How to get there:
Las Vegas of the Middle East meets backpacker’s paradise! Welcome to Broke Backpacking Qatar, your ultimate guide to seeing this luxurious land of Qatar on a broke budget.
From opulent malls to ancient forts, Qatar is a country of contrasts that would keep you on your toes. Really, do not let its bling-bling and glitter quietly deceive you: Qatar can be toured on a budget, and it’s time we showed just how.
In this blog, we’ll take you through the ultimate in Qatar on a budget-it’s time to visit the stunning Museum of Islamic Art and the vibrant Souq Waqif. Get the best tips on how to find affordable accommodation, eat like a local, and move around on a budget.
So, if you’re ready to experience the warm and embracing nature of Qatar on a dime, come with us on this Broke Backpacking adventure!
When to go:
Cheapest Times to Fly:
- Mid-January to mid-March: After the winter holidays and before the spring break, prices for flights to Qatar tend to be lower.
- Mid-April to mid-May: After the spring break and before the summer vacation season, flights to Qatar can be found at a discount.
- Mid-September to mid-November: After the summer vacation season and before the winter holidays, prices for flights to Qatar tend to drop.
Best Weather:
- October to March: Qatar’s winter months offer mild temperatures, averaging 20-25°C (68-77°F), making it ideal for outdoor exploration.
- December to February: If you prefer cooler weather, these months offer temperatures ranging from 15-20°C (59-68°F).
Most Affordable Accommodations:
- Budget-friendly options: Consider staying in hostels or guesthouses, which are often cheaper than hotels.
- Off-season deals: Look for discounts on accommodations during the off-season (usually June to September).
- Long-term stays: Negotiate a better rate for longer stays, especially during the off-season.
Special Events and Festivals:
- Qatar International Food Festival (March): A great time to try local cuisine and drinks.
- Qatar Summer Festival (June to September): Enjoy discounts and promotions during the summer months.
- Qatar National Day (December 18th): Celebrate Qatar’s national day with parades, fireworks, and cultural events.
Avoiding Peak Season:
- June to September: Summer months are peak tourist season, with high temperatures and humidity.
- December: Winter holidays attract large crowds and higher prices.
Best Itineraries:
3-Day Itinerary
Day 1:
- Explore Doha’s vibrant Souq Waqif
- Visit the iconic Museum of Islamic Art
- Enjoy traditional Qatari cuisine at a local restaurant
Day 2:
- Visit the stunning Katara Cultural Village
- Relax on the beautiful Katara Beach
- Take a budget-friendly desert safari
Day 3:
- Discover the historic Fort Al Thakira
- Wander through the bustling Al Wakrah Souk
- Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local eatery
1-Week Itinerary
Day 1-2: Follow the 3-day itinerary
Day 3:
- Take a day trip to the ancient fort of Al Zubarah
- Explore the nearby town of Al Ruwais
Day 4:
- Visit the impressive Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum
- Relax on the stunning Umm Bab Beach
Day 5:
- Explore the vibrant city of Al Khor
- Visit the Al Khor Mall for some affordable shopping
Day 6-7:
- Take a budget-friendly overnight camping trip to the desert
2-Week Itinerary
Day 1-7: Follow the 1-week itinerary
Day 8:
- Visit the stunning Aspire Park
- Explore the nearby Villaggio Mall
Day 9:
- Take a day trip to the scenic town of Dukhan
- Relax on the beautiful Dukhan Beach
Day 10:
- Visit the historic Al Jassasiya Rock Carvings
- Explore the nearby town of Al Jumail
Day 11-14:
- Take a budget-friendly trip to the stunning Khor Al Adaid
Transportation:
Metro
- Qatar’s metro system is modern, efficient, and affordable
- Three lines (Red, Gold, and Green) cover most areas of Doha
- Trains run frequently from 6 am to 11 pm
- Tickets start at QR 2 (around $0.50 USD)
Bus
- An extensive network of buses covers all areas of Qatar
- Affordable fares starting at QR 2 (around $0.50 USD)
- Bus routes and schedules available on the Mowasalat website
Karwa Taxi
- Qatar’s official taxi service, Karwa, offers affordable fares
- Starting fare QR 10 (around $2.75 USD), with a minimum charge of QR 20 (around $5.50 USD)
- Taxis can be hailed on the street or booked through the Karwa app
Ride-hailing Apps
- Uber and Careem operate in Qatar, offering affordable fares
- Prices vary depending on traffic and demand
Ferries
- Ferries connect Doha to nearby islands and coastal towns
- Affordable fares starting at QR 10 (around $2.75 USD)
Tips and Tricks
- Download the Mowasalat app for metro and bus routes, schedules, and ticket purchases
- Use the Karwa app for easy taxi booking
- Consider purchasing a rechargeable metro card for convenience
- Be mindful of peak hours (7-9 am and 4-7 pm) for increased fares and crowds
Top things to do:
Doha:
- Explore Souq Waqif
- Visit the Museum of Islamic Art
- Walk along the Doha Corniche
- Check out the vibrant street art in the Msheireb district
- Visit the stunning Katara Cultural Village
- Discover the historic Al Bidda neighborhood
- Visit the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum
- Relax at the beautiful Sheraton Park
Al Wakrah:
- Wander through the bustling Al Wakrah Souk
- Relax on the beautiful Al Wakrah Beach
- Visit the historic Fort Al Thakira
- Explore the nearby Al Wakrah Heritage Village
Al Khor:
- Explore the vibrant city of Al Khor
- Visit the Al Khor Mall for some affordable shopping
- Relax on the stunning Al Khor Beach
- Discover the historic Al Khor Fort
Umm Salal:
- Visit the historic Barzan Towers
- Explore the nearby Umm Salal Mohammed Fort
- Relax at the beautiful Umm Salal Beach
Desert:
- Take a desert safari
- Camp overnight in the desert
- Visit the stunning Khor Al Adaid
Islands:
- Take a ferry to the nearby island of Palm Tree Island
- Relax on the stunning beaches of Al Thakira Island
- Visit the historic Al Safliya Island
Northern Qatar:
- Visit the historic Fort Al Zubarah
- Explore the nearby town of Al Ruwais
- Relax on the beautiful beaches of Al Shamal
Southern Qatar:
- Visit the stunning Khor Al Adaid
- Relax on the beautiful beaches of Al Wakrah
- Explore the nearby town of Mesaieed
Other:
- Visit the Aspire Park
- Explore the Villaggio Mall
- Relax at the beautiful Umm Bab Beach
Food:
Salivating yet? Qatar, a melting pot of cultures, offers a diverse culinary scene that will tantalize your taste buds. From traditional Qatari dishes to international flavors, the food situation in Qatar is a true delight.
Traditional Qatari Cuisine
Indulge in the rich flavors of Qatar’s heritage dishes, such as:
- Machboos: a fragrant rice dish with meat or seafood
- Gahwa: a traditional coffee served with dates
- Luqaimat: sweet dumplings filled with nuts and spices
- Umm Ali: a decadent dessert similar to bread pudding
International Flavors
Qatar’s cultural diversity is reflected in its culinary scene, with a wide range of international cuisines, including:
- Indian: savor the spices and flavors of the subcontinent
- Middle Eastern: enjoy the rich flavors of Lebanese, Turkish, and Iranian cuisine
- Asian: indulge in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean delights
- Western: satisfy your cravings for Italian, French, and American comfort food
Street Food and Markets
Explore the vibrant street food scene and bustling markets, such as:
- Souq Waqif: sample traditional Qatari dishes and snacks
- Al Wakrah Souk: discover fresh produce and local delicacies
- Katara Cultural Village: enjoy street food and international cuisine
Fine Dining
Treat yourself to a luxurious dining experience at one of Qatar’s many high-end restaurants, offering:
- Gourmet cuisine with a focus on local ingredients
- Exquisite ambiance and exceptional service
Food Festivals and Events
Join the culinary celebrations and festivals, such as:
- Qatar Food Festival: a showcase of local and international cuisine
- Ramadan Night Market: a festive market offering traditional dishes and snacks
Culture:
Understanding Qatar Culture: A Comprehensive Guide
Qatar, a small peninsular country in the Arabian Gulf, boasts a rich and diverse culture shaped by its history, traditions, and Islamic heritage. As a melting pot of cultures, Qatar seamlessly blends traditional and modern elements, creating a unique cultural identity.
History and Heritage
Qatar’s cultural roots date back to the 18th century, with the Al Thani family ruling the country since 1868. The country’s strategic location made it an important center for trade and commerce, attracting various cultures and influences.
Islamic Heritage
Islam plays a significant role in Qatari culture, with the majority of the population practicing Sunni Islam. The country’s Islamic heritage is reflected in its architecture, art, and daily life.
Traditions and Customs
Qatari culture is known for its warm hospitality, respect for elders, and strong family bonds. Some key traditions and customs include:
- Gahwa (traditional coffee): an important symbol of hospitality
- Thawb (traditional clothing): worn on special occasions
- Henna (traditional body art): used to adorn hands and feet
- Eid celebrations: marking the end of Ramadan and Hajj
Art and Architecture
Qatari art and architecture reflect the country’s rich cultural heritage, with influences from Islamic, Arabic, and Persian traditions. Notable examples include:
- Museum of Islamic Art: showcasing Islamic art and artifacts
- Katara Cultural Village: a hub for art, culture, and entertainment
- Traditional souks (markets): offering a glimpse into Qatar’s past
Modern Qatar
Qatar’s rapid modernization and economic growth have transformed the country into a cosmopolitan hub, attracting people from around the world. This diversity has contributed to a unique cultural blend, with modern and traditional elements coexisting harmoniously.
Cultural Events and Festivals
Qatar celebrates various cultural events and festivals throughout the year, including:
- Qatar National Day: commemorating the country’s independence
- Ramadan: a holy month of fasting and spiritual reflection
- Eid al-Fitr: marking the end of Ramadan
- Qatar International Food Festival: showcasing local and international cuisine
Accommodations:
Doha:
- Doha Hostel (Dorms and Private Rooms)
- Qatar Hostel (Budget-friendly, Simple Rooms)
- Al Liwan Hotel (Mid-range, Comfortable Rooms)
- Old Town Hostel (Historic Building, Cozy Atmosphere)
- City Center Hostel (Modern, Central Location)
Al Wakrah:
- Al Wakrah Hostel (Beachfront, Basic Rooms)
- Wakrah Beach Hotel (Mid-range, Sea Views)
- Wakrah Heritage Hostel (Traditional, Cultural Experience)
Al Khor:
- Al Khor Hostel (Simple, Budget-friendly)
- Khor Beach Hotel (Mid-range, Beach Access)
- Al Khor Heritage Hostel (Historic, Traditional Rooms)
Umm Salal:
- Umm Salal Hostel (Basic, Affordable)
- Umm Salal Beach Hotel (Mid-range, Beachfront)
Desert:
- Desert Camp (Camping, Adventure Activities)
- Dune Sea Camp (Luxury Camping, Desert Experience)
Other areas:
- Mesaieed Hostel (Industrial Area, Basic Rooms)
- Al Shamal Hostel (Northern Qatar, Simple Accommodation)
Nightlife:
Doha:
- The Pearl: Upscale bars and clubs, including:
- The Pearl Lounge (cocktails and live music)
- Megu (Japanese-inspired bar and restaurant)
- West Bay: Modern bars and clubs, including:
- The Ritz-Carlton’s Library Bar (luxurious cocktails)
- The St. Regis’s Oyster Bar (seafood and drinks)
- Souq Waqif: Traditional bars and lounges, including:
- Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels’ rooftop bar (Arabic-inspired cocktails)
- Al Hubara Restaurant’s shisha lounge (traditional Middle Eastern atmosphere)
Al Wakrah:
- Wakrah Beach: Beachfront bars and clubs, including:
- Wakrah Beach Club (water sports and beach parties)
- The Beach House Restaurant’s bar (seafood and drinks)
Al Khor:
- Al Khor Mall: Bars and clubs, including:
- Al Khor Mall’s food court (casual dining and drinks)
- The Gate Mall’s cinema complex (movies and snacks)
Desert:
- Desert Camps: Overnight camping and partying, including:
- Desert Camp Qatar (stargazing and bonfires)
- Dune Sea Camp (luxury camping and desert activities)
Other areas:
- Katara Cultural Village: Cultural events and performances, including:
- Katara Amphitheatre (outdoor concerts and shows)
- Katara Art Studios (art exhibitions and workshops)
- Villaggio Mall: Upscale shopping and dining, including:
- Villaggio Mall’s food court (fine dining and drinks)
- The Gondolania Theme Park (indoor theme park and arcade games)
Broke backpacking in Qatar somehow sounds like an oxymoron, but if you know some insider knowledge and are quite flexible, you could explore this incredible country without breaking the bank. From super affordable hostels to delicious street food, breathtaking natural beauty to hot cultural experiences, Qatar has everything a traveler would want.
Let not the reputation for luxury alarm you-in a little research and some amount of planning, one can have an unforgettable, yet really budget adventure in Qatar. So pack your bags, take your camera, and get ready to explore these hidden gems of this fascinating country.
