48 Hours in Qatar: The Perfect Self-Drive Itinerary for Stopover Travellers

So, 48 fabulous hours in Qatar? What foresight! This tiny desert jewel really packs a punch with all that skyline sightseeing, desert fun, and souqs, museums, and beaches for that matter. And what better way to see it all than in your very own rental car?

At Al Muftah Rent-a-Car, we know that each stopover has a story—and we're here to help you write yours, one drive at a time.

Day 1: Culture, Cafés & City Sights

9:00 AM – Land & Go

Once you land at Hamad International Airport, skip the cab queues. Pre-book your ride with Al Muftah and have your car waiting—because in Doha, freedom starts at arrival. Grab a coffee, adjust the seat, and get ready to cruise.

10:00 AM – Museum of Islamic Art (MIA)

First stop: culture. Drive down to MIA, roughly 20 minutes away from the airport. Park your car with ease and spend an hour marvelling at artworks from every corner of the Islamic world. The architecture itself by I.M. Pei is worth the trip.

12:00 PM – Souq Waqif

Are you ready for some old-world charm? A mere 5 minutes from the MIA lies Souq Waqif: an assortment of spice shops, falcon stores, textiles, and so forth. Have a fresh mint lemonade and you may want to take along some local oud (perfume) as souvenirs.

2:00 PM – Lunch at Parisa

Walk inside a fairy-tale setting and delight in Persian-themed lunch at Parisa. Saffron rice, kebabs, and rosewater desserts in an Instagrammable setting await you.

3:30 PM – The Pearl & Qanat Quartier

Head north to The Pearl, an island festival made by man. Walk through the pastel-colored Qanat Quartier, which draws inspiration from the famous colours of watery Venetian streets, and get some gelato.

6:00 PM – Katara Cultural Village

Beach access with galleries and theatres lies 10 minutes away from The Pearl in the Katara Cultural Village. Catch a performance while there. If there isn't one, then enjoy the sunset by the promenade.

8:00 PM: Dinner at Lusail Marina

The days end with an al fresco dinner at the Lusail Marina Promenade, where yachts meet skyline views. Try local seafood, or head to one of the exhilarating waterside eateries; maybe just drive back to the hotel, park without trouble—and rest those feet.

Day 2: Desert Roads & Local Secrets

08:00 AM – Breakfast at the Hotel or Grab a Healthy Snack from Evergreen Organics

The star of the hotel breakfast will always shine brighter than it could ever do at any other restaurant. For a healthy, Instagram-worthy bite, Evergreen Organics in The Pearl is another great option.

9:00 AM – Desert Drive to Inland Sea

Now, the time for some adventure. Head southwards towards Khor Al Adaid, the mystical Inland Sea in Qatar, where desert meets ocean. You'll need a 4x4 (Al Muftah has plenty of those!). It is a 90-minute drive.

Tip: If you're not a dune-driving pro, better stick to a local guide or a short desert convoy tour.

1:00 PM – Picnic by the Sea

Snacks on, park by the water, and let the quiet time surrounded by dunes and salty breeze wash over you. Spotting camels would be the icing on top.

3:30 PM – Returning through Al Wakrah

Head back to town through Al Wakrah, a pleasant coastal town with a fantastic corniche. Great spot to stretch your legs and get some karak chai (local spiced tea).

5:00 PM – A Quick Stop at Villaggio Mall

If shopping has to be done, then Villaggio Mall is the place to be. It is a shopping mall done up like a mini Venice with indoor canals and gondola rides. Last-minute specials are just the perfect excuse for it (or good AC).

7:00 PM – Airport Drop-Off

7:00 PM – Airport Drop-Off

(All good things must come to an end.) The hours remaining are tallied; the car needs to be returned at the airport, and the whole process is made smooth and quick for you. Afterwards, check in and take off with an empty heart full of memories—and of course, a phone full of desert selfies.

Final Thoughts

The world of Qatar is not merely a stopover; it is an actual experience condensed into a mini-adventure. It somehow becomes more than visiting when you have a car from Al Muftah Rent-a-Car all to yourself to explore, discover, and truly savour every minute of it.

So, the next time it says 48 hours in Doha, you will know how to convert that layover into an instant road trip.

Book your car today and start driving to make your own tale.