2 days in Doha : The Perfect Qatar Stopover Travel Guide
Planning to spend 2 days in Doha and wondering how to make the most of the Qatar Stopover program?
In this 2 days in Doha itinerary, I’ll walk you through exactly how we booked our stopover with Qatar Airways and how to explore the best of Doha whether you’re a first-time visitor or not. From the bustling Souq Waqif to a thrilling desert safari at the Inland Sea – this Doha travel guide packs all the highlights into an unforgettable 48-hour Qatar Stopover adventure !
When I first discovered the Qatar Stopover program, I had no idea I could experience so much in such a short time. But let me tell you Doha exceeded all my expectations. From dune bashing in the desert to wandering through the vibrant Souq Waqif and visiting architectural wonders like the National Museum of Qatar, this city blends tradition and innovation in the most magical way.
I planned our Qatar stopover when my husband and I were traveling from the USA to India, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions of our trip. Instead of just transiting through, we explored a city that surprised us with its rich culture, beautiful architecture, and warm hospitality, all in just two days! (P.S : Qatar marks our 29th country on the map! )
So, if you’re flying through Doha with Qatar Airways and wondering what to do on a stopover, this blog has everything you need to plan the perfect 2 days in Doha itinerary. I’m sharing exactly how we spent our time, what to see, and tips to make the most of your Qatar stopover – whether it’s your first time in the Middle East or not.
Lets start from the beginning!
How To Spend 2 Days In Doha : The Ultimate Qatar Stopover guide for First Timers
What is Qatar Stopover Program?
Before getting into what to do in Doha, let’s talk about the Qatar Stopover Program.
Qatar Airways, in partnership with Discover Qatar, rolled out this program that lets travelers explore the lively city of Doha during their layovers.
This program is designed for passengers transiting through Hamad International Airport and offers affordable luxury hotel stays, often included in the airfare, with options to upgrade. You can stay up to four nights and check out everything from charming souqs and impressive skyscrapers to stunning desert sunsets.
When I booked my flight with Qatar Airways website, extending my layover in Doha was super easy. I picked my flights, chose how long I wanted to stop over, and then got a list of complimentary hotels to check out and that it – I booked our Qatar stopover flight & hotel.
You can chose up to 4 night stay. We ended up staying in the West Bay area — it was beautiful and peaceful. But if you’re looking for a livelier vibe with lots of restaurants, shops, and cultural spots right outside your door, I’d definitely recommend staying near Souq Waqif instead.
Qatar Stopover Program is a fantastic chance to experience Doha without switching your flight. We went for it, and trust me, there’s so much to see on this stopover. If your layover is just over 12 hours, you should book a tour to hit the city’s highlights. But if you can, definitely try to spend 2-3 days there.
So, if you’re flying Qatar Airways and have a stopover in Doha, consider turning that time into a mini vacation!
Visa Requirement
Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to enter Qatar. I highly recommend checking the latest Qatar visa requirements before planning your stopover, as entry policies can vary and are subject to change.
As Indian passport holders, we had the option to either get a Visa on Arrival or apply for an e-visa in advance. To make things easier and avoid any last-minute hassle, we applied for the Qatar e-visa through the Hayya Portal before our trip—it was super easy and straightforward.
That said, Indian citizens can also enter Qatar visa-free for up to 30 days with a visa waiver on arrival, provided they meet the these conditions (1) A passport valid for at least six months (2) A confirmed return or onward ticket and (3) A confirmed hotel booking through Discover Qatar . These requirements are subject to change and would suggest to check the official website for latest updates.
We booked our flight and hotel through Qatar stopover package first and then applied for e-visa through the Hayya Portal .
Best Time to visit Doha, Qatar
If you’re planning a trip to Doha, aim for the cooler months i.e from November to early April. The weather is just right for wandering the markets, enjoying outdoor cafes, and heading out for a desert safari without melting in the heat. With daytime temperatures ranging from 15°C to 28°C (59°F to 82°F), you can comfortably enjoy outdoor attractions like Souq Waqif, the Corniche, and desert adventures.
I would avoid the summer months (May to September), as the extreme heat can make sightseeing pretty challenging.
We visited during the first week of April, and while the daytime temperatures were quite hot, the evenings were pleasantly cool.
2 days in Doha itinerary
Day 0: After landing at Hamad International Airport, the arrival process was smooth and efficient. Immigration was quick – just have your passport, e-visa (we applied beforehand), and hotel booking details ready.
After you go through the immigration and pick up your luggage, you’ll find taxis waiting just outside the airport. They’re reliable, easy to use and accept credit cards. If you prefer, you can also take the metro from the airport — it’s a budget-friendly option.
Since our flight landed late in the evening, we headed straight to the hotel, checked in, and got some much-needed rest to recharge for the next day.
If you’re arriving from a different time zone, you might feel a bit of jet lag. Don’t worry – Just take your morning slow and ease into the day at your own pace.
Day 1 : Kick off your day at the Museum of Islamic Art. Even if you’re not a museum person, this one is absolutely worth it. The exhibits span centuries of stunning Islamic art, and the building itself is a masterpiece.
Don’t miss the waterfront park right behind the museum. It offers some of the best skyline views in Doha. Perfect for a slow morning stroll and some amazing photos!
Just a few minutes away is the National Museum of Qatar, an architectural wonder shaped like a desert rose. Even if museums aren’t your thing, I still recommend visiting just to admire the impressive structure. You don’t even need a museum ticket if you want to check out the exterior!
For lunch, head to Saasna Doha, a Michelin-recognized restaurant, and try Machboos, which is absolutely delicious! Highly recommend this restaurant if you’re looking to try traditional Qatari flavors in a cozy setting.
Next, make your way to Souq Waqif, and honestly, wandering around here was a highlight of our trip. Tiny winding alleyways, shops selling oud, spices, jewelry, and handwoven textiles, it’s lively but still feels relaxed, like stepping back in time.
As the evening cools down, I recommend taking a short dhow boat cruise from the Corniche. Floating across the water with the city lighting up is gonna be pure magic.
Another great option is visiting the Mina District. Grab a karak tea or a coffee, stroll the colorful waterfront, and watch the sunset from the riverside walkway. Thats what we did!
For dinner, I recommend heading back to Souq Waqif to experience it after the sun sets – the lights, the buzz, the energy! Find a cozy local restaurant, sit outside, and enjoy a traditional meal. Absolutely Amazing!
Day 2 : Start your morning at Katara Cultural Village, a beautiful artsy neighborhood filled with open-air galleries, cute cafes, stunning mosques, and a beach. It’s a peaceful place to explore with no rush.
From there, head to The Pearl-Qatar, a man-made island that feels like a slice of Europe.
Afternoon to Sunset : If you plan do one adventurous thing while you’re in Doha, make it a desert safari! In just a few hours, you can ride camels, zoom over golden dunes in a 4×4, and see the breathtaking Inland Sea, where the desert literally meets the ocean. It’s one of the coolest experiences I’ve had in Qatar.
If you still have some energy left after the desert adventure, I highly recommend one last nighttime walk along the Corniche. Doha’s skyline lit up at night is absolutely beautiful, and the whole atmosphere feels calm and peaceful – the perfect way to end your 48-hour adventure.
If the desert adventure isn’t your thing, you can opt for a relaxed afternoon at the Doha Beach Club instead. Great food, great views, and a perfect place to unwind.
Just keep in mind – The heat in Doha can be pretty intense, so be sure to have a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water with you. It’s best to explore outdoors early in the morning or later in the evening when the temperature drops.
Tours you should book in Doha
Depending on the length of your stay and how much you want to explore, here are my suggestions for the tours you should book when you are in Doha.
City Tour
If you’re short on time but want to make the most of your visit, a City Tour is a perfect choice. It covers Doha’s highlights efficiently, giving you a great overview of the city in a limited time.
Inland desert Tour (small group)
If you’re staying for more than a day, I highly recommend adding an Inland Desert Tour to your itinerary. It offers an incredible opportunity to experience the stunning desert landscape and a different side of Qatar.
Combo City Tour & Desert Safari (Private)
For those who want to experience the best of Doha and the desert without sharing the tour with others, a private combo tour is ideal. It combines the highlights of the city and an adventurous desert safari in one unforgettable experience.
Dhow Boat Cruise
I recommend booking your Dhow Cruise in advance – this way, you can secure a good time slot and avoid the hassle of negotiating on the spot. That said, if you’re in the mood for a spontaneous experience, you’ll often find dhows docked along the Corniche or in the Mina District. Just remember to carry some local currency and be ready to negotiate a fair price!
North and West Qatar Tour
If you have extra time, consider booking a tour that explores the northern and western regions of Qatar. This trip offers a deeper look into the country’s rich culture, history, and landscapes beyond Doha.
Must-Try foods in Doha
Doha is a total treat for food lovers! From traditional Qatari dishes to flavors from across the Middle East, there’s so much to dig into.
Machboos – Qatar’s national dish, is a fragrant spiced rice meal typically served with lamb, chicken, or seafood. We tried the lamb machboos at Saasna Doha, a restaurant recognized by the Michelin Guide—and it was absolutely delicious!
Luqaimat – Sweet, deep-fried dough balls drizzled with date syrup – crunchy on the outside, soft inside.
Shawarma & Falafel – Available everywhere and perfect for a quick, delicious bite.
Karak Chai – Spiced milk tea that’s a local favorite – you’ll probably want more than one cup!
Kunafa – If you’re exploring Souq Waqif and craving a sweet treat, kunafa at Al Aker Sweets is a must-try dessert. This beloved Middle Eastern dessert, made with crispy shredded phyllo dough, melted cheese, and a drizzle of sweet syrup, is a hit with both locals and travelers. For the perfect pairing, enjoy it with a cup of karak chai or Arabic coffee, a delicious combo that hits all the right notes.
Umm Ali – With a name as fun as its flavor, Umm Ali is a dessert you’ve got to try in Doha! It’s an Egyptian classic that’s really popular with the locals. I had it on my first night at our hotel and instantly became a fan. If you love sweet, comforting desserts, you’re going to love this one. I also heard the Umm Ali at the Sheraton Doha is a big hit — might be worth checking out!
Lastly, don’t forget to explore the food stalls at Souq Waqif. It’s the best place to sample local flavors in a vibrant setting.
Other things to know before you go!
Flight Booking – To take advantage of the Qatar Stopover Package, make sure to book your flight directly through the Qatar Airways website (yep, that part’s a must!). Always compare what other airlines are offering before deciding if the Qatar Stopover Package is worth it.
When we booked our flight to India with Qatar Airways, most other airlines had similar fares, which made the stopover deal an excellent choice for us. We chose not to use our Avios (points & miles), as there weren’t any compelling redemption options available for our travel dates.
Currency – The local currency is the Qatari Riyal (QAR). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s handy to have some cash for taxis, small shops, or local markets. ATMs are easily available throughout the city. I would recommend to use Qatar National Bank ATM for cash withdrawal.
Also, keep in mind to use Credit cards with no Foreign Transaction fee.
Transportation – Doha has a very efficient and clean metro system that connects major parts of the city, including the airport. Taxis and ride-sharing apps like Uber and Careem are also widely available and reliable. We mostly used Uber to roam around the city and it was quite affordable.
With that said, when we landed, we couldn’t get an Uber, but finding a taxi right outside the airport was super easy. Plus, they accept credit cards, which made it even more convenient!
Language – Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken, especially in hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas, so communication is easy for the travelers. I had no problem communicating with the people I met.
Dress – While Doha is modern and welcoming, it’s respectful to dress modestly, especially in public places like malls, souqs, and museums. Lightweight, loose-fitting clothes that cover your shoulders and knees are ideal, and bring a scarf if you plan to visit mosques.
The heat in Doha can be pretty intense, so be sure to have a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water with you. It’s best to explore outdoors early in the morning or later in the evening when the temperature drops.
Friday is a Holy Day : Friday is the weekly holy day in Qatar. Some shops, museums, and attractions open later in the day (usually after 1 or 2 PM) to accommodate Friday prayers. Plan your activities accordingly.
FAQ
Is a 48-Hour Stopover in Doha Worth It?
Absolutely! With a well-planned itinerary, you can experience the best of Doha in two days—from the cultural treasures to the thrill of the desert. I visited for 2 days and it was enough to see the highlights of Qatar.
Can I add the Qatar stopover after booking?
Yes, you can add a stopover in Qatar to your existing flight booking. However, you’ll need to make your hotel reservations separately through Discover Qatar. It’s important to note that you cannot change your current flight booking into a stopover package. After you book your flight, visit the Discover Qatar website to arrange your hotel and any additional services, such as tours and transfers.
Can you book Qatar stopover with Avios (Points & Miles)?
Yes, you can book with Avios but not as Qatar stopover package with Qatar Airways. To book a Qatar Airways stopover using Avios, you first need to book a Qatar Airways flight. After that, you should separately book a Discover Qatar stopover package (Hotels & Transfer). Just make sure your flight has a layover of at least 12 hours in Doha so you can take advantage of the stopover.
Final Thoughts
There you have it – all the information to visit Qatar on a stopover ! Of course, 2 days in Doha is just enough to catch the highlights and get a feel of this beautiful country. If you have more time, think about adding a few more experiences or guided tours to make the most of your visit.
Whether you’re en route to Asia, Africa, or Europe, a 2-day in Doha stopover is a perfect chance to explore this stunning Middle East country without needing an entire vacation. With visa-on-arrival options, affordable luxury hotels, and convenient transport options, Qatar makes it easy for travelers to make the most of their time.
So next time you’re flying with Qatar Airways, don’t just pass through—plan a Qatar stopover and experience Doha for yourself.
Hope this blog helps you plan your perfect Qatar stopover in Doha. Let me know in the comments if have any questions. Happy to answer! or if you find my blog useful. Happy to know!
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