Doha, capital of Baladiyat ad Dawhah, rose from a historic pearling port to a futuristic Gulf city crowned by I.M. Pei’s Museum of Islamic Art and a skyline mirrored in the waters of the Corniche. The city balances heritage and innovation: spice-scented Souq Waqif sits minutes from Msheireb’s sustainable smart streets, and wooden dhows glide beneath a canopy of glass towers.

Expect a spectrum of experiences: a sunrise over sand dunes at the Inland Sea, a late-afternoon dhow cruise, and evenings sampling Qatari machboos, saffron karak, and dates. Museums are exceptional—the National Museum of Qatar unfurls like a desert rose, while Education City’s libraries and galleries make design lovers swoon.

Practical notes: Dress modestly in public places, especially in souqs and religious sites. Alcohol is served only in licensed hotel venues. Summers are very hot; plan indoor visits midday and outdoor walks at dawn or dusk. Friday mornings many attractions open later; check hours. The Doha Metro is air-conditioned, inexpensive, and efficient.

Doha

Doha is your base for the week, with effortless access to Souq Waqif, the Corniche, Katara Cultural Village, The Pearl-Qatar, Education City, and desert gateways. It’s compact enough to navigate by metro and taxi, yet rich enough for a full week of culture, dining, and day trips.

• Top sights: Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ), Msheireb Museums, Katara Cultural Village, The Pearl-Qatar, Aspire Park, 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic & Sports Museum.
• Classic experiences: Dhow cruise at sunset on the Doha Corniche, desert safari with dune bashing and camel ride, Qatari breakfast at Souq Waqif, evening karak tea at Katara.
• How to get there: Fly into Hamad International Airport (DOH). Search fares on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. Typical nonstop times: London ~6h45m; New York ~12–13h. Taxis to West Bay take ~20–25 minutes; the Metro Red Line connects DOH to Msheireb in ~18 minutes.
• Where to stay: For boutique heritage, Souq Waqif area; for skyline views and resort pools, West Bay and the Corniche; for design-forward comforts, Msheireb Downtown; for a beach escape, Banana Island (boat transfer required). Compare stays: VRBO Doha | Hotels.com Doha.

Day 1: Arrival, Corniche Glow, and Souq Waqif

Afternoon: Arrive at DOH and transfer to your hotel. If energy allows, stroll a shaded stretch of the Doha Corniche for skyline photos. Coffee stop: “Arabica” in Msheireb for a creamy Spanish latte or single-origin pour over.

Evening: Dive into Souq Waqif’s alleys—perfumes, spices, falcons, and textiles. For dinner, book Parisa Souq Waqif for ornate mirror mosaics and saffron-laced kebabs; or Damasca One for Levantine grills and live oud music. Sweet finish: kunafa at Al Aker Sweets. For a rooftop view, Al Shurfa Restaurant & Lounge gazes toward West Bay.

Day 2: Msheireb, National Museum, and a Sunset Dhow

Morning: Qatari breakfast at Shay Al Shoomos (beyd w tomat, regag bread with cheese and honey). Explore Msheireb Museums—Bin Jelmood House (history of slavery in the region) and Company House (oil-era stories). Espresso lovers: Flat White Specialty Coffee in Msheireb.

Afternoon: Taxi or Metro to the National Museum of Qatar. The desert-rose building frames galleries on Bedouin life, pearling, and modern nationhood. Lunch at Jiwan (Qatari-inspired cuisine with Arabian Gulf views) or Alif Café by Nama for a lighter bite. Leave time for the museum gift shop’s beautifully curated design pieces.

Evening: Take a dhow cruise to see Doha’s skyline flicker to life from the water.

Doha City Tour And Dhow Boat Cruise (Private/Sharing)

Dinner options nearby: IDAM by Alain Ducasse at MIA (book for refined Mediterranean with Arabic flair) or Al Mourjan on the Corniche for Lebanese seafood with city lights.

Day 3: The Desert, the Dunes, the Inland Sea

Today is for sand, sky, and adrenaline. Get picked up mid-morning for a private desert safari: dune bashing with expert drivers, camel ride, sandboarding, and time at Khor Al Adaid (the Inland Sea), where dunes pour into the water on the Saudi border. Pack sunscreen, a scarf, and a fully charged camera. Most tours include a camp stop for tea and photo breaks.

Qatar Gold Dune Safari, Dune Bashing, Camel Ride, Sand Boarding, Inland Sea

Back in the city, keep dinner casual: Turkey Central (an old-school Doha favorite) for smoky mixed grills, fresh fattoush, and piping-hot bread. If you crave something sweet, share a plate of luqaimat (date syrup and sesame).

Day 4: MIA Masterpieces, Education City, and Katara at Dusk

Morning: Start at the Museum of Islamic Art. Don’t miss the geometric courtyards, Damascus Room, and jewel-like metalwork. Grab a light bite at the MIA Park kiosk, then walk the pier for the picture-perfect skyline frame.

Afternoon: Head to Education City. Step into the Qatar National Library (a single sweeping space filled with light and books), then visit the Education City Mosque’s serene courtyards. Art lovers continue to Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art. Coffee break: Café 999 at the Fire Station (gallery + design store) on your way back.

Evening: Katara Cultural Village for the amphitheater, galleries, and beachfront. Dinner at L’wzaar Seafood Market (choose your fish, your cooking style) or BOHO Social (global comfort dishes and terrace sunset). Nightcap: karak tea and chapati at Chapati & Karak—simple, perfect.

Day 5: The Pearl-Qatar, Food Tour & Boat Ride, Lusail Lights

Morning: Breakfast on The Pearl at The Breakfast Club (eggs benedict, fluffy pancakes) or vegan-forward Evergreen Organics (smoothie bowls, date-sweetened treats). Wander Porto Arabia’s marina promenade and Qanat Quartier’s pastel bridges and Venetian-style canals for photos.

Afternoon: Join an island-district tasting and boat experience that threads through The Pearl and Gewan Island—seven tastings, local stories, and architectural panoramas.

Qatar Island District Sightseeing, Boat & Food Tour – 7 Tastings

Evening: Taxi to Lusail Boulevard for neon-lit strolls and, if timing aligns, fountain shows at Place Vendôme Mall. Dinner ideas: Morimoto Doha (signature sushi and wagyu, dramatic setting) or Toro Toro at Marsa Malaz Kempinski (Latin steakhouse vibes overlooking the water). Gelato at Qanat Quartier makes a sweet walk-back.

Day 6: UNESCO North & West Coast Day Trip

See beyond the capital on a guided day trip. Explore Al Zubarah Fort, Qatar’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, with ruins of an 18th–19th century pearling and trading town. Continue to the wind-carved landscapes of Zekreet and the striking East-West/West-East sculptures by Richard Serra. Depending on conditions, some itineraries add Al Khor Harbour or mangrove viewpoints. Ask your guide for a local seafood lunch stop—try grilled hamour or sayadiyah rice.

Full Day Tour to Qatar North And West With Pickup From Doha

Day 7: Aspire Park, 3-2-1 Museum, and Departure

Morning: Early walk beneath palm trees at Aspire Park with views of The Torch Doha. Brunch at Chef’s Garden (farm-to-table plates, great for families) or a quick Arabic bakery stop for za’atar manakish.

Afternoon: Visit the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic & Sports Museum attached to Khalifa International Stadium—interactive galleries trace global sports history and the region’s athletic milestones. Swing by Villaggio Mall for a brief indoor gondola ride or last-minute souvernirs, then head to Hamad International for your flight. At the airport, look for Urs Fischer’s Lamp Bear and the lush indoor garden before boarding.

Where to Stay: Curated Picks by Area

• Souq Waqif & Msheireb: For heritage architecture and easy nights at the souq, plus short rides to MIA and NMoQ. Browse VRBO Doha and Hotels.com Doha for boutique stays.
• West Bay & Corniche: High-rise rooms with sweeping Gulf and skyline views, resort-style pools, and quick access to the Corniche and dhow piers.
• The Pearl & West Bay Lagoon: Apartment-style options, marina promenades, and dining galore; good for longer stays or families.

Getting Around & Useful Tips

• Arrivals: Search flights on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. DOH → Corniche/West Bay is ~20–25 minutes by taxi; the Metro Red Line is ~18 minutes to Msheireb.
• Metro & taxis: Standard Metro fares are low; buy a reusable card at stations. Taxis and ride-hailing (Uber/Careem) are plentiful; carry small bills for tips and tolls.
• Weather & timing: In summer, plan museums midday and outdoor walks at dawn/evening. In winter, outdoor dining and desert trips are especially pleasant. Friday prayer time means some venues open later—check hours.

Optional Add-Ons if You Have Extra Energy

• Evening city lights: If you skipped the dhow, a dedicated night tour with Souq Waqif photo stops and skyline viewpoints is a great overview.
• Beach time: Katara Beach or hotel day passes along the Corniche/West Bay.

Local dining favorites to remember: Al Jasra Traditional Food (Qatari classics), Parisa Souq Waqif (Persian opulence), L’wzaar Seafood Market (you pick, they cook), Morimoto Doha (contemporary Japanese), Toro Toro (Latin grills), Turkey Central (casual, beloved), BOHO Social (global comfort), Chapati & Karak (karak tea and crisp chapati).

For a smooth start and finish, consider booking flights through Trip.com or Kiwi.com, and compare stays on VRBO or Hotels.com.

Seven days in Doha lets you savor Qatari heritage, cutting-edge architecture, and the drama of the desert—with time for coffee culture and long sunsets by the sea. From Souq Waqif’s alleys to dune crests at the Inland Sea, this itinerary balances headline sights with local flavor. Come hungry for art, history, and machboos.