Ideally located at the intersection of Asia and Europe, Qatar is a stopover jewel hiding in plain sight. But while some may simply transit through Doha’s Hamad International Airport (albeit an experience in itself, as it was recently crowned the world’s best), outside the airport walls awaits an incredible experience.
With its futuristic architecture, rising dining scene (taken to the next level during the FIFA World Cup ‘22), fragrant souqs and vast desert, Doha is well worth dedicating a few days – or more – to exploring. Plus, with visa-free entry for more than 100 nationalities, it’s a seamless add-on to any long-haul escape. Here’s how you can enjoy the world’s best value stopover in this dazzling Middle Eastern city.
Ready to plan your Qatar stopover? Call the Luxury Escapes team on 03 7032 4200 for incredible value on flights and hotels.
Day 1: Five-star luxury, evening walk & Qatari food
Touch down at Hamad International Airport, where a short 20-minute taxi or Uber ride will bring you into the heart of Doha. Check into your hotel and unwind, whether that’s sipping signature cocktails at Park Hyatt’s Sora Rooftop bar, taking a dip in the rooftop swimming pool at Mandarin Oriental or strolling along the beach at Intercontinental Doha Beach & Spa. Or perhaps you’ll opt to soak up views of the sparkling Arabian Gulf from your lavish room at the iconic Fairmont Doha, savour a sweet treat at Kempinski Residences & Suites’ boutique bakery or refresh with a Moroccan hammam at The Ned’s Club Spa.
As the sun sets, soak up views of Doha Bay and the city skyline from the seven-kilometre waterfront Corniche, before heading to Bayt Sharq for a traditional Qatari dinner. Pull up a seat in the pretty courtyard and sample local dishes like majboos (rice infused with spices and slow-cooked meat), harees (cracked wheat slow-cooked with meat and ghee) and luqaimat (fried doughnuts flavoured with cardamom and saffron). The setting is an experience in itself: located within the 1940s-era Al Khulaifi heritage house, it’s decorated with vintage relics and even has a museum onsite.
Day 2: Cultural village, spice souq & Persian food
Fuel up for a day of adventure with a buffet breakfast at your Doha hotel or head to Karak Mqanes Signature for a traditional Qatari spread. Don’t miss the local favourites: shakshuka, za’atar halloumi and balaleet (a sweet and savoury vermicelli dish cooked with cardamom, rose water and saffron, topped with eggs). No Qatari breakfast is complete without a cup of gahwa (Arabic coffee flavoured with cardamom) – a local staple.
Next, immerse yourself in local culture at Katara Cultural Village. Marvel at Islamic architecture (don’t miss the ornate Katara Mosque with its blue and gold enamel), explore art galleries and relax with a cup of karkadeh (hibiscus tea) on the opulent high street. Enjoy a lunch of chapati and karak (spiced milk tea) at the unassuming but unmissable Chapati & Karak, before cooling off at Katara Beach. If you’re travelling with family, spend your afternoon at the captivating Museum of Illusions, or Meryal Waterpark, home to no fewer than 53 wet and wild waterslides.
Later, visit the bustling Souq Waqif. Wander past stalls overflowing with exotic spices, shop for intricate gold jewellery and admire beautiful Arabian horses at the Emiri Stables. Located within the alleys of this historic trading market lies the palatial Parisa restaurant – your next dining experience. Sample dishes like khoresht (slow-cooked stew), charcoal-grilled lamb and chelo jooje kebab (juicy chicken marinated with saffron, onion and lime). Finish with Persian desserts, signature mocktails and herbal teas for the perfect end to your day in Doha.
Day 3: Desert safari, street food & sunset cruise
Enjoy an early breakfast at your hotel before embarking on an exhilarating desert safari. Ride a camel across the sandy dunes and enjoy an adrenaline-inducing off-road adventure through the otherworldly landscape. Many desert safaris will include a visit to the Khor Al Adaid inland sea, a sparkling turquoise lagoon completely encircled by pristine dunes. If you have more time, consider spending a night in the desert at a Bedouin camp – a truly unforgettable experience.
Return to the city for a late lunch at Box Park, a street food oasis built from colourful converted shipping containers, where you can find everything from shawarma and kebabs to burgers and fries. When evening comes, take to the water for a scenic sunset cruise on the tranquil Arabian Gulf. Board a traditional Arabic Dhow boat and admire the city’s mesmerising skyline as you sip karak and listen to tales of Qatar’s culture and history. Alternatively, cruise to the uninhabited Al Safliya Island for a picnic dinner on the sand.
Discover Doha
This article was produced in collaboration with Visit Qatar.
Ready to plan your Qatar stopover? Call the Luxury Escapes team on 03 7032 4200 for incredible value on flights and hotels.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways Unveil the Next Generation of Business Class Suites.
