Qatar is most well known as a stopover destination onto other parts of Asia or Europe. They’ve also earned some notoriety for holding the rights to the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Aside from that, a lot of people have shrugged their shoulders when we’ve mentioned the destination.
We had the pleasure of visiting Qatar for a few days in February 2019, turning our stay into an extended stop over. Walking off our flight from Namibia, it was clear that most people were in transit. We were the only two people from our (very empty!) flight who were visiting Qatar. That gives you the impression of how a lot of people visit Qatar. Seeing the inside of Doha’s airport and not outside of it.
Which leads to the obvious question. What to do in Qatar on a stopover?
Qatar is a nation built on oil. It has built a thriving economy. It continues to add skyscrapers to the skyline. And owns a major European football team (Paris St Germain). Its other defining feature is being surrounded by desert. Sound familiar? (*cough Dubai, *cough Abu Dhabi).
It’s also worth noting that the United Arab Emirates and Qatar aren’t really on speaking terms at the moment. There is an ongoing trade embargo with Qatar and many its regional neighbours. This has had a number of impacts on trade, and indeed the routes that need to be flown by Qatar Airways. Qatar Airways has lost access to many direct routes which has led to them needing to ‘fly around’ UAE, Saudi Arabia and some other nations. This adds a little bit of time for some flights.
Trade embargo issues aside, Qatar offers another Middle Eastern country for the avid traveler. And whether you’re here for a day or a week, there is plenty to do in Qatar and it’s bustling capital Doha. Read on to learn how you can make the most of your visit.
Things to do on your Qatar stopover
Visit the Souq Waqif
The most famous souq in all of Qatar. There’s no better way to start your Qatar stopover than a wander amongst the mesmerising Souq Waqif. You’ll know you’re amongst the souq when the scent of frankincense wafts over you. The sweet smell follows you through the maze-like alleyways, stopping only to mix with the effervescent shisha which permeate the air. It’s a memorable combination that makes exploring the stalls of the souq all that more enjoyable.
You’ll find families with children wandering about, enjoying popcorn, buying balloons and shopping for perfumes. The souq has just about everything you need, and the amount of time you spend here will only be limited by the cash in your wallet. NB: Bring cash only – you’ll be hard pressed to find card payments amongst the market.
Check out the Falcon souq
Right next to Souq Waqif, you’ll find the falcon souq. Falcons are highly regarded and sought after pets in Qatar. So much so, they have a whole souq devoted to the selling of falcons and their ‘supplies’. There’s even a falcon hospital here. You can wander the stores and see some of the majestic falcons yet to find an owner.
Wander the corniche
Located near to the Souq Waqif and Falcon souq is the 7km stretch along the water known as the corniche. A stroll along the corniche is an easy way to take in Doha and walk off some of that jet lag if you’re on a stopover. You’ll no doubt be accosted to take a dhow boat ride, which are the traditional boats used to ferry people about.
The real highlight of this walk has to be the view back to West Bay which forms the city skyline. At sunset, you’ll get to witness the buildings move from daytime to their night time illumination with colorful lights. The skyline is constantly changing, with many buildings under construction, so it’s an ever changing and impressive skyline.
Admire West Bay
Aside from housing the growing CBD, West Bay is also home to a good volume of affordable accommodation options. Major hotel chains and serviced apartments call West Bay home. It makes sense to look at West Bay for your accommodation needs (more detail below). You’ll also get to wander the skyline up close with its unique and impressive buildings.
Museum of Islamic Art
Whilst there are many notable and beautiful buildings in Doha, I’d argue the MIA is Doha’s most impressive. Outside and in, the quality of the architecture will leave you in awe. I’ll let the pictures do the talking, but it’s important to note that the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) is more than a picturesque building.
It’s a hugely important museum, with exhibits from around the Middle East region. As a non-Muslim, I found the explanations helpful and provided insight into a captivating region. The highlight of our visit was the Syria exhibit. Many of the exhibits were removed from Syria prior to the current conflict. Like many of the historical sites, these artefacts would have otherwise been lost forever, had they not been housed here.
Tickets at entry: Museum of Islamic Art |2 hours| FREE
Katara cultural village
Located around 15 minutes north of Doha, you’ll find the Katara cultural village. There are a range of shops, restaurants and bakeries here being frequented by families enjoying a walk along the promenade. It was designed to be a hub or art and architecture, and this is evident throughout the village.
There is some exceptional architecture to take in. The Golden masjid, which as its name suggests is gold. This mosque glimmered in the afternoon sun and must be seen. The Masjid of Katara is spectacularly designed with intricate patterns. Outside, you’ll find two striking towers, known as the pigeon towers. Pigeons are highly regarded in Islam, and they were created to capture pigeon droppings to help create fertiliser. You can’t miss the towers if you try, but if you somehow do, follow the flock of pigeons heading in their direction.
Wander and have a coffee or tea at The Pearl
The Pearl is a mixture of residential apartment complexes, marinas, beaches and hotels. Another purpose built design, it is the place to explore as the sun goes down. The Pearl has amazing views out to the West Bay skyline in the distance. For the visitor, this is a wonderful place to partake in a shisha or enjoy a coffee at one of the many shops in this area.
See the desert
Like their other Middle Eastern cousins, Qatar’s desert also provides a playground for visitors. Whether dune bashing, sand boarding or riding a camel is your thing, you can do it all in Qatar. Get Your Guide has an excellent number of affordable tours that you can check out below.
Where to eat on your Qatar stopover
There’s plenty to see and no doubt you’ll work up an appetite in the process. We ate at a number of places during our stay, but there were two which stood out above the rest. They even got a return visit!
Ard Kanaan
You’ll know you’ve found this restaurant in Katara Village when you stumble across the world’s biggest key. You heard that right – that’s a thing! I’m not sure which door it is meant to open, but it’s easily identified.
Ard Kanaan serves up Palestinian fare and was quite busy when we visited in the mid-afternoon. It’s a little more expensive than the ‘average’ eatery, but its impressive food is accompanied by some stunning interiors.
Damasca One
Located in the Souq Waqif, this was the first restaurant we ate at and our absolute favourite. Whilst a Syrian restaurant, you’ll find all of your Middle Eastern favourites here.
Portion sizes are incredibly generous – you’ll probably need less than you think. The hummus, tabbouleh and falafel were outstanding and as good as any Middle Eastern food we’ve had anywhere in the world. A little cheaper than Ard Kanaan but not necessarily cheap, be sure to not miss Damasca One.
Where to stay on your Qatar stopover
Doha is blessed with a plethora of accommodation options, perfect for your Qatar stopover. In fact, you’ll see a host of new apartments and hotels being constructed in anticipation of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
You’ll find all the major international hotel chains here, with one key difference. The supply of accommodation far outstrips demand when events aren’t on. This means you can stay with a brand you may otherwise have had to turn away from. Your dollar goes a lot further in Qatar on accommodation and we made the choice to stay at Fraser Suites, West Bay.
Fraser Suites, West Bay was a complete home away from home. A large studio apartment with more than enough space to swing a cat! A fully equipped kitchen although we didn’t do much in the way of food preparation such was the quality of the food in Qatar. And a bathroom as big as anyone would need.
BOOK NOW: Fraser Suites, West Bay || Rooms from $US130
Aside from this, there are many, many, many accommodation options which you can choose from. It’s a destination where the paradox of choice will be your challenge rather than finding somewhere adequate to stay. Many options are new and as a result, high quality.
With so many of these options being new, you’ll also find the properties high quality as well.
Booking.comWhether your Qatar stopover is on the way to somewhere else or you’re dedicating a few days here, there is plenty to keep you occupied on a visit. Enjoy your visit to this evolving destination.
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Wow, thanks. This is a great post with lots of good information about a fascinating country!
No problem at all! Glad you found it useful 🙂