The 13 Best Doha Tours and Day Trips

Looking to find the best Doha tours to book? Or, want to explore the best day trips from Doha? This guide will cover the best Doha city tour, Doha desert tours, the Doha hop on hop off bus, and much more. Read on to learn about the Doha tours and day trips you need to consider!

Doha is an up and coming tourist destination in the Middle East, and for good reason.

Here you can explore everything from arts and culture, to Qatari history, to vibrant souks And that is just the beginning! There is a lot to do in Doha.

My first taste of Doha was on a short stopover, and I certainly made the most of it. I ate delicious local food, I explored the historical sites, and I got to know the local art scene.

Even if you have just one day in Doha, it is certainly possible to see a lot!

But once you’ve explored the capital city, or if you have more time to discover the further regions of Qatar, then you may wish to see some of the sights farther out from the central hub.

This guide will cover the best tours in Doha as well as the best day trips from Doha. Keep on reading for the best Doha city tours, desert safari tours, and day trips.

Things To Know About Doha Tours and Day Trips

Before you choose which of these top-rated Doha tours to book, here are a few helpful tips.

1. If you don’t plan to rent a car in Doha, but want to explore the farther regions of the country like the North or West Coast, a tour is your best option. With a tour, you will also learn a lot from your guide that you would not find on your own.
2. Ladies, be sure to carry a scarf or shawl with you at all times. Many of these tours stop at mosques and you can only enter if you have your head covered. You will also need to be modestly dressed. Check out my post on what to wear in Qatar if you need some guidance on that!
3. Many attractions and points of interest in Doha are closed on Friday mornings during prayer time. Check the fine print before you book a Friday morning tour (before 1:30pm) to any indoor cultural sights. Some attractions may be closed or skipped.
4. Are you visiting during Ramadan? If so, the typical tour schedules may differ. The Holy Month of Ramadan falls at a different time each year, so you will need to check ahead.
5. Always confirm where the meeting point is, or if the tour includes hotel transfers (many do) or even airport transfers. Also check if your tour includes the cost of entrance fees or if those will be an additional cost.

You May Also Like: Is Qatar Safe for Women? Solo Female Travel Tips

The Top 13 Doha Day Trips and Tours

The Best Doha City Tours

Doha has a lot to offer in and of itself. If you have a short time in the capital but want to see and do as much as possible, a tour is a great way to do so.

Here are the top Doha city tours that I wholeheartedly recommend!

1. A Private Doha City Tour

The best thing about private tours is that the guides are more willing to tailor the stops to you and your group.

Want to spend more time at one site? No problem! Ready to leave another one early? Sure, can do!

When you don’t have a whole bus-load of personalities to cater to, the whole experience is much more laid back.

This private Doha city tour is a four-hour excursion and the start time is flexible – i.e., catered to you. It hits many of the highlights that I saw on my first visit!

The tour includes pick-up from your hotel and will introduce you to the Corniche, the historic Dhow Harbor, the Katara Culture Village, and Souq Waqif. You’ll also et to wander the Falcon Souq and see the Al Koot Fort as you stroll through.

You’ll also be accompanied by an expert local guide who can teach you about Doha’s history as you walk and drive around Doha.

2. A City Tour & Dhow Boat Cruise

Want to see everything listed above, but also add a dhow boat cruise to your itinerary? Look no further than this city tour with dhow boat cruise included!

This tour hits the Corniche, Souq Waqif, and Katara Cultural Village, just like the tour mentioned above.

But it also ends with a view of the city skyline by traditional dhow boat. If you have never been on one, it’s a very fun experience!

Pro Tip: This tour offers departures between 2pm-7pm. Book this tour to end at sunset for the best views from the boat! The sunset time will vary depending on the time of year you visit, so check on that before you book!

Transportation and pick up is included, but note that this tour is not private. You will be with a larger group.

3. Private Doha at Night Tour

Will most of your visit to Doha happen to be in the evening? Or, just prefer to avoid the heat and explore more in at night?

Then this Doha at night tour is for you!

Doha feels alive at night. The Souq is bustling, the galleries are abuzz, and the restaurants are packed to the brim. The energy is palpable.

If you are visiting during the hot summer, nighttime exploration is a great experience to consider!

An expert guide will take you on a journey to Doha’s top attractions, like Katara Cultural Village, Souq Waqif, and the Pearl, an artificial island in Doha’s West Bay.

Book your spot now and experience the best of Doha at night!

4. Doha The Pearl Food Tour & Boat Ride

Calling all foodies!

Now is your chance to explore the culinary hotspots on the Pearl-Qatar on a food tour and cruise. This multicultural tour visits three different areas of the island – the Qanat Quartier, Porto Arabia, and Medina Centrale.

In Qanat Quartier, you’ll enjoy one of the tastiest local food stops. Next, take a boat ride to Porto Arabiato see the luxury yachts. Here, you’ll get to explore two more food and drink items.

The food, drinks, and boat ride are all included (though of course you can purchase extras if you wish.)

Note that this tour does not offer hotel pickup. Rather, guests meet at a designated meeting point, which is an easy taxi ride or Uber away.

5. A Hope On Hop Off Doha City Bus Tour

The Doha Hop On Hop Off bus tour is a great way to be introduced to the city and have built in transportation.

You’ll have the option to visit some of the city’s major attractions, like Souq Waqif, Katara Cultural Village, the Pearl Qatar and Museum of Islamic Art – all at your own pace.

Tourists have 24 hours to use the service, and get unlimited rides around the city with their ticket.

Pro Tip: Some reviewers of the hop on hop off bus seemed to have trouble with the hours or locations they could use their ticket. Be sure to read the fine print as you book to avoid similar problems!

Best Desert Safaris from Doha

Booking a desert safari from Doha is an experience that can’t be beat. The endless dunes stretch out to the sea in Qatar, and make you feel like you’re on another planet.

Here are the best desert safaris from Doha to choose from!

6. A Private Desert Safari with Dune Bashing at the Inland Sea

Long before I ever saw the desert in Qatar, I got to experience dune bashing all over the United Arab Emirates. And, spoiler alert, it is thrilling!

This private guided desert tour is my top recommendation because it offers a lot of flexibility on the start time. It’s a great option for couples, groups, and families.

The highlight of this tour is two complete hours of dune bashing with an experienced driver. Dune bashing is essentially zooming at high speeds up and down desert dunes, and it feels somewhat like a roller coaster!

You’ll also get to experience a short camel ride around Sealine Beach if you wish.

The Inland Sea, called Khor Al Adaid, offers panoramic views of the vast desert, and you’ll even get close to the border of Saudi Arabia. Hotel pick up and drop off are also included.

7. Group Desert Safari, Camel Ride, and Sandboarding Tour

For anyone traveling solo in Qatar or for those who are on a budget, you may prefer a group tour to save on the ticket cost. The downside is you lose all flexibility on departure times and stops.

This desert safari tour has a similar itinerary as the tour above. It also stops at Sealine Beach for camel rides and has plenty of dune bashing. You can also try out sand-boarding, which is a lot like snowboarding or sledding, depending on if you choose to sit or stand.

The tour visits Khor Al Adaid, and offers roundtrip transport from Doha.

8. Sunrise Desert Safari from Doha

There is no sunrise quite as beautiful as a sunrise in the desert.

Be ready to start the trip before the sun comes up. This private sunrise Jeep tour visits a Bedouin camp, where you’ll meet camels and falcons. Learn about the traditional Bedouin way of life here and take part in an optional camel ride.

Enjoy dune bashing and views of the Inland Sea, on the border with Saudi Arabia. Sunrise is one of my favorite times to be in the desert, so I highly recommend this tour if the timing works for you!

Pro Tip: This tour is ideal for the hot summer months! You’ll begin before the heat of the day, which will make the entire trip more enjoyable.

9. A Nighttime Desert Safari from Doha

Much like the sunrise tour above, heading out into the Arabian Desert at night just adds something special to your memories.

Once again, you’ll get to try your hand at sandboarding after a wild dune bashing session. Your night desert safari will also stop to let you enjoy the calm tranquility of the Inland Sea, as well as a beautiful sunset if you book the timing right.

On our way back to Doha, stop to experience a traditional Bedouin tent with coffee or tea, and camel riding if you choose. A desert sunset is vibrant and calming – something you will never forget!

Day Trips From Doha: Tours in the Further Regions

For anyone who wants to get well off of the tourist track, here are the top Doha day trips to choose from. They cover the east, west, and south of the country, as well as the ocean!

10. West Coast, Zekreet, Richard Serra Sculpture Tour

Found about one hour from Doha, on the western coast of Qatar, sits Zekreet.

On this west coast tour from Doha, you’ll visit Zekreet, the Brouq Nature Reserve, and the the EAST-WEST / WEST-EAST sculpture by Richard Serra.

Zekreet is a fascinating place. Explore the Zekreet Fort, a former military outpost dating back to the 18th and 19th century. Take a leisurely stroll through the Zekreet Film City, where several famous movies and shows have been filmed.

The nearby Brouq natural reserve has stunning rock formations and lunar landscapes to explore. And, of course, the famous sculpture is something to see.

Visitor transport is of course in an air-conditioned 4WD vehicle. Choose from a morning or afternoon departure depending on the season.

11. Northern Qatar Guided Tour with Entry Fees

Northern Qatar is one of the most beautiful, and least visited parts, of Qatar.

The rugged desert landscapes are stunning here, and the important archaeological sites are unmissable. If you’re a history buff, a day trip from Doha to the North Coast is an escape from the city that you would be interested in.

Begin your tour with a stop at Al Zubara fort, an important archaeological site with a museum that used to be a fortress.

Continue Al Khor, a town known for its harbor and beaches. Next, Al Khor Island (aka Purple Island) accommodates an archaeological site attributable to the second millennium BC.

Next, stop at Al Dhakhira city, where you can learn about the history of pearl farming (I did a similar excursion on pearl farming in Ras Al Khaimah) before heading back to Doha.

12. Full Day Whale Sharks Catamaran Tour

If you want to do something truly unique in Qatar, definitely go for this full day Whale Shark tour!

The coastal waters of Qatar is the perfect place to see a large population of Whale Sharks. Your excursion will start well before sunrise, and it is a bit of a trek to reach the perfect spot. But it is worth the effort!

After a 1.5 hour drive and a 2.5 hour catamaran ride, you’ll be in the preferred waters of the whale sharks. Learn about the habits and habitat of the whale shark, as well as the marine research happening in Qatar.

At times, up to 300 whale sharks can be seen on any given day. You will have 2.5 hours of viewing, where you can easily see them from the vessel as they come to the surface to feed. A professional photographer will capture your encounters.

Note that this tour does not allow swimming with the whale sharks. Rather, it’s focus is in spotting them from the boat. The company is concerned with protecting the whale sharks and avoiding disruption of their natural habitat.

It is something that you would not expect to find in Qatar, and a truly unique experience!

The Best Doha Transit Tour

13. From Doha Airport: Private Transit Tour of Doha Highlights

Only have a layover in Qatar, but want to see what Doha has to offer while you wait? That can be arranged!

Take advantage of a private Doha transit tour to see a small slice of Qatar, with round trip transportation to and from the airport. This transit tour is available throughout the day, so you can time it to fit with your flight schedule. Please note, it is advisable to have an eight hour layover in Doha to fully enjoy the experience.

On this transit tour, visitors are whisked around some of Doha’s top sights. Visit the Pearl, as well as the famous Souq Waqif. And, you’ll even see my personal favorite, Katara Cultural Village.

Once you’ve seen the best of Doha, you’ll head straight back to the airport to board your onward flight.

What To Pack for a Doha Tour

I have an entire post on what to pack for Qatar. But, if you are planning to spend time on these excursions and day trips, it is worth noting the essential items to bring.

Where To Stay in Doha

1. Souq Waqif Boutique Hotel

Souq Waqif Boutique Hotel is my top pick for Doha. It is right in the center of Souq Waqif, a popular area for food, fun, and shopping. You are surrounded by great restaurants, public art, and all of the action.

The hotel rooms are clean and comfortable, and are spread out in various buildings around the Souq. The staff is incredibly friendly and helpful.

BOOK SOUQ WAQIF BOUTIQUE HOTEL NOW!

2. Saraya Corniche

More understated than my top choice, the Saraya Corniche offers easy access by foot to the Souq as well as the corniche waterfront. The rooms could use a bit of sprucing up, but this hotel does the trick.

You can grab breakfast and dinner buffets here, featuring Arabic and Indian food. You’ll also have access to a fitness center, pool, and restaurant / bar on site.

BOOK THE SARAYA CORNICHE NOW!

3. The 21 High Street Residence

If you prefer to stay near the beach, then 21 High Street Residence is for you.

Located near Katara Cultural Village, this chic hotel has a fitness center, free private parking, and fast and free WiFi. Grab a unit with a balcony for the best views.

BOOK 21 HIGH STREET RESIDENCE NOW!

Pro Tip: If you’re on a short layover in Doha or prefer to stay closer to the airport, then the Oryx Transit Hotel is for you.

Doha Tours and Day Trips FAQs

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Should you tip your guide for your Qatar tours or day trips from Doha?

Tipping is not mandatory in Qatar, but your guide will certainly appreciate it. A tip of 10-15% is appropriate for a job well done. Note that local currency (QAR) is preferred, but tips in USD would not be turned down.

Is 2 days enough in Doha?

In two days in Doha, you will have plenty of time to see most of the major highlights! Book one of the top rated tours above, or get some ideas from my things to do in Doha post.

Is Doha a walkable city?

While parts of Doha are walkable, such as Souq Waqif or Katara Cultural Village, overall it is not. The city is vast enough that you will see much more by joining one of these top rated tours.

What to do for 8 hours in Doha?

If you only have 8 hours in Doha, I highly recommend this private Doha transit tour to see a small slice of the country. Get round trip transportation to and from the airport and see many of the city’s highlights!

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I hope that these Doha day trips and Doha tours give you some good ideas on what you can see here. This compilation shares the best of the best, from Doha desert safaris to city tours and beyond.

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