For our last plane trip before Mila turned 2, we spontaneously chose a 6-day vacation in Doha, Qatar. So, for the last time, we paid full price for just two plane tickets and treated ourselves to a few days of exploring and enjoying ourselves in a slightly more expensive hotel with a pool and a private beach. Fun fact: unknowingly, our future family member whom we will meet in January was with us too. We chose Doha mainly because we found affordable flights, we had guaranteed sunny warm weather and there was not much time difference compared to home. We booked everything just a little over a week ahead so really last minute. This year’s spring was extremely rainy and cold back home, and Doha awaited us with over 40 degrees – luckily, the dry heat there is much easier to bear than our humid hot summers, so we didn’t think it was too bad. Besides relaxing in the sun we also visited the most famous areas and sights of the city, and you can read more about our time in Qatar in this post.
How: Turkish Airlines from Ljubljana via Istanbul
Stayed in: Intercontinental Beach & Spa Hotel
USEFUL INFORMATION FOR TRAVELLING TO DOHA AND QATAR
As much as 80% of all residents of this small country on the ARABIAN PENINSULA live in Doha, the capital of Qatar. Many new neighborhoods, office buildings and shopping malls are still under construction in this fast-growing city, although much has been completed before the infamous 2022 SOCCER WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP. Doha will also host the BASKETBALL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP in 2027 and I have no doubt one will be able to see many new interesting buildings by then.
Probably the most frequent question we received during our visit to Doha was related to the PRICES AND COSTS of our vacation. Yes, it is quite expensive, but we knew that beforehand. HOTELS can be found for 80-100 euros per night, but they do not have a swimming pool and are not on the coast. We decided on a more comfortable option and booked a hotel of a higher rank, read and see more about it at the very end of this article. FOOD in restaurants makes a big difference. Seafood buffet dinner at the hotel cost us 140eur (for both, without drinks), a la carte dinner 80eur for both, poke bowl on the beach 20eur per portion, breakfast for two 45eur, cocktails 17eur each, iced tea 5eur. On the other hand, TAXI is quite affordable, we paid 17 euros for transportation from the airport to the hotel, we drove for half an hour. The brand new METRO is also ridiculously cheap, a daily ticket for an adult costs only 1.5 euros, and the metro is extremely modern, clean, fast and effective. We moved around the city exclusively by metros, so I recommend a hotel near one of the stations. The metro also runs to the airport, but it might be easier to grab a taxi with the luggage.
We have already flown via Doha to other destinations with QATAR AIRWAYS several times, but there was never enough time to go see the city. If you have a LONGER LAYOVER DURING FLIGHTS, it is probably worth taking the metro for a couple of hours into the city. This time we flew from LJUBLJANA via ISTANBUL with TURKISH AIRLINES, just like 2 months earlier on the way to Dubai, we again took my favorite evening connection with a short stopover and landing at the destination in the early hours of the morning. On the way back, our first flight was around 2am in the morning, but unfortunately this time with a FULL-DAY STOP IN ISTANBUL and landing in Ljubljana in the evening. In Istanbul, we took their FREE GUIDED TOUR of the city, called TOURISTANBUL, for the first time – read more about it here. So we basically had 6 full days and 4 nights in the hotel. Maximum efficiency, and Mila slept soundly on most of the night flights. The ticket price for 2 adults and a 1-year-old was 870 euros, directly on the website of TA, just a good week before departure.
In general, DOHA, despite its modernity, seemed to still be QUITE TRADITIONAL on some levels. If I quickly compare it with Dubai, where Mila and I spent a week in March, the RULES REGARDING DRESSING and public behavior are definitely stricter in Qatar. Of course, everything is much more relaxed within the hotels. I myself felt best in loose long pants or a long skirt and a loose T-shirt with short sleeves. If you are sensitive to strong air conditioners, I recommend a thin scarf for shopping malls, taxis, and the metro. Bringing ALCOHOL into the country is not allowed, alcoholic beverages are available in some hotel restaurants and bars.
SOUQ WAQIF | the most famous market in Doha
Probably the most authentic or LEAST MODERN NEIGHBORHOOD in Doha impressed us with its many NARROW STREETS, traditional architecture, diverse range of little shops selling clothes, jewelry, spices, furniture, perfumes, decorations, lights and much more.
There are also a whole bunch of very special areas here, such as the FALCON SOUQ for example, where you can buy a real falcon. FALCONING is an extremely popular and traditional sport in the country. In the immediate vicinity of this souq you can also see EMIRI STABLES with horses and camels. Although the whole area of the Arabian Peninsula is famous for trading in gold, there are quite a few special pearl shops in this market, in addition to the GOLD SOUQ area. Indeed, in the past, Qatar was an important CENTER OF THE PEARL INDUSTRY.
While walking around the souq, we also came across this huge STATUE OF THE GOLDEN THUMB, one of the newest of the many interesting sculptures in the Qatari capital.
There is also a good number of more traditional RESTAURANTS and street food sellers around here. It is rather difficult to say what is typical or traditional Qatari food, as there is a strong influence of different cultures everywhere. The most popular are KARAK TEA, in addition to which crepes are served, various MEAT STEWS served in earthenware dishes, RICE DISHES and sweet DESSERTS. The food in local restaurants and street stalls is also cheaper than in hotel restaurants, and it is also easier to get less Western dishes here.
We visited the souk in the afternoon, when the main heat of the day had already subsided, and we also continued our walk from the souq to the famous Corniche promenade, which I strongly recommend visiting at sunset. We took the metro there and back to our hotel.
MOSQUES | mosques around Souq Waqif
There are also 3 MOSQUES on or in the immediate vicinity of the souq, the most interesting of which is probably the more modern SPIRAL MOSQUE, which is modeled after the famous mosque in the city of Samarra in Iraq. The spiral minaret is illuminated at night and the mosque is architecturally connected to the QATAR ISLAMIC CULTURAL CENTER, where non-Muslims can learn more about the Muslim faith, customs and traditions.
NATIONAL MUSEUM | the house of culture and Qatari history
Not far from the above-mentioned souq is one of the most architecturally outstanding buildings in the Qatari capital, and its contents certainly do not lag behind its exterior in terms of interest. Here we get to know the HISTORY OF QATAR, we can see various permanent and temporary EXHIBITIONS, join an ORGANIZED TOUR, enjoy the associated GREEN PARK, where there are also CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUNDS and more. Definitely worth a visit, especially during the hottest part of the day.
MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ART | treasury of Islamic culture
Another museum, which is visually impossible to miss while walking along the promenade, is located in the southern part of the DOHA CORNICHE seaside promenade, on an artificial peninsula. In the museum, you can see historical examples of Islamic culture, from ceramics, textiles, wooden and other products, jewelry to old books and records. In the same area, we find the OLD PORT and the CRUISE PORT, as well as a huge PARK WITH A CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND, LIBRARY, EXCELLENT RESTAURANT, AL RIWAQ GALLERY, BAZAAR, parking lots and other public infrastructure.
DOHA CORNICHE | iconic 7km long beach promenade
The approximately 7 KILOMETER LONG PROMENADE is like a kind of constantly pulsating aorta of the city of Doha. It starts in the south at the old port, where we can already see the first HISTORICAL WOODEN DHOW SHIPS, and ends on the north side of the bay, at the pyramidal Sheraton Hotel. This iconic WALKING PATH in the shape of a crescent is accompanied by a row of palm trees with green areas, parks, children’s playgrounds and luxury hotels on one side, and numerous piers and artificial peninsulas on the other. From here there are also the most beautiful views of the MODERN SILHOUETTE OF THE CITY.
Towards the evening it is especially lively, and everything is made even more beautiful by the orange shades of the sunset. Numerous festivities and celebrations take place here too, and there is no shortage of various MONUMENTS, of course also those related to the Soccer World Cup, which took place in Doha in 2022. Do not miss visiting the following points on the promenade:
FLAG PLAZA
Near the Museum of Islamic Art, there is a very special square with as many as 119 FLAGS representing countries with diplomatic missions in Qatar. Otherwise the entire installation, including a space for celebratory events, illustrates different ways of interaction, community and harmony between people.
THE PEARL MONUMENT
When we think of Qatar, the first thing that probably comes to mind is the association with a luxurious Arab country that made its fortune through the discovery of oil. Which is true, but even before the discovery of oil, Qatar was doing quite well in terms of economy, namely at the expense of TRADE IN PEARLS, which were traditionally caught by diving in the summer months in the rather dangerous waters off the coast of Doha and its surroundings.
Although the pearl trade has not been the primary source of income for the population for several decades (ever since the Japanese developed the artificial cultivation of pearl beds and created oyster farms), the history of this activity is certainly not forgotten. This huge shell with a pearl is therefore not just some kitschy monument, but actually represents an important historical story.
DOHA HARBOUR
If we walk from the Pearl monument to the end of the artificial peninsula, we are greeted by a beautiful view of a bunch of modern high-rise buildings on the other side of the city, and there are also several piers where you can jump on one of the TRADITIONAL WOODEN DHOW SHIPS that take you around the bay. You can also choose a cruise which includes dinner – the best time is right before and during sunset. Nowadays, the old city harbor also has a part arranged for the landing of CRUISE SHIPS.
FIBA SOCCER WORLD CUP 2022 MONUMENTS
Along the entire promenade of the Corniche, there are also a lot of monuments and sculptures erected during the 2022 SOCCER WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP. A little further from the Pearl monument, we can see a huge FIBA 2022 COUNTDOWN CLOCK hourglass, to which a wider bridge with the flags of the participating countries leads (FLAGPOLES OF THE WORLD CUP COMPETITORS), just a little further you find the QATAR 2022 PHOTO FRAME. If you missed the aforementioned World Cup, you have another chance in 2027, when Doha will host the FIBA BASKETBALL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP.
PUBLIC PARKS AND GREEN AREAS IN DOHA | MIA Park, Al Bidda, Al Mashrah, Al Dafna, Aspire park
Along the promenade, we also find a lot of green areas. It might come as a surprise, but these areas are really really green, because they are diligently watered every day. I already mentioned MIA PARK above, which belongs to the Museum of Islamic Art. The largest park along the promenade is called AL BIDDA PARK, here you can find everything from tennis courts, children’s playgrounds, a bowling center, fitness halls, volleyball courts, roller skating paths, walking paths, a special dog park, restaurants and bars, an amphitheater and mosques. In the nearby park AL MASRAH PARK we can find an interesting tunnel with umbrellas (UMBRELLA PARK), and next to the promenade on the other side of the road you can see the interesting light installation DOHA LIGHTS.
At the end of the promenade on the north side, next to the Sheraton Hotel, there is another beautiful park, namely AL DAFNA PARK with a children’s playground, restaurants and many sculptures. The largest park in the city is ASPIRE PARK, but more about this one in the rest of the article. So Doha is a surprisingly green city.
WEST BAY | modern part of Doha with the highest skyscrapers
On the northern part of the Corniche promenade, WEST BAY, the more modern part of the city with the highest skyscrapers begins. In addition to the office buildings and headquarters of many companies, international schools and kindergartens, this prominent part of the city is also home to LUXURY HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS, SHOPPING CENTERS, embassies, galleries, exhibition centers and, of course, seaside promenades.
AL QASSAR | peaceful city area between West Bay and Katara cultural village
Between West Bay and Katara Village there is the smaller Al Qassar area, which may not be anything special for the average tourist, but I mention it anyway, since our chosen hotel is located right here. We found a couple of good hotel alternatives in West Bay, but in the end it was the INTERCONTINENTAL BEACH & SPA HOTEL that convinced us the most.
The hotel is located right next to THE St. REGIS hotel, both offer 16 excellent restaurants and a private, well-kept beach and other areas for spending free time. In addition, it is really peaceful here, as the two hotels are a little bit separated from the main everyday city bustle in the West Bay area. In the area there are several embassies, an international school and a few small parks, and the proximity of the metro station is also convenient. More about the hotel at the very end of the post.
KATARA CULTURAL VILLAGE | Cultural – commercial complex and one of top attractions in Doha
One of Doha’s most famous attractions is a fairly new acquisition, approximately 10-year-old CULTURAL-COMMERCIAL COMPLEX, between the West Bay area in the south and The Pearl area in the north. All the buildings within the complex are built in a traditional style, deliberately reflecting the country’s cultural and architectural heritage. Entrance to the complex is free and you can check out the OPERA HOUSE, AMPHITHEATER, MULTIPURPOSE CINEMA, MARITIME MUSEUM, MARKET, CONFERENCE HALL AND MOSQUE, you can also take a break and jump into the sea at KATARA BEACH, there is no shortage of RESTAURANTS, BARS and SHOPS. Katara is also an important venue for various FESTIVALS, CONCERTS, RELIGIOUS EVENTS and similar activities.
Although, despite the traditional appearance of the buildings in Katara village, everything still seems very tidy and new but it didn’t bother us too much and we found the visit quite pleasant. For us the most interesting were the PIGEON TOWERS – these are traditional tall towers with many niches that provide housing for pigeons. They are important precisely because of their droppings, which were used as fertilizer for farming. The towers are located right next to the picturesque MOSQUE and are one of the most photographed motifs in the Qatari capital.
We visited Katara in the early hours, when it was not yet so hot. Again, we took the metro from our hotel, there is a short walk on a fancy boulevard with shops and restaurants leading down to the main attractions mentioned above. To our surprise we noticed lots of spots with cool air blowing from underground and yes, this was indeed a proper street underground AC! Never seen anything like it, but when it is 40C outside, I can’t deny – it felt good despite the ecological questions behind it. After walking around and seeing most of the sights we treated ourselves to another refreshing iced KARAK TEA, which is definitely worth trying in Doha and headed back to our hotel for an afternoon at the beach.
THE PEARL | prestige new neighborhood built on artificial islands
A little further north of Katara village there is DOHA’S NEWEST AND MOST LUXURIOUS NEIGHBORHOOD. These are artificial islands on which PRESTIGIOUS HOTELS AND PRIVATE HOMES, MARINAS, SHOPPING CENTERS, PALACES, EXCLUSIVE RESTAURANTS, PARKS AND BEACH CLUBS are partly already built, and partly still under construction. Unfortunately the construction sites still make lots of noise so we were happy we were not staying in one of the posh hotels here at this moment. But I am sure it will be a cool spot very soon.
VILLAGGIO MALL | luxurious shopping center in Aspire park
One day we spent a couple of hours among countless boutiques in a LUXURY SHOPPING CENTER called Villaggio Mall. The mall does not only sounds Italian, it also looks pretty much like Italy in most of its part due to its artificial water channels where you can even take a ride with one of the replicas of the original VENICE GONDOLA BOATS.
The center is roughly divided into 3 areas, namely VIA DOMO (where the most prestigious boutiques are located), GONDOLANIA (indoor theme park with go-karts, bowling, carousels, laser arena, 4D cinema, IMAX cinema, huge ice rink and more and more ) and the area with RESTAURANTS.
Otherwise, in addition to the most prestigious ones, there are also more affordable shops and boutiques, we also went to CARREFOUR SUPERMARKET and bought some treats and snacks. Since we already checked out the offer of upholstery, jewelry and other goods here, we skipped visiting the slightly less prestigious, but therefore the largest shopping center in the country, the MALL OF QATAR.
ASPIRE PARK | the largest park in Doha
THE BIGGEST PARK IN DOHA is located in the so-called Aspire Zone area, not far from the shopping center mentioned above. During your visit, don’t miss the iconic 300m high ASPIRE TOWER, also known as THE TORCH, which houses a luxury 5-star hotel. Otherwise the park is a popular spot for picnics, there are larger children’s playgrounds, fountains and a lake, many cafes and restaurants, art installations, theme parks (such as KidZania), numerous sports fields and, of course, the famous KHALIFA STADIUM and the 3-2-1 QATAR OLYMPIC & SPORTS MUSEUM.
DAY TRIPS FROM DOHA | other things to see and do in Qatar
Of course, Qatar offers much more than its traditional – modern capital, so you can also treat yourself to an INTERESTING EXCURSION during your visit. The most popular is definitely a TRIP TO THE DESERT, which can be done on quad bikes, with a 4×4 SUVs or on camels. You can also visit PURPLE ISLAND and the interesting mangroves in AL THAKIRA, the historical fortresses ZEKREET FORT and ZUBARA FORT, the BROUQ NATURE RESERVE with interesting rock formations or, for example, the KHOR AL ADAID bay and reserve in the far south of Qatar, which is a real paradise for bird lovers. After only a 20-minute ride by speedboat from Doha, you arrive at BANANA ISLAND, also known as the Qatari Maldives.
INTERCONTINENTAL BEACH & SPA HOTEL | our hotel in Doha
Due to a certain family situation and our house renovation we have not been able to go on a real family vacation with just the three of us for about one year now. And even though we have been to Croatia, Cyprus, France, Austria and Mila and me to Dubai as well, it was always with either family or friends and now we felt like it is really time for just us.
When we bought the plane tickets to Doha, only one thing was sure – we are booking a good hotel. Because this time we really needed to just relax and “do nothing”. One with a pool and a private beach, preferably with a comfortable room with a view and some good restaurant not far away.
The proximity to the metro station was also important to us, because we can’t stay still for long anyway, and of course we wanted to see and experience something, not just lie around all the days. Since the month of May is already quite hot in Doha, the main season is somehow over and hotel prices drop a little. So we chose to stay at the INTERCONTINENTAL BEACH & SPA HOTEL, which did not disappoint.
This is not a sponsored post, I’m mentioning the hotel solely because we liked it and would definitely pick it up again if we ever visit Doha again. I am happy to recommend it to everyone who visits Doha for a couple of days and, in addition to sightseeing, wants a bit of that real time off with the possibility of jumping into the sea or pool, excellent cuisine in one of the many restaurants, access to the nearby beach club, children’s playground and various sports playgrounds, indoor children’s playrooms (with the possibility of babysitting) and more and more.
So, Qatar yes or no? We liked it, so definitely a yes! Probably two or three days are enough to see most of the sights, if you are on a tight schedule, but if you want to rest a bit in between, I recommend five days. Who knows, maybe in a couple of years we’ll make a deliberate longer stop between some flights and see what’s new in Doha.
Comments 1
Qatar is a beautiful place.