Doha is a vibrant city filled with modern skyscrapers, ancient souqs, beautiful museums and a booming food scene. Many transit passengers find themselves planning a whirlwind twenty-four hours tour of the city while in transit. This is your guide to discovering the beauty and rich heritage of Doha.
National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ)
The Museum tells the unique story of Qatar and its people. A modern, vibrant and beautiful space that gives visitors a glimpse of Qatar’s past, present and future. A must-see attraction!
Admission fees (National Museum of Qatar, Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), and Mathaf (Arab Museum of Modern Art):
Visitors must book tickets online ahead of their visit to the museums. For more information, please visit Qatar Museums Website HERE
Entrance is free of charge for Qataris and Residents of Qatar (Qatar ID required for free admission), Qar 50 for non residents, kids under 16y are free and student discounts apply.
For a comprehensive guide to the NMoQ click HERE
Museum Of Islamic Art (MIA)
An iconic architectural marvel showcasing valuable works of art, plush precious rugs and ancient relics.
UPDATE: MIA Museum is presently closed due to renovations. MIA will reopen in 2022.
MIA Park is one of the most popular family parks in Doha.
The cafe located at the end of the park is one of the best vantage points to enjoy the West Bay skyline while enjoying a coffee during winter. Enjoy a stroll through the park or use the complimentary Golf carts.
Top tips when visiting Museums:
- Please dress appropriately (there is a dress code for museums, malls and certain buildings in Qatar) and check opening times as they vary upon the day of the week.
- The Mathaf bus is a complimentary service that runs between Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, The National Museum of Qatar, the Museum of Islamic Art and Fire Station: Artist in Residence.
The bus runs every hour during museum opening hours. Saturday–Thursday: 9am–7pm and Friday: 1:30–7pm
- 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐮𝐦𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧, 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐈𝐀 galleries, which are currently closed for renovation.
Café in MIA Park
Souq Waqif
Buy a souvenir as you venture through the intricate maze in the Souq to buy everything from a falcon to a hand crafted Persian rug. I find the Falcon Souq captivating and one is able to get close and personal with live falcons for a memorable photo.
Please note that stores in Souq Waqif are closed between 1pm and 4pm but are open till late at night.
It can be very hot during the day in summer, so I highly recommend Souq Waqif at night as it is an outdoor souq.
Dining at Souq Waqif
There are a vast array of food options from food stalls to fancy restaurants ranging from Indian cuisine, local Qatari cuisine to cafès and sheesha. Something for everyone’s budget!
Dhow Cruise
Along the famous Doha Corniche one is able to get a 30minute traditional Dhow ride for as little as Qar 15 per person. The dhow prices are not regulated and bookings are not needed. All you need to do is approach one of the brightly lit dhow boats lined up along the Corniche promenade between the MIA & Costa. Prices are negotiable. A inexpensive dhow cruise experience is one of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of Qatar at night and capture some great memories.
Katara
Katara is a cultural village filled with theatres, art galleries, an amphitheatre, concert halls and restaurants. There are different workshops, festivals and FREE art exhibitions showcased in this diverse multicultural village daily.
Dine in restaurants & cafés from around the world, visit the beautiful Katara mosque, stroll on the serene beach or watch an artist paint a mural while you soak in the culture.
For a unique experience with great views try Boho Social or Marsa Katara.
Keep up to date with events and workshops happening at Katara.
Be sure to stop at the world famous Chappati and Karak which is open 24hrs a day. Popular with locals that are addicted to this spicy, fragrant sweet karak tea and treat yourself to my favourite food in Doha… an extra crispy sweet chappati.
The Coldest Outdoor Shopping and Dining destination in summer is at 21 High Street in Katara. Offering shopping at Galeries Lafayette and boasting International restaurants and café chains that will satisfy the most critical taste buds.
Stop at Joe’s Café (the best sticky toffee pidding ), Café Pouchkine (heavenly macarons), and Novikov (One of the best Asian restaurants in Qatar).
Transport
One can use the Metro, hail a green Karwa metred taxi or book an Uber or Careem to get around Qatar.
Qatar’s Metro trains now operate from the airport throughout Qatar.
For more information go to the Qatar Rail app.
The Metro is a cheap (Qar2) and easy way to navigate around Qatar and the above locations. One does need to buy a Metro card from the station and load credit.
Both Careem and Uber can be ordered via their app and are my favourite methods of getting around Qatar.
TOP TIP: Hamad International Airport and most public spaces like Museums etc have FREE WIFI.
One can pay with cash to the driver or charge your credit card on the UBER or CAREEM app.
Large Karwa 7 seater Taxis can now be ordered from anywhere in Qatar to the Airport by calling 800 8294 or book via the Karwa Taxi app with your credit card.
At the Airport:
These Karwa taxis (sedans and 7 seaters) are also available from Hamad International Airport to your destination in Qatar. To get a Karwa taxi one needs to follow the “Taxi” signs on the ground floor in the Arrivals section of HIA. There is no need for pre-booking, it is a metered taxi and it is a very organised and controlled system. Ensure one has Qatari Riyal cash to pay as they do not accept credit cards.
Learn more about Private Transport in Qatar HERE.
MY TOP TIPS:
Time:
As time is of the essence during a short day visit it is important to double check the opening times of the places you wish to visit.
Opening times change during different seasons, example malls are open later in Ramadaan and stay open till much later.
Most museums, souqs and activities are closed on a Friday morning.
Plan your Itinerary:
Choose to visit places that are close to each other.
NMOQ, MIA, Souq Waqif and the Corniche are all next to each other and should be done together.
Katara, Lusail & the Pearl are also in close proximity and can be enjoyed on one day.
Staying for a few days in Qatar?
Check out the 48 Hours in Doha post here
If you enjoyed this article, follow me on Facebook New in Doha and Instagram @NEWINDOHA to keep up to date as I discover Qatar’s other hidden gems.
This is not a sponsored post. I make every effort to ensure the accuracy of my information. However, I would recommend that you always call ahead and confirm the details as they are subject to change
No Comments