How to Spend 24 Hours in Doha - Travel Guide to Spending a Glorious Day Exploring Doha

Tipped to be one of the Middle East's most dynamic holiday hotspots, the vibrant capital of Qatar is a popular layover city and a pit-stop for tourists on their way to various destinations. Revered for its rich cultural heritage and exciting recreational highlights, spending a day in the city is an enticing prospect for those who have 24-hours to burn through on their travel itinerary. Here's how you can make the most of a day in captivating Doha.

StellarD, Corniche Doha Qatar, CC BY-SA 4.0

1. Start with the Museums

Whether one is an avid history buff or simply a tourist hoping to learn more about the heritage of the city, Doha's illustrious museums are likely to offer visitors an engaging cultural experience. Pick a few of the city's top museums and make sure you're at the gate when the opening time rolls around as these cultural hubs tend to get crowded as the day wears on. Depending on your area of interest and personal preferences, some of the top museums in Doha may include the Museum of Islamic Art and the Al Zubara Fort & Museum while the Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art is equally fascinating for art enthusiasts.

2. Cruise Around

After getting a cultural fix, it is time to head out to the Doha harbour to witness the beauty of the port and the multicoloured dhow boats that occupy its periphery. These ancient sea vessels may not be indispensable in this day and age of speedboats and luxury yachts but the sight of these colourful seafaring vessels against the harbour's backdrop is a must-experience sight for all first-timers exploring the city of Doha. Don't be surprised to find fishermen and fishing boats unloading their wares onto the dock.

3. Shop till You Drop

If you don't have time to head over to Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara or a day spa in Doha, do the next best thing and indulge in some retail therapy in the city's mega-malls. Doha is home to some of the Middle East's top department stores and largest shopping compounds. No trip to this city would be complete without a shopping spree at the larger than life Villaggio Mall or the towering Landmark Mall. Those in search of a more traditional Arabian retail encounter can head to the Old Souq instead where hundreds of kiosks selling everything from perfumes and carpets to cups of coffee are found.

4. Relax at the Corniche

After a day full of adventure is it then time to unwind in style at the Doha Corniche. As the most popular recreational hub in the city, locals and expats head to this seaside promenade every afternoon to soak up the relaxing atmosphere and take in the views of the city's impressive skyline. Enjoy a snack or refreshment from a nearby cafe and stroll around the Corniche to get a sense of Doha's cosmopolitan lifestyle and people watch to your heart's content.

5. Sign Up for a Desert Safari

While it may not be for the faint of heart, signing up for a brief desert safari is a great way to end the last few hours at your disposal in Doha. Those with a penchant for adventure sports may also want to schedule a spot of wadi bashing or dune bashing on their desert-bound excursion. Available through a number of local tour operators and resorts, desert safaris can also include a camping session for those who wish to spend a night in the arid landscape. Bedouin tents are set up and nightly entertainment in the form of dancers and a full-course dinner are part and parcel of these camping experiences that are perfect for couples and families spending a day in Doha.