A Stopover with Qatar Airways: Two Days in Doha
When flying with Qatar Airways, taking advantage of their stopover program allows you to spend a few days in Doha, Qatar. This is a fantastic program as you not only get to break up a long trip but also explore this fascinating city.
About the Stopover Program with Qatar Airways
When flying with Qatar Airways, one can take advantage of their Stopover Program if you have anywhere between a 12 – 96 hour layover.
Not only does it break up a longer trip, but you get to visit this fascinating Middle Eastern city beginning at just $14 a person, which includes staying in a 4-star or 5-star hotel. Check in time at the hotel is 24 hours a day, so no matter the time you arrive you can seamlessly check in to your hotel.
For more information on the stopover program, visit the website: Qatar Airways Stopover Program.
What we did
We arrived into the Doha International Airport in the early evening following a 13 hour flight from Atlanta, USA. Mike and I were on our way to Thailand which is a long trip from home. By taking advantage of this layover program, we built in 36 hours in Doha in between flights which allowed us two nights in Doha.
From the airport we took an Uber to the hotel we chose from the options provided by Qatar Airways, Hilton Doha The Pearl. We checked in to our room, ate dinner at the restaurant in the hotel, and then headed out to explore a bit. The location of the hotel was perfect for a first glimpse into Doha. It was then wonderful to crash in the hotel following a long trip!
The next morning we had an amazing breakfast at the hotel, went to the gym, and explored Doha with one more night at the hotel.
PRO TRAVEL TIP: I recommend spending a minimum of two nights in Doha. With just one night, you won’t have time to see or do anything, really just spending your time getting from the airport to the hotel and back. With two days, you can spend one full day exploring Doha and with 3-4 days you can explore even further afield.
About Doha, Qatar
Doha is the State of Qatar’s largest city, located on the Gulf of Arabia. It was once a fishing village as well as a hot spot for pearl-diving.
Post WWII, oil was discovered here which led to the country becoming suddenly extremely wealthy. The city rapidly built up with ultra-modern skyscrapers and high-rise residences while also becoming a financial and cultural hub.
Doha skyline as seen from The Pearl
Today, Doha is extremely clean, safe, and all-around dazzling. I said that if Disney had built an Arabian city this would be it! It was picture perfect!
Doha is a Muslim country although it also has a very large expatriate community, welcoming people from countries and cultures from around the world. My sister and her husband lived here years ago, in fact! They absolutely loved their experience here so we were excited to experience Doha for ourselves.
Top Things to do in Doha, Qatar
This is by no means a comprehensive list of all the things to see and do in Doha, however these are the things we would consider “must dos” during a stopover.
Wander The Pearl
The Pearl refers to “The Pearl Island”, an artificial island on the north side of Doha. It is a gorgeous conglomeration of high rise residences, shops, restaurants, hotels, cafes, and a beautiful marina.
The Pearl
Taking in the beauty with its palm fringed walkways along winding canals makes for a lovely walk.
Visit Souk Waqif
If there is one thing that cannot be missed in Doha it is visiting the traditional marketplace, Souk Waqif. The Souk was originally a place where the Bedouin people traded goods.
Souk Waqif
Today, Souk Waqif stands as a stunning piece of ancient architecture, with labyrinth like alleyways as the setting for vendors selling all sorts of goods. Here you will find artwork, pearls, beauty items, traditional clothing, as well as a variety of small animals for sale. One of the most popular things to see here are the falcons!
Take a Dhow Boat Cruise
Doha is located on the Gulf of Arabia making it the perfect place to go for a cruise. With the spectacular Doha skyline as the backdrop, sit back and relax on a traditional Dhow boat as you cruise the waters.
Visit the Museum of Islamic Art
The Museum of Islamic Art is chock full of Islamic history, art, and artifacts. The building is magnificent and a work of art in its own right.
The Museum of Islamic Art
Designed by the famous I.M. Pei, treat yourself to taking in this stunning beauty while exploring the museum’s centuries-old treasures.
Go Shopping
Doha has no shortage of shopping, whether it be traditional goods at one of the Souks or high-end goods at one of the luxury shopping malls. Whatever your shopping style, be sure to leave room in your suitcase to take home some of Doha’s many treasures!
Our Experience
We had 36 hours in Doha on our stopover, which gave us two nights in the hotel. The amount of time was perfect, as we broke up our long trip to Bangkok, Thailand, while taking in the top sites in Doha.
On our first night, we kept it simple and ate dinner at Mulberry Tavern, the restaurant in our hotel, which was excellent! Afterwards, we headed out for a little wander around The Pearl.
Getting acquainted on our first night in Doha
Our Full Day in Doha
The next morning, we began our day with a workout followed by breakfast, beginning the morning right! And check out the view from our balcony!
The view from our balcony | Hilton Doha The Pearl
We then headed out to walk The Pearl. The promenade is so beautiful with many yachts docked in the marina.
The beautiful Pearl
Catching the “Love Qatar” sign was a pleasant surprise!
The “Love Qatar” sign at The Pearl
For lunch we dined outdoors at the Four Seasons at the Pearl. Our food was delicious and the views out to the water couldn’t be beat.
Lunch at the Four Seasons at The Pearl
From here we took an Uber to Souk Waqif. We arrived when it was still light out and caught an Arabian horse show and soon the light turned to night. As we wandered the narrow alleyways we were dazzled by all the goods.
Souk Waqif
We bought some souvenirs but mostly just took in the ambiance of this amazing marketplace.
Souk Waqif
After a few hours at the Souk we caught an Uber to the Museum of Islamic Art.
Inside the Museum of Islamic Art
Wandering the five floors, we really enjoyed exploring all the historical artifacts along the way. The museum is not to be missed!
One of the oldest Qurans
Outside the museum check out the fabulous views of Doha’s skyline. Our time here was a great way to end our full day in Doha!
The Doha skyline as seen from the Museum of Islamic Art
The museum was fascinating and we spent several hours here. It was time to head back to the hotel to prep for our morning flight to Bangkok the next day.
Our two day stopover in Doha was absolutely fantastic! The culture here was fascinating to learn about and taking in the skyline views from around the city was magnificent. We highly recommend taking advantage of Qatar Airway’s Stopover Program for this amazing experience!
Things to Know Before You Go
- The State of Qatar is a Muslim country, although they are very open to foreigners with many expats calling Doha home. While you do not need to cover your hair, it is respectful to keep knees and shoulders covered. I wore a long dress with short-sleeves while here.
- To get around we either walked or took an Uber, which was very reliable.
- Adhan, or “Call to Prayer”, is broadcast on loudspeakers five times a day at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and night. On our first morning we were awoken by the enchanting sound of Adhan.
