Over 37 million travellers cross by 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 just lately 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. Should you fancy including a slice of Center Japanese tradition to your subsequent journey, right here’s easy methods to spend 24 hours in Doha, and easy methods to do a layover there from simply $14 per night time.
Stopover in Doha with Qatar Airways
Should you’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 motels, starting from finances to luxurious (you possibly can spend 1 night time in a 4 star Doha lodge from $14 {dollars} and a 5 star Doha lodge from $77 {dollars}). Take a look at 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, probably the most iconic constructing in Doha needs to be the Museum of Islamic Artwork. Situated in a main 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, however it additionally homes 3 flooring of historic Islamic Artwork. There’s additionally a contemporary café to relaxation drained toes, however a brief, intense go to right here ought to do the trick. This is without doubt one of the nice free issues to do on a day in Doha.
How Lengthy to Spend: 1-2 Hours
High Tip: A modest gown code is essential right here. Make sure to have your legs, chest and shoulders lined.
2. Discover Katara Cultural Village
Doha’s purpose-built cultural village is an interesting 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 needs to be the white stone amphitheatre which has a classical Greek design with Islamic options. Overlooking the glittering ocean and skyline, it’s stunning 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. Get pleasure from a Conventional Qatari (Dhow) Boat Experience
The Corniche is a 7km waterfront promenade that stretches round Doha Bay. Moored up alongside the Corniche is a scattering of conventional picket lengthy boats generally known as Qatari Dhow boats. Lots 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 will be a good suggestion to do each sights one after the opposite.
How Lengthy to Spend: Boat journey durations can range. Guide prematurely 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 residence with you. The slender alleys of the Souk are full of market stalls and tiny retailers promoting every part from spices and ceramics to materials and fragrances. There are many informal cafe cafes with outside seating that serve drinks, meals and shisha (it will 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 by 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. The very best time to go to is within the night, when the Souk is at its most atmospheric.
High Tip: Don’t be afraid to try to barter the shopkeeper for a greater value and bear in mind to decorate modestly.
The place to Keep on a Layover in Doha
Shangri-La Doha, West Bay
I spent one night time within the luxurious Shangri-La Doha, which is situated in Doha’s West Bay, in any other case generally known 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 lodge design is influenced by its location. The skyscraper lodge feels extremely luxurious and up to date with Center-Japanese influencers and patterns. The meals was distinctive, as was the service. There’s additionally a superb pool space which sadly I didn’t have time to go to. Learn Extra Evaluations and Guide.
Souq Waqif Boutique Lodge by Tivoli
Should you desire your motels smaller and extra boutique in type, it is a good choice. I acquired the possibility to have dinner and a present spherical of this lodge while in Doha and if I had been to return to Doha that is undoubtedly the place I’d keep. The interiors are stunning and the situation is true within the coronary heart of the Souk Waqif, so it has an genuine Center-Japanese really feel versus the high-rise buildings of West Bay. Learn Extra Evaluations and Guide.
I cherished getting the possibility to spend 24 hours in Qatar and while I solely scratched the floor of this intriguing Center-Japanese Metropolis, it was undoubtedly sufficient time to get a really feel for the place. It isn’t someplace I’d need to spend a full week, however should you’re ever passing by I’d undoubtedly suggest a culture-filled cease over in Doha.
What did you consider this 24 hours in Doha Information? Have you ever ever handed by Doha or are you planning to go to? We’d love to listen to your ideas and experiences. Travelista x
Wish to learn extra about my Japanese journey? Learn Retracing My Steps in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Because of 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.
