What to Do in Doha in 3 Days

Although the capital of Qatar is a popular day-trip destination in the Middle East, Doha is not a city that can be experienced in a span of a mere 24 hours. Home to some of the region’s most impressive museums, traditional bazaars and shopping compounds, Doha is a dynamic metropolis where the highlights are as multi-faceted as its unique landscapes. Here’s a 3-day itinerary first-time visitors can use to enjoy the best of what the city has to offer during their stay.

Day 1- Morning: Mina District, Box Park and Souq Waqif 

The Old Port area, which is now referred to as the Mina District, should be the first stopover on a 3-day tour of Doha, as this new development will ease visitors into the beauty and rhythm of the city without overwhelming the senses. Featuring pastel coloured structures, quaint cafes and ice cream parlours, Mina District offers holidaymakers the opportunity to assimilate into their new surroundings in a port area that’s also home to a newly constructed fish market. Don’t forget to snap a selfie in the district’s Box Park before heading over to nearby Souq Waqif, which has been a Doha fixture for centuries. After snacking on local treats and stocking up on souvenirs, visitors can enjoy a scrumptious lunch back at their base or at one of the souq’s own restaurants.

Day 1- Afternoon/Evening:  Museum of Islamic Art, Al Bidda Park and the National Museum of Qatar

A walk along the Doha Corniche will serve as the perfect afternoon activity for couples staying at Al Najada Doha Hotel Apartments By Oaks and other centrally located serviced apartments in Doha while families may want to relax and unwind at Al Bidda Park before dropping by the Museum of Islamic Art. After marvelling at the world’s largest collection of Islamic art, culture buffs can make their way to the National Museum of Qatar which resembles a work of art with its stunning architectural features. Visitors can also grab dinner at the museum’s own Jiwan Restaurant, which is renowned for its modern take on traditional Emirati and Arabic dishes.

Day 2- Morning: The Pearl, Qanat Quartier and Gewan Island 

As one of the city’s most popular islands, the Pearl should be the focus of the second day’s sightseeing activities. Ranked among the best places to enjoy a scrumptious breakfast, The Pearl’s cafes and dining hubs are not limited to Kai’s Songbird restaurant, which occupies pride of place in Porto Arabia. After uncovering the beauty of the Qanat Quartier’s Venetian landscapes, complete with vibrant buildings, canals and ornate bridges, travellers can indulge in lunch or brunch at a Medina Centrale restaurant of their choice. Those who would rather dig into a hearty meal on neighbouring Gewan island can hop on a taxi to drop by this new region of Doha, which has become synonymous with the air-conditioned forest walkway dubbed the Crystal Walk.

Day 2 – Afternoon/Evening: Katara Cultural Village, Lusail and Al Maha Island

The Katara Cultural Village will serve as the ideal epicentre for an eventful evening full of entertaining showpieces and exhibitions, as it is one of Doha’s top cultural hotspots to visit after sundown. As one of the most photographed points of interest in Doha, Katara is a city within a city that’s dedicated to exploring and celebrating the cultural heritage of the Emirates. Vacationers in search of a more relaxing activity hub may want to drop by Lusail to enjoy a quiet stroll around its marina or the Boulevard before walking over to Al Maha Island around dinnertime. Families visiting Lusail, however, shouldn’t miss Winter Wonderland as it is a theme park of truly epic proportions.

Last Day - Desert Adventures 

As a trip to the Emirati capital would not be complete without a desert safari or a dune bashing experience in its arid landscapes, visitors can devote the last day of their trip to taking part in these signature activities. Thrill seekers can also sign up for an array of additional adrenaline-pumping pursuits, the likes of quad biking and sandboarding, during their foray into the desert, although those who wish to return to the city with plenty of time to spare may want to cut down on the diversity of outbound adventures they embark on during their desert tour.