Doha, the capital city of Qatar, has become a popular layover hub for travelers making their way to destinations around the world. With its modern skyline, luxury shopping malls, and traditional souks, Doha offers a unique blend of old and new that captivates visitors during their short stopovers. Whether you have a few hours or a full day to spend in Doha, there are plenty of sights and experiences to enjoy before catching your next flight.
When I was searching for flights from Lebanon to Sri Lanka, the best one I found included an overnight layover in Doha. I figured it was a great way to visit a new city in a short time. Doha is quite small so it’s the perfect place for a short or long stopover. In fact, I visited all the places in this guide to a perfect layover in Doha on foot. Remember that you’ll need to go through Immigration to catch your flight out of Qatar so I suggest a layover of minimum of 4 hours to visit Doha at a leisurely pace.
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A GUIDE ON HOW TO SPEND A LAYOVER IN DOHA (QATAR)
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WHERE IS DOHA?
Doha is the capital city of Qatar, a country in the Middle East sharing a land border with Saudi Arabia. Its prime location on the shores of the Persian Gulf gave it access to offshore petroleum reserves. As a result, Qatar is one of the richest countries in the world. The tiny country went from an unassuming fishing village to a modern thriving city in just a few decades.
Despite its rapid growth and modernization, Qatar has retained its traditions and rich cultural heritage. The best example of this is the historic Souq Waqif. This brings me to the first place on my guide to a layover in Doha.
1. EXPLORE SOUQ WAQIF
If you only have time to visit one place during your layover in Doha then it should definitely be Souq Waqif! The 250-year-old marketplace boasts shops of all sorts and an array of restaurants. You could easily spend your whole time exploring, shopping and dining in Souq Waqif. It’s no wonder it’s become Qatar’s main tourist attraction!
The souq was revitalized in 2006 using traditional Qatari architectural elements such as mud and straw. The outcome is an authentic rendition of ancient Doha. Walking around Souq Waqif is like stepping back in time to when Doha was a humble fishing village.
Getting “lost” in the cobblestone alleyways of Souq Waqif is one of the best things to do on a layover in Doha!
Souq Waqif is divided into different sections and each one has its own specialty. Shops selling a variety of traditional textiles, local antiques, aromatic spices and unique souvenirs abound. You’re sure to find something to suit your taste!
Some sections are more for locals selling everyday items such as hardware, household items and animals. As you wander around Souq Waqif, you might come across the less-appealing pets section. A word of caution, the sight (and smell) of birds, kittens and rabbits crammed in tiny cages can be unsettling.
How to get to Souq Waqif from the airport: The souq is 14km from the airport and takes about 40 minutes to reach. There’s a direct metro line from the airport to the Souq Waqif station. The souq is then just a few minutes away by foot.
Want a hassle-free experience? Reserve your seat on the Hop-On Hop-Off double-decker bus which includes a stop at Souq Waqif as well as other popular sites in Doha.
2. SHOP FOR JEWELRY AT THE GOLD SOUQ
If you’d like to buy some gold jewelry during your layover in Qatar then head to the Gold Souq. The choice of jewelry ranges from simple bangles imported from India to traditional bridal jewelry handcrafted in Qatar.
According to Qatar’s policy, a certificate of authentication is mandatory to avoid selling fake gold. So, make sure to receive a certificate with your purchase.
The Gold Souq is located next to the Al Ghanim Central Bus Station just a short walk from Souq Waqif.
3. STROLL ALONG AL CORNICHE
Do as the locals do and take a stroll along Al Corniche (preferably at sunset). Many Qataris go to the Corniche once the heat has subsided but any time of day is good.
The waterfront promenade spans along Doha Bay offering a perfect view of the Doha skyline (see header photo). This is the perfect spot to take an iconic photo to remember your time in Doha.
You could easily visit both Souq Waqif and Al Corniche during your layover since both are within walking distance of each other.
4. TAKE A TOUR IN A TRADITIONAL DHOW
A dhow is a wooden boat that was traditionally used for fishing. Since hardly any Qataris fish anymore, the dhows have been recycled as tour boats.
Tours of Doha Bay typically last around 2 hours and prices depend on the number of people. Head to the pier along Al Corniche to choose among the many dhows offering tours.
Or, if you want to make sure a dhow is available during your layover, you can book this tour in advance. This 4-hour tour includes a boat ride as well as a guided visit to Souq Waqif.
5. TAKE A PICTURE WITH THE GIANT BRONZE THUMB
The giant bronze art installation aptly named ‘Le Pouce’ (The Thumb) can be found in the heart of Souq Waqif. At first, I thought the giant thumb was a nod to Qatar’s shape resembling a thumb on a map but I was wrong. The giant bronze thumb sculpture was actually created to mark the victory of the Qatari football team at the Asian Cup in 2019.
6. SHOP FOR SOUVENIRS IN SOUQ WAQIF
If you fancy buying a token to remember your layover in Doha, look no further than Souq Waqif. Several souvenir shops are located along the main pedestrian alley. Items include traditional garments and textiles, handwoven carpets, spices, glass lanterns and local handicrafts. You can also find typical mementos such as t-shirts, magnets and mugs.
It’s worth mentioning that many of the souvenirs are mass-produced in China. To make sure you buy authentic souvenirs, head to the handicraft section for swords, copper dishware, brass lanterns and other items handcrafted in Qatar.
7. SPOT QUIRKS OF QATAR
One of the things I enjoy most when travelling is the quirks that make a place unique. The following are a few I spotted during my layover in Doha.
Which one is your favourite?
PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR PLANNING A PERFECT LAYOVER IN DOHA
WHAT TO WEAR WHEN VISITING DOHA
Qatar is a conservative Muslim country where traditional attire is the norm. Most men wear a thobe (long white tunic) over loose pants and a headdress called a gutra. Qatari women usually wear a black abaya (long robe) and a shayla (head scarf). Some women choose to wear a burqa to cover their face.
Qatar has adapted to the influx of foreigners and international tourists but proper attire is still expected. Foreign women don’t need to wear a headscarf but shoulders and knees should be covered and showing cleavage is a no-no. This also applies to foreign men as Qatari men don’t normally wear shorts. I wore black leggings and a denim tunic which covered my butt.
WHERE TO STAY IN DOHA DURING AN OVERNIGHT LAYOVER
Qatar has a wide choice of hotels suitable for every budget. The majority of hotels are located in Old Doha City. This area is an excellent choice for an overnight layover as it’s very close to Souq Waqif as well as many other attractions in Doha. As a side note, unmarried foreign couples don’t need to worry about booking a room with only one bed without showing a marriage certificate.
I stayed at the Doha Dynasty Hotel in front of the Al Ghanim Bus Station in Old Doha City. It’s one of the more affordable hotels plus the location is excellent. Souq Waqif is within walking distance. The room was badly in need of a makeover but it was fine for just one night, haha.
If you want to splurge on a hotel then I suggest staying right in the heart of Souq Waqif. The handful of luxury hotels in the souq are some of the best in Qatar. The location can’t be beat with shops and restaurants at your doorstep. Two of the most highly-rated hotels are Alwadi Hotel Doha - MGallery (5-star with 9.0 rating) and Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels by Tivoli (5-star with 8.9 rating).
Check prices and availability of all hotels in Doha by clicking on the Booking.com or Agoda banner.
If you fly with Qatar Airways, you can take advantage of stopover packages offering deals on hotel stays. Check details here.
WHERE & WHAT TO EAT IN DOHA
Souq Waqif is the best place to grab a bite to eat during your layover. The endless choice of restaurants ranges from fast food to casual eating to fine dining. Meals start at around 40 riyals (US$11 / C$15) which is very affordable considering Qatar is one of the richest countries in the world.
International dishes such as pasta and hamburgers are available but try one of the following local specialties to truly immerse yourself in the Qatari culture:
- Saloona: Spicy meat and/or broth usually containing eggplant, potatoes, carrots and tomatoes
- Machboos: Rice cooked with a variety spices and a choice of meat (including camel), fish or seafood
- Ghuzi: Whole roasted lamb served on a bed of rice, vegetables and flavourful nuts
Check out more Qatari food specialties here.
Qatari cuisine is very meat-heavy but it is possible to find some vegetarian meals. For example, I ate a falafel sandwich for only 4 riyals. Also, you can find several Indian vegetarian restaurants in the Al Ghanim neighborhood. A simple vegetarian meal costs as little as 2 riyals.
HOW TO GET AROUND DOHA
By bus: Doha has excellent public transportation. Air-conditioned buses run frequently but most lines stop before midnight. Fares start at 2.50 riyal and increase according to the distance.
A Karwa Smartcard is needed to board the bus. Cards can be bought at vending machines at Hamad International Airport or at the Doha Bus Station. If you don’t have a card, a fee of 10 riyals will be charged every time you use the bus.
To avoid paying 10 riyals each time, it’s better to choose one of the following smartcard options:
- Classic card: 30 riyal (long-term use)
- 24-hour Limited card: 10 riyal (includes two journeys within 24 hours)
- 24-hour Unlimited card: 20 riyal (unlimited journeys within 24 hours)
By metro: The metro in Qatar is efficient, comfortable and very clean. Tickets can easily be bought using cash or credit cards at vending machines found at every metro station. The user-friendly vending machines even have an English option.
The metro is directly connected to Hamad International Airport making it easy to reach anywhere in Doha. It takes about 40 minutes by metro to get from the airport to Souq Waqif or the city centre. The metro is not open 24 hours. Operating hours are as follows:
Sunday to Wednesday: 5:30 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Thursday: 5:30 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Friday: 2 p.m. to 1 a.m. (*more on this below)
Saturday: 6 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
By ride-hailing service: The most popular ride-hailing services in Qatar are Uber, its Middle-Eastern equivalent Careem and government-owned Karwa. You need the apps in order to use these services. If you don’t have a SIM card, WiFi is available at the airport in order to book a ride-hailing service.
Want to secure a safe and hassle-free pickup as soon as you arrive in Doha? Check prices on GetTranser.
By taxi: Taxis are readily available in Qatar. The government-owned blue Karwa taxis are metered with fares starting at 25 riyals from the airport to the city centre which takes about 20 minutes. Keep in mind that the fare per kilometre varies according to the time of day. Payment methods include cash, credit cards but check with the driver first and E-wallets such as Apple Pay.
MONEY & CURRENCY IN QATAR
The currency in Qatar is called Qatari Riyal (see currency converter here). There are plenty of ATM’s in Qatar but rates are better in the city than at the airport. Keep in mind that withdrawal fees and conversion rates may apply.
Credit cards are widely accepted everywhere but having some riyals could come in handy for smaller shops. It’s also easier to negotiate when using cash!
IS QATAR SAFE TO VISIT?
Qatar is one of the safest countries in the world. Crime and petty theft towards tourists are non-existent and the last terrorist attack was in 2005.
IS ALCOHOL BANNED IN QATAR?
Qatar is a Muslim country but given its large expat population, alcohol is served in licensed establishments such as hotels, bars, nightclubs and restaurants. Regardless, bringing alcohol into the country is forbidden. If you have alcohol in your luggage, chances are it will most likely be confiscated at the airport.
FRIDAY PRAYER & RAMADAN
Friday prayer: Since Qatar is a Muslim country, weekends are on Fridays and Saturdays. Fridays are reserved for prayer time meaning most places will only open after 2 p.m. or not at all. Souq Waqif is closed between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Fridays.
Ramadan in Qatar: Ramadan is a holy fasting month practiced in Islam. During this time, almost everything including restaurants is closed until dusk when the fasting period is broken. Ramadan takes place a different month each year so it’s a good idea to check if your layover falls during this holy month to better plan your stay. Having said that, most restaurants and shops in the tourist areas such as Souq Waqif will likely be open all day during Ramadan.
VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR DOHA
Nationals from 95 countries are eligible for visa-free entry into Qatar. As a Canadian, I didn’t need a visa for my layover. You can check your visa status on the official site Visit Qatar.
TOURS & EXCURSIONS IN DOHA
Optimize your layover in Doha by joining a tour or going on an excursion! Choose from sand-boarding in the desert to a guided city tour and more:
GO TO ALL TOURS & EXCURSIONS IN DOHA
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I’m the founder and creator of Life Untraveled. I quit my corporate job, sold everything I owned and have been traveling full-time since 2018. I hope to inspire you to travel differently on a budget.
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