Doha Qatar 7 Day Itinerary

7-Day Itinerary for Exploring Doha, Qatar

Day 1: Arrival & City Orientation

  • Arrive at Hamad International Airport: After immigration formalities, you can pick up your SIM card (available at the airport) for easy navigation.
  • Hotel Check-in (Recommendations: Luxury: The Ritz-Carlton Doha, Mid-range: Tivoli Tower Hotel Doha, Budget: Bab Al Qatar Hotel Suites)
  • Lunch at Souq Waqif: Enjoy traditional Arabic food at Al Shamian or Shari Al Bunait.
  • Explore Souq Waqif: Shop for spices, handicrafts, and souvenirs in this historic market. Don’t miss the Falcon House of Sheikh Ali Bin Abdullah Al Misnad.
  • Doha Corniche Walk: Stroll along the waterfront promenade offering stunning views of the city skyline and Doha Bay.
  • Evening: Katara Cultural Village: Visit this vibrant cultural hub for art galleries, mosques, a beach, and numerous cafes and restaurants.

Day 2: Museums & Architecture

  • Museum of Islamic Art: A must-visit for its stunning architecture and collection of Islamic artifacts.
  • Lunch at The St. Regis Doha: Try their international buffet at Astor Grill or opt for the signature Afternoon Tea at The Brasserie.
  • Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art: Showcasing contemporary works from the region.
  • Katara’s National Theater: If there’s a show, don’t miss it! Check schedules online.
  • Dinner at W Doha Hotel’s Spice Market Kitchen: Experience South East Asian flavors with a Middle Eastern twist.

Day 3: Explore Traditional Qatar

  • Al Khor Coast and Al Thakira Mangroves: Take a day trip to these beautiful natural sites. Spot flamingos at the mangroves and enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants.
  • Return to Doha for Dinner: Try Al Jascar in Salwa Road for authentic Qatari food.

Day 4: Sports & Leisure

  • Visit Aspire Zone: Home to the Aspire Dome, the world’s largest indoor arena and the Sports Museum.
  • Lunch at Al Bustan Palace: Enjoy international cuisine with stunning views of the West Bay skyline.
  • Khalifa International Stadium Tour: If available, take a tour of this iconic stadium that hosted the 1982 World Cup and 2006 Asian Games.
  • Evening: The Pearl-Qatar: Stroll around this upscale man-made island with high-end shopping and dining options.

Day 5: Day Trip to Al Zubarah

  • Al Zubarah Fort & Archaeological Site: A UNESCO World Heritage site, offering insights into Qatar’s history.
  • Lunch at a local restaurant in Madinat ash Shamal
  • Return to Doha for Dinner and Leisure

Day 6: Modern Art & Nightlife

  • Art Galleries in Msheireb Downtown Doha: Visit galleries like Edge of Arabia, Mathaf, and Al Riwaq.
  • Lunch at W Doha’s Tiara: Offers Mediterranean cuisine with live music.
  • Visit The Torch Tower: Take the elevator to the top for panoramic city views.
  • Dinner at The Westin Doha’s Spice Emporium: Offers a wide variety of Indian and Southeast Asian dishes.
  • Experience Qatar’s Nightlife: Visit a shisha lounge like Smokey’s, or try the vibrant bars in West Bay.

Day 7: Departure

  • Last Minute Shopping: Head to Villaggio Mall for high street brands or Gold Souk for jewelry shopping.
  • Farewell Dinner: Enjoy a meal at your favorite spot before heading to the airport.

Things to Know:

  • Clothing: Respect local customs by dressing modestly, covering shoulders and knees.
  • Ramadan: If traveling during Ramadan, remember not to eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours.
  • Transportation: Doha’s public transport system (Mowasalat) offers buses and the new metro. Taxis are also widely available.
  • Currency: The official currency is Qatari Riyal (QAR). Credit cards are widely accepted.
  • Tipping: Service charge is usually included in bills, but tipping is appreciated.
  • Language: Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken.