If you’re travelling from West to East, or vice versa, a common route often includes a layover in Doha Airport, Qatar. I don’t know about you, but if I have extra time, I love squeezing in a day or two in a new location. In this blog I’ll share what to do in Doha if you find yourself with some spare time. Everything here can be done in one hectic day, or stretched over two more relaxed days.

Unless you miss your flight and end up with an unexpected day to kill, the best way to plan this layover is through a package deal. We booked with Qatar Airways Holidays and got our hotel almost for free. This isn’t sponsored, and I’m sure there are other ways to organise a similar stopover.

When to Visit

We went in mid-September, and it was unbearably hot. Every day was in the mid-40s and it didn’t cool down until after 16:00. We tried to explore outdoors but found ourselves overwhelmed after 30–40 minutes. Beaches were closed during the day, and most outdoor areas were deserted. Luckily, our plan included museums, so this didn’t affect us too much, though it did mean we couldn’t walk as much as we’d hoped. Visit in winter, and your experience will be totally different and far more pleasant.

Where to Stay

We stayed just outside Souq Waqif, and if we return to Doha, we’d stay there again. It’s close to many museums and right on the metro line. Being near the Souq was also incredibly convenient. I would splash out a little more and stay in the Souq next time for more convenience.

Dress Code

As with any Islamic country, it’s important to keep the dress code in mind. Qatar isn’t as strict as some, but it’s more conservative than Dubai. I wore shorts and a T-shirt the whole time and had no issues, though I did need to cover my legs when entering a mosque. My girlfriend wore trousers and a T-shirt and also had no problems, except for when visiting a mosque where coverings were provided free of charge. Public swimming areas have stricter rules, so it’s best to check with your hotel for specifics. Overall, we didn’t encounter any difficulties – common sense goes a long way.

Getting Around

We used a mix of Uber and the metro. Both were affordable, fast, and efficient. Most key locations can be reached by metro, and often it was quicker than a car. That said, the system is limited, so Uber was still necessary for some spots.

Photography

I didn’t have any issues taking photos, but as with anywhere, it’s worth being aware of local rules. In general, photography was fine and I never faced any problems. My style isn’t intrusive, and if I sense my presence isn’t welcome, I put the camera down and move on. If you want to take close-up portraits where someone is the sole subject, it’s best to ask for permission. For gear, I used my Sony A7RV with a 40mm prime. I wanted to keep my setup small, and this focal length was perfect for Doha.

Morning – Katara

We started the day in Katara, a short Uber or metro ride from Souq Waqif. Katara is a cultural centre with theatres, exhibitions, galleries, and more. It’s both interesting to visit and fantastic for photography. The architecture lends itself well to minimalist, geometric shots. You can easily spend a few hours here. Don’t miss the photo gallery or the open-air theatre.

Midday – Museum of Islamic Art

Depending on the time of year, midday sun can be brutal, making this the perfect time to escape indoors. The Museum of Islamic Art is as photogenic as it is fascinating. The building itself is stunning, with great views of the city and plenty of photography opportunities inside. In cooler weather, the huge outdoor area is also worth exploring.

Midday – National Museum of Qatar

This was my favourite spot thanks to its jaw-dropping architecture. From a distance, it looks impossible, and as you get closer, it leaves you speechless. Arrive mid-afternoon for the best golden light as you can easily spend an hour photographing the exterior before even stepping inside. Indoors, there are fewer opportunities, but you’ll still find plenty of abstract shots using mirrors and reflective surfaces.

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Afternoon – Bandar Skyview Point

Head to Bandar Skyview Point in the afternoon for sunset and sweeping city views. Bring a drink, sit back, and enjoy – the local cats will likely keep you company.

Evening – Souq Waqif

Last but not least, Souq Waqif is a vibrant market right next to Skyview Point. During the day it’s quiet due to the heat, but at night it comes alive. Wide and narrow streets, interesting characters, and glowing shop windows make for plenty of photo opportunities. There’s a surprising amount of light, and even with my f/2.5 lens I never needed anything faster. Spend a couple of hours zig-zagging the market and you’re guaranteed to leave with great shots. When you’re done, head to Parisa for delicious Persian food in one of the most beautiful restaurants I’ve ever seen.