A quick stop in Doha

Mish
Aug 25
5 min read

✈️ 48 Hours in Doha: A Luxe Stopover in the Desert

If there’s one thing Ash and I have learned about long-haul flights, it’s that routine makes all the difference. We’ve got our system down to an art now... hydrate, move, rest, and avoid the temptation of watching every movie on the in-flight menu. So by the time our Qatar Airways flight touched down in Doha, we weren’t dragging our feet. We were buzzing.

Still, nothing quite prepares you for stepping out into the Doha heat. Even at dawn, the air hit us like a giant hairdryer, thick, hot, and relentless. As our taxi pulled away from Hamad International Airport, we were immediately transfixed by the city rising around us. Doha’s skyline is like no other: futuristic towers of glass and steel twisted into shapes that feel plucked from a scifi film. It was the perfect teaser for the whirlwind 48 hours we had ahead.

Our Stay at the Dusit Doha Hotel

For our two-night stopover, we booked the Dusit Doha Hotel through the Qatar Airways Stopover Program, and what a find that turned out to be. For less than $100 AUD, we landed ourselves a spacious, modern room complete with floor to ceiling windows and the kind of bed that makes you sigh when you sink into it. Better still, the program allows you to check in as soon as your plane lands. No waiting around until 2 p.m. for a room. After 12 hours in the air, that is priceless.

The Dusit’s breakfast spread was equally impressive, and the staff were wonderfully attentive when it came to Ash’s allergies, buffet breakfasts are usually a highlight of Ash's trip.

Location wise, it couldn’t have been better. Across the road was City Centre Mall, home to a massive Carrefour supermarket where we loved wandering the aisles, marvelling at the mix of everyday groceries and unusual products. It’s one of our little travel quirks: we always end up in supermarkets, curious about what locals stock in their pantries. The hotel was also just a short walk to the metro and an easy Uber ride to anywhere else in the city.

And then, of course, there was the rooftop pool. On our second morning, we headed to the roof for a swim at 10:30 a.m. already scorching. What a wonderful way to take in the city skyline whilst keeping cool!

Day 1: Hitting the Ground Running

After a quick shower and refresh, we wandered across to City Centre Mall for some airconditioned browsing and a late lunch at Shake Shack. Nothing says “holiday mode” quite like crinklecut fries and a delicious burger, and after so many hours in the air it felt indulgent and comforting in the best possible way.

We snuck in a power nap before heading out for the evening. First stop: The Pearl Qatar. This manmade island is Doha’s answer to glamour yachts, high-end shops, and luxurious apartments. But in 45°C+ heat, it was eerily quiet. What fascinated us most wasn’t the marble storefronts but the discovery of outdoor air-conditioning. Yes, you read that right: cool air piped onto the streets so you could stroll in relative comfort. Ash geeked out immediately, testing every vent he could find, equal parts impressed and amused.

From there, we made our way to Katara Cultural Village, an open-air arts and culture complex. The architecture was striking, but again, the heat kept most people indoors. It was a theme we quickly learned, Doha comes alive later at night, when the temperature dips from “unbearable” to merely “sweltering.”

Our final adventure of the evening was a visit to Villaggio Mall. And wow. What a spectacle. With painted skies on the ceiling and Venetian-style canals winding through the centre, it’s part shopping hub, part theme park. We capped the night with dinner at The Cheesecake Factory. In true American style, the portions were enormous, so we sensibly shared: their famous meatloaf and an eggroll sampler. Sensibly, of course, went out the window when it came to dessert... We couldn’t resist cheesecake to go.

Day 2: Ash’s Birthday in Doha

There’s something special about waking up in a new city on your birthday, and Ash made the most of his. We started the day with that rooftop swim before heading out to explore.

The Doha Metro was our first big surprise of the day. Sleek, spotless, and unbelievably efficient, it whisked us across the city in no time. I’ve caught my fair share of metros and subways over the years, and this ranks highly.

We hopped off at the Qatar National Museum, and I don’t think I’ve ever been more captivated by a building. Designed to resemble a desert rose crystal, the architecture alone was worth the trip. Inside, the exhibits were engaging, interactive, and beautifully presented, everything from natural history to Qatar’s rapid modernisation.

From there we made our way to the Mina District, a pastel-hued waterfront precinct. It’s undeniably photogenic—rows of candy-coloured buildings against the blue of the Gulf—but we found it a little underwhelming beyond its Instagram appeal. Luckily, a free golf cart ride along the waterfront provided some unexpected fun.

In hindsight, our decision to walk from Mina to the Museum of Islamic Art was madness. The heat was punishing, the kind that drains every ounce of energy, but we laughed our way through it and collapsed into the museum’s blissfully cool interior. Like the National Museum, the building itself is extraordinary, geometric, striking, and perfectly placed on the Corniche. The exhibits inside were just as impressive.

As evening fell, we headed to Souq Waqif, which instantly became one of my favourite parts of Doha. The souq buzzes with life—spices, textiles, perfumes, and the intoxicating aroma of grilled meats. We happily wandered, picking up perfumes and traditional charcoal makeup along the way. There’s something magical about souqs at night: the colours richer, the energy heightened.

For Ash’s birthday dinner, he had only one request: back to Shake Shack. The staff were incredible, surprising him by singing Happy Birthday and handing over a celebratory soft-serve. His grin said it all—it was simple, silly, and perfect.

Eating in Doha

Doha has an ever-growing fine dining scene, but for us, this stopover became all about indulging in chains we don’t get back home in Western Australia. At Shake Shack we Cheesecake Factory, we relished every bite. And honestly, isn’t that part of the fun of travel?

The People & Vibe

One thing that stood out was how few Qatari nationals we interacted with. Most people we met—hotel staff, Uber drivers, shop assistants—were expats from around the world. It made for an incredibly multicultural feel, but also reminded us how unique Doha is as a place to visit.

Practical Tips for a Doha Stopover

Timing: Two to three days is plenty to see the highlights.
Stopover program: Take advantage of the Qatar Airways deal for bargain hotels and early check-in.
Transport: The metro is excellent, but Ubers and taxis are also easy and affordable.
Heat: Plan museum visits and mall stops during the day, and save souq and cultural sites for evening.
Clothing: Lightweight but modest is the way to go.

Final Thoughts

Doha surprised us in all the best ways. In just over 48 hours, we explored futuristic architecture, got lost in sprawling malls, marvelled at worldclass museums, and ended each day with our stomachs full and smiles on our faces.

Would we do it again? Absolutely. Doha is a stopover city that makes a statement: bold, extravagant, and endlessly fascinating. And for us, it will always be remembered as the place where Ash turned another year older, celebrated not with candles, but with a Shake Shack soft-serve and a skyline glittering in the background.

xx Mish

PS we scored an empty seat next to us on the flight from Doha to Sarajevo, that could be remembered as one of the real highlights -Ash