The Ultimate Stopover Guide: How to Spend 24 Hours Exploring Doha
Doha is the capital city of Qatar, and it is located on the Persian Gulf coast in the east. It is one of the fastest-growing cities in Qatar, with 80% of the people living in Doha and its surroundings. It is highly urbanised, and the population consists mainly of foreigners, with Qatari nationals forming a minority.
Qatar’s main international airport is located in Doha, called the Hamad International Airport. This airport was opened in 2014. Over 37 million travellers pass through this airport each year. Travellers who have a stopover in Doha’s airport en route to their final destination can spend time discovering the city.
Most top sites in Doha can be visited by travellers with a 24-hour stopover. Travellers get enough time to visit most of the top attractions in Doha on a day stopover. On your next stopover in the city, experience the Middle Eastern culture of Qatar. Travellers can even turn their stopover from one day to two days with a layover in Qatar. The airport is close to the city centre, which gives travellers ample time to explore the city.
If you are travelling via Qatar Airways, then you can avail the exclusive stopover packages, which offer the best rates for hotels ranging from budget to luxury. Go to their official website or use the mobile app to make a Qatar Airways booking.
Most travellers only transiting Doha do not need a visa, but if you decide to leave the airport, then visa requirements will have to be fulfilled, as per nationality. Most nationalities are offered visa-free entry by Qatar; if not, then you can apply for a transit visa online.
Doha is a vibrant and accessible city, which makes it an ideal city for a stopover experience. The transit visa system is efficient, and the city’s world-class museums, luxurious offerings, and traditional souqs offer an amazing experience.
Top attractions to see in a day
The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA)
It is one of Doha’s most celebrated cultural sites. It is located on the Corniche waterfront, surrounded by Doha Bay. The museum stands on its own island away from all the high-rise buildings. The museum was designed by the architect I. M. Pei has spectacular artworks. The museum offers an impressive collection of Islamic art that dates back over 1400 years. It showcases beautiful textiles and intricate designs. Travellers interested in art, history, and architecture must visit this site. It also has modern cafes which offer incredible views of the city’s skyline.
Kata Cultural Village
It is an art and cultural hub and a fascinating place to explore. The unique charm of Qatari tradition can be experienced at this village. Here you will find art galleries, traditional architecture, an amphitheatre with classic Greek design and Islamic features, and intricately designed facades and walkways. It has several international and local eateries where you can try Middle Eastern flavours. It hosts exhibitions, workshops, and performances, and to attend them, you can check out the schedule. Admission to the village is free. It overlooks the ocean and the city’s skyline. There is a beach nearby where you can enjoy water sports.
Qatari Boat (Dhow) Ride
The Corniche has a waterfront promenade which extends to Doha Bay. You will find wooden Qatari Dhow boats along the Coniche, where you can get a boat ride. It is located near the Museum of Islamic Art, and you can visit both attractions.
Souq Waqif
It is the oldest market in the country and also the most traditional. Here you can buy gifts and unique souvenirs to take home with you. It has many market stalls that sell a variety of goods like perfume, spices, textiles, handcrafted jewellery, and handicrafts. There are a lot of cafes with outdoor seating where you can try a cup of Karak (a Qatari spiced tea). At the restaurants, you can taste the local flavours or eat at shisha lounges.
National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ)
It was opened in 2019 and is a modern marvel designed by the French architect Jean Nouvel. It is inspired by the desert rose crystal formation found in Qatar. The museum offers information about the history of Qatar from the Bedouin period to the modern state. Rich multimedia shows the country’s history, oil-driven transformations, and traditional heritage. The evening lighting makes the museum appear photogenic with an attractive exterior.
The Pearl-Qatar
Wrap up your day by visiting Pearl-Qatar, which is an artificial island known for its high-end shopping, luxury living, and waterfront restaurants. It has Mediterranean-style architecture and gives a feel of a European town with Qatari luxury. Spend time walking along the waterfront, shopping at the designer boutiques, or dining at the waterfront. Take a sunset cruise or rent a yacht to enjoy the Doha skyline from the water.
Malls
There are many malls in the city, such as Mirqab Mall, Tawar Mall, Lagoona Mall, Landmark Mall,Mall of Qatar, and Villaggio Mall. The malls offer many international and local brands, entertainment facilities including a cinema and a children’s play area, and dining options. At the Mirqab Mall, there are many events and promotions throughout the year. Tawar Mall is a contemporary shopping mall, Lagoona Mall has a stylish, modern design and is a luxury shopping mall, and the Mall of Qatar is a large shopping mall and also holds live performances on stage. The Villaggio Mall is the most popular shopping mall and is made to resemble the city of Venice with canals and gondola rides. You can visit any of the malls if you have time.
Conclusion
Exploring Doha during a day stopover is worth it. The stopover packages offered by Qatar Airways make the city easy to access for visitors. Travellers can experience the traditional and the modern side of the city. Your visit will leave memories of modern architecture, mouth-watering cuisine, and rich culture. The city’s unique charm will make your stopover an unforgettable experience. Next time you have a stopover in Doha, do not forget to explore the city for a memorable experience.
Note: The pictures in this article are courtesy of unsplash.com and wikipedia.org respectively and have been borrowed under the creative commons license.
