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Tag Archives: Doha


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Travel Guide To Qatar

Qatar is already a popular tourist destination but with just a month left for the world cup, tourism is going to soar to high numbers. Whether you’re travelling for sightseeing or travelling just for the world cup, here is a travel guide to Qatar that will benefit you!

Travel guide to Qatar, Doha

Entry Requirements

The first key information in our travel guide to Qatar is to find out about the entry requirements. As of this writing, you’ll need to bring a PCR test certification that shows a negative result (48 hours prior to your flight) or a valid rapid antigen test certificate (24 hours prior to your flight).

In addition, you must also register, via Ehteraz, 3 days prior to your arrival. To make the process seamless, download the Ehteraz app and have it ready on arrival. Also, you must complete an ‘undertaken and acknowledgement form’.

Visas aren’t required if your stay is less than 30 days.

To stay on the safe side, always look at government websites for any updates.

Money

The currency Qatar uses is called the Qatari Riyal (QAR). If you are travelling to large cities like Doha, ATMs will be everywhere but it’s always best to be prepared and have cash with you in case smaller shops don’t accept card payments.

Where can I book football tickets?

Your best bet on booking match tickets is going on official football sites. Consider the teams you want to watch play and search official ticket providers for their matches. Official websites always have reliable ticket information.

Where Should I Stay

Qatar is home to the Middle East’s finest and most luxurious hotels so whatever hotel you end up booking, you’ll have an amazing stay. If you’re travelling solely for the world cup, book a hotel that is close to the stadium for convenience.

If you’re travelling for a holiday, we recommend staying in the west bay (Doha) where you’ll find captivating and Instagram-picture-worthy buildings and landmarks.

Whatever hotel you choose, you’ll fall in love with it but remember to book a hotel suited to your travel needs.

Travel guide to Qatar

Qatari Culture

Qatar is a conservative Muslim country. Respect the country and follow the dress codes like wearing clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Remember to not wear tank tops publicly.

Furthermore, if you are travelling during Ramadan, don’t eat or drink publicly during fasting hours.

Transport

Qatari transport is reliable and accessible to most locations you need. You will need a Hayya card to access buses, the metro and the tram. As you can imagine, the world cup match days will be very busy so plan your journey and leave plenty of time for you to eat and take pictures with friends and family.

Laundry Service

If you’re enjoying your trip and the world cup experience but need your laundry done as soon as possible, we have the perfect service for you!

Laundryheap operates in Qatar and with our quick and reliable service, we’ll collect your dirty laundry from your hotel and then return it back to you within 24 hours!

You don’t have to worry about the laundry because we’ll take care of it for you!

We hope you’ve found this travel guide to Qatar helpful!

Have a great and safe journey!

Laundry service in Qatar

To learn more about Laundryheap, visit our website or download the free app on iOS or Android.


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Where to shop in Doha

Photo by Kaboompics .com from Pexels

A bit of retail therapy makes every holiday better. If you are visiting Doha, these are the best places to shop. 

  • Souq Waqif
  • Gold Souq
  • Omani Souq
  • Festival City
  • MIA Park Bazaar 
  • The Pearl

Souq Waqif 

Location: Al Souq Street, Doha, Qatar

Opening times: Saturday-Thursday, 7:30 am-12:30 pm and 3:30 pm-10 pm, Friday 12:30 pm-10 pm 

Founded over a century ago, Souq Waqif is one of the oldest Souqs in Qatar. What was once a busy trading centre for camels and livestock is now a labyrinth of market stalls selling spices, textiles, jewellery, and handicrafts. As you wander from stall to stall allow your senses to be taken over by the smells of the spice stalls and the sounds of traditional music.  Despite being open until 10 pm, it is best to visit Souq Waqif either in the early morning or later in the day to avoid the scorching daytime heat.  

Image by Nordcap Studio from Pixabay 

Gold Souq

Location: Al Ahmed Street, Doha, Qatar

Opening times: Saturday–Thursday 9 am-1 pm and 4 pm-10 pm, Friday 4 pm-10 pm

Across the street from Souq Waqif, you will find the Gold Souq. As the name suggests, here you will find finely crafted pieces of gold jewellery and precious gems. Most of the items on sale are 22 carats, however, there are white gold, silver, and platinum pieces available at a slightly cheaper price. From bridal jewellery to souvenirs, the Gold Souq is the best place to shop for all your jewellery needs whilst your visiting Doha. 

Omani Souq 

Location: Salwa Road, Al Maamoura, Doha, Qatar 

Opening times: Daily, 7 am-10 pm

Omani Souq, in comparison to the Gold Souq and Souq Waqif, is a smaller market, visited more by locals than tourists. Here you will find fresh produce, including fruits and vegetables, Saudi dates, local honey, and an array of vibrant spices. Alongside this fresh produce are clay pots, perfumes, and baskets, which make perfect souvenirs to take home with you. One of the best finds at Omani Souq are white truffles, at an astoundingly low price, which can only be sourced if the desert has had the right amount of rain. 

Photo by Engin Akyurt from Pexels

Festival City 

Location: Al Shamal Road, Umm Salal Mohammed, Doha, Qatar

Opening times: Sunday–Wednesday, 10 am-10 pm, Thursday–Saturday 10 am-midnight

Doha’s Festival City is more than just a shopping experience. This 600,000 square meter shopping mall includes hundreds of shops, over 100 restaurants, plus an Angry Birds park, complete with bumper cars, a trampoline park, and a zip line. If that was not enough, you can cool off from the desert heat on the indoor snow slide and snow-covered hills. Festival City provides the perfect combination of retail therapy and thrilling adventure, all under one roof, and all family-friendly. 

Photo by Artem Beliaikin from Pexels

MIA Park Bazaar 

Location: South of Doha Corniche, Doha, Qatar

Opening times: Friday 2 pm-10 pm, Saturday 12 pm-7 pm, Sunday 12 pm-6 pm

Hosted on the grounds of the Museum of Islamic Art, MIA Park Bazaar is a weekend market that operates from September to April. During this time, as many as 150 market stalls offer both local and international arts, crafts, and culinary creations. Each stall offers unique pieces of handmade art which make for one-of-a-kind souvenirs. After browsing the buzzing stalls, head into the Museum of Islamic Art to observe the impressive collection of art and artefacts from the Muslim world. 

Image by StellarD

The Pearl 

Location: The Pearl-Qatar, Doha, Qatar

If you are looking for a luxury shopping experience then look no further than The Pearl. This artificial island is home to elegant fashion, jewellery, and lifestyle boutiques, as well as celebrity-chef restaurants and cafes. From the marina with its huge yachts bobbing on the water to the shop fronts lining the streets with beautiful window displays, everything about The Pearl screams luxurious. Whether you’re shopping or window shopping it’s a luxury experience you don’t want to miss. 

Image by Steven Byles

Enjoy shopping without having to think about laundry when you book your Laundryheap service. Simply head to the Laundryheap website or download the free Laundryheap app to book your order today. 


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Doha’s best brunches

Photo by Helena Lopes from Pexels

Who doesn’t love going to brunch? In Doha, there are plenty of places that serve outstanding brunch options. These are just our top picks. 

  • Sabai Thai 
  • B-lounge
  • STK Doha
  • CUT
  • Market

Sabai Thai 

Sabai Thai is the best place in Doha to experience authentic Thai cooking, even when visiting for brunch. Their brunch menu is a surprisingly reasonable QR130, and available on Saturdays from 1pm-4pm. Despite the exceptional price, Sabai Thai does not falter when it comes to providing extraordinary Thai brunch cuisine. A stand-out dish would be their Thai Green Curry, washed down with a beautifully refreshing mocktail. 

Image by Bryon Lippincott

B-lounge

If you are looking for a luxurious brunch experience, then look no further than B-lounge. With its beautiful marina views, stylish interiors, and large terrace, B-lounge has made quite the name for itself as the ultimate Doha hangout spot. The food at B-lounge is a seamless blend of Asian flavours with international touches, which carries through to their specialist brunch menu. Beginning with a sushi platter, before moving on to a hot starter, main course, and finishing with a ‘gorgeous platter’, the food at B-lounge is unmatched. If you are in the Doha area, it is definitely worth booking in. 

Photo by Abdullah Ghatasheh from Pexels

STK Doha

STK Doha offers a steak dining experience like no other. Located in the West Bay Lagoon district, you will encounter a mix of traditional and innovative cuisine, which makes for an energetic dining experience. Their brunch menu offers a selection of starters, mains, and desserts, including ginger tofu and daikon salad (starter), a grilled meats platter (main), and an elusive junk chalice (dessert). You can sample their eclectic brunch menu every Friday from 12pm-4pm, with prices from QAR 275 per person. 

Photo by Gonzalo Guzman from Pexels

CUT

Notorious Austrian chef Wolfgang Puck opened CUT in 2017, bringing his classic American steak restaurant to Doha. Wolfgang’s philosophy is to cook simply using the finest selection of beef and locally sourced ingredients and to present them beautifully. This philosophy is perfectly demonstrated in the slow-cooked BBQ brisket on offer as just one of his amazing brunch options. From 12:30pm- 4pm, treat yourself to the finest brunch menu in Doha at CUT. 

Photo by Lukas from Pexels

Market

Market provides many options for breakfast and brunch. Inspired by Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s concept of the Hotel as a Home, Market offers casual comfort food from around the world. If you are looking for a wide variety of food options, you can sample the breakfast buffet for QAR 140. Included in the buffet is a variety of Arabic, American, and International breakfasts, fruits, salads, yogurt, and cereals. Alternatively, you can try something from the A La Carte menu, such as Menemen, eggs benedict, or pancakes. This menu is available from 6am-11am every day. 

Photo by Emrah Tolu from Pexels

Brunch is a meal best served without the worry of laundry. That is why you should book a Laundryheap service and let us take care of it for you. To book your Laundryheap service, simply head to the Laundryheap website or download the free Laundryheap app. 


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Top things to see in Doha

Doha is the capital city of Qatar. Encased within the city is an abundance of cultural, historical, and fun things to see. 

  • Souq Waqif
  • Museum of Islamic Art 
  • MIA park 
  • 7 by Richard Serra 
  • Qatar National library 
  • Banana Island 
  • Katara Beach 
  • Aspire Park 
  • Pearl Monument 
  • Golden Mosque

Souq Waqif 

Souq Waqif is the social heart of Doha. It’s built on an ancient market site where, centuries ago, sheep, goat, and wool were traded. Nowadays, the market site has been redeveloped to look like that same 19th-century souq, complete with mud-rendered shops and exposed timber beams. The shops you will find here are like museums. You will find swords, shipping memorabilia, and jewellery from the Arab world.

Many of the stalls at Souq Waqif close at 1 pm and re-open at 4 pm, however, if you want to stay in the area, there are many restaurants and cafes that are open all day. 

Museum of Islamic Art 

The Museum of Islamic Art has the largest collection of Islamic art in the world. Spread over the first and second floors of the museum are the permanent collections, including textiles, ceramics, and enamel work. Downstairs, you will find a café and museum shop, and on the top floor you can dine in the IDAM restaurant. 

The museum itself was designed by IM Pei, the same architect of the Louvre in Paris. It is shaped like a post-modern fortress, with minimal windows that reduce energy use, and incredible views across the water.  

MIA Park 

After you have visited the Museum of Islamic Art, head to the MIA Park. It is one of the most beautiful parks in Doha, with breath-taking views of the Doha waterfront. Within the park, you can find food trucks to feast from, a child’s play area, and a 1km pathway around the park. As well as enjoying the general splendour of the park, there are an abundance of events that are put on seasonally, including weekend markets, an outdoor cinema, and fitness sessions. 

7 by Richard Serra 

Nestled within MIA Park you can find 7 by Richard Serra. 7 is a steel sculpture, made from 7 steel plates that stand 24 meters high. Visitors can walk through the sculpture, and gaze up at the Doha skyline from inside. 7 is the first of 2 installations by Richard Serra to be commissioned by the Qatar Museums Authority. 

Qatar National Library 

If you’re looking for a quiet space amongst the hustle and bustle of Doha, you will find it at the Qatar National Library. Nestled within a spaceship-like building, you will find 2 million books, some dating back to as early as the 15th century. Choose a book of your liking, and relax in one of the many egg chairs dotted around the library. Alternatively, you can work at any of the workstations available, or relax in the cafeteria-style restaurant. If you are visiting the library with children, there is a children’s library that is guaranteed to keep them entertained. 

Banana Island 

Banana Island is a tropical paradise. The crescent shape of the island is covered with 800m of golden sand, tropical plants and greenery, and is surrounded by crystal waters. Asides from the beautiful beach of Banana Island, there are six restaurants to dine at. After you’ve fuelled your body, you can enjoy one of the many activities on offer, including Segway rides, beach diving, and bowling. You can reach the island via catamaran. 

Katara Beach 

Katara Beach is a 1.5km beach that is a stone’s throw away from the city of Doha. You can wander across soft sand, swim in the crystal blue water, or take part in the variety of water sports on offer, including parasailing and wakeboarding. If you are enjoying the beach with children, there is an inflatable play structure that will offer endless hours of entertainment.

Be aware that women will not be allowed to swim unless completely covered, and men must not wear speedos. 

Image by Jaseem Hamza

Aspire Park

Covering 88 hectares, Aspire Park is Doha’s largest park. It is home to extensive fields, running tracks, a children’s play park, and exercise equipment. You will also find the only lake in Doha nestled within the park, where you can see many birds, ducks, and geese cooling off. Throughout the year there are festivals, fun runs, and exercise classes put on. 

Pearl Monument  

Before Qatar found oil, pearling was one of the countries most profitable industries. Today, pearls are a significant emblem for the country. You can find the Pearl Monument at the entrance to the dhow harbour. The statue and fountain is a very popular spot for tourist photos, and comes complete with a spectacular view of the city. 

Golden Mosque

Doha’s Golden Mosque is one of the most striking things you will see on your trip. It is an Ottoman-style Mosque that is covered in thousands of golden tiles that shimmer in the sun. Only practicing Muslims can venture inside, however, even if you can’t go indoors, it is worth seeing from the outside. 

Doha has an array of beautiful things to see, and you wouldn’t want to miss out on any of it because of your laundry. Book your Laundryheap service by heading to the Laundryheap website or downloading the free Laundryheap app.