If you’re looking for the ultimate backpacking list from where to stay to what to do, you’re in the right place.
Qatar is the wealthiest country in the Persian Gulf, but it’s not suitable for everyone’s taste; it’s a stretch of desert with artificial islands and posh living. Qatar only piques the interest of those who have an intense curiosity about the society, the culture, the history and the world itself.
If that resonates with you, then Qatar awaits for you.
Where to stay in Qatar?
The most popular choice among the backpackers worldwide is their choice of stay – hostels.
Qatar – Doha notably, does not feature many hostels, but that’s a good thing if you’re backpacking.
Just two hostels in one city mean all the like-minded solo travellers will lodge at either of the two, which in turn means that you get to meet and form bonds with other people just like you.
Now that isn’t too bad, is it?
Qatar Youth Hostel is a quality certified hostel from the HI. This hostel has the upper hand as compared to the second hostel in Doha.
This property features good internet connection (we all know how important that is), accompanied by leisure rooms such as a “game room” and “TV room”.
The hostel also provides necessary facilities such as onsite restaurants, laundromat, smoking area, and a library.
Qatar Youth Hostel is in the vicinity to the Qatar Sports Club Stadium, Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, and Aspire Sports Academy.
Casper Hostel, coming up right after the Qatar Youth Hostel, features a bare room with a private bathroom, and some rooms also offer a kitchen with a dishwasher. I guess they understand how fundamental a kitchen and a dishwasher is for backpackers.
It also features a shared lounge, a restaurant and a beautiful garden near the Al Arabi Sports Club.
However, if none of those mentioned above options appeals to you, you can always choose to stay in one of Doha’s affordable hotels, serving alcoholic beverages.
What to do in Qatar?
Qatar is not a spot to cross off your things-to-do, or bucket-list.
The majority of the country is unexplored, which gives you time and opportunity to explore it on your own and learn about Qatar’s tradition, culture, and history.
Did you know that the Qatari people were once gipsies? Their ancestors are the Bedouins. Bedouins were Arab-speaking nomads who migrated every so often to continue their occupation of pearl-fishing.
There are a few things that ex-pats recommend doing while you’re in Qatar:
- Camping
- Sand skiing
- Visiting the Museum
- Off-roading in the sand dunes
- Car Hire Doha Qatar
Where to eat?
Qatar boasts in its rich and diverse culinary scene. Food is excellent everywhere in Qatar.
There aren’t any specific suggestions for restaurants but stay away from touristy areas if you are on a budget.
Now that we have covered where to stay, the food, and what to do, let’s talk about getting around Doha.
Backpackers usually tend to go for rental vans as it’s easier on the pocket and everyone can pitch in.
You can always go for the metro, the taxi (which is very easy to spot since its all blue), Uber, car rental services, or van hire Doha.
Fun fact
Qatar is a tax-free state, which means you can go berserk when it comes to shopping!
