Your 24-hour guide in Doha, Qatar

Where to stay, where to eat, where to have fun, for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar! This is the Lartisien guide to make the most of a 24-hour trip to Doha.

1. Check-in at The Four Seasons Hotel Doha

Situated right onto The Corniche – one of Doha’s most iconic seafront areas – the Four Seasons Hotel Doha brings guests right where all the actions take place. A quick 20-minute car ride from the Hamad International Airport, this Four Seasons property is in close proximity to some of the most popular attractions.

The City Center Doha Mall is within walking distance of the hotel, as well as the Friday Beach and the Beach Garden, both less than a 10-min car ride away. For those flying to Doha for the 2022 World Cup, the hotel is within 20 minutes of two of the major host stadiums, Stadium 974 and Al Thumama Stadium.

The Four Seasons Hotel Doha re-opened in 2020 after an extensive renovation period overseen by icon Pierre-Yves Rochon. The result is a perfect blend of contemporary and classical features that play to the strength of Doha’s urban relax atmosphere and Middle Eastern identity. Picture a gorgeous canvas of stark white, with large, plush beds, comfy furniture, and a spa-like bathroom.

Grand in scale, this Four Seasons property is already establishing itself as the Grande Dame of The Corniche, offering its a stunning view of the Arabian Gulf and city skyline across its 237 guestrooms and suites, and a breathtaking 3-storey spa.

The Four Seasons Hotel, Doha

Address: The Corniche, Doha, Qatar

Opening period: All year

2. Breakfast at Boho Social

A great way to start the day and to dive right into what’s up in Doha, Boho Social is an absolutely stunning place to grab a bite before setting out for sightseeing and adventures.

Just over 10 minutes from the Four Seasons Hotel Doha, Boho Social is located in the Katara Cultural Village, along Katara Beach. Offering a diverse menu inspired by the Americas, Asia, Southern Europe and the Middle East, Boho Social is a foodie’s dream, and makes for a social experience that brings the locals of Doha and international visitors together.

Within a stunning chic Bohemian décor, spread across the restaurant, the terrace, and 3 lounges, guests can relish the menu created by executive chef Andreé Fabián Núñez, along with stunning views of the sea. Boho Social also has an Espresso Bar, with coffee beans that are locally roasted to perfection.

Our pick:

Boho Egg Benedict and a Pistachio Latte

3. Ride to Khor Al Adaid, the Inland Sea.

Though the ride itself might take 1.5 or 2 hours, the Inland Sea is a destination we absolutely recommend simply for how immersive it is. Located some 60 miles from Doha, on the border of Saudi Arabia, the Inland Sea is an endless vista of sand dunes surrounding a stunning an inlet of the Arabian Gulf.

Declared a nature reserve in 2007 and currently on the Tentative List of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Khor Al Adaid covers an area of approximately 708 square miles, and is home to a diverse wildlife that includes flamingos, gazelles, ospreys, dugongs, and turtles, and many others.

While the sand dunes offer a great opportunity for dune-bashing safaris in four-wheel drive vehicles, one of the more popular activities is to take a swim in the warm waters of the inlet.

4. Lunch at Yasmine Palace

After returning to Doha, one of the must-try places for lunch is definitely Yasmine Palace. Occupying a stunning location of The Pearl – an artificial island that’s home to some of the most trendy and popular addresses in Doha – Yasmine Palace welcomes guests to discover traditional Arabian cuisine, served within a grandiose Araban décor.

Guests may relish its expansive menu, featuring Andalusian, Levantine, and Qatari dishes, at 4 distinct areas: Andalusia, Al Rabwa, Tamari, and Terrace. Entering Yasmine Palace itself speaks of the care and attention that has gone into the client experience. Guests are ushered through the Riwaq, an arched passageway that’s been hand-engraved with Islamic motifs and custom made for the restaurant.

After which, guests are welcome to pick any of the four restaurants for lunch or dinner. The Andalusia was our personal favorite for its stunning décor and communal setting, feeling like the ancient courtyard from one of the tales of Scheherazade.

Our pick:

Appetizers: Beetroot Hummus/ Kebbeh Sajieh

Main: Chicken with Cashew/ Meat Shawarma

Dessert: Osmalia with cream/ Saffron cake

5. Visit the Souq Waqif or The Corniche

Once the morning heat and the crowd has subsided, the Souq Waqif or the Corniche are the perfect options to discover more of Doha at a leisurely pace.

A marketplace that dates back to the 20th century, Souq Waqif is located just 10 minutes from the Four Seasons Hotel Doha. Home to a number of restaurants and shops, the Souq is one of the locals’ favorite places to hang out. The shops have everything from antiques to traditional garments to souvenirs, and even small pets. The Souq is a famous attraction and is often to site for artistic performances and theatricals. There is even a 980-seat indoor theater in the market itself, called Al Rayyan.

Meanwhile, the Corniche is right on the doorstep of the Four Seasons Hotel Doha and is one of the most famous waterfront promenades of the city. Many of the national celebrations are held there, and on the occasion of the FIFA World Cup 2022, will be hosting nearly 6000 performances from entertainers, alongside hundreds of culinary outlets and traders.

6. Dinner at Nobu Doha, Four Seasons Hotel Doha

Located on a private shoreline that jets out onto the Arabian Gulf, and covering nearly 26,000 square feet with its 3-story structure, this is the largest and fanciest Nobu restaurant in the world.

Home to Chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa’s signature Japanese cuisine, the Nobu Doha is overseen by Head Chef Andrew Bozoki who ensures that the experience is flawless from start to finish.

Within one of the most stunning décor in all of Doha, and featuring one of the most breathtaking views of the Gulf, guests can relish the elegant and flavorful menu that features traditional Japanese dishes, prepared with the utmost care and the freshest ingredients. The restaurant offers a diverse menu that include sushi, omakase-style meals, fusion, and much more.