Qatar is a Muslim country located in the Middle East, and it is an open city. However, there are restrictions, like alcohol consumption. Doha, the capital, is a great and multi-cultural city and home to a lot of expats in this bustling country of Qatar. A taste of traditional and modern is what Doha offers to its visitor. In my 3-day layover in Doha, I get to see some of the things that they are famous for.

Doha, Qatar in a glimpse of 3 days and 2 nights (05.02.17-05.04.17)

We arrived on 2nd of May at 4 in the morning. Doha, is 5 hours behind Manila time. After checking-in at our hotel, I immediately went to sleep. I woke up at 10am, and the breakfast buffet is about to close. After our breakfast, I stayed in our room for a few hours, because it is still too hot to go out.

• Shawarma

At 5pm, our group went out, and our first stop was to eat shawarma. We found this shawarma place on our way to the Casio store. For QAR 7, you can choose between chicken or beef shawarma, and QAR 2 for your soda. It’s so authentic and good. I can’t even finish a single serving.

• Casio Store

The famous store where my fellow crew hoard watches and sell it in Manila at a better price compared to shopping malls. I got to buy a couple watch for only QAR 150, and yes, you can ask for discount.

• Gold Souk

I was overwhelmed when I went inside the jewelry store of Shine Gallery. There are so many to choose from, and at a very affordable price. You can even ask for discounts that could go as high as 30%. I got myself an 18k bracelet for QAR 290, originally at QAR 365.

• Souq Waqif

It is a traditional flea market that sells variety of goods such as spices, paintings, souvenirs, traditional costumes, carpets, incense, and even pets. There are restaurants in different cuisines, and of course, shisha places. I bought a ref magnet for QAR 10.

05.03.17- Day 2

Right after our breakfast, we left our hotel and went to Casio. While we were inside, it was about 1pm and the store has to close. I’ve learned that stores close from 1pm to 4pm to give way for their afternoon prayer. We had no choice, but to leave and all stores were closed. We just went to Souq Waqif to see the birds that are being fed. While walking along the alley, we went inside a sweet shop. We got ourselves a bag of chocolates for QAR 20 per kg.

• Souq Waqif Boutique Hotel

There is a little restaurant open right beside the boutique hotel. We spent our lunch here and until the stores have opened. I got myself a Qatari Breakfast for lunch.

• Shine Gallery

We went back to the jewelry store, and I bought again. This time, a pair of 18k earrings for QAR 200, originally at QAR 350. While waiting for my fellow crew, I was browsing through the beautiful rings on display, and I saw the ring of my dreams, but I didn’t bother to ask. As a result, I can’t stop thinking about it and I can’t sleep.

05.04.17- Day 3

After our breakfast, I spent a few hours in our hotel room because it was too hot to go out. At 3pm, I decided to go out alone and I was supposed to visit the Museum of Islamic Art. Unfortunately, I cannot figure out my GPS, and it was too hot to continue. I just went to the shawarma place, and bought a chicken shawarma, which I took home in Manila.

I returned to the jewelry store, and asked about the ring because I kept on thinking about it. I even tried it on.lol However, I won’t get into details about that. I want to keep that a secret. Next thing, I was walking inside Souq Waqif, and strolled around, before I could find myself in a coffee shop. While having coffee, I saw 2 men in traditional white outfit riding a horse. I asked the barista who they are, and apparently they are the Qatari police roaming around.

In the coming months, for sure i’ll have another flight in Doha. I have more to see in Doha, and i’ll keep you posted.