Budget Travel Ideas in Doha

Doha is a fast developing city in the Middle East and is the new hotspot for construction trade and industrial activity in the Gulf region. The city with towering skyscrapers and swanky malls can also be a great budget travel option. Here are some super ideas to beat opulence and enjoy a cost-cutting vacation without actually trimming the fun.

Budget Sightseeing and Activities

Almost all the attractions in Doha can be done on a budget. There are museums such as the Museum of Islamic Arts and the Qatar National Museum. The entry fee at both is negligible and visitors can feast their eyes on artifacts from dynasties of several continents. There are also pieces of traditional art and items from Qatar’s history and cultural legacy. Other places worth seeing on a budget are the Al Koot Fort, located at Souq Waqif and the Clock Tower with Arabic numerals, situated adjacent to the Grand Mosque. The Doha Heritage Village is a beautiful replica of a typical Qatari hamlet and visitors can spot several artisans at work creating exquisite pieces of handicrafts and jewelry. A traditional dhow boat ride can also be enjoyed at the village. Al Corniche promenade is the best place to spend breezy evenings and catch views of the Doha Bay and locals strolling along the beach stretch. Visitors can also jog or cycle along the promenade path.

Budget Shopping, Eating and Entertainment

Sheesha cafés are very popular and inexpensive hangout zones for tourists and locals. Sheesha is a fruit flavored tobacco served in a pipe and there are several cafes like the Doha Ras-Naswa at Corniche that sell a variety of sheesha flavors. Apart from the several international chains of eateries, visitors can enjoy traditional sea-food at Best Fish (located at Al Mirghab St.) and good, inexpensive local fare at Turkey Central. Several reasonably priced restaurants are located around the old Souk and Souk Waqif.

Budget Shopping

The cheapest shopping areas in town are the traditional souks or bazaars, where visitors can haggle with merchants to grab the best deals on artifacts, jewelry, local attire, regional spices and a host of other products. The Souk Waqif, Old Souk and Omani Souk are the most famous street markets in Doha.

Budget Accommodations

Some nice budget accommodation picks in Doha are Al Muntazah Plaza Hotel, located near the Corniche area, the pleasant 3-star Shezan Hotel at Doham and Merweb on Al-Sadd Road. There are several hostels and economy lodges in the old souk region and around the Corniche area.

Doha is a no-fuss, fancy-free city that gives visitors several options to explore its charm minus a lavish travel budget.