10 Things to Do on a Stopover in Doha

At a little over 4 miles long, the Corniche is a beautiful seafront walk around the crescent of Doha Bay. Take in contrasting views of modern skyscrapers on one side, and traditional dhow boats on the other. If you follow the full length of the path you’ll pass a series of sculptures, including the famous Pearl Monument, a tribute to the area’s history of pearl diving. 

The Corniche is fully paved and easy to follow. Several parks run along the length of the coast providing opportunities for breaks in the shade, and the route itself is dotted with cafes for your refreshment. 

Take a trip through history and discover centuries of incredible Islamic cultural artifacts in the Museum of Islamic Art. Within the museum’s 18 permanent galleries, you’ll find objects from all aspects of life, from Iranian carpets to Ottoman suits of armor. Everything is made with a high level of skill and care, from the fine embroidery on a coat that was once simply part of a person’s wardrobe, to the precision of the 1,000-year-old astrolabe. 

In addition to the collections, the museum’s facilities include an extensive library, cafe, and gift shop. There is also a park with sculptures and children’s playgrounds, and it’s worth checking ahead of time if there’s an event being held in this space during your visit. 

If you’re eager to immerse yourself in Arabic culture but only have a limited stopover to do it in, Souq Waqif is the place to go. This huge complex of markets will overwhelm your senses, breaking up boring airplane rides with colorful handicrafts, traditional outfits, and authentic Arabic perfumes. 

For animal lovers, there’s a bird market, horse stable, and camel pen. As the national bird of Qatar, falcons are particularly important, and you’ll be able to meet these elegant raptors up close. Souq Waqif is also a great place to try some traditional cuisine from across the Muslim world, including Moroccan tagine, Syrian fried eggplant, and Egyptian lamb chops. 

The Pearl is an artificial island built on land reclaimed from the sea off the coast of Doha and its most colorful neighborhood is the Qanat Quartier. It’s a miniature Venice laced with canals, walkways, and footbridges. The pastel-painted buildings with European-style balconies offer a relaxing, pedestrian-friendly area in which to spend an afternoon. 

After you’ve taken a selfie on the Rialto Bridge replica, grab a bite to eat at one of the many coffee shops or restaurants. Or visit one of the spas in the area for a luxurious recharge. 

Based on an ancient version of Qatar’s name, Katara Cultural Village was established to position the country as a cultural hub for art and culture across the Middle East. There you’ll find an opera house, multiple art galleries, a photography center, and the Golden Masjid, a small mosque and minaret covered in gold. 

If you explore the warren of streets that make up the village, you’ll come across statues and other outdoor art pieces. You’ll also find a multitude of cafes and restaurants from a variety of cultures, including Indian, Greek, and multiple chocolate cafes. 

You may only be making a flying visit, but that’s no excuse not to learn a little about the history of Qatar at the National Museum of Qatar. It was built around the Old Palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani, the father of modern Qatar, and is made up of a series of galleries that chart the history of the region from millions of years ago up to the present day. 

You’ll also find temporary exhibitions that change with the seasons and a well-stocked gift shop. The museum features several eateries, including a vegan cafe and a formal restaurant that specializes in locally sourced produce. 

What better way to see the bay and take in the sights of Doha, including the fabulous skyline, marinas, and the human-made Pearl Island, than on a dhow boat ride? A dhow is a traditional Arab sailing vessel with a tall, triangular sail, and while there are still plenty of these about, you'll also see many without sails in lieu of comfortable seating for tourists. 

There are several touring boats to choose from, offering cruises of different lengths and tours in several languages. Some even pick up directly from the airport so it’s a low effort, high reward way to spend time during your stopover. 

Take the opportunity to get a delicious meal during your stopover in one of Doha’s many rooftop restaurants. Doha is blessed with an abundance of rooftop restaurants and bars offering stunning views over the modern skyscrapers of the city’s skyline and the Arabian Gulf. 

There are many rooftops and terraces to choose from, though they are popular so it’s smart to call ahead and make a reservation before you leave the airport. Try the lush and leafy Secret Garden, which serves a selection of pizzas and pasta dishes, or the exclusive Nobu at the Four Seasons Hotel for a taste of Japanese cuisine. 

If you love luxury, Villaggio Mall is the place to go. The opulent, Venetian-themed setting, complete with indoor gondola rides, offers a variety of the world’s finest brands including Tiffany & Co., Bottega Veneta, and Givenchy. If you have children to spoil there’s Baby Dior and Gucci Kids, too. 

There’s also a broad range of refreshments available, from casual coffee shops and burger joints to sit-down restaurants. Still got time before your next flight? Check out the IMAX Cinema for a choice of local and international movies. 

Aspire Park is the biggest park in Doha and offers wide open spaces lush with green grass. Get fresh air and stretch your legs with a choice of paved running path or sand trail to lead you around the area. The park is dotted with cafes and snack stands so you can get an affordable bite to eat and rest under the trees before the next section of your journey. 

If you’re traveling with little kids, there’s a playground with swing sets and slides just a short walk from the lake and its population of ducks. If you need a moment for prayer, there is a small mosque and separate women’s mosque on this side of the park.