What to see and do during a stopover in Doha?

Today I propose that you do one stopover in Doha before reaching your destination at the end of the world! Go for a Sensational departure in a 4×4 in the desert at dawn, lunch in an organic restaurant in the afternoon, kayaking in an idyllic place in the afternoon, visiting the Islamic art museum at sunset, strolling through the Souk Waqif before enjoying the evening in exceptional places; I can assure you that it is truly impossible to get bored during a stopover in Doha, whether it is a few hours or a few days there. So feel free to venture outside the transit area and Crossing the airport doors to discover this surprising city, between modernity and traditions.

Discovering the Arts, Culture and Religion

Discover the true essence of Islamic arts in Doha and start your visit with one of Doha’s most impressive architectural structures: the Museum of Islamic Arts. More than just a remarkable museum, it is also a exceptional monument in the daring architecture designed by Ieoh Ming Pei, known for having built the Louvre pyramid. In Doha, you only see him day and night, and if you pay closer attention you notice that the upper part of the building represents the eyes of a woman who is watching us with her gaze from any point of observation in the city. You will find the most beautiful collection of Persian carpets in the world, Turkish mosaics, works of art, and wooden sculptures. The museum also contains artifacts, manuscripts, and valuable materials that highlight intellectual excellence and aspects of Islamic culture. Don’t miss the outdoor terraces and every nook and cranny of this museum with its unique architecture; it truly is a wonder! A tip: Visit at sunset for an even more magnificent experience; you’ll be able to enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the skyline. A visit to the Islamic Art Museum remains a must during a stopover in Doha.

Good news: admission is free.

Mathaf, the Arab Museum of Modern Art, is an educational institution dedicated to Arab culture that houses a permanent collection of unique and modern Arab arts such as the use of powder as a medium of art by some artists.

The Fanar Quant à lui is an Islamic cultural center whose purpose is to inform and educate the general public about Qatari culture and Islam. This beautiful building, illuminated at night, is located just a few steps from the Waqif Souq. You can learn a lot about the country’s dominant religion, as well as about Islamic art and calligraphy. A truly enriching discovery that I recommend to everyone during your stay in Doha!

Getting lost in the alleys of the souk 

Getting lost in the alleys of the souk is a fantastic experience. Prepare yourself for the huge choice that Doha offers: traditional or modern shopping. Open your eyes wide to take advantage of the interesting offers while strolling through the winding aisles and courtyards of the «Gold Souq» and «Souk Waqif», where you can find all kinds of products: from spices and antique jewelry to colorful textiles. During your stopover in Doha, don’t miss a visit to the Falcon Souk, a rather original and unusual discovery as you’ll find numerous shops selling falcon accessories and even a specialized clinic for falcon grooming! Take the time to enjoy the warm atmosphere and observe the local life by sitting on a terrace to enjoy a Mint Lemon drink, the local drink that is particularly refreshing. 

Adventures in the desert of Doha

Embark on an adventure in the desert and enjoy the beauty of the magical landscape where the sea meets the interior desert. You will leave the city aboard the desert using 4×4 vehicles where you will be welcomed in Bedouin tents. Brace yourself and prepare for an action-packed and adrenaline-filled adventure through the sand dunes. An unforgettable experience! For more information about tourist excursions departing from Doha, visit the website Qatar International Adventures

Kayaking towards the mangroves of Al Thakhira

If you wish to extend your stay in Doha, head to Al Khor and Al Thakhira, 50km north of Doha, to discover a completely different and unexpected scenery in Qatar. You can kayak on a turquoise sea to reach wild mangroves where even, by chance, pink flamingos can appear. In the middle of the journey, you can dock at a fine sandy beach that reminds us of a scenery worthy of the most beautiful beaches of the Pacific… Impossible!

Discover the most beautiful horses in the world at the Al Shaqab equestrian center

It all comes down to the title in the end… Yes, here everything is about excess and that is also the case with the horses… You will find the most beautiful and the most performing horses in the world at the Al Shaqab equestrian center… It should be noted that, due to the Bedouin origins of the Qataris, the equestrian world is an integral part of the local culture. Created by the family of Emir Al Thani, this gigantic complex of 1 million square meters is impressive and everything has been thought out to ensure the comfort of these world-renowned Arab thoroughbreds. There is a state-of-the-art training center, large outdoor spaces, a special school, air-conditioned boxes, a horse pool, a whirlpool, racing tracks, and all of this is supervised by the best professionals from all over the world!

Marching the long from the corniche

If you want to get the most out of your stay in Doha, strolling along the Corniche is probably the best activity you can do. You can see many things there, such as the famous Museum of Islamic Art, the Pearl Monument, and the skyline of Doha. It is best to stroll along the Corniche very early in the morning or in the late afternoon to avoid the intense heat!

Understanding the past, present and future of Doha at the Mshreib Enrichment Centre

Don’t leave Doha without visiting the Mshreib Enrichment Centre, an opportunity to learn more about the history of the city and its futuristic vision. There are many interactive installations, videos, and plans that present the evolution and expansion of the city. We learn a lot about the Bedouin culture that has endured through the centuries, but also about this ancient fishing port founded in the mid-19th century, formerly called Al Bida’a, whose main resource was pearl fishing, the country’s former wealth.

Take a mini cruise on a «dhow», the traditional Qatari boat

The dhows are traditional wooden boats once used for pearl fishing, Qatar’s former wealth and true maritime heritage, today used to offer mini cruises around Doha, day and night. We had the opportunity to dine on board while admiring the illuminated skyline and the famous Islamic Art Museum; an experience not to be missed if you are in Doha on a layover!

Where to sleep in Doha?

Even though you have the option of finding hotels for all budgets in Doha (starting at 50€/night), you will mostly have the choice among many palaces, and that’s not a shortage…

We were lucky enough to stay for two nights at Al Bidda boutique hotel, a charming 5-star hotel ideally located in the heart of Souk Waqif and just a short walk from Fanah. The decor is elegant and contemporary with a touch of Arabic inspiration. The room has all the comfort you could wish for, but my personal favorite is the huge bright room where you can enjoy a delicious varied breakfast. Al Bidda is the ideal hotel to enjoy the best of the city center without having to take the car.

For the next two nights it was the climax… We stayed at the famous Sharq Village & SPA by the Ritz-Carlton Group, One of the most beautiful palaces in the capital, located facing the sea, a few minutes by car from the city center. More than just a 5-star hotel, it is a huge resort where luxury is omnipresent. The lobby is impressive… Beautiful volumes, refined decor, high-end furniture – these are the hallmarks when you enter this magnificent palace. This is followed by the discovery of this immense 1,400 m² swimming pool, around which are numerous sun loungers, «beds», palm trees, not to mention the hotel’s numerous spacious rooms. Among other things, you will find a huge marble bathroom and even a cabana bed with numerous wooden ornaments… To relax, Sharq has a beautiful Jacuzzi offering panoramic views of the Doha skyline, as well as a Six Senses SPA of nearly 6,500 m²…

Where to eat in Doha?

In Doha you can enjoy the culinary specialties from all over the world! Whether in the restaurants of the Waqif souk, such as the surprising Parisa and its delicious Iranian cuisine, or in the most beautiful palaces of the capital to savor the finest dishes prepared by great chefs from all over the world; there is truly something for everyone!

I loved the modern and creative cuisine at the «Market by Jean Georges» in the magnificent W Doha hotel; it guarantees a pleasant evening in a trendy and lively setting; the «best of Doha» gathering. Moreover, you can even choose your dish from a dedicated Instagram account; original, no?

Want to try some exquisite new flavors? Head to the seafood restaurant Al Dana from Sharq Village & SPA Palace, At , the Greek chef Evangelos Liakouris and his brigade will give you an exceptional culinary experience! The menu includes creative Mediterranean specialties, exquisite «signature» dishes based on fish and seafood, and many other delights… My restaurant of choice during this stay in Doha, and perhaps one of my best meals ever… A tip: try the charred black forest dessert for dessert; you won’t believe how delicious it is…

Note that it is very rare to find alcohol-based wine and cocktails in Doha, except in a few Doha palaces like Al Dana and W Doha.

Practical information before making a stopover in Doha

• To get out of the airport you will have to pay a 1-month valid entry visa: 100 QAR, about 26€
  If you are traveling with the airline Qatar Airways and your transit in Doha lasts more than 5 hours, then you can enjoy a free city tour and the VISA fees are even covered! In some cases, when the transit lasts more than 8 hours, accommodation can also be provided by the airline. More information on the website Qatar Airways

• To get from the airport to the city center of Doha, a taxi costs about 15€; otherwise, there is also UBER, which is very popular.

• To get around Doha and Qatar in general, the best solution remains taking a taxi; otherwise, you can rent a car. Be sure to stay on the road network and do not take the risk of venturing alone into the desert.

• Remember that Qatar is an Islamic monarchy, so ladies, it is necessary to wear decent attire and avoid anything that could be considered provocative (mini skirts, etc.). Also, it is not recommended to kiss in public.

• The consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited, except in the bars and restaurants of the large international chain hotels.

• The exchange rate is: 1 QAR = 0.26 €

• Avoid bringing Euros with you because there aren’t many currency exchange offices on every street corner. However, you can easily withdraw money from the many cash machines or pay most of your purchases directly with a credit card.

• The electrical outlets are the same as in Great Britain, so remember to bring a universal adapter.

Before I left, I had some preconceived notions about the destination that quickly faded away after these 4 days of blogging. Unlike its big sister Dubai, Doha does not rely solely on extravagance and giganticism, but rather on sustainable foundations to build the Qatar of tomorrow, around several development axes such as education, culture, tourism, the environment and sports. I had no idea that there was so much to discover in this very small country… Qatar is rich in a mixed culture; it is a true crossroads of the world where many nationalities have coexisted for centuries. The Qataris I met throughout the stay were warm, very welcoming and are always happy to exchange ideas about France (cuisine, events, heritage, etc.).

Our tips for a trip to Doha

• We offer you 25 euros on your first booking on the site Booking.com by clicking here
• We offer you 35 euros on your first booking on the site d’Airbnb.com by clicking here

Ideas for activities to do in Doha