Doha, Qatar-6-day-itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration
- Morning: Arrive at Hamad International Airport (HIA)
- Transportation: Take a taxi or bus from the airport to your hotel
- Where to Stay: Check-in at the Four Seasons Hotel Doha (5-star) or similar
- Lunch: Head to Souq Waqif, a traditional Arabic market with delicious food stalls. Try some Kebabs and Shawarma at Al Hallab Restaurant.
- Afternoon:
- Visit the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), featuring an impressive collection of Islamic art from around the world.
- Explore the adjacent Dhow Wharfage, a historic docking area with beautifully restored dhows (traditional Qatari boats).
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at Carnivale, an upscale Italian restaurant with a lively atmosphere. Don’t miss their famous pasta dishes and extensive wine list.
- Things to Know:
- Qatar is a conservative country, dress modestly when visiting mosques or traditional areas.
- Be prepared for the extreme desert heat and sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses).
- Cash is not widely used in Qatar; credit cards are accepted almost everywhere.
Day 2: Desert Adventure
- Morning: Take a guided Desert Safari to explore the majestic dunes of the Qatari desert. You’ll ride a 4x4 vehicle and have the chance to try sandboarding, camel riding, or simply relax in the serene desert environment.
- Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the beautiful desert landscape.
- Afternoon:
- Visit the Inland Sea, also known as the Khor Al Adaid, where you can enjoy stunning views and take a leisurely boat ride (seasonal).
- Relax at your hotel’s pool or spa, if you prefer not to venture out again.
- Evening: Treat yourself to dinner at Ferrari World, an upscale Italian restaurant located inside the mall. Be sure to try their extensive selection of pizzas and pasta dishes.
Day 3: Cultural Immersion
- Morning: Visit the National Museum of Qatar (NMOQ), which tells the story of Qatar’s rich history, from prehistoric times to the present day.
- Lunch: Head to The Coffee Pot, a cozy café serving delicious Middle Eastern-inspired dishes. Try their famous shawarma or falafel sandwiches.
- Afternoon:
- Explore the Qatar National Library, an architectural marvel featuring an impressive collection of books, media, and digital resources.
- Visit the Souq Al Ali, a bustling marketplace with a wide variety of goods and souvenirs to purchase.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at Barshish, an upscale restaurant serving traditional Qatari cuisine in a beautiful setting. Be sure to try their famous Machboos (a Qatari-style biryani dish).
Day 4: Beach Relaxation
- Morning: Spend the day relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Doha, such as Katara Beach or The Pearl Qatar. You can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, or simply soaking up the sun.
- Lunch: Grab some food from one of the many beachside restaurants, like The Palm Grill, which serves delicious burgers and sandwiches.
- Afternoon:
- Visit the Katara Cultural Village, an art-filled complex featuring beautiful architecture, galleries, and performance venues.
- Explore the adjacent Katara Beach Club, where you can enjoy water sports, dining, or simply lounge around in a relaxed atmosphere.
- Evening: Treat yourself to dinner at Tortuga Beach Restaurant, which offers stunning views of the Gulf. Be sure to try their fresh seafood and Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
Day 5: Sports and Entertainment
- Morning: Visit the Aspire Zone, a world-class sports complex featuring state-of-the-art facilities for various sports, such as tennis, squash, and athletics.
- Lunch: Head to The Aspire Lounge, which serves delicious Middle Eastern-inspired dishes in a relaxed atmosphere.
- Afternoon:
- Catch an event or match at the Aspire Arena, which hosts a wide range of events, from concerts to sports competitions.
- Explore the adjacent Villa Moda, a luxury shopping center featuring high-end brands and unique experiences.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Aspire Grill, which serves delicious steaks and seafood in a beautiful setting.
Day 6: Departure
- Morning: Spend some time exploring any last-minute attractions or doing some souvenir shopping before departing for the airport.
- Transportation: Take a taxi or bus from your hotel to Hamad International Airport (HIA) for your onward journey.