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If you’re flying with Qatar Airways, chances are your journey takes you through Doha, the capital of Qatar. Instead of spending your entire stopover inside the airport, why not use the opportunity to explore the city?
In this Doha layover guide, I’ll share how to get into the city, what to see (even if you’re short on time) and where to stay if you’re on a longer layover.
Whether you’ve got 6 hours or a full day, Doha is one of the easiest and safest Middle Eastern cities to experience on a short layover.
We had an 18 hour layover, so we mixed a bit of sightseeing with a stay at a hotel to catch up on sleep before our next flight out.
Personally, a longer layover like this is perfect as it leaves enough time to explore some of Doha's best attractions and catch up on sleep; so I'd recommend opting for a longer layover if you have the chance.
How to get from Hamad International Airport to the City
We actually had quite a bit of trouble getting from the airport into the city, mainly because Uber and other ride-hailing apps didn’t work for us.
There is an Uber pickup point at the airport, but when we tried using it, drivers never moved and kept asking us to cancel. After wasting far too much time waiting around, I’d honestly avoid Uber altogether.
We also tried a few local ride-hailing apps, but most of them require a Saudi or Qatari phone number (you'll need a local SIM card).
The easiest and most reliable option is definitely to pre-book a private taxi or head straight to the official taxi rank outside arrivals.
We ended up getting a Karwa taxi from the airport taxi rank, located just outside arrivals. It cost 47 QAR (about £9.50) to get from the airport to the Mina District, which is roughly a 15-20 minute drive.
Alternatively, you can also get a bus or metro to the city. We didn't go for this option as it doesn't go to the Mina district, but it does reach other attractions like the National Museum and Souq Waqif (traditional market).
What to do in Doha on a Layover
We had originally planned to visit the Mina District, the National Museum of Qatar and the Museum of Islamic Art, but as our flight was slightly delayed and it took us longer than expected to get out of the airport, we had less time to explore before it got late.
We stayed around the Mina District and just explored that area, however, if you have enough time and no trouble getting out of the airport, you should be able to fit in a few attractions.
Mina District (Old Doha Port)
The colourful Mina District is one of the most photogenic spots in the city and is an absolute must-visit. It's a new waterfront area near the Old Doha Port filled with pastel-painted buildings and amazing views of the skyline.
Inside the pastel buildings are cafés, restaurants and boutique shops, so you can stop for a coffee or a shop to escape the heat. The area is quite big, so there's plenty to explore here and you could easily spend all afternoon wandering around the pretty buildings and taking photos.
Next to the Mina District is Box Park, a shopping centre made out of shipping containers - however, it doesn't have too much going on here so we didn't bother visiting.
Museum of Islamic Art
Just a 5-minute drive from Mina District is the Museum of Islamic Art, one of Doha’s most famous landmarks. Even if you don’t go inside, the park surrounding it offers incredible skyline views, especially at sunset.
It’s one of the best photo spots in Doha and it's a shame we missed out on it - so we recommend going if you have time.
Inside the museum, you’ll find centuries of Islamic art and artefacts from across the Middle East, North Africa and Asia. You can also grab a coffee at the MIA Café, which has one of the best terraces in the city.
National Museum of Qatar
The National Museum of Qatar is one of the most unique and photogenic buildings we've ever seen - unfortunately we didn't have time to explore it, but we did drive past it on our way to the Mina District.
It's a seriously impressive building and was actually inspired by the desert rose crystal found in Qatar - we'd highly recommend adding it to your list. I'd say to allow 1-2 hours to explore both the outside and inside of the museum, there's also a café inside if you want to grab some food or a drink.
Souq Waqif
If you want to experience the local side of Doha, head to Souq Waqif, a traditional market packed with spice stalls, shisha cafés and restaurants serving authentic Qatari dishes.
You can wander through its narrow lanes, pick up souvenirs and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.
Katara Cultural Village
Another beautiful spot to visit is the Katara Cultural Village, which features a blend of traditional Qatari architecture, galleries and restaurants. You can visit Katara Beach, see the open-air amphitheatre and explore art exhibitions or local performances.
There are plenty of photo spots here too, with stunning intricate Qatari buildings and mosques. It's also lit up at night - so definitely a great place to spend the evening.
It's around 30-40 minutes from the airport, so I would only recommend this if you've got a longer layover or it's the only spot you want to visit.
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Where to Stay in Doha on a Layover
If your layover includes an overnight stop or you’ve got more than 10 hours to spare, staying in the city is well worth it. Doha’s compact size means you can check into a hotel, rest and still have time to explore nearby attractions before heading back to the airport.
I'd recommend staying in the main city area around Souq Waqif and the museums, or in the Mina District, as you'll be close to the airport while also being close to the main attractions.
Mina Hotel & Residences
We stayed at the Mina Hotel & Residences in the Mina District, which is a beautiful boutique hotel near the waterfront.
It’s only about 15-20 minutes from Hamad International Airport, within walking distance of cafés, Box Park and a short drive from the National Museum and Souq Waqif. The rooms are luxurious and modern and the service was great - it was a perfect place to stay.
Alternative Stopover Hotels
If Mina District is fully booked or you’d prefer to stay in the middle of the city, here are a few other great options:
- The Ned Doha (luxury) – A stylish, art-filled luxury hotel set in a grand heritage building with multiple restaurants, a rooftop pool and elegant rooms.
- Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels by Tivoli (mid-range) - A cluster of beautifully restored heritage buildings right inside Souq Waqif, ideal for a more traditional stay.
- Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha (mid-range) - A modern, comfortable hotel just 10 minutes from Hamad International Airport, featuring a pool, gym and multiple dining options.
Do I need a visa to leave the airport in Doha?
Most countries can visit visa-free (visa on arrival), including the US, UK, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. You can check on the official tourism website if you need a visa. We're from the UK, so we didn't need to organise a visa beforehand -we just turned up and received a 30 day visa on arrival.
Immigration at Hamad International Airport was quick and straightforward, but always have a copy of your hotel booking and outward flights.
What should I wear in Doha & do I need to cover up?
Qatar is a conservative Muslim country, so modest clothing is recommended when out in public - we made sure to wear long trousers and tops that covered our shoulders, chest and stomach.
However, we did see quite a few people wearing shorts, low cut tops and off the shoulder tops - so we're not sure how strict Qatar is in 2025. That said, we'd still recommend modest clothing to avoid any issues!
If you're visiting a mosque or other religious site, you'll be expected to cover up. Swimwear is fine at hotel pools and private beaches but not appropriate in public areas.
What currency is used in Doha and can you use a card?
The local currency is the Qatari Riyal (QAR). Most hotels, restaurants and taxis accept credit and debit cards, including Visa and Mastercard. If you're visiting Souq Waqif it might be useful to carry some cash for small shops or market stalls.
What language is spoken in Doha?
Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken, especially in hotels, taxis and tourist areas. Signs are bilingual, so getting around is very easy for visitors.
How much time do I need for a layover in Doha?
If you have 6 hours or more you can comfortably explore a couple of key sights like the Museum of Islamic Art and Souq Waqif.
With longer layovers of 12-24 hours, you can include a hotel stay (depending on time of arrival) and visit spots like the Mina District or Katara Cultural Village.
Final Thoughts on a Doha Layover
We really enjoyed our Doha layover and we'd definitely do it again - it's clean, safe and incredibly easy to explore, even with just a few hours between flights.
If you’re flying with Qatar Airways, I’d definitely recommend making the most of a stopover and spending at least a night here.
Even a short visit gives you a glimpse into Qatar’s culture and creativity - plus, it’s a far better way to spend a long layover than sitting in the terminal.
