Doha isn’t the first place you might consider for a city break on a budget. With its futuristic tall towers, five-star hotels, and celebrity-studded sports and music events, Doha – and Qatar in general – has a natural link with luxury travel, and it is an association it has welcomed, nay encouraged.
But while Doha may not be a top destination for backpackers, that doesn’t mean the Qatari capital is only for travellers with riyals to spare, and it is absolutely possible to stick to a smaller budget if you travel smart. Here are the top ways to enjoy a stay in Doha without breaking the bank.
1. Be flexible with your dates to avoid high-season hotel rates
Qatar’s peak travel season runs from November to March, when weather is cooler and events are frequent. Key occasions to avoid if you want to get better rates are the F1 (November) and other major sporting events, like the FIFA Arab World Cup in December. Consider visiting in April or October, when you’ll find cheaper hotel rates and fewer crowds. Even in the summer, air-conditioned spaces will ensure you have a wonderful time – Doha is very much built to take the heat.
2. Look for cheap flights via regional hubs or budget carriers
If you’re coming from another Gulf state, or even from a number of other hubs in South Asia and Europe, budget airlines like FlyDubai and AirArabia serve Doha and offer far lower rates than the major carriers. It may also be cheaper to fly to Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah and then onwards to Doha. Bear in mind, as always, that with their rapacious charges for extra baggage and other add-ons, budget carriers can end up costing as much as the major brands if you’re not careful.
3. Choose budget-friendly hotels in less popular neighbourhoods
The most popular areas for tourists staying in Doha are the Pearl and West Bay, as well as the major branded and boutique hotels near the Corniche, but there are a good deal of mid-range hotel options in the city that serve a primarily travelling business market. Most have pools and a central location, as well as airport shuttles and even breakfast. Doha’s compact size and excellent public transportation means you’re never far from the action and major sights even if you’re not in the middle of them.
4. Skip taxis and ride the Doha Metro
The Doha Metro is your best friend when on a budget. A one-way ride costs just QAR 2 and a day pass is QAR 6, well worth it if you plan to criss-cross the city and take in a few sights in the same day. Even areas that can’t be reached by Metro are linked by tram, which in the case of Downtown Msheireb and Education City, is free. As a bonus, the stations on the Doha Metro (which is barely a decade old) are air conditioned and festooned with public art. They are also accessible, with lifts to the platforms and wheelchair and stroller access on the trains.
5. Eat like a local with South Asian and Middle Eastern street food
Doha has been a hub for expatriates for decades and has a significant population from the Indian subcontinent, as well as from elsewhere in the Middle East, primarily Lebanon, Syria, and the Palestinian Territories. These immigrants brought their fine culinary traditions with them and, as such, you will find excellent Indian and Pakistani options in Doha, as well as a slew of Lebanese, Turkish and Syrian restaurants. While some of these established names *are* as expensive as Italian or European food, many are little more than holes in the wall serving a local crowd. Be sure not to miss spicy Pakistani karahi, Egyptian koshari, or shawarma.
6. Visit free and low-cost cultural attractions
Many of Doha’s best attractions are either free or under QAR 50, such as the Museum of Islamic Art (QAR 50) and the National Museum of Qatar (QAR 25). The Museums at Msheireb and many events at Katara Cultural Village are free, as is the small art gallery at Souq Waqif. When the weather is good, you will also find scattered live entertainment at the city’s malls, including Mall of Qatar and Doha Festival City. Many of the city’s public beaches have a small charge to get in, but bear in mind that the dress code can be strict and beaches tend to be segregated.
7. Use local apps for deals on food, transport and tours
Download food delivery apps like Talabat or Snoonu for meal deals and delivery promos and the option to get food delivered to your hotel or accommodation. Of the two, Snoonu gets much better reviews. When it comes to taxis, visitors tend to find that the state-owned Karwa Taxi is cheaper than other ride-sharing apps with bigger name recognition and QTickets regularly lists free or discounted concerts, lectures and cultural events.
8. Stay hydrated and skip the bottled water
It may seem obvious, but tap water is absolutely safe to drink in Doha, and hotels often provide a few free bottles per day. Bring a reusable bottle and refill it from fountains found in malls and museums. It’s better for both your wallet and the planet.
9. Know what’s worth the splurge (and what’s not)
Travelling on a budget is about how you spend your money rather than just holding onto it. Desert safaris, for example, can be costly, but they’re one of the most unique experiences in Qatar. Conversely, skip overpriced mall attractions or private city tours that you could easily do on the Metro.
10. Browse the stopover packages offered by Qatar Airways
If you want to see Doha and are passing through anyway, be sure to check Qatar Airways’ extremely generous layover packages, which often include tours, hotel stays, beach club access and other perks that would otherwise cost an arm and a leg. Qatar also issues a layover visa of up to three days, so you can see most of what Doha has to offer for a reasonable price.
