This post was provided by Waseem: a local tour guide with firsthand experience of Erbil.
Erbil, the capital of Kurdistan Region in Iraq, is a city with much history and culture. Known for its ancient citadel, busy bazaars, and lively streets, Erbil is a mix of old and new. For travelers with little money, exploring this city without spending too much is possible. Here’s a quick guide to help you when you arrive and find cheap places to stay in Erbil.
Finding a flight to Erbil can be cheaper if you use flight comparison websites like Skyscanner, Kayak, and Google Flights. Booking early and being flexible with your travel dates can also help you find good deals. Look for budget airlines like Pegasus Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and Flydubai for cheaper options.
When you land at Erbil International Airport, you go through immigration and customs, so have your visa and papers ready. After you get your luggage, you will not be on the city streets right away. You need to take an airport shuttle bus to another location. This bus takes you from the airport to a drop-off point, where you need to find another ride to the city center.
Official airport taxis are at the drop-off point, but they are expensive—up to $25 for a 10-minute ride to the city center. This is much higher than the usual fare of about $5. Here is a money-saving tip: after you get off the shuttle bus, normal city taxis cannot pick you up because of airport rules. But, if you walk about ten minutes towards the city, you might find an empty taxi going back to the city center. These taxis can be cheaper, closer to the local fare. Taxi fares in Erbil range from $2 to $8, making them some of the cheapest in the world.
For places to stay, only the high-end hotels in Erbil are usually online. For cheaper options, go to the city center where there are many hotels. You can walk in and ask for a room. Usually, the hotel staff will show you the room before you book it. If you like it, you can pay and give them your documents.
The cheapest hotels are around the Citadel. Erbil’s streets are like rings: the 30th street is the second ring around the Citadel, and within this ring, you’ll find the cheapest hotels. In the next ring, the 40th street, hotel prices are still okay. But if you go to the 60th street, you will find better hotels. The difference is that hotels in this area usually have 24-hour electricity, while those directly in the bazaar around the Citadel might not have electricity at night.
Erbil is not just a city with much culture; it is also important because of its oil. As an oil city in the Middle East, Erbil has a lot of investment and development, making it a modern city. This has made the city better for travelers to explore.
Traveling to Erbil on a budget is not only possible but also fun. With some planning and smart tips, you can save money on transport and places to stay, so you can enjoy the city’s rich culture. From getting through the airport to finding cheap hotels, these tips will help you enjoy your trip to Erbil.
If you want a more personal experience, I offer tour guide services in Erbil. I know a lot about the city’s history, culture, and hidden spots, and I can help you explore like a local. Contact me for more details and to book a tour. Happy traveling!
