It may be synonymous with wealth and luxury, but you don’t have to be super-rich to get the best out of Qatar...
As the world’s richest country, Qatar can be seen as a playground for the rich and famous. And while the Arab state does have a wealth of ultra-luxurious places to stay and to dine, there are plenty of budget-friendly options and experiences to be had, too. Here’s how to make your money go further on a holiday in Qatar.
The great outdoors
Qatar has some lovely stretches of sand, but many of them are attached to equally lovely and pricey hotels. However, follow the locals and you’ll find there are plenty of public beaches where you can spend a day walking, crabbing in the mangroves and paddling. Be sure to pack a picnic. Doha also has lots of green spaces where locals and visitors can relax and enjoy a little playtime.
Aspire Park, Rumailah Park and Hotel Park Doha, with water features and play areas for kids, are some of the best public parks.
MIA Park, which surrounds the Museum of Islamic Arts, is a fantastic place for a stroll, picnic or simply sitting. There’s a playpark for kids, too, but by far the best thing about it is the spectacular views of the mesmerising Doha West Bay skyline. A stroll along the Corniche is a Doha must and one of the best (and free) things you’re likely to do during your stay.
Don’t forget to haggle
When appropriate, haggling is part of the local culture so don’t be put off if that dhow trip, for example, seems out of budget.
Start negotiating and you should find a price that suits both parties. And while you might not have much success haggling in the designer stores of Qatar’s sleek malls, you will in the stalls of the Souq Waqif. In fact, a friendly bit of haggling is expected. Exploring this fascinating souq is another one of the best free things to do in Doha.
Stay away from the waterfront...
At least when it comes to choosing hotels and restaurants. As with most tourist hotspots, waterfront views in Doha tend to come with eye-watering prices. But the city has plenty of cheap and tasty places to eat: you can feast like an Emir at the cafes and traditional-style restaurants that line the alleys of the Souq Waqif.
For authentic, home-cooked Qatari food – spiced rice dish machboos and harees (cracked wheat with meat) – seek out Al Jasra restaurant. This popular and refreshingly rustic place is run by local women. Chapati & . Karak at Katara is a local institution – grab a traditional karak tea and stuffed chapati to nibble as you stroll along the promenade.
It’s also worth looking for digs around Doha’s historic heart. The nine atmospheric hotels that form the Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels by Tivoli collection offer gorgeous rooms with lashings of local character at very reasonable prices. It’s only a short stroll to the attractions of the Corniche, too. While it has less character, the Oryx Rotana Doha is good value and convenient. It’s popular with business travellers for good reason – its rooms and facilities are pleasant and it’s close to the airport and the action. While it’s on the five-star scale, the Sheraton Grand Doha is one of the best-value stays for a prime West Bay location.
If it’s a blissful beach retreat you’re after, without blowing the budget, book into Simaisma A Murwab Resort in Sumaysimah, around 20 minutes’ drive north of Doha. It has a private beach, outdoor pools, tennis courts, playground and a lovely terrace with dreamy water views.
Access to culture
As a huge investor in art and culture, it’s great to discover that many of Qatar’s galleries and art centres are free to enter. MIA and Mathaf, the Arab Museum of Modern Art are free, and the shiny new National Museum of Qatar will be free when it opens in March.
Buzzy creative hub Katara Cultural Village is an open space for anyone wishing to wander around and take in its art installations and often free shows. For public art on a large scale, head to Richard Serra’s thought-provoking East-West/West-East sculpture at Zekreet on the west coast of Qatar, although you will need a driver to get here.
Plan your trip
Book 4 nights at the 5* Grand Regency on a room only basis with Qatar Airways flights from London from £559 per person. Valid for selected travel dates between December 2018 – May 2019. Book by 25 February 2019.
For more information, visittravelbag.co.uk
FAQs
A one week trip to Qatar usually costs around $1,521 (QAR5,539) for one person and $3,043 (QAR11,078) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing. A two week trip to Qatar on average costs around $3,043 (QAR11,078) for one person and $6,085 (QAR22,155) for two people.
Is Qatar affordable to visit? ›
A one week trip to Qatar usually costs around $1,521 (QAR5,539) for one person and $3,043 (QAR11,078) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing. A two week trip to Qatar on average costs around $3,043 (QAR11,078) for one person and $6,085 (QAR22,155) for two people.
How much does a meal cost in Qatar? ›
Eating out in Doha
Eating at restaurants can be expensive with a realistic cost of around 400 Qatari Riyal (QAR), which is approx. £100 per person at a reasonably priced restaurant. Fast food such as McDonalds is comparable in price to the UK.
How to travel cheap in Qatar? ›
Exploring Qatar on a Budget: Tips for Affordable Travel
- Timing is Everything: Plan Your Trip Wisely. ...
- Hunt for Deals on Accommodation. ...
- Embrace Local Cuisine. ...
- Utilize Public Transportation. ...
- Free and Low-Cost Attractions. ...
- Take Advantage of City Passes. ...
- Opt for Free Cultural Events. ...
- Enjoy the Outdoors.
if you are looking for cheap and antique things than souq waqif is the best place in Qatar. you can get cheap abayas, cheap Arabic clothes, cheap perfumes (if you are good at the bargain), different restaurants, best sheesha cafes, best Souvenirs.
Is Qatar cheap for Americans? ›
If you're a budget traveler, you can expect to spend around $50 to $100 per day, including accommodation, food, transportation, and activities. On the other hand, a mid-range traveler can expect to spend around $150 to $250 per day.
Is Qatar expensive to eat out? ›
Restaurants in Qatar
Prices rise steeply for fancier places. For a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant, you can expect to pay up to QR600, however, the average is about QR200.
Is it OK to wear shorts in Qatar? ›
It's pretty much the norm for both locals and foreign residents to wear trousers, even in the height of the Qatari summer. It's actually required in public places. But if you're struggling with the heat, then you can wear shorts, but only if they're below the knee.
What is the most eaten food in Qatar? ›
Machbūs, a meal consisting of rice, meat, and vegetables, is the national dish in Qatar, typically made with either lamb or chicken and slow-cooked to give it a depth of flavour. Seafood and dates are staple food items in the country.
How much is a cup of coffee in Qatar? ›
Qatar boasts the most expensive coffee in the region, according to career news site The Ladders. The World Coffee Index 2021 revealed that Qatar cafes charge an average of $6.79 per cup, while Iran offers the cheapest price of coffee in the region and world at $0.46 per cup.
Flying to Qatar
| Cheapest flight ticket found | ₹ 12,667 |
|---|
| Cheapest month to fly | May |
| Average flight time | 4 hrs, 21 mins |
| Possible destinations | 1 |
| Most popular airline | Qatar Airways |
1 more row<<Is Qatar usually that much cheaper?>> NO, there is normally not a big price difference. The difference in economy between the three large Middle East carriers are very small.
Is Uber in Qatar? ›
Taxi in Doha
Consider Uber as an alternative to taxis when getting around Doha. With Uber, you can trade flagging down cabs for requesting rides on demand, no matter the time of day. Request a ride from an airport to a hotel, head to a restaurant, or visit another place. The choice is yours.
How much is a co*ke in Qatar? ›
A can of co*ke in Qatar will cost you around 25 Qatari Riyal (QAR) in a cafe or restaurant. This is approx. £6.30.
What is special to buy in Qatar? ›
Overall, there is a lot to shop for, including clothes, sweets, oud fragrances, traditional incense burners, shisha pipes, arts and crafts, lamps, and jewellery from local markets to big malls in Doha. So put all of these on your list to buy from while visiting the best city in Qatar.
What is worth buying in Qatar? ›
Souq Waqif
Look for traditional Qatari attire, handmade carpets, pottery, spices, oud perfumes, and unique souvenirs. Don't forget to explore the Gold Souq within Souq Waqif for exquisite jewellery.
How much does trip to Qatar cost? ›
Qatar Packages
| Qatar Packages | Day/Night | Price |
|---|
| Doha Experiential Escapade Package | 5 Days/4 Nights | ₹57,709 |
| Dunes Adventures in Doha Package | 3 Days/2 Nights | ₹53,790 |
| Holiday in Hilton Doha Package | 4 Days/3 Nights | ₹55,912 |
| Glimpse of Doha 3 Star package Package | 4 Days/3 Nights | ₹67,053 |
6 more rowsConsumer prices in Qatar are 25% lower than in the US.
Is Qatar good for tourists? ›
The safest country in the world
If you were wondering if you would be safe on your Qatar holiday, you're in luck – Qatar has earned the number one rank for safest country in the world two years in a row on the Numbeo Crime Index. Crime rates are low, especially toward tourists, and women report feeling safe there too.
How much is Qatar tourist fee? ›
Tourist visas
Visas can be applied for on the Hayya platform for a cost of QAR 100.
