Travel
Two Days in Doha, Qatar
It is not uncommon for many to get confused between the Arab countries. Interestingly enough, there are as many as we have in Schengen area. Howbeit, to each its own has beauty and personality. Qatar is one among those exquisite countries, that unlike others is a hidden gem.
Skyscrapers near the coastline
If you have 2 days to spend in Qatar, below is the way to make the maximum of it.
Katara Cultural Village
Pigeon Towers at Katara Cultural Village
Located on the eastern coast in Doha, this one can be considered a mini Qatar and why not? “Katara” is what Qatar was called prior to the 18th century. It is the house of a big amphitheater, an opera house, conference halls, workshops centers, exhibitions and a beach. The village is built exclusively to celebrate Qatar’s culture and art. At the center stands the most photographed structure of Doha, The Pigeon tower. Building pigeon towers is the oldest Islamic tradition for collecting eggs and bird droppings to use them in farm as fertilizers not to mention, also providing housing for thousands of birds. The recreational center also has restaurants of different cuisines as to make its tourists feel welcome. If you wanna experience the ancient lifestyle of Qatar then this is the place where you get it.
Desert Sports
Camels on Desert Safari
Paulo Coelho said “The Desert is a capricious lady, and sometimes she drives men crazy”. That’s what we experienced to be precise on our Desert safari! Bashing on sands is in no comparison to thrills you get on a roller coaster and elation you feel with water sports, it is up and above all those limits. It is a pure adventure. Qatar tourism offers a whole set of sports activities on desert such as camel ride, sandboarding, quad bike and car rides. The whole safari takes up to 5 hours and it all penny worth. The guide will drive you through the inland seas and refreshment tents in between for mini breaks that are a scene as luring as the sports.
Souq Waqif
Souq Waqif
When in Arabia, don’t just be an Arab but shop like an Arab too. Souq means market in Arab and Souq Waqif can be translated as standing market or simply a marketplace. The market sells authentic and legendary garments, shawls, handicrafts, Genie-lamps and many other souvenirs. Irrespective of the day, this place is always busy because this is as well a hang out place for many. There are small food stands to roomy restaurants to offer katari cuisines in all shapes, sizes and tastes. The one dessert which you can’t miss here is kunafeh made of sugar syrup and along the way you will be obviously tempted with variety of other luscious savouries. If it is with friends that you are visiting Qatar, entertain your bunch to a game of backgammon – a pastime to have good time along with some Arabic coffee.
The Pearl Qatar
Source: Google
Welcome to the jewel of Qatar, The Pearl. It is the biggest residential estate in the middle East spreading over 32 kilometres. The development gets its name from the country’s yesteryears’ pride of being world’s leading Pearl merchant before the oil boom. The Pearl Qatar just like beads in a necklace has 12 districts to represent different architectural styles. Hop on a car and take a ride, it is one dazzling gem to admire.
Villaggio Mall
Villagio Mall Inside
Have you ever gone to a theme-based shopping mall? Perhaps, you might but definitely not to one like this. Villaggio Mall is built on Italian, more like Venice, theme with even gondolas with a 150 meter long canal. The entire setting is completely indoors yet giving an impression of walking under pleasant summer sky with beautiful fluffy clouds. Kudos to the lifelike paintings on the ceilings and lights, it would take a while to recognize the distinction. Villaggio Mall is also house for elite brands from US, UK, Italy and German countries along with food courts, ice rink among other amusement choices.
Munch, Crunch and Slurp!
Turkey Central
Our trip is not complete if we were to ignore the spice and taste rich cuisine of Qatar. Machbus is the beloved national dish in Qatar made of rice, vegetables and meat and next come the seafood and dishes made of dry fruits on the list of Qatar’s popular menu. And, you wonder where to indulge in some of that? Turkish Central! It feasts its customers with delicacies all across the middle eastern from hummus to famous giant mandi thali. The taste is unquestionably excellent and the portion sizes are appropriate too. Be sure to arrive an hour before the meal time as the place gets crowded super quickly.
More than 80 countries can enjoy visa on arrival in Qatar now and you can even apply for one on online with no additional cost on Qatar airways journeys. November to February is the best time to visit Qatar as the mornings are not its regular harsh and evenings are heavenly on its coastal side. Qatar is less crowded when compared to its counter Arab tourist attractions so it lets you enjoy your vacation in peace and leisure.
