Doha, Qatar 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Modern Doha

Morning:

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Pancake House (Al Khor St, Al Sadd), known for its wide variety of pancakes and waffles.
  • Head to Katara Cultural Village (Corniche Al Doha Al Jadeeda). Enjoy the beautiful architecture, art galleries, theaters, and various cultural events.

Afternoon:

  • Visit the iconic Souq Waqif, a traditional marketplace offering local handicrafts, spices, gold jewelry, and souvenirs. Don’t miss the Falcon Souq where you can see these majestic birds up close.
  • For lunch, try some delicious Arabic food at Al Shamal Restaurant (Souq Waqif), famous for its hummus, shawarma, and machboos.
  • In the afternoon, take a short trip to the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA Park) designed by I.M. Pei. The museum’s collection spans 14 centuries of art from three continents.

Evening:

  • Take a stroll along the Corniche, offering stunning views of Doha’s skyline and the Arabian Gulf.
  • Enjoy dinner at Wakrah Fish Market Restaurant (Al Wakra), where you can savor fresh seafood prepared in traditional Qatari style.

Night:

  • End your day by visiting The Torch Doha (West Bay Lagoon) for a stunning night view of the city and enjoy drinks at one of its rooftop bars like Lighthouse Bar.

Day 2: Discovering Historical Doha & Souks

Morning:

  • Begin your day with breakfast at Zaatar w Zeit (The Pearl-Qatar), offering a variety of Lebanese cuisine.
  • Head to Al Zubarah Fort, an old Qatari fortress located about 100 km northwest of Doha. It offers a glimpse into the history and architecture of pre-oil Qatar.

Afternoon:

  • Visit the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum (Al Shaqab), which houses one of the largest private collections in the Middle East, spanning antiquities, coins, weapons, cars, and more.
  • For lunch, try authentic Qatari cuisine at Al Jabor Restaurant (Al Markhiya St), known for its machboos, harees, and kabsa.

Evening:

  • Spend your evening exploring the traditional markets of Doha Corniche, where you can shop for spices, perfumes, traditional clothing, and more.
  • For dinner, head to Al Wustub Al Arabi (Corniche Al Doha Al Jadeeda) for a taste of Qatari cuisine with a modern twist.

Stay:

  • The Ritz-Carlton, Doha is a luxurious 5-star hotel located in the West Bay area, offering stunning views of the city and the Arabian Gulf. For budget travelers, Hotel Aspiro Suites (Al Sadd) offers comfortable apartments at affordable prices.

Transportation:

  • Doha has an efficient public transportation system including buses and the Doha Metro. Taxis are also widely available and affordable. Renting a car is another option, but be aware of traffic rules as Qatar follows right-hand traffic.

Tips:

  • Dress modestly to respect local customs and traditions.
  • Ramadan (the holy month of fasting) can significantly affect the opening hours of restaurants and shops, so it’s best to check before visiting.
  • English is widely spoken in Doha, but knowing a few Arabic phrases can enhance your experience.
  • Always carry water as it can get quite hot during the day.