Over 37 million travellers go via Doha’s Hamad Worldwide Airport every year. However what number of of those travellers are taking the time to find Doha en path to their remaining vacation spot? I not too long ago acquired to expertise 24 hours in Doha en route from Chiang Mai to Birmingham with Qatar Airways. It felt like a little bit of a whirlwind, however we squeezed in all the highest sights of Doha and it made me realise how a lot there’s to see there. If you happen to fancy including a slice of Center Jap tradition to your subsequent journey, right here’s the way to spend 24 hours in Doha, and the way to do a layover there from simply $14 per evening.
Stopover in Doha with Qatar Airways
If you happen to’re travelling to a vacation spot past Doha, why not flip one vacation in to 2 with a layover in Qatar? Qatar Airways supply unique stopover packages which embrace unbelievable charges on Qatar accommodations, starting from finances to luxurious (you’ll be able to spend 1 evening in a 4 star Doha resort from $14 {dollars} and a 5 star Doha resort from $77 {dollars}). Try the Qatar Airways stopover packages to seek out out extra.
4 Issues to Do in Doha for a day
1. Go to The Museum of Islamic Artwork
Amongst all of the glitzy skyscrapers, essentially the most iconic constructing in Doha must be the Museum of Islamic Artwork. Positioned in a major location on the Corniche and surrounded by Doha Bay, the museum stands tall by itself island, away from all of the high-rise buildings. The constructing is a murals in itself, nevertheless it additionally homes 3 flooring of historic Islamic Artwork. There’s additionally a contemporary café to relaxation drained ft, however a brief, intense go to right here ought to do the trick. This is among the nice free issues to do on a day in Doha.
How Lengthy to Spend: 1-2 Hours
Prime Tip: A modest gown code is essential right here. Make sure to have your legs, chest and shoulders coated.
2. Discover Katara Cultural Village
Doha’s purpose-built cultural village is a captivating place to discover when on a layover. There’s a heritage centre, opera home, libraries, amphitheatre, artwork galleries in addition to café, eating places and inexperienced areas. Essentially the most spectacular half must be the white stone amphitheatre which has a classical Greek design with Islamic options. Overlooking the glittering ocean and skyline, it’s lovely to go to at any time of day. Shut by there’s additionally a public seashore with water sports activities. Entry to Katara Cultural Village can also be free.
How Lengthy to Spend: 1 hour or longer if you wish to cease for lunch or dinner
3. Take pleasure in a Conventional Qatari (Dhow) Boat Trip
The Corniche is a 7km waterfront promenade that stretches round Doha Bay. Moored up alongside the Corniche is a scattering of conventional wood lengthy boats referred to as Qatari Dhow boats. A lot of them function boat journeys for vacationers and stand out with their vibrant lights. These boats are very near the Museum of Islamic Artwork, so it could be a good suggestion to do each sights one after the opposite.
How Lengthy to Spend: Boat journey durations can fluctuate. E book upfront or simply enquire on the day.
4. Haggle for Souvenirs at Souk Waqif
Get misplaced within the labyrinth of the Souk Waqif and hunt out some treasures to take house with you. The slender alleys of the Souk are stuffed with market stalls and tiny retailers promoting every thing from spices and ceramics to materials and fragrances. There are many informal cafe cafes with out of doors seating that serve drinks, meals and shisha (it could be a enjoyable and fairly priced place to eat on a stopover in Doha). I actually loved my expertise on the Souk Waqif aside from strolling via the pet store space, which I discovered actually upsetting because it has puppies and kittens in cramped cages.
How Lengthy to Spend: 1-3 hours. One of the best time to go to is within the night, when the Souk is at its most atmospheric.
Prime Tip: Don’t be afraid to attempt to barter the shopkeeper for a greater worth and bear in mind to decorate modestly.
The place to Keep on a Layover in Doha
Shangri-La Doha, West Bay
I spent one evening within the luxurious Shangri-La Doha, which is situated in Doha’s West Bay, in any other case referred to as the monetary district. This was the third Shangri-La I’ve stayed at (the others being Boracay and Chiang Mai) and I like how every particular person resort design is influenced by its location. The skyscraper resort feels extremely luxurious and modern with Center-Jap influencers and patterns. The meals was distinctive, as was the service. There’s additionally a wonderful pool space which sadly I didn’t have time to go to. Learn Extra Critiques and E book.
Souq Waqif Boutique Lodge by Tivoli
If you happen to want your accommodations smaller and extra boutique in type, this can be a good possibility. I acquired the possibility to have dinner and a present spherical of this resort while in Doha and if I had been to return to Doha that is positively the place I’d keep. The interiors are lovely and the placement is true within the coronary heart of the Souk Waqif, so it has an genuine Center-Jap really feel versus the high-rise buildings of West Bay. Learn Extra Critiques and E book.
I beloved getting the possibility to spend 24 hours in Qatar and while I solely scratched the floor of this intriguing Center-Jap Metropolis, it was positively sufficient time to get a really feel for the place. It isn’t someplace I’d wish to spend a full week, however if you happen to’re ever passing via I’d positively suggest a culture-filled cease over in Doha.
What did you consider this 24 hours in Doha Information? Have you ever ever handed via Doha or are you planning to go to? We might love to listen to your ideas and experiences. Travelista x
Need to learn extra about my Jap journey? Learn Retracing My Steps in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Due to Qatar Tourism Authority and Qatar Worldwide Adventures for organising the itinerary while in Doha.
This 24 hours in Doha was a part of a press tip from Birmingham to Chiang Mai with Birmingham Airport and Qatar Airways. All views, phrases and pictures are our personal.
