many participating in the sport of falconry, where there are competitions that display the skills of trained falcons.
Falconers take great pride in training and handling falcons and then being able to pass down that tradition to younger family members.
At the Falcon Souq, you’ll see these birds up close, capture their beauty in pictures and videos, and even have one perched on your arm!
Soak in views of Doha’s skyline at the Corniche
The Corniche in Doha is a 4.35-mile waterfront stretch that provides gorgeous views of Doha’s tallest buildings and is a great place to leisurely spend time, as many locals and tourists like to do.
I recommend hopping on a Dhow, a traditional wooden boat in Qatar once used for trading, fishing, and pearl diving. They are usually docked along the Corniche, waiting for people to board.
Pass by the Flag Plaza, a site along the Corniche that contains 119 flags representing nations with diplomatic missions in Qatar.
89% of Qatar’s population are expats, and Flag Plaza is a great way to celebrate the country’s diversity and grab a quick shot with your country’s flag!
The Corniche also has a variety of restaurants, parks, museums, hotels, and more that you can discover with a simple stroll along the waterfront, where the vibrant atmosphere invites you to explore local cuisine, art, and culture while enjoying stunning views of the sea.
Immerse yourself into a world of pastel colored buildings
Mina District is a lively area renowned for its port activities. Historically, it was the heart of Qatar’s trade and fishing industries, and it remains a vital hub for commercial activities, including many winter cruises to other Gulf countries (that I can’t wait to explore!).
The district is beautiful, with pastel-colored buildings plastered with elaborate murals that aid in the area’s depiction of a colorful maze.
Shops in Mina center around maritime themes, featuring water sports gear, fishing equipment, and related items. Additionally, you’ll find options for clothing, oud, art, and souvenirs to remember your layover in Doha.
Be sure to capture stunning photos against the backdrop of the beautiful pastel buildings.
Mina District is also home to Chabrat Al Mina, a seafood restaurant at the port where you can select fresh seafood directly from the market, which is then cleaned and prepared to your liking.
Explore one of Doha’s many luxurious malls
While some may find Doha’s mall culture overrated, I always find it worth stopping in a city’s markets or malls to see the local lifestyle.
Doha is home to some of the most luxurious malls I have ever been to, and I think it’s worth stopping by.
The Villaggio Mall will make you feel like you’re in Italy, with its indoor canal that offers short gondola rides that mimic the ones in Venice and indoor theme parks.
If you’re looking for a mall that will immerse you in top-notch luxury and just how extravagant the city can get, spend your time at Alhazm, which leaves me in awe at every turn.
Walls made of Tuscan marble, fine dining restaurants, breathtaking cafes at every turn, luxurious branded cars inside of stores, and more await you with a visit here.
Photo by Villaggio IG
Venture in and out of the alleys of Souq Waqif at night time
Although this layover in Doha itinerary takes you to Souq Waqif earlier in the morning, I believe the beauty of the Souq is best experienced at night when it truly comes alive with both people and its offerings.
Souq Waqif is a must when visiting Doha. The traditional market is arguably Qatar’s top tourist destination and is a great place to observe some more traditional aspects of the culture here.
Savor the smells of Arabian oud perfume, browse the intricate handicrafts that make great souvenirs, shop for an abaya, indulge in delicious bites of falafel and freshly grilled kebabs from one of the many restaurants, watch artists painting live at the Art Center, and so much more.
End your layover in Doha with dinner at Jiwan Restaurant
Complete your layover in Doha with an exquisite meal at one of Doha’s most stunning restaurants, Jiwan Restaurant.
Located on the fourth floor of the National Museum of Qatar (with a separate entrance from the regular museum), Jiwan seamlessly blends tradition with luxury.
The menu incorporates a fusion of flavors drawn from various cultures in the Middle East and South Asia.
The interior decor is stunning, and its terrace patio comfortable dining pods with gorgeous views of the museum and the city, making Jiwan the perfect place to end your time in Doha.
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