Doha, the capital city of Qatar, is one of the most fascinating destinations in the Middle East. Known for its ultramodern skyline, cultural landmarks, luxury shopping malls, and world-class museums, Doha is a blend of tradition and modernity. Whether you are exploring the iconic Corniche, shopping at Souq Waqif, or experiencing the luxurious hospitality at five-star hotels, Doha leaves every traveler amazed.
In recent years, Doha has emerged as a global travel hub thanks to Hamad International Airport, Qatar Airways, and the city’s efficient metro system. The city is safe, well-connected, and offers everything from cultural experiences to indulgent luxury. I recently spent 5 days in Doha, exploring its attractions, enjoying world-class hotels, and making the most of my airline and hotel loyalty benefits. Here’s my detailed travel experience.
🛫 Booking My Flight to Doha with Air India
I booked return tickets from Mumbai to Doha on Air India. As a Maharaja Gold member, I enjoyed premium perks such as:
- Business class lounge access at the airport
- Complimentary seat selection
- Priority boarding, check-in, and baggage tags
Additionally, I earned bonus Air India points on this trip, which I can redeem for free flights in the future. I used my American Express Platinum Charge Card to book the tickets, which has a tie-up with Air India, giving me 10x reward points – a smart way to maximize travel benefits.
📄 Getting My Visa for Qatar
For entry into Qatar, I applied for an A1 tourist visa through the Hayya portal. The entire process was seamless, and I received my visa for free, most likely because I was traveling during the off-season in June, when Doha experiences extreme summer with temperatures reaching up to 45°C.
The Hayya portal is very advanced and well-designed, making the visa process simple and efficient. Within no time, I had my travel clearance ready.
🏨 My Hotel Stays – Four Points by Sheraton & Fairmont Doha
For my 5-day trip, I stayed at two different hotels:
Four Points by Sheraton Doha (3 nights) –
Fairmont Doha (2 nights) –
This was the highlight of my trip! I had always wanted to stay at this luxury property, and since it was off-season, I managed to book it at a very reasonable price. As an Accor ALL Gold member, I was upgraded to a Sea View Room with Balcony and enjoyed late check-out benefits as well. The property itself is iconic and was one of the main reasons I decided to visit Doha.
🚇 Arrival in Doha & Public Transport
My flight landed in Doha at 8 PM, and the immigration process was very smooth, taking just 20 minutes. The first thing I did after exiting the airport was purchase an eSIM through Klook, which made connectivity seamless during my stay.
One of the best parts of my trip was experiencing the Doha Metro – one of the most efficient, modern, and affordable public transport systems I’ve used, even when compared to Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai, and Kuala Lumpur. I purchased a travel card for just 10 QAR and topped it up with 50 QAR. Despite traveling extensively for 5 days, my total spend was only 20 QAR, leaving 30 QAR unused! Even better, travel to and from Souq Waqif is completely free, making it even more economical.
By the time I reached Four Points by Sheraton, it was already 9 PM, so I decided to rest and start my Doha exploration the next day.
🌅 Day 2 – Exploring National Museum of Qatar, Villaggio Mall & Doha Skyline
Since the sun rises early in Doha, I was awake by 5 AM, and it already felt like 7–8 AM. After enjoying a lavish complimentary breakfast at my hotel, I headed out for the day.
🏛️ National Museum of Qatar –
My first stop was the National Museum of Qatar, which I booked through Klook. The building’s architecture is absolutely stunning, inspired by the desert rose. The museum is massive, though a few sections were closed for maintenance. I spent an hour exploring its exhibits.
🛍️ Villaggio Mall –
Next, I visited Villaggio Mall, one of the most beautiful malls I’ve ever seen. With indoor canals and a Venice-inspired theme, it truly stands out as a unique shopping and leisure destination. I spent a few hours exploring the mall before heading back to my hotel in the afternoon, as it was extremely hot outside.
🌃 Doha Skyline at Corniche –
By evening, around 5:30 PM, I headed to West Bay Energy Metro Station to enjoy the famous Doha skyline views from Corniche. The skyline looked breathtaking with its futuristic towers and lit-up buildings. I also saw several traditional dhow boats offering rides, though I didn’t try one. After spending about an hour and a half walking along the Corniche, I returned to my hotel and wrapped up my day.
🕌 Day 3 – Mall of Qatar, The Pearl, Qanat Quarter & Souq Waqif
On my third day in Doha, I started my morning with a visit to the Mall of Qatar 🛍️, one of the largest shopping malls in the country. Since I reached around 11 AM, the mall was almost empty, which made it peaceful to explore. The mall is massive with countless international brands, dining options, and entertainment facilities. I spent about an hour walking around before heading to the stadium 🏟️ located right beside the metro station – a glimpse into Doha’s world-class sports infrastructure.
As the midday sun made it too hot for outdoor activities, I returned to my hotel room to rest. By evening, around 5 PM, I resumed my city exploration.
🌊 The Pearl-Qatar –
My first evening stop was the Pearl, a man-made island known for its luxurious marinas, upscale restaurants, and stylish residential complexes. The waterfront views here are stunning.
🎭 Qanat Quarter –
Just next to the Pearl is Qanat Quarter, a Venice-inspired neighborhood with colorful buildings, pedestrian bridges, and charming canals. It truly felt like stepping into a European city.
🐪 Souq Waqif –
To end the day, I visited the famous Souq Waqif, Doha’s traditional market. The highlight was the golden Thumb sculpture, an iconic landmark that attracts travelers for photos. After strolling through the vibrant alleys of the souq, I headed back to my hotel, completing another eventful day in Doha.
🌳 Day 4 – Al Bidda Park, Corniche Views & Luxurious Stay at Fairmont Doha
I began Day 4 early in the morning, around 5 AM, with a refreshing visit to Al Bidda Park 🌳, located just 1 km from my hotel. The park is huge and very popular among locals for cycling, jogging, and morning walks. The best part was the breathtaking view of the Doha skyline 🌆 from the Corniche opposite Al Bidda Park. In my 3 days so far, this was definitely the best skyline view I experienced. After spending about an hour enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, I returned to my hotel before the heat kicked in.
Around 1 PM, I checked out of Four Points by Sheraton and headed to the highlight of my Doha trip – Fairmont Doha 🏨 in the iconic Katara Towers at Lusail. This property was the main reason I wanted to visit Doha, and it did not disappoint. My Gold status with Accor ensured a room upgrade to a Sea View Balcony room, making the stay even more memorable.
I dedicated this entire day just to enjoy the luxurious facilities of Fairmont Doha. From the elegant interiors to the exceptional hospitality, it was pure indulgence. In the evening, I stepped out to the Lusail Promenade 🌅, where I enjoyed stunning views of the illuminated Katara Towers at night. The sight of the twin towers glowing against the skyline is truly one of Doha’s most iconic views.
✈️ Day 5 – Hamad International Airport, Lounges & Departure to Mumbai
Day 5 was my departure day, but I still managed to make the most of it. After enjoying a leisurely morning, I checked out of Fairmont Doha around 2 PM and headed to Hamad International Airport (HIA) 🛫, which is often ranked as the best airport in the world.
Since I had a few hours before my flight, I explored the airport’s premium facilities:
🛋️ Al Maha Lounge – Accessed Al Maha lounge for free using my Priority Pass.
🛋️ Oryx Lounge – Accessed on invitation from Air India thanks to my status.
🌴 The Orchard Garden – The newly built indoor tropical garden at HIA is absolutely stunning, with lush greenery, water features, and a peaceful atmosphere.
For my return flight, I had booked Air India Premium Economy, ensuring a comfortable journey back to Mumbai. With priority check-in and boarding privileges, the process was smooth, and my Doha trip came to an end on a luxurious note.
💭 Final Thoughts on My 5 Days in Doha
My 5 days in Doha were a perfect mix of culture, luxury, shopping, and relaxation. From exploring world-class attractions like the National Museum of Qatar, Villaggio Mall, Mall of Qatar, The Pearl, and Souq Waqif, to enjoying luxury stays at Four Points by Sheraton and Fairmont Doha, the experience was both rewarding and memorable.
Doha is an ideal destination for travelers who love modern luxury combined with cultural charm. With efficient public transport like the Doha Metro 🚇, smooth visa processing via the Hayya portal, and affordable off-season travel deals, it is an underrated gem for a Middle East getaway.
For me, the highlight was undoubtedly the stay at Fairmont Doha and the stunning views of the Doha skyline from Corniche and Lusail Promenade. Combined with my airline perks, hotel loyalty benefits, and credit card rewards, the trip was both luxurious and cost-effective.
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