Doha, the vibrant FIFA World Cup 2022 host city, has quickly become a popular transit hub thanks to Qatar Airways’ seamless flight connections. Malaysian travellers can get a visa on arrival with no fuss.
Whenever I transit in Doha, I never miss a chance to step out of the airport and experience what Doha has to offer. With just a quick 15-minute taxi ride from Hamad International Airport, you’ll find yourself in the heart of Doha, ready to discover its rich culture, delicious cuisine, and world-class architecture.
If you find yourself having a layover in Doha on your next trip, don’t just stay in the airport; head out and explore Doha with this quick guide!
1. Visit Souq Waqif
If you only have less than 24 hours in Doha, Souq Waqif is the one pit stop to soak in Qatar’s rich cultural experience. The ‘Souq’, meaning marketplace in Arabic, is a bustling place that opens as early as 7am and stays open as late as 11pm. Here, you can find traditional handicrafts, spices, garments, souvenirs, local cuisine, and even a designated souq area for the majestic falcon.
No matter what time of day it is, you can also find a spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Here are some recommended restaurants to try!
2. Recommended restaurants in Souq Waqif
Breakfast – Shay Al Shomous
Serves traditional Qatari breakfast and is known for its delicious crispy Reqaq (crepes) and saffron Karak (saffron tea).
Lunch – Bandar Aden
A traditional Yemini restaurant popular amongst the locals and tourists for their delicious and generous portion of chicken and lamb mandi with freshly baked naan.
Dinner – Parisa
A Persian restaurant with exquisite lavish interior decor. Lamb is their speciality here, so don’t miss out on ordering their lamb shank, accompanied by a plate of soft saffron rice.
Dessert – Al Aker
You can’t leave Souq Waqif without getting a sweet treat from Al Aker. Their freshly made Kunafa is a must-try!
3. Visit Msheireb Downtown Doha
Msheireb Downtown is a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts. It is the world’s first sustainable regeneration project revived from Doha’s old commercial district. Here, you can find yourself surrounded by a cluster of modern and sleek buildings. They’re designed to adapt to Doha’s scorching summer heat, making it comfortable for a stroll while exploring unique local boutiques, trendy cafes, and museums.
The best way to get started in Msheireb is by visiting the free Msheireb Museums, where you can learn about Qatar’s history and evolution through the four preserved and restored historic heritage houses.
M7 in Msheireb is another must-see for art lovers, as it is a hub to nurture all creative talents in Doha. There are often exhibitions organised with the space, from fashion, films, photography, and more. Check out the website for the latest exhibition updates.
You can easily reach Msheireb by the red metro line from the airport or by taking a short 10-minute walk from Souq Waqif.
4. Stroll around the Corniche
The Doha Corniche is a perfect spot to enjoy a scenic leisure walk, especially in the evenings when you can see the stunning skyline twinkling in the background. The Corniche stretches for seven kilometres along the waterfront. Besides walking along the Corniche, hop aboard a traditional Dhow boat for a short cruise along Doha Bay.
5. Immerse in world-class museum experiences in Doha
Museum of Islamic Art (MIA)
Located at the edge of the Corniche, the iconic Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) was designed by the renowned architect I. M. Pei. It houses an extensive collection of Islamic art from three continents, spanning over 1,400 years.
After exploring the impressive exhibitions, take a leisurely stroll in the adjacent MIA park, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Doha skyline and art sculptures by famous artists such as Richard Serra and Yayoi Kusama.
National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ)
The architecture of the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) itself is a stunner, inspired by the desert rose. The intricate iconic building will take you on a journey of Qatar’s history through immersive experiences, from its natural landscape and Bedouin culture to its rapid development after the discovery of oil.
6. Visit Katara Cultural Village
For a cultural experience, head to Katara Cultural Village, where you can enjoy Qatar’s vibrant arts and cultural scene. What makes Katara truly unique is its blend of architectural styles—where traditional Qatari designs merge seamlessly with influences like the stunning Greek-style amphitheatre.
As you explore the alleyways of Katara, you’ll stumble upon charming boutiques, local cafes, and art galleries featuring works from both local and international artists.
Be sure to stop by the two iconic mosques in Katara – the Gold Mosque and the Katara Mosque. These two mosques are architectural gems known for their intricate tiles and captivating designs; marvel at the craftsmanship up close.
After wandering through the cultural village, take a moment to relax at Chapati & Karak, a popular spot to enjoy a traditional cup of Karak tea—the perfect way to recharge while soaking in the atmosphere of Katara.
7. Take a desert safari trip
If you are seeking an exhilarating adventure outside the city, a desert safari is one of the most exciting ways to experience Qatar’s natural beauty. A typical desert safari lasts around four hours and includes convenient pick-up and drop-off services from Doha.
The adventure kicks off with an exhilarating dune bashing session in a 4×4 vehicle. You’ll be driven by skilled local guides who will provide you with a heart-pounding ride that feels like a roller coaster. They’ll race up and down steep dune slopes and take sharp turns – it’s truly an exhilarating experience!
After the adrenaline rush of dune bashing, you’ll be treated to stunning panoramic views of the golden desert from the highest dunes, leaving you with one of the best memories to cherish in Qatar for many years to come.
Tips for getting around Doha
The best way to get around Doha is by taxi or e-hailing service such as Uber or Careem. Taxis in Doha are strictly regulated, so you won’t need to worry about being scammed as they are required to use a meter for all rides.
Alternatively, if you are planning to visit only the city centre of Doha, the Doha Metro is also a convenient and affordable option, with one ticket costing QAR 2 (MYR 2.3) for a one-way trip. The metro system is easy to navigate, with only three lines and stops at many of Doha’s key attractions, such as Souq Waqif, Corniche, National Museum, Katara, and Msheireb.
You can catch the Red Line metro from Hamad International Airport to the city centre. However, if you are pressed for time with a short layover, it’s best to catch a taxi from the airport to the city as it only takes around 15 minutes or less.
