Qatar sits at the crossroads of old caravan routes and futuristic ambition, where spice-scented souqs meet sparkling skylines. The peninsula’s story runs from pearl divers and Bedouin tribes to world-class museums, stadiums, and a cultural renaissance led by Doha. Expect rich Qatari hospitality, a culinary scene ranging from humble karak tea stalls to haute cuisine, and day trips that reveal silent deserts and turquoise seas.

Doha anchors most of the country’s attractions, making it the smartest single base for a 7-day trip. From the Museum of Islamic Art and the National Museum of Qatar to Katara Cultural Village, Msheireb Downtown, and The Pearl, you can see the country’s past and future within minutes. Then step into the dunes for a safari to the Inland Sea, or trace history at Al Zubarah Fort, Qatar’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Practical notes: Dress modestly in public spaces, especially at mosques and traditional markets (shoulders and knees covered). Friday mornings have adjusted hours for some sights; museums often open later that day. Taxis and ride-hailing are plentiful; the Doha Metro is clean and cheap. October–April offers the most pleasant weather; summers are extremely hot.

Doha

Doha is Qatar’s cultural and culinary heart: dazzling architecture on the Corniche, dhow boats bobbing by the skyline, and museums that treat art and history as living conversations. Wander Souq Waqif for spices and falcons, then step into the desert for dune crests and an inland sea that laps the Saudi border. Evenings hum with café culture, refined restaurants, and lantern-lit promenades.

• Top sights: Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ), Msheireb Museums, Katara Cultural Village, The Pearl-Qatar, 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic & Sports Museum, Education City Mosque, Doha Corniche.
• Iconic experiences: Dhow cruise at sunset, desert safari to the Inland Sea (Khor Al Adaid), knafeh and karak in Souq Waqif, public art trails from Richard Serra to Urs Fischer.
• Dining snapshot: From Qatari classics (balaleet, machboos) at humble eateries to destination dining at Jiwan (by Alain Ducasse) and Nobu Doha.

Where to stay: Browse apartments and villas on VRBO Doha or compare hotels—from boutique Msheireb stays to West Bay towers—on Hotels.com Doha.

How to get there: Fly into Hamad International Airport (DOH). Compare fares on Trip.com flights and Kiwi.com. The city is 15–25 minutes by taxi from the airport; the Metro (Red Line) runs directly to central stations like Msheireb and West Bay.

Day 1: Arrival, Souq Waqif, and the Corniche

Morning: Fly into Doha. For the best schedules and prices, check Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. Touch down at Hamad International; taxis and ride-hailing are straightforward.

Afternoon: Check in, then head to Souq Waqif. Start with a late bite at Shay Al Shamoos (beloved for Qatari breakfasts like balaleet and regag) or Damasca One (Syrian mezze, great for groups). Stroll lanes selling spices, oud, and textiles; step into the Falcon Souq for a glimpse of prized birds and a small clinic.

Evening: Walk the Doha Corniche at golden hour for skyline views. For dinner, book Parisa Souq Waqif (mirrored mosaics and Persian signatures like fesenjan) or seaside Al Mourjan along the Corniche for mixed grills and fresh seafood. Nightcap at The Den (JW Marriott Marquis)—a low-lit lounge with live music most nights.

Day 2: Doha City Highlights (Guided)

Cover the essentials with a guided full-day city tour—perfect on your first full day to get oriented and maximize time at headline sights.

6 Hours Private Full Day Tour in Doha takes in Souq Waqif, Dhow Harbour, the Museum of Islamic Art, Katara Cultural Village, The Pearl, and West Bay.

Food notes: If schedules allow, ask your guide to pause for lunch at Jiwan (NMoQ; modern Qatari fare with gulf views) or try Chapati & Karak at Katara for a quick, classic karak tea and stuffed chapati. For dinner, consider IDAM (MIA; refined Arabic-Mediterranean) or Hakkasan Doha (St. Regis) for Cantonese with a sleek ambience.

Day 3: Desert Day—Dune Bashing to the Inland Sea

Morning: Early pickup for a private desert adventure. This is Qatar’s signature outdoor experience—rollercoaster dunes, camel encounters, and views where sand meets sea.

Qatar Gold Dune Safari, Dune Bashing, Camel Ride, Sand Boarding, Inland Sea Desert includes professional drivers and time for photos at Khor Al Adaid.

Afternoon: Return to the city and decompress at MIA Park with fresh juices from the kiosk and postcard views back to West Bay. If you prefer sand minus the dunes, consider a couple of hours at a hotel beach club along West Bay Lagoon.

Evening: Dinner at Nobu Doha (Four Seasons; terrace if the breeze is gentle) or CUT by Wolfgang Puck (Mondrian Doha) for expertly grilled steaks. For a casual, beloved staple, head to Turkey Central in Al Sadd—fast service, huge portions, low prices.

Day 4: North & West Qatar—UNESCO Fort and Desert Sculpture (Full-Day)

Venture beyond the capital to see the breadth of Qatar’s history and landscapes: fishing villages, a UNESCO-listed fort, and windswept rock desert punctuated by world-class land art.

Full Day Tour to Qatar North And West With Pickup From Doha typically includes Al Zubarah Fort (UNESCO), Al Khor harbour views, and the west coast’s Zekreet and Richard Serra’s East-West/West-East.

Food notes: Bring water and snacks; many tours stop at a local café or service area for lunch. Back in Doha, celebrate with mezze and grills at Parisa (Souq Waqif) or seafood at Al Mourjan with Corniche views.

Day 5: Museums, Public Art, and a Dhow Dinner Cruise

Morning: Explore the Museum of Islamic Art—a masterwork by I.M. Pei—then stroll MIA Park’s public art. Coffee at the park café or inside the museum before crossing to the National Museum of Qatar (Jean Nouvel’s desert-rose marvel) to trace Qatar’s geology, Bedouin culture, and modern transformation.

Afternoon: Continue to the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic & Sports Museum at Khalifa International Stadium for an interactive look at global sports history. If you prefer design districts, wander Msheireb Downtown—pedestrian-friendly lanes, the Msheireb Museums, and stylish cafés. Lunch at Saasna (Qatari classics with a modern touch) or IZU at Mandarin Oriental for Mediterranean plates.

Evening: Cap the day on the water with a traditional dhow dinner.

Doha: Traditional Dhow Cruise Tour with Dinner on board pairs skyline views with a relaxed, photogenic sail.

Sweet tooth? Swing by Al Aker Sweets in Souq Waqif for hot knafeh and pistachio baklava.

Day 6: Katara, The Pearl, and Lusail Evenings

Morning: Head to Katara Cultural Village: peek into its galleries, the golden-and-blue-tiled Katara Mosque, and the beach promenade. Grab karak and chapati at Chapati & Karak or a hot chocolate at Chac’Late.

Afternoon: Continue to The Pearl-Qatar. Wander pastel bridges in Qanat Quartier, then marina-front cafés at Porto Arabia. Coffee break at Flat White Specialty Coffee (local favorite) or gelato at the promenade. Late lunch ideas: Al Sufra (Levantine comfort) or Café Murano for lighter bites.

Evening: Ride up to Lusail Boulevard for its neon glow and weekend street life. If you’re in a fine-dining mood, consider a table at a Lusail or West Bay hotel restaurant, then finish with a drink at B-Lounge (Ritz-Carlton marina) or Hudson Tavern (Mondrian) if you prefer a gastro pub vibe.

Day 7: Msheireb Morning, Last Souvenirs, Departure

Morning: Slow start in Msheireb Downtown. Explore the restored heritage houses of the Msheireb Museums (Bin Jelmood House is particularly engaging), then brunch at IZU Bakery or a café around Barahat Msheireb. Pick up final gifts—spices, dates, oud—back at Souq Waqif if you have time.

Afternoon (Departure): Head to Hamad International Airport. If you like to be early and unwind, consider booking lounge access at the airport or simply enjoy the terminal’s art trail (look for Urs Fischer’s “Lamp Bear”). For future trips or multi-country hops, compare flights on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Practical Tips for Your Week

• Getting around: Doha Metro rides are typically 2–6 QAR; taxis and ride-hailing are abundant. Museums are clustered around the Corniche; Katara and The Pearl are on the Red Line/Legtaifiya connection.
• Friday rhythm: Many places open later after Friday prayers; plan museums and big meals for afternoon/evening.
• What to wear: Lightweight, breathable fabrics; bring a light layer for strong A/C. Modest attire is appreciated in traditional areas and required in mosques.
• Reservations: Book top tables (Nobu, Hakkasan, Jiwan) and tours (desert, dhow) a few days in advance, especially Oct–Apr.
• Where to stay: Use VRBO for multi-bedroom apartments near The Pearl or Msheireb, or compare hotels (from heritage-style to high-rise) on Hotels.com.

Optional or Alternate Activities

• Doha: Guided City Tour with Airport and Hotel Pickup if you prefer a shorter orientation (great for arrival day).
• Doha Desert Safari: Quad Bike, Camels, Sandboarding & Inland Sea if you want more adrenaline.

Booked Tours Referenced in This Itinerary

• 6 Hours Private Full Day Tour in Doha
• Qatar Gold Dune Safari, Dune Bashing, Camel Ride, Sand Boarding, Inland Sea Desert
• Full Day Tour to Qatar North And West With Pickup From Doha
• Doha: Traditional Dhow Cruise Tour with Dinner on board

Wrap-up: In one week, Doha gives you gilded museums, a living souq, sea breezes from a dhow deck, and dunes that tumble into the Gulf. With a single base and well-planned day trips, you’ll cover Qatar’s culture, cuisine, and landscapes without rushing—leaving time to sip one more karak under the lanterns.