Qatar
Qatar | What Can You Do in 48 Hours in Doha? Where We Stayed and Why We Loved Souq Waqif
Doha. A long layover and love at first sight. We first met on our journey to Bali. Since then, there hasn’t been a vacation where, if we have a layover in Doha, we don’t spend a night here. It has something intriguing about it. We like to discover it in the early hours of the day and adore it in the evening, full of life when locals gather in Souq Waqif.
What can you do in 48 hours in Doha?
Don’t miss Souq Waqif! It’s the perfect place for dinner, indulging in various shisha flavours, having a coffee, or enjoying incredible ice cream.
Merchants tempt you with all sorts of products: from carpets, clothing, and jewelry to traditional sweets and spices. Furthermore, there is a section here where you can find shops selling falcons (the national bird of Qatar), rabbits, parrots, and cats. Many of the traditional perfumes and cosmetics, from sandalwood and musk essence to personalized fragrances, can be found in the Souq, so it’s impossible to resist temptation.
The bazaar is open 24/7, but the best time to visit is in the evening when the heat subsides, and all the stalls are open (some close towards morning and again at noon).
We’ve been there in the morning several times. The area was quiet, with only a few stalls and terraces waiting for customers. We settled for two “pitas”: one garnished with cheese, the other with meat, and enjoyed coffee with cardamom, accompanied by the ever-present dates.
Another place you must visit is the Corniche, the promenade area.
Make time to watch the sunset! The bay swallows the sun and merges with the sky, taking on the colour of amber. The spectacle promises to capture your interest, and more than that, it’s entirely free.
If you want to feel even better, take a seat in front at one of the terraces on the Corniche! All you have to do is pay for your drink and enjoy the sensational show of the evening.
Hop on a dhow, a traditional Qatari boat that glides along the calm waters of the bay!
At sunset, cruises are organized, so you can either join a group or rent your own boat. Typically, a dhow ride at sunset is complemented by dinner. Expect a variety of classic Middle Eastern dishes: hummus, a selection of mezze, grilled meat, and rice pudding with pistachios for dessert.
You’ll see boats lined along the promenade, but most depart from the dock in front of the Museum of Islamic Art. By the way, you can also add a visit to the museum to your list.
Take a stroll in the skyscraper area or admire the buildings along the Corniche!
Other attractions to consider, depending on the time you have:
Pearl Doha – an artificial island in the sea.
Sheikh Faisal Collection
Katara Cultural Village
Desert Safari
Angry Birds Theme Park
Where did we stay in Doha?
When it came to accommodation, we looked for a hotel that was easy to reach from the airport, close to the market (so we wouldn’t depend on transportation), offered free Wi-Fi, and had an affordable price. Our choice was DoubleTree Hilton Doha.
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