Some of the best travel experiences are unplanned. This Qatar trip was never meant to happen  it was simply a long layover while flying back from India to the UK. But with 19 hours in Doha, I realized this was more than enough time to explore the city, soak in its culture, and decide for myself whether a Doha layover tour is actually worth it.

I landed at Hamad International Airport, Doha, around 9 AM. Before traveling, I had already applied for a Qatar transit visa, which is fairly straightforward. However, there’s an important catch many travelers miss:

👉 If your layover is more than 10 hours, you must book a hotel, even if you don’t plan to sleep.

Luckily, it was non-holiday season, and I managed to get a 4-star hotel for just £50, including airport pickup and drop. Honestly, that alone made the trip stress-free.

After clearing immigration which was smooth and quick, my cab was already waiting. Within minutes, I was heading into the city with the speed to 120kmp+.

I reached the hotel, dropped my laptop bag, freshened up, and stepped out immediately. No wasting time when you only have one day in Doha, every hour counts.

This was officially my DIY Doha city tour.

My first stop was Flag Plaza, a calm and visually striking place displaying the flags of different nations. It felt symbolic  a reminder that Qatar, despite its size, plays a big role on the global stage.

📍 Location: Near Museum of Islamic Art, Doha

Next, I walked to The 7 Sculpture by Richard Serra, located right by the sea. This place genuinely surprised me.

Standing there, with the Doha skyline across the bay, cool sea breeze, and minimalist art towering over me  it was peaceful, modern, and incredibly photogenic. I spent about 1.5 hours just walking, sitting, and enjoying the view.

📍 Location: Near MIA Park, Doha

From there, I walked back toward the Museum of Islamic Art (admired it from outside due to time constraints) and then headed to Grand Hamad Road.

This area was a complete contrast busy streets, local shops, and what I’d call the “first-copy capital” of Doha. Watches, football jerseys, Jordans  you name it, it’s there.

Hot weather + long walks = hunger.

I stopped at Zaitoon Restaurant, and this place deserves a special mention.

The food was delicious, portions were huge, and the bill? Just £4.

For a country known for luxury, Qatar is surprisingly affordable when it comes to food. The hospitality was warm, service quick, and the meal gave me the energy I desperately needed.

📍 Location: Near Grand Hamad Street

No Doha trip is complete without Souq Waqif, and this was easily one of the highlights of my day.

This massive traditional market is packed with:

• Antique shops

• Handcrafted souvenirs

• Local perfumes and spices

• Traditional clothing

• Endless eateries

I grabbed a cup of tea and just wandered around. One unexpected sight? Pet shops selling falcons and eagles something you don’t see every day.

📍 Location: Souq Waqif, Doha

By late afternoon, exhaustion kicked in. I headed back to the hotel for a short power nap, then decided to explore Doha’s modern side.

The Doha Metro deserves praise clean, fast, affordable, and extremely easy to navigate. I took the metro toward the Mall of Qatar.

On the way, I caught a glimpse of Qatar World Cup 2022 stadiums, standing tall like reminders of the country’s global moment.

While many refer to it loosely, the mall that truly stood out for me was Villaggio Mall, famous for its Italian (Venetian-style) interiors and indoor boating.

This place was unreal.

• Almost every global brand imaginable

• Massive outlets, not tiny storefronts

• Indoor canals

• Ice skating rink

• Rush Action Park (full entertainment zone)

And yes Cheesecake Factory, where I had one of the best cheesecakes of my life.

As I walked deeper into the mall, crowds thinned out, and suddenly I was surrounded by ultra-luxury brands, each with massive, museum like stores. I admired everything from outside some luxuries are best appreciated that way.

📍 Location: Villaggio Mall, Doha

On the return journey, I spotted the National Museum of Qatar from outside architecturally stunning, even at a glance.

Back at the hotel, my bags were ready, and the car was waiting to take me back to the airport. The day had flown by  full, tiring, and surprisingly satisfying.

Sitting in the lounge later, I thought to myself:
Was this layover worth it?

My overall experience in Qatar was very good. The city is clean, modern, culturally rich, and easy to explore even in a short time.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Visit only during cooler months, the heat is intense.

• 1 or 2 days are more than enough to explore Doha.

• Use the metro, it’s excellent.

• Book a hotel with airport transfers for stress-free travel.

The one place I truly regret missing?
🏎️ The F1 Track (Lusail Circuit), it’s outside the city and not easy to reach in limited time. Hopefully, next time…