A Night in Doha: Your Ultimate Stopover Experience in Qatar
If you’re traveling to a far-off destination and have a layover in Doha, Qatar, you’re in for a treat! Qatar Airways offers an incredible stopover program that allows travelers to extend their layover and explore the vibrant city of Doha before heading to their final destination. We recently utilized this option for our trip to the Maldives. We left LAX at 3 pm, arrived in Doha at 5:30 pm, and then left for the Maldives the following morning. It was a short trip but you can still cover a lot of ground if you’re up for it! Here’s how you can make the most of a memorable night in Doha, a city where tradition meets modernity.
Qatar Airways Stopover Program
Qatar Airways’ Stopover Program is an excellent way to experience Doha without the hassle of planning a full trip. For a nominal fee, Qatar Airways offers a complimentary hotel stay for one night in a 5-star hotel for passengers with long layovers (at least 12 hours for economy class and 8 hours for business class). This stopover allows you to rest and refresh before continuing your journey, but it also gives you the opportunity to discover Doha’s many attractions.
Rather than taking advantage of their hotel stay option, I used points so we could stay at the Sharq Village & Spa, a Ritz Carlton Hotel. Points redemption rates were cheap so I was able to use a free night certificate.. However. I found out later on that we could have utilized their stopover program to get a free night at a 5 star hotel. So if you are utilizing their stopover program, make sure to direct bookly with Qatar Airways to get a free night stay!
Arrival in Doha: The Gateway to the Middle East
Doha is an exciting blend of the old and new, with futuristic skyscrapers standing next to traditional souks and heritage sites. As you disembark your Qatar Airways flight, you’ll immediately be struck by the stunning Hamad International Airport, known for its art installations and luxurious amenities. The airport itself is a destination, with options for shopping, dining, and even relaxing before heading into the city.
Since I was in business class, I was able to go through customs by entering the business class lounge—where they had refreshments and seats available—and was the only person in there, so I got through immigration in just a couple of minutes. My boyfriend, however, flew economy and had to wait in the immigration like for an hour. So if you are flying business, make sure to go through the lounge instead of standing in line for tourists! I saw several people who were in business class with me stand in line, clearly not knowing that there was a separate entry point for business class passengers. Pro tip: if you can use points or can afford to pay the extra $$, the Qatar Q suites are worth every penny (or point).
Evening Adventures in Doha
1. Wander through Souq Waqif
No visit to Doha would be complete without experiencing Souq Waqif, a traditional marketplace where you can explore narrow alleys filled with everything from spices and textiles to handicrafts and perfumes. The souq comes alive in the evening, with vendors calling out their wares and street musicians adding to the ambiance. Take time to wander through the market and sample local delicacies like shawarma, falafel, or a traditional Arabic coffee.
We headed over to the well known restaurant Parisa and asked for a reservation for 2 people. It was 8:20 pm and they said they could seat us at 9, so we took the opportunity to get coffee and shisha at a nearby cafe while we killed time before our dinner reservation.
If you’re looking to eat while you’re in Souk Waqif, I highly recommend Parisa. It’s a Persian food restaurant that’s one of the most stunning restaurants I’ve ever seen. And the food as incredible too! More on that below...
2. Explore the Corniche
Start your evening with a stroll along Doha’s beautiful Corniche, a scenic waterfront promenade stretching for several kilometers along Doha Bay. With the city skyline in the distance, it’s a perfect spot to unwind after your flight. The area is lined with cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy a coffee or a light bite as the sun sets.
Though it was late, we were pleasantly surprised to find that the Dhow boats were still running as late as 10:30 pm. We left the souk and were intending to walk the Corniche as long as we could, and then decided to take a Dhow boat across the harbor to see the city lights a little closer. This is a fantastic way to see the city skyline.
3. Visit the Museum of Islamic Art
If you’re a culture lover, head to the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), which is just a short walk from the Corniche. Designed by architect I. M. Pei, the museum is a masterpiece itself. The collection spans over 1,400 years of Islamic history, and the building offers stunning views of the city’s skyline. The MIA also features a beautiful park and outdoor seating, perfect for watching the sunset over the bay.
4. Admire the Skyline from the Pearl-Qatar
After the Corniche, make your way to The Pearl-Qatar, a man-made island that’s home to luxury shopping, upscale dining, and some of the most beautiful views of the Doha skyline. It’s an ideal spot for a leisurely evening walk or a sunset dinner by the water. Whether you’re in the mood for casual dining or fine dining, The Pearl offers plenty of options.
Dining Options in Doha
Qatar’s culinary scene is as diverse as its population, offering a blend of Arabic, Asian, and international flavors. Here are a couple of dining options you won’t want to miss:
Al Mourjan: Located along the Corniche, this upscale restaurant serves authentic Arabic cuisine and offers stunning views of the water and city skyline. It’s perfect for a relaxed, elegant dinner.
Nobu Doha: If you’re in the mood for something more sophisticated, head to Nobu at the Four Seasons. Known for its Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine, the restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience with a view of the Arabian Gulf.
Parisa: We chose to dine at Parisa, which came up as a popular spot when I was researching the trip in advance. Since we were already in Souk Waqif and were hungry, we chose Parisa. Let me tell you--it did not dissapoint! Not only was it one of the most beautiflly decorated resturants I've ever seen, but the food was absolutely incredible. Get the lamb, which is their signature dish.
Relax and Recharge
After a fulfilling evening in the city, your Qatar Airways stopover package includes a stay at a luxury hotel, like the Marsa Malaz Kempinski or the Ritz-Carlton, where you can unwind in comfort before your next flight. These hotels are known for their exceptional service, luxurious accommodations, and world-class amenities, making your short stay a rejuvenating experience.
We stayed at Sharq Village and Spa, a Ritz Carlton property, which we were told was one of the best spas in the Middle East and Africa. We were pleasantly surprised to hear that the spa was open until 1:30 am, so we went on our mini tour of Doha in the evening and ended back at the spa at our resort. The facilities are not coed, so we asked if there were any spaces that were. Then they told us that we could use a space to ourselves that had all the same facilities. We opted to do it and were blown away to find this stunning private room with our own sauna, steam room and five different plunge pools, plus a shower.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re in Doha for a few hours or a night, the city offers an enticing mix of tradition, modernity, and luxury, all while embracing the rich cultural heritage of the Middle East. Thanks to Qatar Airways’ Stopover Program, you can experience the best of the city without rushing. It’s an opportunity to relax, explore, and indulge, all while making your way to your final destination.
So, the next time you’re flying with Qatar Airways, take advantage of the stopover program, and immerse yourself in the energy and charm of Doha for a night. It’s a perfect way to break up a long journey and make your travels even more memorable!
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