On our recent trip from Amsterdam, Netherlands to Lahore, Pakistan, we had an option to extend our layover in Doha overnight, and we decided to optimize the opportunity! Although it was brief, we are glad we could catch a glimpse into the country. We flew via Qatar Airways and had a great experience!
Why is Doha a Common Layover?
Doha has become an increasingly common layover for several reasons:
Geographical Location: Doha, Qatar’s capital and located in the Middle East, makes an ideal stopover point for long-haul flights between Europe, Asia, and Australia. Many airlines have established Doha as their hub for connecting flights that lead to various worldwide destinations. Qatar Airways stands out among them all as being an exceptionally respected carrier that utilizes Doha as its home base to offer connecting flights throughout Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America – offering passengers direct routes with numerous connecting flights between Doha and its many international destinations.
State-of-the-Art Airport: Hamad International Airport (HIA) in Doha is one of the most modern-day and well-prepared airports in the international, with brand-new centers and offerings. Passengers can enjoy various services, inclusive of shops, eating places, lounges, and a transit motel, making it a snug and convenient layover destination. We cherished the airport play area for our youngsters! There is more than one at the airport, so visit this website to discover the closest to your gate.
Transit Visa: Qatar has a visa-free transit policy that allows travelers with layovers of up to 24 hours to leave the airport and explore the city. This policy has made Doha an attractive layover destination for many passengers who want to experience the city’s culture, cuisine, and attractions. However, you must purchase health insurance to exit the airport. For more information on obtaining mandatory health insurance to enter Doha, visit this site. You can do this upon arrival.
Qatar’s Rapid Development: Qatar has rapidly developed into a vibrant and prosperous country, attracting tourists, business travelers, and expatriates from around the world. Doha has become a major business and cultural hub, with a thriving economy and a rich history and heritage, making it an exciting destination for layover passengers to explore.
Where to stay in Doha:
Doha is a current and bustling city that gives various accommodation alternatives in different areas. The excellent location to live in Doha relies upon for your choices and what you need to revel in at some stage in your journey. Here are some of the maximum famous regions to stay in Doha:
When making our hotel decision, we decided to opt for a Marriottt Bonvoy hotel partner, as we wanted to use points. We ended up at the Westin Doha Hotel & Spa, which was absolutely beautiful! It is in the heart of Doha, Qatar just 20 minutes from the airport and minutes from the Souq Waqif, Msheireb Downtown Doha and the Corniche. We easily called Ubers from there to our destinations. The bedrooms and bathrooms were spacious and modern.
What to do & Where to eat in Doha:
As I have written about previously in “Key Lessons Learned when Traveling with Toddlers“, we generally plan for one big activity a day, with the rest of the day as more leisurely exploring. During this layover, we had time for about two outings. On the first evening, we visited the Souq Waqif and the second morning we visited Pearl Island.
Souq Waqif: The Souq Waqif is a popular traditional marketplace in Doha and a should-visit attraction for vacationers to revel in Qatari lifestyle and traditional Arabian marketplace life. Here are some of the main things to do and notice there:
Shopping: The Souq Waqif is an excellent place to find authentic souvenirs such as carpets, textiles, spices, perfumes, and gold handicrafts as well as to explore art galleries.
Dining: The Souq Waqif has many restaurants and cafes serving traditional Qatari and Middle Eastern cuisine, such as shawarma, kebabs, falafel, and other local delicacies while sitting on the outdoor terraces and soaking in the atmosphere. We ate dessert at a restaurant called Al Aker Sweets, where our family thoroughly enjoyed the Chocolate Knafeh.
Enjoying Kids Activities and Cultural Performances: Outside the market, there is a children’s area to ride a small train or take camel or horse rides. The kids absolutely loved it, and although the train ride is simple, it was fun to see how excited the kids became. Additionally, you can often catch traditional performances, including music, dance, and theater at the dedicated open-air amphitheater.
Pearl Island: Pearl Island is a high priced man-made island positioned off the coast of Doha, Qatar. There are a range of sports, from shopping and dining to water sports activities and cultural experiences. Here are some of the principle activities on Pearl Island:
Shopping: The island has several high-end shopping centers that offer a range of luxury brands, including fashion, jewelry, and watches. The island’s retail spaces have been designed to emulate the style of traditional European towns, making it a unique shopping experience.
Dining: Pearl Island is known for its fine dining scene, with several world-class restaurants and cafes offering a range of international and local cuisine. Many of the island’s eateries offer stunning views of the Arabian Gulf, making it an excellent place to enjoy a meal or a coffee. We loved eating at Boho Social, where I throughly enjoyed the aesthetic, views, and iced pistachio latte.
Outdoor Activities: The island offers a range of water sports activities, including jet skiing, kayaking, and parasailing. Visitors can rent equipment and book lessons to learn these activities. Pearl Island’s clear blue waters make it an ideal location for water sports enthusiasts. Additionally, the island has several pedestrian and cycling paths that offer stunning views of the island’s marina, beaches, and lush greenery. It’s an excellent place to go for a leisurely walk or bike ride while taking in the island’s beautiful scenery.
Cultural Experience: Pearl Island is home to several museums and cultural institutions that showcase Qatar’s history and heritage. Visitors can explore the island’s museums and learn about the country’s art, culture, and traditions.
Next time, we would love to stay at a beach front resort and take a dessert safari!
Would you consider extending your next layover in Doha to explore the city? If so, book your next flight!
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