Doha, the shimmering capital of Qatar, is a city of striking contrasts—where futuristic skylines meet time-honoured souqs, and luxury lifestyle mingles with deep-rooted tradition. This 4-day guide will walk you through an elevated and thoughtfully curated itinerary, featuring beach clubs, dhow cruises, cultural landmarks, and glamorous shopping districts – perfect for a refreshing city break.

Flight and Visa for Qatar

Doha is well connected to most major cities in the world and offers visa free access to citizens of many countries such as UK, USA etc. If you’re flying from India, you can get a free visa on arrival if you book hotels on the Discover Qatar website –  This is very convenient and takes just minutes upon arrival.

Doha is really well connected by air from major cities in India – we’d suggest booking a flight with Qatar Airways to enjoy the amazing service

Where to stay in Qatar

Begin your journey at the Mondrian Doha, a five-star fantasyland designed by Dutch designer Marcel Wanders. Known for its bold interiors and art-centric spaces, the hotel makes an immediate impression with its grand staircase, lavish spa, and skyline views. Take a moment to unwind and soak in the blend of whimsical luxury and Arabian opulence.

Best time to visit Qatar

The best time to visit Qatar is between November and February as these are the coolest months. However summer is not a bad time either as you can avail off-season prices on hotels and flights and many markets and restaurants in Doha have outdoor air-conditioning, so exploring the city is fun despite the high temperatures. Have fun eating, exploring, and make sure you shop loads as Qatar offers tax-free shopping.

Day by Day itinerary for Qatar

Here’s a day by day guide for an unforgettable 4 day holiday in Qatar

Day 1: Azure Waters, Dhow Cruises & The Pearl

10:00 AM – Azure Beach Club

Start your morning at Azure Beach Doha, located on the waterfront at the St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island. This exclusive beach club offers a resort-style vibe with infinity pools, sun loungers, and cabanas—all set against a pristine backdrop of turquoise Gulf waters. Order a smoothie or fresh seafood platter and let the vacation mindset sink in.

Pro Tip: Bring a swimsuit and sunscreen—this spot is photogenic and perfect for laid-back lounging.

3:00 PM – Lunch at Baron, Mina District

After a sunny morning, head to Baron, a bistro nestled in the colourful Mina District. Expect elegantly plated dishes with Middle Eastern flavours. Try their signature drinks or sharing platters – this restaurant is on the Michelin Guide 2025 and it is easy to see why!

4:00 PM – Explore Mina District at Old Doha Port

Next, explore the Mina District, a vibrant neighbourhood within the revitalised Old Doha Port. Colourful buildings, quirky cafes, and artisan shops make this one of Doha’s most Instagrammable neighbourhoods. It’s a cultural and architectural feast that combines modern flair with Gulf heritage.

6:30 PM – Traditional Dhow Cruise

As golden hour approaches, board a dhow cruise—a traditional Qatari wooden boat. Drift across the bay while taking in panoramic views of the West Bay skyline. Many cruises offer onboard tea and dates, adding to the ambience. Tickets cost around INR 500 per person, and it’s the best way to enjoy a beautiful sunset.

8:00 PM – The Pearl Island & Gewan Island

Return to The Pearl-Qatar to admire the Hamad bin Jassim Mosque, known for its minimalistic yet grand architectural design. Continue to the newly developed Gewan Island, a futuristic waterfront extension of The Pearl featuring fine dining, luxury boutiques, and marina views. Our favourite experience here was the Crystal Walk – walking through a marketplace with outdoor air-conditioning is an experience in itself. But Crystal Walk is home to luxurious cafes, shops, and a light-display that is a joy to experience.

Day 2: Qatari Culture and Coastal Glam

9:00 AM – Breakfast at West Walk

Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast in West Walk, a lifestyle hub in Al Waab known for its open-air design and curated food spots. Whether you’re into avocado toast, shakshuka, or cold brews, there are plenty of upscale cafes to choose from. We really like Piccolo – think avocado toasts, acai bowls, really good coffee and smoothies! The best part is that West Walk is air-conditioned and you can sit outdoors even during peak summer months – what a luxury!

11:00 AM – National Museum of Qatar

Your cultural deep dive begins at the National Museum of Qatar, designed by Jean Nouvel and inspired by the desert rose. The museum walks you through Qatar’s journey—from Bedouin traditions to modern prosperity—with immersive exhibits, audiovisual storytelling, and architecture that rivals any global landmark. The building is iconic from the outside but make sure you spend some time indoors – you’ll come back with a new appreciation for Qatari history and culture

2:00 PM – Place Vendôme, Lusail

Next, head to Place Vendôme Mall in Lusail Entertainment City, a Parisian-inspired shopping haven featuring over 500 luxury and mid-range boutiques. With its neoclassical architecture, dancing fountains, and waterfront promenade, it’s more than a mall—it’s a lifestyle destination. Browse fashion houses like Dior, Chanel, and Balmain or relax at one of the high-end cafés. Whether you shop or not, make sure you visit Place Vendôme to experience everything Doha has to offer

6:30 PM – Sundowner/Dinner at Carbone, Al Maha Island

Wrap up the day with dinner at Carbone, located on Al Maha Island, an ultra-exclusive nightlife and leisure destination. The NYC-born restaurant offers decadent Italian-American fare in a Gatsby-esque setting. Food is scrumptious but portions are large, so order with caution. We suggest requesting a table on the outside deck so that you can enjoy beautiful views over sunset

Day 3: Qatari Elegance & A Desert Escape

9:00 AM – Breakfast and check-out at Mondrian Doha

Ease into the day with breakfast at Mondrian’s CUT by Wolfgang Puck or EllaMia Café. Enjoy Middle Eastern and international dishes in a design-rich atmosphere. Check out of the hotel as you will be spending your final night in a gorgeous hotel just an hour away from Doha

11:00 AM – Katara Cultural Village

Head to Katara Cultural Village, Doha’s arts and culture hub. Stroll through galleries, admire public art installations, and explore traditional architecture. Be sure to visit the Katara Mosque, known for its turquoise and gold detailing, and the amphitheater with its sweeping sea views. If you’re here during summer months, then schedule this visit for the evening, when it’s cooler.

1:00 PM – 21 High St. at Katara

Right next door is 21 High St., a luxury, air-conditioned (yes you read that right :-)) open-air shopping street featuring brands like Galeries Lafayette and curated boutiques. It’s a place where haute couture meets ice-sculpture cafés and avant-garde architecture. Perfect for a bit of shopping or a stroll

3:00 PM – Al Hazm

If you’d like yet more shopping, drive over to Al Hazm, a luxurious shopping mall that blends Italian marble with Qatari splendor. With its colonnades, glass domes, and indoor gardens, it feels more like a European palace than a shopping mall. Sip on saffron coffee or browse exclusive designer brands. If you’re an F1 fan, it is also home to the iconic Mc Laren café, the first of its kind.

4 pm – Walk around Msheireb Downtown Doha

If time allows, take a walk through Msheireb Downtown, a smart city development that redefines modern Gulf architecture with sustainability and heritage in mind. Expect to find cafes, galleries, and museums dot the area before checking out of your hotel and beginning the drive to Ras Abrouq to catch sunset in the desert

6 pm Check in at Our Habitas Ras Abrouq

Start your drive from Doha and catch sunset en-route in Zekreet -home to a traditional Arabic village and limestone formations that make sunset spectacular

Only 1.5 hours from Doha lies Our Habitas Ras Abrouq, an eco-luxury resort nestled along the wild, lunar-like landscapes of the Qatari desert near the UNESCO-listed Zekreet Peninsula. Enjoy yoga, mindful meals, and outdoor lounging with views of rock formations and the Arabian Gulf. The best part – the star-laden night sky and the sheer silence of the countryside. We strongly suggest spending a night here.

Day 4: Souq Waqif and a meal to remember

9:00 AM – Our Habitas Ras Abrouq

Spend your morning at Our Habitas Ras Abrouq – enjoy the hotel’s iconic pool, savour the food which prides itself on being a combination of Mexican, Indian, and Middle-Eastern flavours, and the quiet surroundings. This is a true desert escape.

Once you check-out, start your 1.5 hour drive back to Doha.

4:00 PM – Souq Waqif

Return to Doha in the late afternoon and immerse yourself in Souq Waqif, the city’s historic marketplace. Lose yourself in a maze of spice stalls, fabric shops, and artisanal wares. Pick up oud perfume, pashmina scarves, or handcrafted souvenirs for friends and family back home.

6.30 PM – Dinner at Parisa Restaurant

End your Doha adventure with dinner at Parisa, a Persian restaurant within the Souq. Its mirrored mosaics, hand-painted ceilings, and chandeliers transport you to another world, while the menu serves rich dishes like kebabs, stews, and saffron rice. It’s best to reserve a table here beforehand as the place gets really busy in the evenings

8.30 PM

This is the official end of your Doha escape  as you depart from Hamad International Airport. Ranked one of the best airports in the world, HIA offers a seamless travel experience with designer boutiques, art installations, and exceptional lounges. Don’t forget to shop a bit before boarding your flight back home.

In this 4-day Qatar itinerary we tried to balance coastal leisure, cultural richness, shopping, and dining. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a cultural deep-dive, or a luxe escape, Doha delivers an experience that’s both opulent and authentic. From dhow cruises to desert meditations, this will allow you to immerse yourself in the best the Qatari capital has to offer. If you have any questions, leave them below and we will answer them asap!!