The vibrant city of Doha is arguably the most fascinating place to explore in Qatar, as it’s steeped in history, boasts rich culture, great nightlife, world-class cuisine, and a wealth of adventures.
It’s also a short drive away from the desert and offers enough attractions to keep you entertained for a few weeks. I was very impressed by Doha when I visited!
And during my time exploring the city, I found that visiting with a knowledgeable local, who is able to explain the culture and traditions behind so many of the monuments, national dishes, and customs, truly enhances the experience.
I believe joining a tour is the best way to fully delve into the wonders of Doha, whether you’re interested in a foodie adventure, a cultural visit, or a trip to the desert, so I wrote this post for you.
Below you’ll find a compilation of the very best Doha tours available to help you choose the right excursion for you from the most astounding options. Check them out!
Why should you trust me? I’ve been in the travel industry for over a decade, curating travel guides and tours all over the world, and I’ve developed a knack for identifying extraordinary activities. Those are the only ones I include in my posts!
I hand-picked these excursions to ensure they’re high-quality, offer incredible value, and are led by professionals.
I always book my tours with Viator and Get Your Guide, and I especially recommend them for their wonderful cancellation policy. You can get a full refund on most activities if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance.
Limited time? These are the top tours:
| THE BEST TOUR | Combo City Tour with Souq Waqif & Desert Safari |
| CITY TOUR | Doha: Private 4 Hours City Tour |
| DESERT TOUR | Private Half Day Desert Safari All Inclusive |
| LAYOVER TOUR | Private City Tour for Transit Passengers |
| CAMEL RACE | Private Guided Camel Race Tour in Qatar |
OUR PICK: The VERY Best Doha Tour for First-Timers
The Combo Doha City Tour with Souq Waqif & 4WD Desert Safari is a full-day excursion that will give you a glimpse of all the main landmarks in the city center, and introduce you to the Qatari desert.
It’s an ideal tour for first-timers, as your knowledgeable guide will immerse you in the history of the city and take you to the most renowned locations.
Besides visiting the famous Souq Waqif, a vibrant market filled with spices, fabrics, and traditional goods, your guide will also drive you past the Doha Corniche, the scenic waterfront promenade, and stop at the old Dhow Harbor.
You’ll also explore two of the most modern and cultural attractions in the city: Katara Cultural Village, a hub for art, music, and heritage, and The Pearl Qatar, a luxurious island known for its upscale shops and waterfront views.
After the city sightseeing, head into the vast desert for some off-road dune bashing in a 4WD, try your skills at sandboarding, enjoy a camel ride, and then relax in a traditional Bedouin camp with a cup of Arabic tea.
You’ll also get to see the stunning Inland Sea, which acts as a border between Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
Water and tea will be provided to keep you hydrated, and you’ll be taken back to your hotel at the end of the day.
Why is this the best tour? In a single excursion, you will see all of the landmarks of Doha. Dive into its rich history and culture as you explore the major highlights of the city, and enjoy the best desert activities in the sea of sand. You won’t find another excursion that’s so comprehensive and diverse.
Read what the reviews say:
“The tour was simply fantastic – Sayed not only showed a deep understanding of the city but also made the desert experience unforgettable. Unusual photos Driving skills and attention to detail! His extensive knowledge and warm manner made the event an unforgettable experience. Highly recommended!”
Andrea – Read more reviews
This tour includes: Roundtrip transfers, a guide, all activities, water, and insurance. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Doha City Tours
▶️ The Doha: Private 4 Hours City Tour is one of the best day tours in Doha, Qatar. It lasts 4 hours and takes you and your own group to discover the iconic landmarks and hidden gems of the city.
You’ll enjoy stops at the famous Souq Waqif, the Katara Cultural Village, and the Pearl-Qatar island, as well as gain insights from your guide’s live commentary.
You’ll get to choose your desired schedule, ask as many questions as you want, and cover all the city essentials. This makes it the perfect tour for first-time visitors!
This tour includes: Private transportation, a guide, coffee & tea, and water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The Doha Private Night City Tours with or without Local Meal Options will show you the other side of this bustling and vibrant city. You’ll get to stroll along the Doha Corniche after dark, witness the skyscrapers lit up, and head to browse for textiles and spices at Souq Waqif.
The trip also takes you to Katara Cultural Village, where you’ll learn about the culture and traditions of Qatar. Check out the iconic Pearl-Qatar island, and choose to add an Arabic meal to the trip!
This tour includes: Roundtrip transportation, a guide, water, coffee & tea, and an optional meal. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The Doha City Tour and Dhow Boat Cruise lasts 4 hours, and it takes you to many iconic locations. Some of them include Doha Corniche, the Pearl-Qatar, Katara Cultural Village, and the West Bay Area.
You’ll get photo opportunities and also ride a dhow, a traditional vessel, and visit the bustling and incredibly popular Souq Waqif.
This tour includes: Roundtrip transportation, a guide, entrance fees, cruise, refreshments, and insurance. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Little Time? This is the Best Doha Layover Tour
Only got a few hours in Doha during a layover? You can still make the most of your time and discover the city with the Private City Tour for Transit Passengers from Doha Airport.
You’ll be picked up at the airport and taken to the traditional Souq Waqif market, as well as to explore the new and old areas of Doha on a 4-hour trip.
You’ll also get to drive along the beautiful Doha Corniche and West Bay Area. Visit the Pearl-Qatar island, and learn about the country’s history and heritage at Katara Cultural Village. You’ll then be dropped off at the airport just in time for your onward flight.
This tour includes: Roundtrip transportation, a guide, refreshments, and an optional meal. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
A Doha Desert Safari
The Doha Private Half Day Desert Safari All Inclusive Package is an exclusive tou. You’ll get your adrenaline pumping as you go dune bashing, ride a camel, and practice your sandboarding skills.
You’ll also get to visit the Inland Sea, which divides Qatar from Saudi Arabia. When the tide is up, it offers a magnificent spectacle as the water touches the sand dunes, showcasing a mirage-like scenery.
The start time of the tour will be coordinated by you, granting you more freedom.
This tour includes: Roundtrip transfers, a guide, all activities, insurance, and bottled water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
READ ALSO: The Very Best Qatar Desert Safaris from Doha
Doha Food Tours for the Foodies
▶️ Joining the Pearl-Qatar Food Tour & Boat Ride is the perfect way to learn about Doha’s culinary scene as you taste your way through the city. You’ll get to sample delicious food and Arabic coffee, stroll along picturesque waterways, and take a very scenic boat ride.
The tour also takes you around Medina Centrale and the port, and you’ll have plenty of photo opportunities along the way.
This tour includes: Food and drinks, a guide, and a boat ride. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The Food And Souq Waqif Local Market, Msheireb Heart of Doha Tour is another great option to sample the traditional Qatari food. You’ll get to explore the local market with a knowledgeable guide. Discover hidden treasures and learn about the different stores and the city’s culinary heritage.
The tasting of different dishes and sweets is probably the highlight of the visit. You’ll be meeting the falcons and the Arabian horses who live in Souq Waqif as well!
This tour includes: Roundtrip transportation, a guide, an Arabic set meal, water, and tea. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Museum of Islamic Art Tour
The Museum of Islamic Art is among the top 3 most visited attractions in Doha, and it can’t be missing on your trip.
To make the most of your time there, join a 4-Hour Private Museum of Islamic Art in Qatar Tour. A guide will show you around and provide you with insights and plenty of interesting details.
You’ll get to appreciate the displays in more depth and learn about the lives of the Muslims in the early centuries AD. Everything from the livelihood of the locals before the oil boom, to the Islamic absolute monarchy traditions will be covered.
This tour includes: Hotel roundtrip transfers, entrance fees, a guide, and bottled water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Qatar Day Tours from Doha
▶️ The Private North Of Qatar Tour, Zubara Fort, Purple Island & Mangros Colony is an ideal day trip from Doha. From mangroves to traditional ports and impressive buildings, the north of the country has a lot to offer.
The tour takes you and your group to the Al Zubara Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 18th century, and to the charming harbor of Al Khor.
Dhows can be seen on the port, and there’s also a museum depicting the pearling industry. You’ll finish your trip on the gorgeous Al Thakhira beach located on a Mangrove Reserve.
This tour includes: Roundtrip transportation, a guide, entrance fees, bottled water, coffee, and tea. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The Qatar’s West Coast Tour: Zekreet, Richard Serra & Mushroom Rock Formation takes you to one of the most interesting areas of the country.
From marveling at the art installation in the desert, wandering around the ghost town of Film City, and admiring the mushroom-shaped rock formations, this half-day trip will be memorable.
You’ll also visit the ruins of Zakreet Fort, which dates back to the 18th century, and witness a training at the most famous camel racing track.
This tour includes: Roundtrip transportation, a guide, bottled water, coffee & tea, and taxes. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Camel Racing Tour
Likely the most popular sport in the country, camel races are a very traditional activity in Doha. The Half-Day Private Guided Camel Race Tour in Qatar takes you to the Al Shahaniya race track.
There, you’ll get to go behind the scenes and meet the camels before the grand event.
Once the race begins, you’ll do as the locals do: drive alongside the race track, following the camels all the way to the finish line. It’s one of the most thrilling experiences you can book!
This tour includes: Roundtrip transportation, a guide, entry fees, and bottled water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
