A One Day in Doha Itinerary

Looking for the best one day in Doha itinerary? You have come to the right place! This one day itinerary for Doha highlights all of the best things to see in Qatar’s capital city. Keep on reading for the best of Doha in one day.

My first visit to Qatar was on a short Doha stopover on my way to Dubai. In fact, I passed through Doha several times before making it a point to actually visit Doha as a standalone destination.

I am not sad that I finally did!

Doha is an interesting place. It blends ultra-modern architecture against ago-old markets and traditions. It is clean and well-designed, and happens to be one of the safest places to visit in the Middle East.

Now, after several visits, I have crafted the perfect one day in Doha itinerary. If you are a first time visitor looking for the best way to spend 24 hours in Doha, this itinerary has it covered.

Below are all of the best Doha attractions and highlights that will give you an excellent taste of what Qatar has to offer. If you have time to spare, check out my list of the best day trips from Doha, too!

Where Is Doha, Qatar?

Doha is the capital of Qatar. It is located on the east coast of the Qatar Peninsula, jutting into the Persian Gulf.

Qatar shares a border with Saudi Arabia and is situated directly west from United Arab Emirates.

The Geography of Qatar

Qatar, though small, occupies a central position in the Arabian Gulf. The country’s interior features the sandy desert plains of the Arabian Desert.

Qatar’s terrain is very flat. The highest elevation, in the south, sits at 103 meters above sea level.

The Perfect One Day in Doha Itinerary

Here is the perfect way to spend your one day in Doha. This itinerary is exactly how I would spend 24 hours in Doha. It will leave you feeling like you got to see a lot of the city, but never feel rushed or overwhelmed.

1. Take the metro to the Katara Cultural Village.

Katara Cultural Village is one of my favorite places to visit in Doha.

Located just north of Souq Waqif, this stunning cultural village is the prefect place to begin exploring Doha. Go as early as possible, as the morning sunrise light is gorgeous against the architecture here!

Katara Cultural Village hosts many events throughout the year, but should be fairly quiet in the early morning. This arts center is home to everything from art studios to cafes to public performance spaces and mosques.

The Katara Cultural Village opened in 2010 for the first Doha Tribeca Film Festival. Today, entrance is free. Plan to spend a couple of hours walking through the sights listed below.

Visit the Pigeon Towers.

The Pigeon Towers are a sight that embodies Doha for me.

They are a perfect example of traditional architecture and practical ingenuity that dates back several millennia in the Islamic world. Designed by farmers to collect pigeon droppings, the towers provided fertilizer for farming as well as a home for hundreds of birds.

Without a doubt, you will see many pigeons coming and going on your visit! These towers are a must see on any Doha itinerary.

Explore the Katara Mosque.

This gorgeous blue tiled mosque is located just behind the Pigeon Towers. It was dreamed up by female designer Zeynep Fadilloglu from Turkey, the first female architect specializing in mosque design.

Look closely at the blue tiles, and you will find bright red and orange hues woven throughout the Persian and Turkish details. The mosque’s décor was inspired by the Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul, Turkey.

Grab a tasty breakfast at Chapati and Karak Café.

On the opposite side of the Pigeon Towers as the Katara Mosque sits the small but tasty Chapati and Karak Cafe. Grab an affordable breakfast and sit at an outdoor table to enjoy your meal.

Chapati, if you have never had it, is a round flaky flatbread somewhat reminiscent of a pita, but much more delicious. At this café, you can order all manner of breakfast wraps, from cheese to egg to Nutella and more.

Karak is a thick, strong tea that is often flavored with cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and other aromatic spices. It has Indian and Pakistani roots, which is not a surprise since many Indian and Pakistani immigrants live in Qatar.

This café is open 24 hours a day, except for Fridays, when they close between 5am and 12pm.

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Gaze at the Gold Mosque.

Tucked away in Katara’s maze is a shimmering golden mosque that you can’t miss. As the sun rises higher in the sky, the tiles seem to glow brighter and brighter.

Smaller than the Katara Mosque, this building is no less stunning. It is a must see during your one day in Doha.

At the time of writing, there is even a QR coded guide outside the mosque, that when scanned will teach you more about Islam. It is available in multiple languages, and is a great resource for anyone unfamiliar with the religion and traditions.

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Walk the stunning amphitheatre.

The Katara Ampitheatre is one of the highlights of Katara Village. Even when no events are happening, visitors are welcome to stroll through the entrance and see the large seating area and architecture.

The design seems to be a blend of Islamic architectural elements and classical Greek all rolled into one, with the capacity to seat 5,000 people.

Built in 2008, the ampitheatre is centrally located in Katara Village and is known to host some of Doha’s world-class events and performances. I only visited in the daytime, but I imagine that watching a show here would be amazing!

Stroll Katara Beach.

After seeing the sights and grabbing breakfast at Katara Cultural Village, I recommend reconnecting with a bit of nature in Doha.

Katara Beach is a quick and easy stroll away. You can see it from near the ampitheatre – simply exit Katara Village and go straight to the sand.

If you start your day early enough, Katara Beach should be comfortable all year round. I just wouldn’t recommend it in the midday heat during summer months. (For those times, skip this stroll and head to the next location instead.)

2. Head back to Souq Waqif and the Doha Corniche area.

Using either Uber, taxis, or the metro, it is time to head back toward Souq Waqif and the Corniche area. And, we will take a likely-welcome respite from the heat and explore an indoor attraction or two before heading back outside.

Explore the Islamic Cultural Centre (or, Fanar, as it is locally known.)

If you took my advice and booked your hotel in Souq Waqif, you have likely already noticed the spiral wedding-cake shaped building nearby. This is the centrally located Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Centre, and it is easily walkable from the Souq.

Fanar was once the largest mosque in Qatar. And while it still functions as a mosque, this site also hosts religious and educational activities, even for visitors.

Tourists can enjoy traditional coffee and learn about the Qatari lifestyle, heritage and culture. But hands down, my top recommendation is to attend a Friday prayer.

100% of the mosques I have been to, even including the heavily touristic Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, are strictly closed to visitors during Friday prayer. And I can certainly understand why – they want to pray and attend religious ceremonies in peace.

But at Fanar, if you happen to visit on a Friday, non-Muslim visitors can attend Friday prayers led in English to learn about this deep and moving tradition. Etiquette and courses on the Islamic faith are also available. Learn more and plan your visit here.

Pro Tip: Ladies, be sure to carry a scarf or shawl in order to enter the mosques (this exact one is my favorite for the Middle East, as it is breathable and lightweight in the hot temps.) I also always wear a long and loose kimono type dress to blend in and stay both conservative and cool.

Visit the Museum of Islamic Art.

The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) is located right on – or rather, IN – the Corniche in Doha, Qatar. The architect I. M. Pei specified that the museum be built on an artificial island peninsula near the traditional dhow harbor.

The building is easily identified due to the cube-like geometric design right on the water.

Inside, MIA holds Islamic art from across three continents, including manuscripts, metalwork, ceramics, textiles, and more. The artifacts date back to the 7th century all the way to the 20th century.

For me, the textiles, metalwork, and ceramics were some of the most interesting exhibits. But you will certainly find something you are drawn to yourself. This is one of the most complete collections of Islamic artifacts in the world.

Pro Tip: A ticket to the Museum of Islamic Art will cost only 50QAR. Note that opening times are later on Fridays, starting at 1:30pm.

Eat a tasty lunch in Souq Waqif.

By now you are surely ready for lunch, and frankly you are in the best area to get it. Souq Waqif offers just about every type of cuisine you could dream of, from Lebanese to Yemeni to Georgian. Seriously, I saw the katchapuri that I ate and cooked in Tbilisi itself!

For lunch, I grabbed a bite at Al Metbakh, which offers everything from Indian street food to high end delicacies on its menu. The aromatic spices were wonderful!

If this sounds good to you, find it on the top floor of the Arumaila Boutique Hotel. Al Metbakh offers both indoor and outdoor seating.

If Indian is not your thing, you have endless other options to choose from in Souq Waqif!

Explore the stalls in Souq Waqif.

After lunch, spend some time strolling the Souq and discovering all that the shops and stalls have to offer. This is one of the best places for souvenir shopping in Doha!

Glimmering gold jewelry, colorful spices, and ornate lamps sprawl across the Souq, both indoors and outdoors.

Once upon a time, this area was a gathering place for trade between the nomadic Bedouin tribes. Walking the maze of tan-colored shops and restaurants here is somewhat like stepping back in time. You’ll see everything from 100 year old construction to the more recent 2008 renovations after a fire destroyed part of the Souq.

It is an interesting spot for people-watching, viewing public art, and getting lost in alleyways. The Souq is sure to be one of the highlights of your one day in Doha itinerary!

Souq Waqif is open every day, including Friday, from 10 am–2 pm and 3–11 pm.

Pro Tip: Many establishments here will accept credit cards. But, if you do need cash for souvenir stalls or street food, ATMs are widely available in the Souq.

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Meet the falcons at the Falcon Souq.

Like many of the Gulf countries, falconry is still commonplace in Qatar and falcons themselves are highly revered. In fact, there is a large section of Souq Waqif entirely dedicated to these birds.

The Falcon Souq features around a dozen or so markets, shops, and hospitals for falcons. Most of them face inward, toward an outdoor arena that appears ready to house all kinds of animals, though none were present during my visits.

Falcons, however, are always available for purchase inside the shops, and are often sold for thousands upon thousands of US Dollars.

Coming from the western world, it is always a bit strange to see these “wild” birds sold essentially as pets, but the fact that they are so highly revered perhaps makes up for that fact in some way. They are highly respected and cared for in both Qatar and in the UAE.

Regardless, it is worth the stop to get a glimpse into this Qatari tradition.

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Stop by the Al Koot Fort.

A short walk from the Facon Souq is the white-colored Al Koot Fort. The site was originally used as a Police station in late 19th century then converted into a jail. In the 1920’s it was rebuilt as a Fort by Sheikh Abdullah Bin Jassim Al Thani.

It is worth a quick visit on your way to or from the Falcon Souq, but as the museum is not open, do not make a special trip here.

Photograph the Grand Mosque.

From the Al Koot Fort, you will notice a tan and green-ish mosque nearby. This is the Grand Mosque and is worth a quick detour for some photographs.

The mosque will be closed to non-Muslims on Fridays and during prayer times, so time your stop wisely. Or, snap a few pics of the exterior, which is grand and stately.

3. What to do in Doha at Night.

If you took my advice and booked accommodations in the Souq Waqif Boutique Hotel, the area is alive and vibrant, even at night. Restaurants will be abuzz and there is plenty to see in Doha at night.

The spiral-shaped minaret atop the Islamic Cultural Centre glows yellow, and locals and tourists alike will be walking, eating, and shopping. If you have the time, here is the best way to close out your one day in Doha.

Walk the Corniche.

Take an evening stroll along the Corniche to see the spectacular and glowing city skyline. Find the giant pearl sculpture, referencing Qatar’s history as a pearl-farming nation (I learned all about this process at Suwaidi Pearls in the UAE.)

Peruse the Souq Waqif Art Center.

Just a handful of steps away from the unmissable giant golden thumb sculpture is the indoor Souq Waqif Art Center.

Here you can explore the current art exhibition to the righthand gallery, and watch painters fill their canvases in real time to the left gallery. Follow the long straight hall to see the gorgeous and ornate lantern collection above.

The Art Center is open late, so you can view and purchase art even in the evening – and the lamp display is perfect as the sun goes down.

Eat a delicious dinner in Doha.

Since the Souq has never-ending options as far as food types and options, this is the best place to grab a bite before your one day Doha itinerary ends. Just one block from the Corniche, take advantage of the outdoor seating to savor your last few hours in Doha.

I had read about Shay Al Shoomos before traveling, and made it a point to stop here on my visit. Why? Because this is one of very few Doha eateries owned by a woman who gets frequent five star reviews for her traditional offerings.

The menu is based on Qatari cuisine, with dishes like baid o tomat, a shakshuka- like dish made with eggs and tomato; balaleet, a vermicelli-based omelet laden with turmeric and other spices; khobiz regag, a thin and tasty bread somewhat related to Indian dosa; and aseeda, a wheat-based porridge.

Qatari cuisine reminded me a lot of traditional Emirati cuisine – something that is surprisingly hard to find if you don’t know where to look! But you must try it before leaving Doha.

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Where To Stay in Doha

This one day Doha itinerary focuses on two main areas within Qatar. And, luckily, both areas offer some great hotel options.

Below, I am going to list where to stay in Doha, starting with my very favorite.

1. Souq Waqif Boutique Hotel

Souq Waqif Boutique Hotel is my top pick for any one day in Doha itinerary. It sets you up right in the center of the souk (aka, in the center of the action!) You are absolutely surrounded by great eats, interesting art, and within walking distance of the metro.

The hotel rooms themselves are clean and comfortable. They also seem fairly soundproof, so if you need to sleep off a long flight, they are excellent for that, too. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful.

Souq Waqif spans a fairly large area, and depending on your room type and number of people, you may be in one of several hotel buildings in the Souq. Not to worry, it is easily walkable.

I’ve already booked Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels for my next visit, so take it from me – they are the best!

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 are a bit dated, but this hotel does the trick.

Breakfast and dinner buffets feature Arabic and Indian food, and many rooms offer views of the Corniche or the Doha skyline. You’ll also find a fitness center, pool, and restaurant / bar on site.

This hotel is more budget-friendly than my top choice, so it does have that going in its favor!

3. The 21 High Street Residence

If you prefer to stay near the Katara Cultural Village, then 21 High Street Residence is the top choice.

Located on Katara Beach, this chic hotel offers a fitness center, free private parking, room service, and free WiFi to guests. Some units that feature a balcony, and a continental breakfast is available every morning here.

I think this is a good option if you prefer not to be in the center of the lively Souq and prefer to be near the beach. However, if it is your first time in Doha, I still recommend Souq Waqif Boutique Hotel above all else.

If you’re on a short layover in Doha and prefer to stay closer to the airport, then the conveniently located Oryx Transit Hotel is for you. This hotel provides easy access so you don’t have to stress on the metro or in a taxi.

What To Pack for Doha?

Qatar is a Muslim country, so it probably comes as no surprise that you will need to dress conservatively. For women traveling here solo, this will save you from unwanted stares. But, also, it shows respect for the Qatari way of life.

Definitely check out my complete Doha packing list for the full details, but here are the basics.

1. A Tank Top & Kimono

Loose and flowy clothing is key, both in terms of temperature and traditions. One thing I always wear in the Middle East, as you can see in these pictures, is a kimono layered over a tank top. This combination will keep you modestly dressed but cool and comfortable.

2. A Long Maxi Skirt

Another item that is a great option in Doha is a long flowy maxi skirt. Once again, the idea here is a balance of comfort and modesty.

3. A Bathing Suit

All of the hotels I mentioned above have swimming pools and / or beaches. If you travel in the summer months, you may want to take a dip to swim off the heat of the day.

4. One or Two Scarves

In Doha, as well as the rest of the Middle East, scarves are so useful. They are great for both casual modesty, or for draping over your head to enter Doha’s mosques.

How to Get Around Doha

Doha is an easily navigable city, making it possible to see a lot in just 24 hour visit.

Your three main options for transportation are public transportation, taxis, and Ubers. Let’s chat about the details of each.

Firstly, Doha has a clean and modern underground metro system. It runs all the way to the airport and hits both Souq Waqif and Katara Cultural Village – the main areas that will be covered in this post!

So it is possible to solely use the metro to get around on this Doha one day itinerary, depending on your timing. General timings are as follows:

• Saturday – Wednesday: 6am – 11pm
• Thursday: 6am – 12am
• Friday: 2pm – 12am

One way fares cost just 2 QAR, or roughly .55 cents in USD. Tickets can be purchased directly from the machines at each metro station. Check the three metro lines (named red, green and gold) timings and prices here.

You may also choose to get around by taxi. Taxis are plentiful and fairly cheap. Ladies, check out my solo female taxi safety guide!

When not using the metro, I personally prefer to use Uber, which is available all around Doha – including to and from the airport.

When To Visit Doha

If you are visiting Doha on a quick stopover in Qatar, you are likely not going to plan your trip around the weather. But, just in case, here is some helpful info about when to visit.

The fall months (September through November) and the spring months (February through April) are easily the best times to visit Doha in terms of weather. The skies will be sunny, the days will be longer, and the heat will not yet be oppressive.

The summer months, as you would expect in the desert, are extremely hot and unforgiving. Late May through August hover in triple digits regularly.

Winter (December through January) is not a bad time to visit either. The weather is still on the cooler end and it will be much easier to spend time outdoors. However, the days are shorter and the nighttime can bring a bit of a chill.

One Day in Doha FAQs

Is Doha safe?

Doha is an extremely safe city. I have an entire guide on Qatar safety travel tips, but in general, know that it consistently ranks among the safest cities in the world.

Violent crime is essentially unheard of, and even petty crime is very rare in Qatar, even in Doha. There is nothing in particular that tourists need to watch out for in Doha, though solo females in Doha should dress and act conservatively.

Is One Day in Doha enough?

It is entirely possible to get a solid taste of what Doha has to offer in just one day. If you follow this guide, you’ll make it to many of the city’s attractions!

However, as with any city or country, if you really want to get to know Doha, Qatar, then I highly suggest a minimum of four-to-seven days here.

Is Doha expensive?

While Doha does offer rich luxury style accommodations and experiences to anyone who wants them, this city does not need to be expensive.

Particularly if you use public transportation like the metro as often as possible and stick to local street food and restaurants, it is easy to keep your costs down.

To learn how to save a bit more on accommodations – typically the biggest travel expense in any destination – check out my Doha stopover guide.

Is Doha tourist friendly?

Qatari people are well-known for their hospitality, even to tourists. Oftentimes, locals are eager to share everything their country has to offer.

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I hope that this one day in Doha itinerary sets you up to optimize your limited time in the city! Doha is an attractive place filled with lots of unique things to see and do. I highly recommend exploring all that you can in Doha!

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