Plan the Ultimate Layover in Qatar: 6 Best Activities to Try in Doha
If you need to do a layover in Qatar, there are numerous things to do to make the most out of your time.
Qatar is one of the most sought-after destinations in the world, offering unique shopping experiences, sumptuous meals, and fun and thrilling adventures for people of all ages. Despite being a small country, it provides some of the world’s best spots to explore, especially in its capital – Doha.
To help plan your Qatar layover, here are some of the fun activities in Doha that you should include in your itinerary. Planning ahead will ensure that you won’t waste your time while in Doha or have regrets once your plane leaves.
1. Go shopping at Doha Festival City Mall If you are a shopaholic or looking for unique presents for your loved ones, Doha Festival City Mall is the place to go. With more than 400 local and international retail stores, you can surely find whatever you are looking for in this huge shopping destination. Some of the shops you need to visit include: Gift Shed – a gift shop that offers a unique and amazing collection of items for all occasions. They have a variety of party items, fashion stationery, and attractive wrapping. They can even create tailor-made gifts to suit the recipient’s taste and preference. OnlyRoses – a décor and luxury gift brand specializing in innovative and unique flower arrangements made from fresh-cut roses. They are famous for their Everlasting or Infinite Roses – real roses that can last for years without water. Khaadi Qatar – a recognized Pakistani brand of clothes. They offer contemporary and ethnic Pakistani clothing in various styles, fabrics, and colors. Ambix Perfumes – a specialty boutique that offers a unique blend of French scents and Arabian perfumes. Harvey Nichols – a premier luxury fashion retailer in the UK known for offering the ultimate fashion experience. It is the first-ever Harvey Nichols store in Qatar where you can buy clothing, handbags, accessories, shoes, skincare products, and other irresistible luxury items. NBA Store – an NBA official shop featuring basketball-related apparel like jerseys, t-shirts, basketballs, footwear, and other NBA collectibles and merchandise. IKEA – a Swedish furniture store that offers home décor items, indoor and outdoor furnishings, and home accessories. ACE Hardware – a local hardware shop that can meet all your hardware needs, including other items you will love. In addition, the mall features fashion apparel for everyone, including sportswear. They also offer a collection of watches, gadgets, cosmetics, jewelry, and perfumes. 2. Explore Angry Birds World Apart from shopping at Doha Festival City Mall, a visit to Angry Birds World must also be a part of your itinerary. It offers unique attractions and rides that amaze people of all ages. From adventure activities to thrilling rides, there are plenty of things to look forward to. These include: A 17-meter high tower where everyone can engage in different educational activities and the best of rides A City Studio offering different activities that can test your strength, including roller gliders, wall climbing, and rope courses A fine Go Kart track where you can drive and show off your driving skills in a very appealing way An actual Red House where you can engage in a Raft Battle, which starts from Bird Island and ends at Piggy Island More than that, the park also features other activities that can help ensure a unique, memorable experience. 3. Watch a movie at VOX Cinemas Don’t miss a one-of-a-kind cinema experience by booking a movie at VOX Cinemas. There are 18 screens set up where you can watch the best blockbuster films with your family and friends. You can choose from Hollywood movies to Bollywood and Arabic films in four different experiences: MAX, KIDS, 4DX, and THEATRE. 4. Experience winter fun at Snow Dunes If you want to experience snow in Qatar, head to Snow Dunes at Doha Festival City Mall. Here are the most sought-after attractions to try: Dune Dash – the longest slide in the park White Dunes – a dune bashing experience in the snow Snow Storm – a duo racer ride that will take you on an adventure Snow Slide- a fast slide covered with snow Snow Motion – a twist and turn ride on an icy slide Expedition – a little adventure on top of the snowy mountains in the park 5. Take a walk around the lively streets of Souq Waqif Be transported into another era by taking a walk around the Souq Waqif. Experience, smell, and taste tradition through the perfumes, surrounding architecture, and various fresh produce of the merchants in this standing market. The cultural shows, traditional art, and music further enhance the ambiance of the Souq. The web of small stores offers a wide range of different products, including clothing, handicrafts, spices, and souvenirs. There are also restaurants that can satisfy different cravings, serving regional and traditional dishes. 6. Be stunned by the Pearl Qatar The Pearl Qatar is among the best places to visit when having a layover in Doha. This island is the epitome of luxury, with yachts, villas, and high-end stores that will give you an insight into how wealthy people live. To get a full experience, consider booking a dhow cruise to Pearl Island when the sun sets. Enjoy high-class entertainment, haute cuisine, and a premium lifestyle. With so many things to do in Doha, no wonder it is among the best places for layovers. But to ensure a fun, memorable short stay, manage your time properly. Make a list of the must-try indoor and outdoor activities in Qatar and get out of the airport as soon as you can, so you can get started.