How to Spend an 8-Hour Layover in Doha: Museums, Local Eats & Must-See Stops
Have a long layover in Doha before your next big trip? Then this post is for you! Exploring Doha during a layover is one of the coolest experiences I’ve ever had. And it was super easy too!
I had an 8-hour layover in Doha while flying to Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, this past summer. I originally hated the idea of such a long layover, but now I wish I actually had more time to explore.
It is very common for a flight flying into Doha to have a long layover of 6+ hours, but don’t let that discourage you. The airport itself is very nice, and there are various options to leave the airport and tour the city.
Here’s how I maximized my 8-hour layover in Doha, Qatar.
Can You Leave Doha Airport During a Layover?
Yes! If you have a layover of 6 hours or more, you can explore Doha with Discover Qatar.
If your layover is under 6 hours, you cannot leave the airport, but there are still plenty of things to do. The airport even has a lap pool!
Discover Qatar operates with Qatar Airways and offers different kinds of tours throughout the city. These tours range from city bus tours to boat tours to off-roading adventures. Availability varies depending on the time of day and the duration of your layover.
The kiosk in the airport was easy to find using the map below. If you’re flying international, you’ll likely meet in the Duty Free Plaza South (right-most image).
I had a layover from 4 pm-12 am in Doha, so I was limited to the bus tour, which was the only one that was available at that time of day. I booked my bus tour directly on the Discover Qatar website to secure my spot ahead of time, but most everyone else booked at the kiosk when they got to the airport.
The best part about Discover Qatar is that you can ‘apply’ for a visa right at the airport for 100 QAR, which is about $28 USD. The whole visa process took less than 10 minutes to enter the country, and virtually no wait on the way back in.
Discover Qatar reps physically walk with you through the airport to make sure you’re going to the right place.
Is 8 Hours Enough to Explore Doha?
Doha layover rules say you can’t leave the airport with less than a 6-hour layover, so an 8-hour layover in Doha is definitely enough time to explore.
The bus tour that I took was 3 hours long, and the perfect amount of time to get a good feel for the city.
If I had more time, I would have loved to take another tour to explore more, especially out on a boat.
The Doha airport is very big, so it’s important that you factor walking time into getting from your gate to the tour meeting point, which is likely in another terminal. There is also a tram that can take you, if you don’t feel like walking.
I did not feel rushed at all during my 8-hour layover in Doha, from walking to the meeting point, going through customs, hopping on the 3-hour tour, and coming back into the airport.
In fact, I had enough time to grab a late-night snack at the airport before my next flight.
8-Hour Doha Layover Itinerary Overview
After my flight landed in Doha, I made my way over to the Discover Qatar kiosk in the airport. Grab some food along the way, but don’t forget to have your passport handy! They’ll ask to scan it anytime you make a purchase.
Make sure to arrive at the kiosk about 90 minutes before your tour starts to allow time for check-in and customs.
Check in to the Doha transit tour by bus that takes you all over the city and even gives time to explore on your own.
The bus tour was guided in English, and the docent had some great facts along the way!
Stop 1 – Walk Along the Doha Corniche
You will first stop at the Doha Corniche, which is arguably one of the best things to do near Doha airport.
It has great scenic views of both Old Doha and New Doha, along with photo spots near the water.
You can also see the Museum of Islamic Art from this point. Depending on the time of day that you take the tour, you may be able to visit inside.
The Museum of Islamic Art is located about a 15-minute drive from the airport, and is open at the following times:
Saturday-Tuesday 9 am-7 pm
Closed Wednesday
Thursday 9 am-9 pm
Friday 1:30 pm-7 pm.
Doha is home to many cultural and art museums, which are worth visiting. The Museum of Islamic Art in Doha is among the most popular.
Stop 2 – Meal or Snack at Souq Waqif
The Souq Waqif is a traditional market in Doha that sells everything from jewelry to produce, to textiles, and even live animals.
During our bus tour, we got 1 hour to ourselves to walk around the market unguided.
Most of the vendors have air-conditioned lots, which is nice because it was pushing 95 degrees at 8 pm! Most of the vendors also take credit cards and Apple Pay, so no need to exchange currency on your short layover.
Local Food to Try During Your Layover
In addition to the vendors, there are also great restaurants to try local food within the Souq Waqif. There are both sit-down and to-go options depending on your timing.
The best drink to try is Karak Tea, which is a Qatari version of Chai. This is a great to-go option to grab before you walk around!
Even though we were given an hour to roam around the Souq Waqif, there were so many shops to walk around in that I didn’t even have time to get food!
Stop 3 – Katara Mosque and Pigeon Tower
The third and final stop on the bus tour took us to the Katara Mosque and the Pigeon Towers.
The Katara Mosque is visitor-friendly and has robes and head coverings available for free to borrow in order to enter.
This was my first time entering a Mosque, and even though there was no Salah in progress, it was very beautiful to see the architecture, art, and learn about Muslim culture.
Outside of the Mosque is where you will find the Katara Pigeon Towers. They are very unique structures that will immediately catch your eye.
Their purpose is to provide shade for birds during the hot summer days. People go to the tower to set out water dishes for the birds as well.
Stop 4 – Doha International Airport
After the fastest 3 hours, you’ll be back on your way to the airport to catch your next flight. The bus ride from the Katara Mosque back to the airport only takes about 20 minutes.
Once you arrive, you are again met by Discover Qatar reps who will take you through customs and help you navigate to your gate.
Tips for Navigating an 8-Hour Layover in Doha
Navigating Doha with a guided tour is relatively easy, but you’ll want to follow these Doha layover tips.
- Since Qatar is an Islamic state, it is recommended for women to cover their shoulders and knees. I recommend wearing lightweight pants and a t-shirt, especially if traveling in the summertime.
- Water bottles are provided on the guided tour, but best to bring your own and some snacks from the airport just in case.
- Most everywhere in Doha takes credit cards. There is no need to carry cash or exchange currency.
- Make sure you have an international phone plan. I have T-Mobile, and it worked great. The airport does have fast wifi as well.
- As a young woman traveling alone, I felt very safe in Doha both in the airport and in the city. The locals are very respectful, and even walking around the Souq Waqif alone at night, I felt very safe. Most areas are well lit and populated.
10 Interesting Facts about Doha, Qatar
One of the things I love most about group tours is all the facts! Here are some things I learned along the way from our amazinf docent.
- The population in Doha is 90% expatriates
- Arabic is the official language of Doha, but English is the most commonly spoken, followed by Indian
- Doha was colonized by Great Britain 250 years ago and gained independence in 1971
- The country is tax-free and has free education and healthcare
- All of Doha is equipped with CCTV, the police will come to you without calling
- Doha is an Islamic State but Islam doesn’t exceed 25% of the population
- Gas and Oil are the main exports from Doha
- Native Qatari people receive a monthly government allowance of around $50k USD because their exports come from communal land
- Doha is recognized as one of the main financial centers of the Middle East
- There is no agriculture or arid land in Qatar, all food is imported
Conclusion
Doha, Qatar is one of the most vibrant cities I’ve visited. From viewing Old and New Doha, to wandering the Souq Waqif, and experiencing a traditional Mosque, I was able to do it all in Doha in less than 8 hours.
If you have a layover in Doha, I would highly recommend taking any of the tours through Discover Qatar to experience the amazing Qatari culture!
