Doha is often considered just a stopover on the way to Europe, but the sparkling Qatari capital is becoming a destination in its own right.
Boasting a stunning skyline, world-class dining and opulent shopping experiences, Doha offers a unique blend of traditional Arabian culture with contemporary luxury.
What if you’ve only got 1 day in Doha?
You won’t be able to see everything – but you will be able to get a taste that will leave you wanting more.
So, as you go about your adventures, earmark some attractions to return to next time.
For travellers with only 1 day in Doha, here are my top five picks:
Explore The Pearl, Qatar
The Pearl is an artificial island created on the bones of a former pearl diving district.
Designed to resemble a string of pearls, The Pearl is a residential and commercial hub which epitomises opulence and exclusivity, with Mediterranean-style marinas, high-end boutiques, and some seriously swanky restaurants.
With only 1 day in Doha, let’s imagine you’re staying in one of the city’s best beach hotels, like the Four Seasons Resort and Residences at The Pearl-Qatar.
Sleep in, treat yourself to breakfast, then take a leisurely stroll along Porto Arabia, a promenade lined with luxury yachts, chic cafes, designer stores like Hermes and Louis Vuitton, and sellers of Arabian artifacts.
Afterwards, take a private yacht tour of the island, enjoying panoramic views of Doha’s skyline.
Spend the afternoon at the beachside or indoor pool, have a session in the hotel gym, and then perhaps indulge in a soothing spa treatment.
Savour the Museum of Islamic Art
It’s easy to spend half a day or more at the Museum of Islamic Art and still feel like you’ve barely scratched the surface.
A cultural gem on Doha’s Corniche, designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei, the museum’s stunning exterior features a geometric structure that reflects traditional Islamic patterns.
Inside, you’ll four floors of one of the world’s most important collections of Islamic art, which spans 1,400 years. Included are ceramics, textiles, and manuscripts from across the Middle East, Asia, and Europe.
You could wander on your own, or perhaps opt for a private guided tour to gain an in-depth understanding of the exhibits.
When it’s time to break for lunch, pull up a seat in the museum’s signature restaurant is IDAM by Alain Ducasse.
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Doha skyline as you explore an exquisite menu blending French and Mediterranean flavors with Middle Eastern ingredients.
The Museum of Islamic Art also houses a heritage library, with a collection of 21,000 books including 2000 rare editions in both Arabic and English.
Lose yourself in Souq Waqif
With only 24 hours in Doha, you won’t want to miss immersing yourself in Souq Waqif, a traditional marketplace offering a mix of culture and commerce.
The best time to visit is late in the day.
As the sun sets, the souq comes alive with a vibrant atmosphere, allowing you to wander through narrow alleys lined with stalls selling spices, perfumes, textiles, and handcrafted jewellery.
Eager to dial up the luxury?
Book a table at Parisa, an upscale Persian restaurant known for its lavish decor featuring intricate mosaics, chandeliers, and a stunning domed ceiling.
Savour a traditional Persian feast, complete with dishes like saffron-infused rice and slow-cooked lamb, while soaking in the ambiance of this historical setting.
Delve into the National Museum of Qatar
The National Museum of Qatar is another stunning, architecturally designed building.
Inspired by the desert rose, a naturally forming cluster of crystals formed from gypsum or baryte and grains of sand, this Jean Nouvel masterpiece features interlocking disks that create a captivating visual effect.
Inside, the museum tells the story of Qatar through a series of interactive exhibits combining art, history, and technology.
The pearl carpet of Baroda, commissioned by the Maharajah of Baroda, India in 1865, is the centrepiece of the collection.
It is made up of more than 1.5 million pearls, as well as diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires set in gold and woven onto a base of silk and fine deer hide.
Opt for a private tour to explore the museum’s different galleries, followed by a light lunch at the Desert Rose Café.
After lunch, spend some time in the museum gift shop, which offers a selection of exclusive souvenirs, including handcrafted jewelry and luxury home decor items inspired by Qatari culture.
Take Doha’s pulse at Katara Cultural Village
The Katara Cultural Village showcases Qatar’s rich heritage and arts.
This sprawling complex offers a variety of galleries, theatres, and restaurants, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely day.
Begin with a visit to the Katara Mosque, known for its intricate blue tile work and Persian-style architecture, and the visually spectacular gold mosque which, as the name suggests, is covered in gold tiles.
Then take time to explore the Katara Art Center to discover contemporary Qatari art.
Fancy some star-gazing? Al Thuraya Planetarium features a full-dome digital system capable of taking up to 200 visitors on a journey around the universe.
Brunch can be enjoyed at BOHO Social, a bohemian-inspired restaurant offering stunning views of the Arabian Gulf.
Here, international flavours meld with local ingredients, providing a delightful culinary experience in an atmospheric setting.
Don’t miss their signature cocktails, which use locally sourced herbs and spices.
