Affordable Places to Stay in Iraq for Budget Travellers

Iraq is a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. From ancient cities like Babylon to modern-day Baghdad, there are many fascinating places to visit. For those travelling on a budget, finding affordable accommodation is important. Luckily, Iraq has a variety of options for budget travellers. In this article, we will explore some of the best places to stay in Iraq that won’t cost a lot of money but still provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience. This article is written in a simple way, so young readers can understand easily.

What to Look for in Affordable Accommodation

Before we start looking at specific places, let’s talk about what you should look for when finding affordable accommodation in Iraq. There are a few key things to consider:

• Price: How much does it cost per night?
• Facilities: Does it have the basics, like clean rooms, electricity, and air conditioning?
• Location: Is it near the places you want to visit?
• Safety: Is it in a safe area?

Finding a place that meets all of these needs can help make your trip to Iraq enjoyable and affordable.

Cheap Hotels in Baghdad

Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, is full of history and interesting places to see. For budget travellers, there are many cheap hotels that offer clean and comfortable rooms.

Here are some options:

Hotel Name	Price Per Night	Facilities	Location
Al Nahrain Hotel	£20	Air conditioning, Wi-Fi, 24-hour reception	Central Baghdad
Baghdad Inn	£25	Breakfast included, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning	Near Tahrir Square
Al Jazeera Hotel	£18	Simple rooms, Wi-Fi, nearby market	Old City

These hotels are great for budget travellers because they are inexpensive but still have good facilities like Wi-Fi and air conditioning, which are important when the weather is hot. They are also located in central areas, making it easier to explore Baghdad.

Guesthouses in Najaf

Najaf is an important city for religious travellers, as it is home to the Imam Ali Shrine. It is also a popular place for tourists. For those looking to save money, guesthouses are a good option. They are often cheaper than hotels and have a more homely feel.

Here are a few guesthouses in Najaf:

Guesthouse Name	Price Per Night	Facilities	Location
Ali’s Guesthouse	£15	Free breakfast, Wi-Fi, shared kitchen	Close to Imam Ali Shrine
Najaf Home Stay	£12	Private rooms, shared bathrooms, Wi-Fi	Central Najaf
Family Guesthouse	£17	Family-friendly, free parking, air conditioning	Near local shops and cafes

Staying in a guesthouse in Najaf not only saves money but also offers a more personal experience. These places often have friendly hosts who can help you learn more about the local area.

Hostels in Karbala

Karbala is another city that attracts many visitors, especially during religious events like Arbaeen. Hostels are a popular choice for budget travellers, especially for younger people or those travelling in groups.

Here are some affordable hostels in Karbala:

Hostel Name	Price Per Night	Facilities	Location
Karbala Hostel	£10	Shared rooms, free Wi-Fi, kitchen facilities	Near Karbala Main Mosque
Pilgrim’s Hostel	£8	Simple bunk beds, shared bathroom, lockers	Close to the city centre
Sunset Hostel	£12	Wi-Fi, air conditioning, rooftop terrace	Near local restaurants

Hostels are great for meeting other travellers. They are often very cheap and offer shared facilities like kitchens, which means you can cook your own meals and save even more money.

Budget Hotels in Basra

Basra, a city by the river, has many places to stay that won’t break the bank. Whether you’re exploring the nearby marshes or the old city, there are several budget hotels to choose from.

Here are some affordable hotels in Basra:

Hotel Name	Price Per Night	Facilities	Location
Shatt Al-Arab Hotel	£22	Breakfast included, Wi-Fi, river views	By the river
Basra Budget Inn	£20	Simple rooms, air conditioning, close to markets	Near Basra’s old town
Riverfront Hotel	£23	Wi-Fi, free parking, close to restaurants	Riverside

Basra is a beautiful place to visit, and staying in one of these budget hotels allows you to enjoy the city without spending too much money.

Camping in the Kurdistan Region

For those who love nature, camping can be a great way to save money while enjoying the beautiful landscapes of Iraq’s Kurdistan region. There are several campsites where you can set up a tent and enjoy the great outdoors.

Some popular campsites in Kurdistan include:

• Rawanduz Valley Campsite: Located near the Rawanduz Valley, this campsite offers stunning views of the mountains. It costs about £5 per night to camp here.
• Dukan Lake Campsite: A beautiful spot by the lake where you can camp for around £7 per night. It’s a great place for swimming and fishing.
• Shanadar Cave Campsite: This historic site allows camping nearby for £6 per night. You can explore the ancient caves during your stay.

Camping is one of the most affordable ways to travel, and the Kurdistan region offers some of the best natural beauty in Iraq.

Cheap Places to Eat in Iraq

Another way to save money while travelling is by eating at affordable places. In Iraq, there are many local eateries and street food stalls where you can enjoy delicious food at low prices.

Some cheap meals you can try include:

Food	Price
Falafel sandwich	£1
Kebab wrap	£2
Iraqi bread with hummus	£1.50

Street food is not only affordable but also gives you a taste of the local flavours. Many budget travellers find that eating at these small stalls and local cafes is a great way to save money and try new things.

Top Tips for Budget Travellers in Iraq

Here are some final tips to help you save even more money during your trip to Iraq:

1. Book in advance: During busy times like Ashura and Arbaeen, prices for accommodation can go up. Booking early helps you get the best deal.
2. Use public transport: Buses and shared taxis are much cheaper than hiring private cars.
3. Eat like a local: Local food is often much cheaper than eating at touristy restaurants.
4. Travel with friends: Sharing rooms or transport costs can save you a lot of money.
5. Bring your own snacks: Buying snacks at local markets can be cheaper than always eating out.

Conclusion

Travelling in Iraq on a budget is possible if you know where to stay and how to save money. Whether you choose to stay in cheap hotels, guesthouses, hostels, or even camp in Kurdistan, there are plenty of affordable options. By following some simple tips, you can have a fantastic trip to Iraq without spending too much money. Safe travels!

City	Accommodation Type	Name	Price Per Night	Facilities	Quote
Baghdad	Hotel	Al Nahrain Hotel	£20	Air conditioning, Wi-Fi, 24-hour reception	“Great location and value for money!”
Baghdad	Hotel	Baghdad Inn	£25	Breakfast included, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning	“Perfect for budget travellers in the heart of Baghdad.”
Baghdad	Hotel	Al Jazeera Hotel	£18	Simple rooms, Wi-Fi, nearby market	“Simple but comfortable, ideal for short stays.”
Najaf	Guesthouse	Ali’s Guesthouse	£15	Free breakfast, Wi-Fi, shared kitchen	“Home-like experience with friendly hosts.”
Najaf	Guesthouse	Najaf Home Stay	£12	Private rooms, shared bathrooms, Wi-Fi	“Comfortable and affordable, close to the Shrine.”
Najaf	Guesthouse	Family Guesthouse	£17	Family-friendly, free parking, air conditioning	“Perfect for families or groups, great local atmosphere.”
Karbala	Hostel	Karbala Hostel	£10	Shared rooms, free Wi-Fi, kitchen facilities	“Affordable and clean, great for solo travellers.”
Karbala	Hostel	Pilgrim’s Hostel	£8	Simple bunk beds, shared bathroom, lockers	“Best for pilgrims on a tight budget, clean and simple.”
Karbala	Hostel	Sunset Hostel	£12	Wi-Fi, air conditioning, rooftop terrace	“Lovely view from the terrace, good for socialising.”
Basra	Budget Hotel	Shatt Al-Arab Hotel	£22	Breakfast included, Wi-Fi, river views	“Beautiful views of the river, excellent value for money.”
Basra	Budget Hotel	Basra Budget Inn	£20	Simple rooms, air conditioning, close to markets	“Basic but great location near the old town.”
Basra	Budget Hotel	Riverfront Hotel	£23	Wi-Fi, free parking, close to restaurants	“Ideal for exploring Basra with good amenities.”
Kurdistan	Campsite	Rawanduz Valley Campsite	£5	Stunning mountain views, simple camping facilities	“Camping with a view, great for nature lovers.”
Kurdistan	Campsite	Dukan Lake Campsite	£7	Lakeside spot, good for swimming and fishing	“Peaceful, right by the lake, perfect for a quiet retreat.”
Kurdistan	Campsite	Shanadar Cave Campsite	£6	Near ancient caves, basic facilities	“Historic and scenic, amazing camping experience.”