Subscribe to Explore With Finesse!
Get access to subscriber-only travel resources, giveaways, and blog updates that will transform the way you plan and experience your adventures.
*We keep your data confidential!
Subscribe to Explore With Finesse!
Get access to subscriber-only travel resources, giveaways, and blog updates that will transform the way you plan and experience your adventures.
*We keep your data confidential!
If you have an upcoming overnight layover in Doha, this guide is for you. I discuss my experience with using Qatar Airways’ transit accommodation, walking around Doha at night, and seeing some of Qatar’s best attractions!
Table of Contents
Booking a Layover in Doha
When I travel internationally, I try to find the cheapest way to arrive at my destination. While planning for my trip from the US to Tanzania, I decided to save $1,500 USD by flying to Qatar, taking a connecting flight to Kenya, and then taking a bus across the border to Tanzania, rather than just flying directly to Tanzania.
Even after taking into account any costs associated with visas, transportation, and extra meals, this was the most affordable way to get to my destination.
Missing My Connecting Flight
While everything was planned perfectly in my head, it rarely ends up going so smoothly.
The flight to Qatar was delayed due to weather, and since I only was set to spend one hour in the Qatari airport before my connecting flight took off, I knew that I would miss my connecting flight. My hopes of our flight somehow speeding up to make its scheduled arrival time were quickly dashed too.
We arrived at the Hamad International Airport at around 8 pm, and there wouldn’t be another flight to Kenya for 9 more hours.
Taking Advantage of an Opportunity
I saw a lot of passengers from my flight start to set up makeshift beds out of their carry-on luggage and jackets. Luckily, the airport was open 24/7 and had good WiFi, so some people inevitably spent their layover browsing the internet or watching movies.
I had never been to Qatar before, and I wanted to explore Doha, its capital city. However, I ran into an unexpected problem: I wanted to walk around the city on my own, but the Qatari Immigration Authority were only letting people leave the airport during a layover if they signed up for a Doha City Tour.
I’m sure the tour was great, but I prefer to wander around on my own when I travel to a new city.
Qatar Airways Transit Accommodation
I lucked out because Qatar Airways offers transit accommodation for layovers longer than 8 hours. In addition to getting the entry visa required to leave the airport, I was even able to relax in a 5-star hotel at no extra cost!
After checking into the Golden Tulip Hotel and having a quick dinner, I decided to walk around the city. The best part about the hotel was its proximity to some must-see attractions in Doha.
Souq Waqif
If you can only do one thing in Doha, I highly recommend you visit the popular market Souq Waqif.
Souq Waqif Meaning in English
Souq Waqif is Arabic for “Standing Market“.
History of Souq Waqif
Souq Waqif was originally built a century ago. It was mostly used by Bedouins for trading livestock. As Qatar became wealthier, the market slowly became abandoned.
In 2003, Souq Waqif was mostly destroyed by a fire. In 2006, the government renovated the market with traditional Qatari architecture, providing a nice contrast to the high-rise buildings nearby.
Visiting Souq Waqif
This market sells clothes, spices, and souvenirs. There are also several restaurants that stay open until midnight or later.
I visited the Souq Waqif at around 10 PM and there were crowds of people everywhere. I grabbed a couple of souvenirs from the small shops located within the small alleyways of the market. These alleyways reminded me of similar markets that I had been to in other Middle Eastern countries.
Overall, the market was a great place to interact with people, learn about Qatari culture, and try some great food. And the fact that it is open all night makes it the perfect thing to do during an overnight layover in Doha.
Doha's Pearl Monument
Once you are ready to leave the Souq Waqif, you can walk for about 5 minutes toward the harbor to reach the Pearl Monument. This large fountain of an open clam revealing a large pearl is a homage to Qatar’s past.
Significance of the Pearl Monument
In the early 1900’s, pearls were Qatar’s main export. In fact, the Gulf countries once made up about 80% of the pearl market!
After the demand for pearls dropped and oil was found in the Gulf, Qatar shifted its focus from pearls to petroleum. However, Qatar still remembers its pearling legacy, and constructed this monument in honor of the Qataris who would risk their lives to collect those pearls.
Pearl Monument at Night
The Pearl Monument is especially impressive at night, as the fountain is lit up. The buildings that make up the Doha skyline shine with blue, orange, purple, and white lights just behind the monument. It’s a photo opportunity that you shouldn’t miss!
Mina District
Another popular attraction during an overnight layover in Doha is the Mina District. This used to be the Old Port in Doha, but after several years of revitalization efforts, it is now a alluring tourist destination.
There are about 50 restaurants and cafes, including a seafood market/restaurant called Chabrat al Mina. You will also find several dozen shops as well as interesting art exhibits, such as the Box Park.
Al Bidda Park
Al Bidda Park is located in the same area as the other attractions mentioned. There are plenty of amenities and things to do at this park. You can also just come to relax and enjoy the native wildlife here.
Al Bidda Park is opened until midnight every day.
Returning to the Airport
After exploring Doha, I went back to my hotel to sleep for about an hour. Once my short nap was over, I returned to Hamad International Airport to get ready for my next flight.
I passed by other passengers on my flight who were still sleeping on the airport floor. Unfortunately, they had the same opportunity to explore the city, but they either didn’t know about it or didn’t want to experience it.
There are always opportunities to travel, you just need to take advantage of them.
There are even more activities to do in Doha during the day. If you are planning on having a layover in Doha, I recommend you check out the list of available experiences and activities here.
