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How to Spend A Layover in Doha

Home to one of the world’s greatest airlines—Qatar Airways—a layover is most likely bringing you to Doha, Qatar’s capital, but by the time you’re done reading this, you’ll be happy it did.

One of the safest countries in the world, if you’re traveling solo, it’s even easier to navigate, with little traffic, convenience at every turn, and so much to take in, making it a great place to take advantage of for a few hours or a full day.  

In this blog post, I’ll tell you exactly how to spend your layover in Doha to get a taste of the culture and experience some of the must-visit sites in the city before heading to your final destination. 

Note: This itinerary best suits those with 8-24 hours to explore Doha. Also, keep in mind that on Fridays, many places in Doha are closed in the mornings and early afternoon to observe prayers, so plan accordingly!


Disclaimer: This blog post may contain affiliate links which means that if you book one of these activities using my link (which I know you will because you loved how helpful this blog post is *wink*I am going to receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting BCJ! 

Have a traditional Qatari breakfast at a historic eatery 

Start your time in Doha with a traditional Qatari breakfast spread from Shay Al Shomous, owned by the first Qatari woman, Shams Al Qassabi, to open a shop and run the first authentic restaurant in Souq Waqif, a market here in Doha. 

Many, if not most, aspects of Qatari culture from what I’ve seen during my time here are adopted from the region in general, so this is a great first place to stop and get to indulge in a more traditional meal instead of a Western one. 

Order delights like Balaleet, vermicelli sweet noodles toasted with spices and egg on top, Regag, a paper-thin crispy crepe with different fillings, and my favorite, Karak Chai Tea. 

A spread of traditional breakfast food in Qatar
Left: Bread | Top: Balaleet | Bottom Right: Egg + Tomato

One of my favorite parts of the restaurant is how the walls are covered with photos of famous visitors, like this one of David Beckham and the owner, Qassabi, herself below. 

Family-ran, Shay Al Shomous has more of a homey feel to it. I felt like I was in someone’s home, waiting for my meal to be ready! 

Hold a falcon, Qatar’s national bird, at the Falcon Souq 

Falcons are the national bird of Qatar and are well-respected. 

As part of Qatar’s culture, falcons were once trained to help Qatari people hunt for food in the desert, building a great bond between the bird and its owner. 

Falcons at the Falcon Souq in Doha
Hoods are placed over the eyes of falcons to tame and keep them calm until they are used to their surroundings or falconer.

Falcons are kept as pets in some homes, with many participating in the sport of falconry, where there are competitions that display the skills of trained falcons.

Falconers take great pride in training and handling falcons and then being able to pass down that tradition to younger family members. 

At the Falcon Souq, you’ll see these birds up close, capture their beauty in pictures and videos, and even have one perched on your arm! 

Christina Jane holding a falcon at the Falcon Souq
For 10 QAR ($2.75), you can hold one of the falcons with the supervision of the falcon caretakers at the facility!

Soak in views of Doha’s skyline at the Corniche 

The Corniche in Doha is a 4.35-mile waterfront stretch that provides gorgeous views of Doha’s tallest buildings and is a great place to leisurely spend time, as many locals and tourists like to do. 

I recommend hopping on a Dhow, a traditional wooden boat in Qatar once used for trading, fishing, and pearl diving. They are usually docked along the Corniche, waiting for people to board.

Pass by the Flag Plaza, a site along the Corniche that contains 119 flags representing nations with diplomatic missions in Qatar. 

89% of Qatar’s population are expats, and Flag Plaza is a great way to celebrate the country’s diversity and grab a quick shot with your country’s flag! 

The Corniche also has a variety of restaurants, parks, museums, hotels, and more that you can discover with a simple stroll along the waterfront, where the vibrant atmosphere invites you to explore local cuisine, art, and culture while enjoying stunning views of the sea.

Dhows at The Corniche | Layover in Doha
Planning Tip: If you plan to take a Dhow ride, be sure to have some cash on you (at least 100 QAR) just in case, as I find many men in charge of dhows only accept cash, although cards are widely used in Qatar. Photo by Rowen Smith.

Immerse yourself into a world of pastel colored buildings 

Mina District is a lively area renowned for its port activities. Historically, it was the heart of Qatar’s trade and fishing industries, and it remains a vital hub for commercial activities, including many winter cruises to other Gulf countries (that I can’t wait to explore!).

The district is beautiful, with pastel-colored buildings plastered with elaborate murals that aid in the area’s depiction of a colorful maze.

Shops in Mina center around maritime themes, featuring water sports gear, fishing equipment, and related items. Additionally, you’ll find options for clothing, oud, art, and souvenirs to remember your layover in Doha. 

Be sure to capture stunning photos against the backdrop of the beautiful pastel buildings.

Mina District is also home to Chabrat Al Mina, a seafood restaurant at the port where you can select fresh seafood directly from the market, which is then cleaned and prepared to your liking.

Explore one of Doha’s many luxurious malls 

While some may find Doha’s mall culture overrated, I always find it worth stopping in a city’s markets or malls to see the local lifestyle.

Doha is home to some of the most luxurious malls I have ever been to, and I think it’s worth stopping by. 

The Villaggio Mall will make you feel like you’re in Italy, with its indoor canal that offers short gondola rides that mimic the ones in Venice and indoor theme parks. 

If you’re looking for a mall that will immerse you in top-notch luxury and just how extravagant the city can get, spend your time at Alhazm, which leaves me in awe at every turn. 

Walls made of Tuscan marble, fine dining restaurants, breathtaking cafes at every turn, luxurious branded cars inside of stores, and more await you with a visit here. 

The gondola ride at the mall in Doha
The Villaggio Mall offers short gondola rides up and down the canal at the mall for 10 QAR ($2.75)
Photo by Villaggio IG

Venture in and out of the alleys of Souq Waqif at night time 

Although this layover in Doha itinerary takes you to Souq Waqif earlier in the morning, I believe the beauty of the Souq is best experienced at night when it truly comes alive with both people and its offerings. 

Souq Waqif is a must when visiting Doha. The traditional market is arguably Qatar’s top tourist destination and is a great place to observe some more traditional aspects of the culture here. 

Savor the smells of Arabian oud perfume, browse the intricate handicrafts that make great souvenirs, shop for an abaya, indulge in delicious bites of falafel and freshly grilled kebabs from one of the many restaurants, watch artists painting live at the Art Center, and so much more. 

Christina Jane at the Camel Pen in Souq Waqif.
The Camel Pen at Souq Waqif is one of my favorite places in Doha so far! If you go around 5 pm, you have a great chance of seeing the Amiri Guards end the daily Camel Parade here. 

End your layover in Doha with dinner at Jiwan Restaurant 

Complete your layover in Doha with an exquisite meal at one of Doha’s most stunning restaurants, Jiwan Restaurant

Located on the fourth floor of the National Museum of Qatar (with a separate entrance from the regular museum), Jiwan seamlessly blends tradition with luxury. 

The menu incorporates a fusion of flavors drawn from various cultures in the Middle East and South Asia. 

The interior decor is stunning, and its terrace patio comfortable dining pods with gorgeous views of the museum and the city, making Jiwan the perfect place to end your time in Doha. 

Jiwan restaurant in Doha
Jiwan has stunning dining options outdoors. | Photo by Jiwan Restaurant

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Now that you know how to spend your layover in Doha, I hope you enjoy exploring this interesting city.

In the comments below, let me know if you have any cultural or travel questions about navigating Doha!

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Christina Jane Travel Writer

About The Blogger

I’m Christina, a travel blogger and content creator from Fort Myers, Florida.

Being Christina Jane is my way of inviting you to join me on my travel ventures by sharing the knowledge gained from my adventures and experiences— both good and bad.

This travel blog is filled with helpful travel tips, information, and is a recollection of the lessons I’ve learned and experiences I’ve had while traveling.

My goal is to curate a space that interconnects my love for travel and transparency and I hope you will join me on that journey. 

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Some posts on this website may contain affiliate links. Meaning if you buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you and may even save you money!.

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Also, opinions and posts expressed on this blog are of my own accord. 

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