How to Spend 3 Days in Doha with Tips - Guide to Spending 3 Glorious Days on Holiday in Doha
Tipped to be one of the Middle East's most dynamic business epicentres and holiday hubs, Doha is the perfect destination for a 3-day getaway. As the bustling capital of Qatar, Doha has much to offer holidaymakers in terms of shopping hotspots and cultural points of interest even if 3 days may not be enough to cover the city's top landmarks. Here's a comprehensive 3-day itinerary anyone can use to make the best of a 3-day visit to this vibrant Qatari metropolis
Day One - Morning
After settling into a guest room at Banana Island Resort Doha or any of the other 5-star hotels in Doha, it's best to head out to the southern region of the city to kick-start one's sightseeing journey. The southern reaches of Doha are where some of the city's best cultural attractions are found although it's prudent to start with a tour of the National Museum of Qatar to get a sense of the country, its history and its heritage. After a tour, head over to the Souq Waqif for a shopping spree or a guided tour that explores the nooks and crannies of this centuries-old marketplace. The souq is also a great place to enjoy a hearty lunch as venues such as the Shawarma Station provide delectable local goodies at affordable rates. Don't forget to pop by the Souq Waqif Art Centre, a free-access enclave that's worth the visit.
Musab.hawamda, DSC 7889-Edit, CC BY-SA 4.0
Day One - Afternoon/Evening
Those of the Islamic faith may want to explore the Abdullah Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center after lunch as it is a hop and a skip away from Souq Waqif. The Souq Streets are open to all visitors and offer an engaging look at the city's identity. Afterwards, tourists can venture over to the scenic Doha Corniche. Stop by the Museum of Islamic Art and embark on a dhow cruise to catch the sunset before heading back to the hotel to grab dinner and call it a night on the first day in Doha.
Day Two - Morning
The second day of a Doha vacation should begin with a visit to the sprawling Katara Cultural Village. Providing visitors with a glimpse of what life in Qatar would have resembled during its pearl diving days, the cultural village is home to workshops of traditional arts and crafts as well as shops and enclaves where the Bedouin lifestyle comes to life before one's eyes. Those who head to Katara Cultural Village can also enjoy a kayaking session on the beach before making their way to The Pearl. The Pearl Marina and its Qatar Dragon Boat and the Qanat Quartier Canals can all be toured before lunchtime if one is efficient while the many restaurants and cafes in The Pearl will also serve as the ideal stopover for a midday meal.
Day Two - Afternoon/Evening
Schedule a shopping tour of Doha's luxurious malls during the afternoon and evening on the second day in the city, allowing ample time to explore these expansive complexes. Begin with the Place Vendome Mall, spanning an impressive 1,150,000 square metres and featuring exquisite French interiors. Ensure to explore the Venetian-inspired landscapes of the Villaggio Mall before concluding the evening and heading to your resort. This mega mall is frequently likened to the world's finest shopping complexes.
Last Day - Morning
Wait until the last day of the trip to head outside Doha city on a desert safari. As one of the most popular things to do in Doha, enjoying a 4x4 ride across the arid landscapes of Doha's deserts and uncovering the flora and fauna that call it home can be a fascinating experience. Those who wish to go dune bashing or sandboarding can consult their tour operator about including these activities in the desert itinerary.
Last Day - Afternoon/Evening
After an adventure-filled, full-day tour of the desert, MIA Park is the perfect place to unwind and grab a bite during the last night in Doha. As one of the less crowded parks in the city, this tranquil patch of green lined with food stalls is the ideal location to soak up the beauty of the night sky and bid adieu to Doha until next time.
