Two -Day Qatar Stopover – 2026 Guide For Australian Travellers

Qatar is ideally located to break up long-haul trips to Europe and offers more than enough attractions to make a breather between flights a holiday in itself. Hamad International Airport in the capital Doha has become a hub to 170 destinations and Qatar Airways stopover packages let you enjoy a mini-break in the Middle East from around A$40 per person for two nights.

From unique architecture and cultural curiosities to world-class shopping spots, Doha is bursting with incredible attractions to explore. Here’s our guide to planning an exciting 48-hour stopover in this glittering jewel of the Middle East on your way to the UK or Europe. 

Stopovers in Qatar are a breeze with visa-free entry for holders of Australian passports. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least three months and that you have a confirmed hotel booking on arrival. 

First stop, Katara Cultural Village. Spend some time admiring the striking design of Katara Mosque, designed by renowned Turkish architect, Zeynep Fadilloglu, possibly the first female architect to specialise in mosques. The mosque’s intricate Turkish and Persian-inspired mosaic work sets it apart from surrounding landmarks and is one of the most beautiful buildings in Qatar. If unique architecture is up your street, you might also want to stroll through the Greek-style amphitheatre. This massive open-air structure looks over the sea and can seat 5000 spectators. 

Looking for something a little more luxurious? Visit 21 High Street, a vibrant outdoor shopping destination where you can browse stores like Doha’s Galeries Lafayette before enjoying a bite to eat at one of the many al fresco dining spots that are kept nice and cool by a powerful outdoor cooling system.   

Spend an afternoon in Villaggio Mall where a Venetian-style canal winds past designer stores of luxury brands like Dior, Gucci and Cartier – but don’t let that fool you into thinking this isn’t a family attraction.  

Kids of all ages will love the Gondolania theme park within the mall, equipped with a go kart track, 4D cinema, bowling and an Olympic-sized ice-skating rink. Not to mention a Venetian-inspired canal, complete with gondola rides, making visitors feel as though they’ve been transported to Italy! 

In the cool of the evening, you can either return to Katara for dinner at one of many dining spots by the beach or explore the Msheireb, Doha’s a centrally located cultural district offering art galleries, museums and cafes.  Msheireb is also home to Doha Quest, another stunning theme park open late until 10pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Boasting the world’s tallest indoor roller coaster, the tallest indoor drop tower and over 30 unique rides and attractions, Doha Quest entices thrill seekers of all ages. 

We begin the second day of your stopover with the Museum of Islamic Art. Housing one of the largest collections of Islamic art in the world, this newly reopened museum offers a spectacular insight into Qatari and Middle Eastern history and culture. From textiles and ceramics to metalwork and manuscripts, the museum’s collection spans a staggering 1,400 years of Islamic art history. 

Lunch time already? Pack a picnic and head to the Museum of Islamic Art Park. It’s the perfect spot to relax, engage with open-air artworks and give the kids a run around! 

This art museum dedicated to the works of Indian modernist artist M. F. Husain is also well worth a visit. Having recently opened in November 2025, the museum traces the modernist artist's vision through paintings, films and intriguing installations. 

For an experience that feels like a trip back in time, spend the afternoon exploring the twisting alleyways of Souq Waqif, the city’s famous and historic street market. With its traditional mud-daubed buildings packed to the archways with goods, trinkets, essential oils, perfumes, Arabian spices and antique artefacts – you're in for one authentic souvenir shopping experience.

Quick tip: haggling for a fair price for goods is considered part of the transaction in most souqs and bazaars, so be prepared for a polite exchange with vendors.   

Having wandered this lively labyrinth of treasures awhile, you'll find plenty of restaurants and street vendors to sate your appetite peppered throughout the Souk. From samosas to stuffed vine leaves and slow-cooked stews to sweet dumplings there's plenty of flavour-filled fare for the adventurous. 

If you still have time before heading back to the airport, round off your Doha stopover with a stroll along the Corniche. This 7-km palm-fringed waterfront promenade curves around Doha Bay and offers superb views of the city's modern skyline, shady greenspaces, cafes, cycling and boat rides. Don't miss a photo-op at the Pearl Monument commemorating Qatar's pearl-diving heritage.

You might like to check out our Doha holiday packages. There's so much more to see and do in Doha and Qatar (think immersive mosque tours and desert safaris), we couldn't fit it into one two-day itinerary. A first visit is never the last! As you take a parting glance of this incredible city from the sky (it looks equally spectacular day or night), it's time to look forward to the next leg of your trip!