Finally, I have put together a perfect itinerary on what to do in Doha in 1 day. As I am writing this post, which I must admit is long overdue, It marks over 7 years since I moved to Qatar. I still remember the day I landed in this hot, humid country. I’ve seen Doha change and transform into this picturesque desert city. Literally, I witnessed whole new neighborhoods pop up from one year to another.

Qatar has a great stopover offer if you book through Qatar Airways website. Together with your flight, you can book up to 4 days of a stopover for as little as 24$ per night in a 5-star hotel. It is really an amazing option. But if you choose to plan your trip differently, I recommend checking out my post about the most luxurious hotels in Qatar (as they are amazing and affordable).

Morning: dive into Doha’s culture and history

Start Early at the Corniche (7:00 am – 9:00 am). Corniche is a great place for a long walk, but do it either early in the morning, or in late afternoon for sunset.For this itinerary, let’s say that it’s best to begin your day with a refreshing stroll along the Doha Corniche, a seven-kilometer waterfront promenade that offers stunning views of the city’s iconic skyline. Morning is the perfect time to enjoy the Corniche when it’s cool and serene, and you’ll find locals exercising or enjoying the tranquil atmosphere. I love the middle part closer to MIA museum and the port area, from where the boats leave for Banana Island. There, you can capture photos of traditional dhow boats docked in the harbor and marvel at the contrast between the old and new Doha. At night, the view of skyscrapers is amazing, but you can also see it from a dhow. Just keep on reading, I’ll tell you more about it later.

Given that you have already eaten breakfast, continue your walk towards the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), which is a spectacular building on the outside, especially. If you still didn’t eat anything, there you have a chance to grab a quick bite and a coffee with a beautiful view. I’ve written a separate post about museums in Qatar, because they are housed in impressive buildings.

Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara is a crescent of golden beach and over water villas just off the coast of downtown Doha. Accessible by private catamaran, escape for family adventures, ocean thrills or serene spa bliss. It has overwater villas, similar to the ones in Maldives. If you have more time than one day, I definitely recommend it for a day trip or spending a night.

National Museum of Qatar 
A short drive from the Corniche is the National Museum of Qatar, a masterpiece of modern architecture designed by Jean Nouvel, inspired by the desert rose. The museum tells the story of Qatar’s heritage, culture, and rapid transformation through immersive exhibits and interactive displays. Highlights include galleries showcasing the Bedouin lifestyle, maritime traditions, and the country’s natural history. Don’t miss the stunning audiovisual installations that bring Qatar’s story to life. My top tip for you would be that you don’t need to enter the museum (and pay the fee) if you are short on time and budget. You can enter the museum yard for the best views of the building itself for free. You only pay if you want to see the museum collections.

If all the walking made you hungry, I would recommend two amazing places for lunch. First, you have a Jiwan restaurant located inside the National Museum of Qatar with killer views to Corniche, the Old Port in distance and Westbay. The food is Arabic/Lebanese, the prices are reasonable and the food is really good. The second option is La Perla, not far from the museum, where they serve Qatari food.

Afternoon

From the National Museum of Qatar , make your way to the nearby Old Port District, also known as Mina District. This newly revitalized area features vibrant pastel-colored buildings reminiscent of traditional Qatari homes. The district is perfect for a relaxing stroll, offering scenic views of the dhow boats and a variety of cafés where you can unwind with a cool drink. In my opinion, it is one of the most photogenic places in Doha.

Not many people know it, but if you walk to the very end, where the cruise terminal is, you can enter a massive aquarium for free. Also, in the Old Port you can see the most beautiful fish market ever. Really, it is not your standard fish market, so don’t miss it.

If you still have some time, take a taxi or Uber to Katara. You probably won’t be able to see it all in one day, but Katara (also called Cultural Village) is a place with unique charm with its old buildings, beach, green hills for a lovely walk and the street with air conditioning. Yes, you read that right. Even under the scorching sun, this street (just outside Galeries Lafayette) keeps you cool at 22C.

Evening: sunset and beyond

Explore Souq Waqif Head over to Souq Waqif, Doha’s historic marketplace, where you can wander through a labyrinth of alleys brimming with stalls selling spices, textiles, jewelry, and souvenirs. Visit the Falcon Souq to see these majestic birds up close and learn about Qatar’s falconry traditions. Take your time soaking in the lively ambiance and enjoy some people-watching as locals and tourists bustle through the souq.

For dinner, dine at Parisa, a stunning Persian restaurant within the souq known for its exquisite decor and delicious dishes. Feast on kebabs, saffron rice, and traditional bread, while admiring the intricate mirrorwork and mosaics that adorn the walls.

Just a few steps from the souq, you can teleport yourself to one of the most modern areas of Doha: Mshreib smart city. It is a picturesque place with many restaurants and coffee places. It is the best example to show you that Doha is the city of contrast. I love Mshreib for a walk or good food.

Optional night activity

If you still have energy, have a ride on a traditional dhow boat cruise from the Corniche to see the city lights reflected on the water. After experiencing the beautiful views of Westbay in the morning, you can get the a different perspective of the modern part of Doha with brightly-lit skyscrapers.

Top tips to have a great 1 day in Doha:

• Doha has a great metro, but it does not connect all the areas conveniently. If you only spend 1 day in Doha, for this itinerary, there are some possibilities, however, you will save more time by taking taxis or Uber. The taxi service is called Karwa (turquoise cars) and you can order them by phoning, using an app or simply hailing them on the road. It’s safe and fairly cheap (a lot cheaper than in Dubai). For each ride for the itinerary I mentioned, you should not pay more than 30-40 Qatari rials, at the most! Usually, the fare will be around 20 and below. You can pay with credit card for the taxi.
• Uber works well too, but sometimes might be slightly more expensive than Karwa.
• If you happen to travel on Friday, remember that most places will be closed before 1-2pm. All restaurants will also close for prayer approximately between 11-12:30, but this depends on the place. Sometimes it’s longer, sometimes shorter. During Ramadan there are different rules, this post will help you plan the trip.