48 Hours in Doha

Breakfast at The Pearl
Start your day with a stroll on The Pearl to explore Qatar’s only man-made island. Known as the Arabian Riviera, this Mediterranean-style marina is lined with yachts, boutique hotels, luxurious shopping precincts and incredible al fresco dining spots. Enjoy some morning paddle boarding if you choose, and then indulge in a decadent breakfast at one of the cafes or restaurants along the waterfront. We recommend trying an authentic Arabic breakfast at one of the few Qatari cuisine restaurants. Don’t forget to order a traditional Karak tea.

National Museum of Qatar
Once fueled with a delicious breakfast you’ll be ready to take on the sights, with the first stop being the National Museum of Qatar. Also known as the ‘Desert Rose’, this incredible building was inspired by the Qatari desert’s natural rock formations. Designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, the museum has become a hugely popular landmark in Qatar. It is filled with immersive art experiences, historical artefacts and even educational areas for the kids; showcasing Qatar’s culture, history and traditions in the best light. 

Late lunch at Katara Cultural Village
After delving into Qatar’s fascinating history, take the short drive to Katara Cultural Village where you can re-fuel at one of the many food stalls or restaurants. We recommend eating at one of the oceanfront food stalls for a small bite of local seafood, as you will want to save room for this evening’s dinner! Wander through the entertainment precinct and explore all that this village has to offer. It is abundant with galleries, theaters, public artworks and performance venues – you may even catch a show whilst you’re there. If you are feeling the heat, there’s also a public beach at Katara where you can take part in many water sports activities.

Dinner and shopping at the Souq Waqif
In the evening, take a car to the iconic Souq Waqif for a bite to eat and one of the best souvenir shopping experiences you’ll ever encounter. Whilst there are plenty of incredible restaurants to dine at in the souq, we recommend tasting some of the local cuisine at Parisa, Al Mourjan or Shai Shamoos. After dinner, take a stroll down the alleyways to discover a dazzling array of Middle Eastern merchandise, beautiful jewelry, incredible silks and souvenirs. Don’t miss the traditional falconry market– even hold one of the birds, if you dare! Enjoy the jovial atmosphere of the souq, which is typically abundant with art and cultural shows, traditional music and street performers.

Please note: the souq is a dry venue, recommended visiting hours are 5pm – 11pm.