Doha tours

Things to do in Doha

Doha is a city of contrasts, where cutting-edge towers rise amid ancient markets. The scent of exotic spices fills the air as you wander through Souq Waqif, alive with colour and energy. With your local guide, a visit to Doha transforms into a cultural odyssey. Explore the Museum of Islamic Art privately or savour the tastes of Qatari cuisine on a food tour designed to capture the city's essence. Each corner of Doha has its own story, and with your guide, you'll bypass the lines to uncover them all. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Doha. Explore Doha your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Doha tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Doha for every interest, including: History tours: Stroll Souq Waqif’s lanes with a guide who explains the falcon market and spice stalls, then step into the Msheireb Museums to see how pearl diving and migration shaped the city. Longer tours can run north to the UNESCO-listed Al Zubarah Fort or south to the old fishing village at Al Wakrah for a walk along its restored alleys. Nature and Wildlife tours: Ride across dunes to Khor Al Adaid (the Inland Sea) for a picnic by the water and a chance to watch desert fox tracks at the edge of the sand. Closer to town, kayak the Al Thakhira mangroves to spot herons and flamingos, or visit Al Shahaniya to see camels training at the racetrack. Art and Culture tours: Explore the Museum of Islamic Art and the National Museum of Qatar with context on star pieces, then walk Katara Cultural Village’s galleries and amphitheatre for contemporary work. For public art, your guide can drive you out to Richard Serra’s East-West/West-East sculptures in the Zekreet desert and back along the Corniche at sunset. Getting around: The Doha Metro links key sights and is easy to use, but heat and distance make walking between neighbourhoods impractical. Taxis are plentiful, and you can book chauffeured tours with private transportation so your guide handles the driving and cooling breaks. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Doha inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Discover Doha through a private walking tour that takes you into its diverse neighborhoods. With a local guide, the city’s unique blend of tradition and modernity can be fully appreciated. Consider including these areas in your tour: - Souq Waqif: This traditional market is a must-visit for cultural tourists. Wander through its narrow alleyways filled with spices, textiles, and souvenirs, while your guide shares insights into Qatari customs. - The Pearl-Qatar: Perfect for those interested in luxury shopping and dining, this artificial island offers an upscale experience. Families can enjoy the marina views and a variety of international cuisines. - West Bay: Known for its futuristic skyline, West Bay is ideal for those fascinated by modern architecture. Your guide can point out the city’s iconic skyscrapers and share stories of Doha’s rapid growth. Day trip ideas from Doha Slip beyond city limits for easy day trips to nearby coasts, forts, deserts, and mangroves, so you see more of Qatar while still keeping Doha as your base; these day trips from Doha also work well as half-day or full-day tours shaped around what you like to do. - Al Zubarah Fort and Archaeological Site: About 105 kilometres northwest, this UNESCO site pairs a restored desert fort with the ruins of a once-busy pearling town, which makes history feel close as you wander ramparts, old walls, and sea views in the same stop; if you like photography, archaeology, or stories of trade on the Gulf, your tour can pace the visit and add a quick coastal stop near Al Ruwais. - Zekreet Desert, Ras Abrouq, and Richard Serra’s East-West/West-East: West of Doha, wind-carved mesas and open flats lead to a striking desert art installation, so you get geology, wide horizons, and contemporary art in one outing; it suits curious explorers who want minimal walking with big scenery, and it’s great for golden-hour shots and quiet spots to linger. - Al Thakira Mangroves and Purple Island (near Al Khor): Shallow channels, boardwalks, and birdlife make this an easy nature break, where you can spot herons and crabs, stroll sandy paths, and breathe in the sea breeze; this fits travellers who prefer calm time outside, simple trails, and a low-key coastal vibe, with options to extend into Al Khor for a harbour walk. - Khor Al Adaid (Inland Sea) and the Sealine Dunes: South of Doha, a 4x4 crosses soft sand to a rare meeting of sea and desert, and you can try gentle sandboarding, watch the tides, and take in ridgelines that roll to the water; it’s ideal for adventure seekers and landscape fans who want a classic desert feel without a long drive, and your tour can time it for sunrise or sunset. - Al Wakrah and Souq Al Wakra: This former fishing town sits just 20 minutes south, offering a waterfront souq, coral-stone lanes, beaches, and a dhow harbour that keeps things grounded in daily life; it works well if you like short walks, low-key coastal views, and a taste of local food along the promenade, plus simple beach time that’s easy to tailor. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Doha most travellers miss.