Layovers in Doha are common! If you’re taking a flight with Qatar Airways and have around 24 hours to spare whilst on your way to your next destination, be sure to give Qatar’s bustling capital a visit!
Qatar is known to be one of the smallest countries in the Middle East and is smaller than the US state of Connecticut. This makes visiting its capital extremely convenient for those that don’t have the luxury of time on their side.
So, what can you do in Doha if you have around 24 hours?
Begin and end your day by making your way to the notable Corniche. Stretching for over 4 miles, the Corniche is a popular go-to spot for walkers and runners as well as those who are simply looking for an awesome view of the city’s skyline. What’s more, the Corniche is a great place to witness the striking scenery of the city and breathtaking views of the sunrise and sunset. It really is a phenomenal sight with skyscrapers on one side and the turquoise waters of Doha Bay on the other!
After soaking up all that the Corniche has to offer, head over to one of the most visited sites in Doha; the Museum of Islamic Art. A true masterpiece, this museum in Doha is a fine representation of an Islamic Art Museum and is home to 15,000 manuscripts that have been collected from Spain, Turkey, China and so on. What’s more, visitors will be surprised to find five floors of Islamic art that date back hundreds of centuries. Welcomed by the precise geometric patterns used within the interior, visitors will be extremely impressed with all that the museum has to offer.
Next, make your way towards Souq Waqif. A traditional marketplace that was originally an ancient market location, Souq Waqif is the perfect place to do some quick shopping before heading back to the airport. Here you’ll find clothes, jewellery and traditional souvenirs. With cafes, refreshment stalls and restaurants, it’s easy to spend a few hours here without getting bored.
Before concluding your trip, head to the Abdullah Ibn Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center which is notably known for its spiral minaret. Once the largest mosque in the country, the mosque is a great place to get away from the crowd and recharge before leaving Qatar. For dinner, you’ll find many restaurants and cafes serving traditional local cuisine within the area of the mosque.
To end your trip with some recreation, head back to the Corniche for some breathtaking views of the sunset. Kick back and relax here with some Khanfaroosh, Muhallabia or Baklava before you head back to the airport.
With a warm to hot climate all year round, Doha is an attractive coastal city that sits on the coast of the Persian Gulf. If you’re looking to pack in another vacation within your already-planned vacation, Doha is a great choice!
The adventurous spirit behind the pages of British Muslim magazine. As the Editor-in-Chief, Natasha leads with a passion for exploration and a pen dipped in wanderlust. With a keen eye for halal travel experiences and an insatiable curiosity for new experiences, she brings readers along on captivating journeys to far-flung destinations. Through her vibrant storytelling, Natasha invites readers on enriching adventures, where every experience is a window into the muslim world.
