What do you do if you love to visit far-flung locations but are fed up with long haul flights and nights spent trying to sleep on a plane? You could splurge on business class to make your night more comfortable. But no amount of splurging will help with jet-lag, and however comfortable the sleeping arrangements your night will still be disturbed by noise from turbulence and your fellow passengers.
Our solution? For much less than the cost of a business class flight you can spend several nights in a city on route to your destination. Indeed, some Middle East airlines will even put you up in a hotel if you chose to take a break mid-journey! And you get to sleep in a proper bed, in a hopefully quiet room, with no turbulence. Best of all, you have an excuse to explore another destination as a bonus add-on to your main trip. For us, it’s a no brainer!
A break in Doha
So for our latest trip to Sri Lanka we decided to preface the main event with three nights in Doha *. That gave us two days to explore the city, on the first of which we stayed within walking distance of our hotel, halfway between the National Museum and the souk. Join me for a ‘Monday Walk’ (although in truth it was a Friday!)
We started our explorations walking along Museum Street to Souq Waqif. Of course we had to stop to engage with the local street cats! We were to discover that Doha is a cat lover’s dream! The ones we saw all looked reasonably well fed and as we spotted some strategically placed bowls of water and food, we concluded that people here take good care of their street cats.
Street cats
We also got our first views of the distinctive Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud building, which is both an active mosque and cultural centre. Its unusual spiral minaret can be seen from some distance and is the subject of my feature photo.
Souk Waqif
Doha’s main souk was founded over a hundred years ago, but the traditional building was renovated in 2006 and now appears clean, well-cared for and a delight to explore. There is none of the hassle of Marrakesh’s souks, for example, and while the narrower alley ways are lined with shops selling a mix of local handicrafts and touristy ‘tat’, the open spaces offer cafés, restaurants and plenty of opportunities to relax and watch the world go by. There are also a few specific sights to look out for.
As it was Friday we found the souk rather quiet, with many of the small shops closed, but enough were open to provide some good photos ops.
In Souk Waqif
And it did gradually start to get a bit livelier, with local families out for a walk and refreshments in one of the many cafés. We did the same, enjoying much excellent coffee at a shady table which proved a great spot for some people watching.
Balloon seller and souvenir stall ((note the World Cup souvenirs, still available everywhere)
Pouce
Near the café we found one of the souk’s more unusual sights, a giant gold thumb! This sculpture by César Baldaccini, entitled Pouce, is part of a programme of installations by major artists initiated by Qatar Museums. It is based on a cast of the artist’s own thumb, a major motif in his work which over time he gradually scaled up to this very oversized digit! It is a popular meeting point for locals and visitors as it is so hard to miss.
Pouce by César Baldaccini
Falcons and camels
After our coffees we made our way further into the souk. I was disappointed to find the falcon hospital and the specialist shops around it all closed, presumably again because it was Friday. We could see plenty of birds inside one shop, but it was impossible to photograph them through the glass. So I was thrilled when I saw some men passing by with a falcon on the arm of the youngest. I hurried after them and asked permission to take a photo. One of the older men agreed and carefully arranged the young man’s head covering and posed him for me.
In the falcon souk
Beyond the falcons we came to the camel pen. I rather like camels and was sorry to see them so tightly hobbled but I took a few photos here.
In the camel pen
The Corniche
We left the souk near the camel pen and made our way through a pedestrian subway to the Corniche to walk by the water’s edge. This brought us to the dhow harbour with the nearby Pearl Monument fountain. This pays tribute to the past pearling industry here which, prior to the discovery of oil, was one of the country’s main sources of income.
The Pearl Monument
The Pearl Monument fountain marks the entrance to the dhow harbour. The modern skyscrapers of West Bay in the distance made an interesting contrast to the old wooden boats, so we lingered here taking photos.
Dhows and West Bay skyscrapers
I was keen to have a ride in a dhow so we agreed a price with one of the guys touting for business. He waited a short while for other passengers and a couple who turned out to be from Birmingham joined us. I enjoyed a chat with the woman as we sailed, between taking photos of course. I was taken with the pretty pastel colours of the Mina district, dwarfed by a cruise ship moored nearby which seemed out of place among the dhows.
The Mina district with dhow and with cruise ship
The skyscrapers of West Bay with their varied and interesting modern architectural styles also offered some good photo subjects, as did the sculpture of the 2022 World Cup logo on a small island. The latter appeared to change shape as we sailed past it.
West Bay skyscrapers and World Cup logo sculpture
The Museum of Islamic Art
Our fellow passengers got off the boat in West Bay, having used it more as a taxi service, while we returned to our starting point. From there we walked further along the Corniche, past more dhows, and over the bridge to the striking Museum of Islamic Art, designed by Pei.
The Museum of Islamic Art
We were mainly interested in the architecture rather than the exhibits, but we decided it was worth paying the entrance fee to explore the interior and also enjoy a snack in the beautifully located café.
Interior scenes (click on photos for detailed captions)
We then had a look around some of the galleries, focusing on a few items that particularly caught our eyes.
Some favourite exhibits (again, click on photos for detailed captions)
We also went outside to check the views from the courtyard, which were lovely. This was a popular spot for selfies and Instagram shots, but I was more interested in the views and in the candid photo opps.
West Bay view from the courtyard
From here we made our way back to our hotel on Museum Street, having got a good flavour of the city and a few of its main sights. Oh, and especially for Jo, here is the saffron and date cheesecake I enjoyed in the museum café. Yes, that is real gold leaf on the top!
* I visited Doha in late January 2026, just before recent events made the city a rather less inviting destination. I am thinking of the people there, both residents and stranded visitors, and all those affected by current events across the region. I watch in horror and hope peace returns to the region very soon.
44 Comments
Annie Berger
Enjoyed seeing how much Doha has changed since we were there a while back, Sarah. The new sculptures are very impressive, as is the very striking museum. The Golden Thumb caught my attention as did the date dessert – yum, yum. I was touched by your tribute at the end.
Travel with a Pen
This was a lovely read about your time in Doha and I loved all the photos. I also once took advantage of Qatar’s layover program on my way back from Japan. I only stayed a few hours, but it was so easy to explore in that short time and it certainly beat waiting at the airport. Definitely looking forward to revisiting and staying longer next time.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you very much 🙂 Doha definitely merits a longer stay – we had two days but have plenty of sights left for another visit some time!
Rose
The Mina district looks so tranquil in its pastel colors, but then the Cruise ship certainly minimizes the district. I’m glad you mentioned what’s happening there and that you’re safe. It’s frightening when we can’t trust world leaders, especially our own here in the US.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Rose ☺️ Yes, we were lucky to leave when we did. The Mina district is top of my list to explore if we go back to Doha one day.
wetanddustyroads
Your street photos show a part of Doha that one doesn’t necessarily see on the internet – love it. And I have seen many sculptures, but I can honestly say that I have never seen a golden thumb (and such a big one)! And then there is the Pearl Monument fountain – Doha might be known for their unique sculptures and monuments … and cake😉.
Sarah Wilkie
They do like their public art in Doha – I have more to share from another part of the city next week 😀
Marie
You’re right about breaking those long journeys with a decent stopover – and from your photos it looks as though you’d plenty to see…. Glad you got home safely ……..
Image Earth Travel
A great travel guide! You were lucky to see Doha before all the recent problems!
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Nilla 🙂 Yes, lucky to see it, and lucky to leave before then too!
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Marie 🙂 Yes, lots to see there – I still have a second day’s activities to share and we left plenty more to see on a subsequent visit too!
grandmisadventures
What a beautiful and interesting stop. I love their sculptures- by far the most unique assortment ever. Who thinks of a giant golden thumb!
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Meg 🙂 They really like their public art – I’ve got a load more to share from our second day there, coming soon!
Suzanne
We’ve stopped here though and many times Les and I have counted our blessings with our travel timing. Crazy world we live in. Here’s hoping for all involved that it ends before it really escalates.
Sarah Wilkie
Thanks Suzanne 😀 Yes, we’re certainly counting our blessings right now! Crazy indeed, and I share your hopes for a quick ending.
Diana
What a great strategy for beating the jetlag and seeing places you perhaps wouldn’t otherwise!
Sarah Wilkie
We’ve done it a couple of times now and will do so in the future for sure!
the eternal traveller
We use the same strategy, especially when travelling from Australia to Europe. We’ve stopped several times in Singapore and each time we see something new. If ever we transit through Doha again I would definitely consider a stopover. We didn’t last November because we had limited time.
Sarah Wilkie
Doha definitely merits a couple of days. We were there for two this time and would happily stop over there again as there’s plenty more to see.
margaret21
I’d never have thought of Doha as a destination, but you’ve certainly proved its interest. News from that part of the globe is horribly worrying, and who knows what the ripples will be? We have friends returning from India on Thursday … allegedly. I rather doubt if they’ll make it on schedule.
Sarah Wilkie
We were impressed by how much there is to see in Doha. We had two days there and would happily do another similar stopover in the future as we left a lot unseen. But not in the immediate future, obviously. If your friends have a stopover or transit in the Middle East they will be affected for sure but if it’s a direct flight they should be OK, though it may take a little longer as planes are diverting around the region.
margaret21
I don’t know who they’re going with. Some carriers ARE affected. Well, I’ll just have to keep feeding their cat a little longer, maybe!
Heyjude
Not a place on my list, but I am wondering what it’s like for women travellers. Clothing, being solo etc.
Sarah Wilkie
I can’t speak for solo women travellers but as regards clothing, there’s no problem wearing your regular Western clothes as long as you don’t go too skimpy. We didn’t visit any mosques but based on my experience elsewhere you’d be expected to cover your shoulders, wear a skirt or trousers rather than shorts, and drape a scarf over your head (the latter are usually provided if you’ve forgotten to bring one). It certainly feels a little more liberal in some ways than some other Muslim countries and we didn’t get the sort of hassle from traders that you get in Marrakesh, for example, but in some respects it’s strict – no alcohol for instance (but they do make delicious mocktails!)
Anabel @ The Glasgow Gallivanter
The museum building is quite stunning – what an interior. You were so lucky with your timing, I am horrified too and can’t see where it will all end.
Sarah Wilkie
And it’s not the only striking museum building there, as you will see in a future post! We’re counting our blessings about the timing, as you can imagine.
Anabel @ The Glasgow Gallivanter
I can indeed! We missed 9/11 by about 36 hours.
Yvonne Dumsday
You certainly made the right decision to break your long journey here and all the readers of this post must be so grateful for your photographs and report. I am so grateful that your trip was not a few weeks later.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Yvonne. We were actually in Doha again briefly on our way home (a night in an airport hotel) and left last Tuesday, so missed getting stuck by just a few days!
Egídio
What a gorgeous walk you led today, Sarah. Thanks for the beautiful photos. The idea of spending time in another place before reaching your destination is great, too.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you very much Egidio 😊 This is the second time we’ve done a stopover like this and it probably won’t be the last!
restlessjo
Much of this is visually stunning, Sarah, and your photos are captivating. Smiled at the salesman on his mobile, and the ladies in front of the arch is a lovely capture. I’d have done the dhow ride too, though I have a tendency to confuse Doha with Dubai. They both speak loudly of wealth to me and the puritan in me is a little disapproving/jealous- take your pick! But there’s no denying that the architecture is beautiful. You were pretty lucky to fly in and out when you did. I don’t think it’s going to be a comfortable place to be for a while. When will they ever learn that weapons of war are not the way to peace? xx
Sarah Wilkie
Yes, our timing was fortunate though we didn’t know that of course! Doha is in Qatar which like the UAE has grown rich on oil. I’ve not been to Dubai but my impression is that it flaunts its wealth even more than its fellow Emirate Abu Dhabi. We found Doha, while undeniably rich, slightly more restrained and keen to also show something of its past.
Anne Sandler
Thanks for taking us on that tour. The situation there is tenuous.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Anne – always glad to show you around 🙂
Monkey's Tale
I knew you had planned to stop either on the way in or out of Sri Lanka. I was pretty sure you were home by now, but I did think about you when the bombings happened. Hopefully one day we’ll stop for a visit too, it looks like an interesting place, similar to Morocco, but cleaner. I hope the entire area finds peace soon. Maggie
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Maggie 🙂 We found it very interesting (more so than Abu Dhabi where we did a similar stopover last year). We had our main stop here in the way out, three nights, but we did also spend a night on the way back, just at an airport hotel (rather than try to sleep on the plane). We left on Tuesday so we’re very conscious that we missed all the chaos by just a couple of days.
Monkey's Tale
Oh wow, so close! Thank goodness for that!
Suzanne@PictureRetirement
Sarah, you captured many interesting and varied scenes during your walk. I Googled the gold thumb. It commemorated a football win. Strange, when a foot might have made more sense. Sad, what is happening…
Sarah Wilkie
Yes, it was installed to mark Qatar’s victory in the Asian Cup in 2019 – I should have mentioned that! Very sad …
Steven Mark Berger
Beautiful pictures and great commentary. Doha has so many incredible sights. Thanks for taking me back.
Hoping for a quick end to the violence.
Stay safe,
Steve
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you very much Steve 🙂 I’m glad to have taken you back and would love to return myself some day as we left so much unseen. I hope for a quick end too but I’m not yet convinced we’ll see one, sadly.
Anonymous
Saffron and date and gold leaf I guess
Sarah Wilkie
The cheesecake? Yes, that’s how I described it!