Doha City Tour - is it worth it?
The Doha City Tour is a several-hour bus tour to the four most famous attractions of the capital of Qatar. It is organized by the national airline Qatar Airlines (Discover Qatar here) for people who wait for transit at Doha airport for more than six hours. The trip itself lasts about three hours, but you must add the time of obligatory check-in at the entrance and exit from the airport. Passengers with a change in Doha don't carry their main luggage, which is automatically transferred from one aircraft to another. However, if they travel with a suitcase, they can take it with them on a trip and leave in the bus hatch.
The City Tour assumes four stops at attractive tourist locations: at the Souq Waqif bazaar, at the Dhow Harbour, in the Katara Cultural Village and in the Pearl. These are of course the most popular places among tourists, so it's hard to look for the real spirit of Qatar in them. However, we were the only trip to these points, so the tour was pleasant. We didn't go out sightseeing with the guide, because she talked about Doha on the way, while on site we had spare time to explore on our own. Of course, there was not much time, definitely not enough to be able to get to know the place better, but it is a time-limited trip, so be aware of that. The travel guide gave a lot of information about Qatar itself, its inhabitants and features of the capital, so you could learn some interesting things. While driving, we passed several famous buildings such as the stadium, a residence built for Princess Diana or the National Museum.
What to see during the trip?
The Souq Waqif bazaar is mostly a roofed marketplace, however, not reminiscent of those from Morocco, for example, due to the general cleanness prevailing there and different quality of products. There are also no so-called "beaters" who try to push tourists to buy their product, but on the other hand you can't bargain. Get ready for higher prices. You can pay by card at many of the stands, and there is an ATM in the center of the bazaar. What can you buy there? Actually, everything from spices, dried flowers and sweets, to parrots and washing up products. Vendors also offer traditional high-quality Middle Eastern products such as rugs, lamps and decorations. They are beautiful, just a pity they take up a lot of space;)
At the Dhow Harbour, traditional fishing boats are admired, which Qataris sailed half a century ago, because fishing was their main source of income. Currently, boats are still used, but not on such a large scale, because most of the inhabitants of this country are engaged in diplomacy and trade. The marina offers a beautiful view of the Doha business center with many glass and metal skyscrapers sparkling in the sun and reflecting the blue water on their walls.
A bit further there is the Museum of Islamic Art - a beautiful building combining traditional design with modernity. Unfortunately, the trip plan doesn't involve going inside and watching the exhibition.
The Katara Cultural Village is the perfect place for architecture lovers. Here, too, it was impossible to enter the mosques, but observing them from the outside was an equally wonderful spectacle. You can climb the hill next by and admire the buildings from a different perspective.
The Pearl of Qatar is a completely different attraction, more a curiosity than an important historical point. The Pearl is an artificial island that is still under construction. Heaped from the sand, it looks like a string of pearls from a bird's eye view, hence its name. There you can buy or rent the most expensive real estate in Qatar, or book a room in one of the exclusive hotels. There are also luxury brand stores and ultra expensive car showrooms there.
Where to book the trip and how much does it cost?
Doha City Tour can be booked online in advance on the official website HERE. If you decide on this option, be prepared to pay in advance. The cost of the trip is QAR 75.00, which is about 18 EUR per person.
You can also buy the trip at the airport. To do this, go to the Discover Qatar Transit Tour desk located towards Gate A4 and find out if there are seats available. The tour can only be paid in local currency or by card at the information desk.
Discover Qatar offers more trips, but they are longer and more expensive, which is why the three-hour tour option seems like the best option.
Is it worth it?
It is very hot in Qatar, so you have to be aware of the fact that after the trip you may feel stale. Of course, the bus is air-conditioned, but it just take a moment outside to start sweating. It's worth taking some light, airy clothes in your hand luggage that you will be able to change into during the trip. Along the way, water is distributed in any amount and a small snack. Travel guide cares for passengers, therefore sightseeing is pleasant and comfortable.
To sum up I think the whole experience is great, also taking into account the reasonable price. I think that such a trip is a fantastic option for those awaiting the next flight. You don't have to be bored at the airport and try to pass the time, because there is a chance to see a completely different country and learn more about it. The only thing is that the guides speak only English, which can be an obstacle for those who do not speak English.
Although there was not much time for sightseeing, it is enough to get interested in Qatar and maybe even decide to come back there for longer?