How to Spend a Luxury Doha Layover in Qatar

Qatar, a country with a mix of modernity and tradition offers multiple experiences to its guests. Doha, the capital of Qatar has one of the best airports where many passengers transit through allowing people to experience the country during a layover. If you have a connecting flight with a long layover in Doha, here is how you can spend it luxuriously. 

Visa Requirement

Qatar allows passport holders from 102 countries to enter Qatar without a visa and all others can apply for an e-visa online making it very convenient to those who would like to explore the city during their layover. Checking the visa requirements beforehand will help you to apply for the visa if required to exit the airport and enter the country. 

Explore the Doha airport 

Doha Hamad International Airport in Qatar was also voted as one of the best airports in the world offering a wide range of experiences for passengers especially if you have a long layover. One of the easiest things you can do is to explore the luxury shops at the airport itself that have a great range of products and exciting offers. Depending on how long your layover is, you can indulge in some luxury retail therapy. 

Visit a luxury resort 

Escaping the airport to spend an evening at a beach resort located close by is another way to spend your layover in Doha. Located 20 minutes away from the airport is the Banana Island Resort Doha, a luxurious resort that offers a range of experiences for couples, families and even solo travellers looking for a quick getaway. The resort also has a world-class spa with various treatments including those with traditional Arabian ingredients that are perfect for relaxation after or before a long flight. If you are looking for Doha hotels for your layover, this is an excellent way to relax without travelling too far away from the airport. 

Indulge in culinary delights 

Doha is home to cuisines from around the world. Many restaurants in luxurious hotels in Doha offer cuisines with an Arabic twist that is excellent for those who would like to try something new and different. For a luxurious experience, you can make a reservation at one of the many Michelin-star restaurants in Doha that provides a gastronomic experience to its visitors. Taking a step further, if you want to experience traditional Qatari cuisine, opting for machboos which is spiced rice with meat or harees which is a dish made using wheat and meat is recommended. For something on you can opt to have balaleet, which is sweet vermicelli served with eggs. 

Visit unconventional market spaces 

With everything from high-end luxury brands to traditional Qatari handicrafts, Doha is a shopper’s paradise. If you would like to take a break from modern luxury and experience tradition you can visit Souq Waqif, which is a traditional market that sells textiles, perfumes and handicrafts. Another place you can visit that offers an unconventional shopping experience is the Villaggio Mall. Although one might assume it is just another mall, when you enter you will see the magnificent Venetian-inspired architecture. It does not stop there as the mall also offers canal and gondola rides which add a bit of luxury and elegance to your overall shopping experience. Be mindful of the weight limit in your luggage when you indulge yourself in shopping during your layover. 

Explore the culture

Luxury does not always come only from luxury brands and hotels. It also comes from a rich culture and heritage. To experience this during your layover, you can visit the Museum of Islamic Art, which has a great collection of Islamic art from around the world. Another place you can visit to explore the history and religion of Qatar is the National Museum of Qatar. 

There are many luxurious things that you can do during your layover. However, it is important to be mindful of the duration of your layover and plan your itinerary accordingly.