Visit Doha During Your Layover

Doha is the vibrant and futuristic capital of Qatar, located on the coast of the Persian Gulf. The city combines tradition and modernity, offering a fascinating glimpse into the rapid development and rich culture of the Middle East. Doha is known for its spectacular skyline of skyscrapers, traditional bazaars, and impressive cultural attractions, including the Museum of Islamic Art and the bustling Corniche. With major international events, luxurious facilities, and diverse cuisine, Doha is a captivating destination for both business and tourism.

Travel Guide

Doha

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Explore Doha in Just 6 Hours

This 6-hour tour guide for Doha provides an overview of the city’s most important attractions, blending traditional and modern elements. The proposed itinerary is perfect for capturing the essence of Qatar’s capital in just a few hours and offers an authentic perspective on this fascinating city. The information is based on our personal experience and is 100% original.

How to Visit Doha if You Have a Layover Longer Than 8 Hours? (City Tour of Doha)

Hamad International Airport in Doha offers a range of tours and activities for exploring the city during a layover, which you can find on their website . We chose a guided Doha city tour, which made our layover time pass much faster, and the guides assist you throughout the process of exiting and re-entering the airport. Note that you need a layover of at least 8 hours to opt for these tours.

Check out all the tours available at Hamad International Airport here.

Our chosen tour – City Tour of Doha

Why did we choose the City Tour of Doha?

Optimized time: The actual tour lasts 3 hours, which is enough to get familiar with the main attractions of the city and to enjoy an overview of Doha. Keep in mind that including the procedures for exiting and re-entering the airport, the total tour time can be 5-6 hours, depending on the customs control congestion.
Experienced guide: A local guide will accompany you throughout the tour, providing detailed and interesting information about the history and culture of Qatar.
Transport included: You don’t have to worry about transportation in the city. The tour includes round-trip transfers from the airport to the main tourist attractions.
Ease of exit and re-entry at the airport: The guide will assist you with the exit and re-entry procedures, ensuring you have enough time to catch your next flight.

What We Saw During the Tour

Museum of Islamic Art: An impressive museum that hosts a rich collection of Islamic art from around the world.
The Corniche: A 7-kilometer-long waterfront promenade offering panoramic views of the city and the Persian Gulf.

Souq Waqif: One of the oldest and most famous markets in Doha, where you can find souvenirs, spices, traditional clothing, and much more. Blending rich history with modern culture, Souq Waqif offers a unique experience for both locals and tourists. This traditional market, rebuilt in an old style after a fire in 2003, serves as a community hub and a magnet for those interested in shopping, cuisine, and culture.
What You Can Find:
- Textiles and Clothing: Including abaya, thobe, pashmina, and scarves made from fine materials.
- Jewelry: Both gold and traditional Arabian jewelry.
- Spices and Perfumes: Aromatic oils, spice blends, and local perfumes.
- Handicrafts: Rugs, tapestries, and traditional craft items.
- Pets and Birds: A special area where you can see and buy exotic pets.

Emir’s Palace: The official residence of the Emir of Qatar, an imposing building that reflects the country’s wealth and opulence.
Katara Cultural Village: A cultural complex that includes museums, art galleries, theaters, and restaurants, where you can enjoy an authentic Qatari experience.

Useful Tips:

Book the tour online in advance, especially if you have a short layover.
Ensure you wear modest clothing, respecting the local culture.
Don’t forget to bring water and sunglasses, especially if you’re visiting Doha during the summer.
Respect local rules and customs.

In addition to the City Tour of Doha, Hamad Airport also offers other interesting tours, such as Desert Safari, Pearl Qatar Tour, or Al Wakrah Tour. You can find more information about all available tours on the airport’s website.

Booking a Tour to Visit Doha During Your Layover

1. Online Booking:

Recommended Method: It is advisable to book the tour online in advance, especially during peak season or if you have a short layover.
The booking process is simple and quick:
- Visit the Hamad Airport website
- Choose a tour, date, and preferred time
- Fill in personal information and make the payment
- You will receive a confirmation email with the tour details

2. Booking at the Tourist Information Desk in the Airport:

Alternative: If you couldn’t book online or prefer to book in person, you can go to the tourist information desk at Hamad Airport upon arrival. This was also the option we chose as we were unsure if the plane would be delayed or not.
Procedure:
- Follow the signs to the tourist information desk located in the transit area.
- Present your passport to the staff at the tourist information desk.
- Choose an available tour and request the booking.
- You will receive detailed instructions on where to meet the tour guide and the departure time of the tour.

Where to Eat During the Tour?

Souq Waqif is a vibrant market known not only for its shops but also for its diverse culinary options. Here’s what you can expect:

Variety of Cuisines: Souq Waqif offers a wide range of cuisines from around the world, including Arabic, Indian, Pakistani, Turkish, Persian, and even international fast-food chains.
Restaurants: You will find both sit-down restaurants and more informal eateries. Some restaurants have terraces with views of the bustling market.
Street Food: Enjoy local delicacies from street vendors offering fresh kebabs, falafel, samosas, and other goodies.
Cafés: Relax with a traditional Arabic coffee, fresh juices, or a refreshing drink at a local café.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind:

Opening Hours: Most restaurants and cafés are open throughout the day, with some staying open late into the evening.
Prices: Restaurant prices vary, but you can find both affordable options and luxury choices. Street food is generally the cheapest option.

Recommending a specific restaurant in Souq Waqif depends on your culinary preferences and budget. However, here are some suggestions based on different types of experiences you might be looking for:

For Traditional Arabic Cuisine:
- Damasca One: This Syrian restaurant serves comforting and healthy Middle Eastern dishes such as hummus, baba ghanoush, moussaka, and grilled kebabs.
- Shay Al Shoomos: This restaurant offers a traditional Qatari culinary experience. You can try machboos (a dish with meat and rice), harees (a wheat stew), and balaleet (noodles with eggs and vegetables).
For a Luxurious Dining Experience:
- Parisa Souq Waqif: This elegant Persian restaurant offers an opulent atmosphere and a refined selection of Persian cuisine.
For a Casual and Affordable Experience:
- Al Terrace: This Georgian restaurant offers khachapuri (a cheese-filled bread), shashlik (lamb or beef skewers), and other delicious dishes at a reasonable price.
- Gara Street Food: This area in Souq Waqif has a variety of street food stalls where you can try falafel, samosas, kebabs, and other Middle Eastern snacks.

How to Exit and Re-enter the Airport?

Procedure for Exiting and Re-entering the Airport with the Doha City Tour:

Exiting the Airport:

Meeting with the Guide: You will meet the tour guide at the specified meeting point on the booking voucher, usually in the arrivals area of the airport.
Passport Check: The guide will check the passports of all tour participants to ensure they have the necessary visas (if applicable).
Exit Procedures: The guide will assist you with the exit procedures from the airport, including customs and security checks.
Transport to Destination: Once you have exited the airport, you will be transported to the tour destination in a comfortable, air-conditioned bus.

Re-entering the Airport:

Return to the Airport: At the end of the tour, you will be transported back to Hamad Airport in the tour bus.
Customs Check: Upon returning to the airport, you will go through customs and security checks. The guide will assist with the control procedures if needed.
Time for the Next Flight: You will have enough time to check your hand luggage and board the next flight.

Additional Tips:

Make sure to have your passport and any other necessary travel documents with you.
Follow the airport security rules and regulations.
Allow sufficient time for the exit and entry procedures, especially if you have a short layover.
Inform the tour guide about your next flight time in case you need additional assistance at the airport.

Official Currency of Qatar is the Qatari Riyal (QAR)

How to Make Payments:

Cash: The local currency (QAR) is widely accepted in Doha, both in shops and restaurants.
Credit/Debit Cards: Most shops and restaurants in Doha accept major credit/debit cards, such as Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. We paid for the tour using a Revolut card.
Mobile Payments: Mobile payments through apps like Apple Pay and Google Pay are increasingly popular in Doha.

Internet Card

For internet access, we used the e-SIM service provided by Revolut. We paid 20 lei for 1 GB of internet.

Traditional Cuisine in Doha: A Quick Overview

Doha, the capital of Qatar, offers a vibrant culinary experience reflecting Arab, Indian, Persian, and Mediterranean influences. Traditional cuisine in Doha is rich in flavors and spices, using fresh, local ingredients.

Here are some of the most popular dishes in Doha:

Machboos: A rice dish cooked with lamb, chicken, or fish, flavored with local spices like cardamom, saffron, and cloves.
Luqaimat: Dough fried in sugar syrup and flavored with rose water and cardamom.
Marqooba: A vegetable stew with lamb or chicken, cooked slowly until tender and flavorful.
Khabees: Crushed dates soaked in rose water, butter, and spices, served as a dessert or snack.
Chai Karak: Black tea with milk, sugar, and spices, served hot as a traditional beverage.

What Food to Try on a 3-Hour Tour:

Given the limited time of a 3-hour tour, focus on specific Doha dishes that offer an authentic taste of the local cuisine. Here are some suggestions:

Machboos: Choose the lamb variant for a richer flavor.
Luqaimat: Enjoy this light and delicious dessert, perfect to end your meal.
Chai Karak: Savor a cup of traditional tea to warm and energize yourself.

Conclusion

The City Tour of Doha is an excellent way to spend a longer layover at Hamad Airport in Doha. In just 3 hours, you will discover the main attractions of the city and gain an overview of Qatar’s culture and history. I highly recommend this tour to anyone looking to explore Doha during a layover.