As a documentary photographer with a passion for out of the ordinary travels, I'm always on the lookout for unique experiences and hidden gems. My recent trip to Qatar was nothing short of extraordinary and turned out to be one of my favorite unknown travel tips. Let me take you on a journey through my whirlwind layover in Doha, where I discovered the magic of this vibrant city without breaking the bank hehe.
My adventure began after a memorable trip to Vietnam. Flying from Ho Chi Minh City to Amsterdam, I took advantage of the layover opportunity in Qatar. Qatar airlines offers on their website cheap layovers to promote tourism and attract visitors to experience the country's culture, attractions, and hospitality, ultimately boosting its tourism industry and economy, making the city accessible and attractive for anyone. Thanks to finding out about this promotion on time - as you are about to now too - I found myself in Doha for a night, experiencing the city's highlights and indulging in luxury for a fraction of the cost. It became a trip within my trip!
As I embarked on my layover adventure in Qatar, a few worries crept into my mind. Firstly, I wondered if my luggage would be checked through from HCMC to Amsterdam, considering my stay in Qatar. Luckily, it was, saving me from navigating Qatar's stricter rules on goods (e.g. alcohol - I wanted to bring a yummy chocolate liquor from Saigon).
Lastly, I was not sure about visas and immigration. Luckily, as a German traveler, I didn't need a visa for Qatar, and there were no immigration papers to fill out. For travelers from countries requiring a visa for a one-day visit to Qatar, it's best to check the visa requirements beforehand. Despite a 25-minute wait in line, immigration and security went smoothly and efficient.
Arriving outside the baggage hall at Hamad Intl. Airport around 15:00, after an 8-hour flight, I wasted no time immersing myself in the city's culture. I wasn't sure how to get from the airport to Doha city. With many options like bus, metro, and Uber, I sought help from a friendly staff member at the information desk in the arrival hall. Eventually, I opted for the metro to experience a bit of the city vibe during my journey.
30 minutes later, I checked into the beautiful 5-star hotel with view on the Skyline ( I chose to stay at the Souq at the Tivoli ) - for, again, 8 EUROS!
First stop: National Museum of Qatar (red line metro). The National Museum in Qatar, designed by the renowned architect Jean Nouvel, is a stunning architectural masterpiece that shows the history and cultural heritage of the nation, including a unique underground gallery built around an ancient palace.
Second stop: Katara Cultural Village (yellow metro line, ca. 20min from the museum), a stunning complex showcasing Qatari heritage through art galleries, theaters, and restaurants. The outdoor air conditioning at Katara left me in awe – a testament to Qatar's innovative approach to combating the heat.
Next on my itinerary was Galeries Lafayette, a shopping haven where I indulged in some retail therapy (but more for the eyes because unfortunately you don't save that much money).
As expected in the desert, the sunset in Doha was simply breathtaking. I found myself mesmerized by the hues of the sky as I watched it from a park in Katara – a moment I'll cherish forever. A huge red fireball just flooded the arabic city.
Then, I explored The Pearl-Qatar, an artificial island offering upscale living, dining, and entertainment options. The crescent-shaped building, with its futuristic design, provided the perfect backdrop for some memorable snapshots. The area around is it lively and you will see locals playing football outside.
As the evening approached, I made my way back to Souq Waqif (which opened now in the evening), Doha's bustling marketplace built on a former beduin market. I had dinner at Parisa, a Persian restaurant within the souq, treated my taste buds to a culinary delight - I loved the chicken and "green rice".
One of the highlights of my visit was encountering camels near Souq Waqif – a quintessential Arabian experience that added to the charm of the city (even though I was aware that the camels were mainly there to entertain tourists). The locals were incredibly friendly and spoke excellent English, making me feel right at home.
I did not see so many Qataris or Westeners on my short stay. The people I encountered were from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and India - and very friendly and gezellig.
To navigate the city, I relied on Doha's efficient metro system. A day metro ticket cost me a mere 2-3 euros, making it an affordable and convenient way to get around. They have several classes in the metro - and I did not get until the end what is for whom haha. One luxurious part, one family part and one standard (?) part.
In the evening, I stumbled upon a hidden gem: Banana Island - the port close to Souq Waqif. For just 25 Qatari Riyals (around 7 Euros), I hopped on a local boat with other visitors (around 20 people go on a boat) to enjoy the skyline views while music played and people danced. You will sit on soft benches, surrounded by small lights and persian carpets. It was a magical experience that felt like a well-kept secret - and the view on the skyline is STUNNING. You can see all the unique buildings lit up at night. The ride is about 30 min. Make sure to not pay more than 30 Qatari Riyals because that's a fair price.
My layover adventure in Doha was proof that you don't need to spend a fortune to explore a new city in style. Thanks to the layover option at the Qatar Airlines Website, I discovered the perfect blend of luxury, culture, and affordability in the heart of the Middle East. Whether you're a traveler passing through or looking for your next vacation destination, Qatar has something special to offer - I loved that little trip inside my trip!
Check and subscribe my Youtube, maybe my Qatar video is already online where I show the hotel room and more!
コメント