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Top free things to do in Doha

Doha, the capital of Qatar, might be famous for its luxurious experiences but it’s also full of fun free things to do. From striking public art and a traditional souq to family-friendly parks, check out our list of 20+ things to see that won’t cost you a single riyal. 

1. Hang out at Katara Cultural Village and Hills

Katara Cultural Village is a must-visit cultural hub with lots of free things to see. Wander its alleyways filled with galleries and artists’ workshops, then relax in the beautiful Katara North and South Hills. These manmade hills offer scenic views of landmarks such as Pigeon Towers, Katara Mosque, the gift box-shaped Children’s Mall and the building of Al-Gannas (Falconry) Society of Qatar (in the shape of a falcon head). The park has purple running tracks, water features and interesting seasonal plants.

2. Snap photos in a Greek-style amphitheatre

Katara Amphitheatre, in the heart of Katara Cultural Village, is a popular events venue. When it’s not busy, you can wander around and enjoy views of the sea on one side and the cultural village on the other. The Force of Nature, an art installation depicting Mother Nature holding on to the earth, stands between the amphitheatre and the water, showing humanity’s powerlessness in the face of nature. 

3. Learn about planets at Al Thuraya Planetarium

Located at Katara Cultural Village, the Al Thuraya Planetarium is a great place to learn about astronomy, geology, atmosphere, weather and all things science. Take a photo with the split moon, find out your weight on different planets, watch a show inside the dome or enjoy the ocean views from the terrace.

Top free things to do in Doha

4. Enjoy air-conditioned window shopping at 21 High Street

You’ll want to take plenty of photos at this luxurious shopping district, from the Murano glass sculptures to the pretty water feature and beautiful shop windows at Galeries Lafayette.

5. Explore the colourful Mina District & aquarium

One of Doha’s most picturesque neighbourhoods, the Mina District is the revamped Old Doha Port. Discover its quaint cobbled streets, striking wall art and pastel-coloured buildings. Pop in at the bustling fish market or discover fascinating marine life at the aquarium at The City Gallery, Doha Port

Top free things to do in Doha

6. Strike a pose at Flag Plaza and Box Park

Also free to visit in the area is Flag Plaza and Box Park – a development built with brightly-coloured shipping containers that always make the list of the most Instagram-friendly places in Qatar.

7. Take in the sights and sounds of Souq Waqif

The vibrant Souq Waqif is a cultural treasure highlighting Qatar's rich past. Explore quaint lanes and stores selling perfume, jewellery, carpets, spices, souvenirs and traditional clothing. Pop in at the Souq Waqif Art Centre (free to visit), where you might see resident artists at work. Also free to visit are the Falcon Souq, camel pen and Emiri Stables – home to prized Arabian horses.

8. Learn about Qatari culture at Fanar

Across the road from Souq Waqif is the spiral-shaped Fanar (Qatar Islamic Cultural Centre) – a wonderful place to immerse yourself in Islamic culture and learn about Qatari heritage and culture. They host ladies-only coffee mornings, Qatari Majlis in three languages (English, Spanish and Russian) and tours of Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zaid AlMahmoud mosque.

9. Experience the iconic Doha Corniche

No visit to Doha is complete without a stroll along the picture-perfect Corniche – a 7 km-long waterfront promenade lined with palm trees and dotted with quirky public art pieces. Look out for Gekröse by Franz West and the Pearl Monument. Take a break at Al Masrah Park (also known as the Umbrella Park) with its Insta-worthy floral and umbrella tunnels. Let the kids play at the cute Doha Modern Playground – featuring miniature versions of four well-known buildings in the city.

10. Play in the lush Al Bidda Park

Al Bidda Park is one of Doha’s oldest and most popular parks, where you can have a picnic or a barbecue, explore the cycle paths and even enjoy birdwatching. There are also plenty of kids’ play areas to entertain little ones and a zipline for older kids.

11. Visit design-forward Msheireb Downtown

The world’s first fully built smart and sustainable city district is home to the free Msheireb Museums and Barahat Msheireb – the largest open-air covered pedestrian square in the region. You can also discover the Doha Design District – full of studios, galleries, boutiques and creative workshops – and M7: Qatar's epicentre for innovation and entrepreneurship in design, fashion and tech.

Top free things to do in Doha

12. Ride the free trams

Doha’s public transport system includes three different trams – two of which are completely free to use. It’s a relaxed way to explore Msheireb Downtown, cruising to Msheireb Museums or Msheireb Galleria. After that, from Education City, you can hop on a tram to visit the Ceremonial Court, Qur’anic Botanic Garden, Qatar National Library and Mathaf: Museum of Modern Art – all offering free entry.

Top free things to do in Doha

13. Curl up with a book at Qatar National Library

Voted the 4th most beautiful library in the world in 2024, Qatar National Library is a book lover’s dream. This exquisite light-filled space is designed like an origami creation, if you can imagine two enormous sheets of paper, pulled apart and folded diagonally at the corners. Inside, you’ll find thousands of modern and rare books, spacious reading rooms and exhibition areas.

14. Get active at Aspire Park

Another wonderful green space to enjoy is the 88-hectare Aspire Park. As a popular events hub, the park offers fun for everyone: sprawling lawns, play areas, running tracks, a skate park and workout equipment. It’s home to Qatar’s only lake – a 3.37-hectare sanctuary for fowls and birds. Every December, the park comes alive with activities and competitions to celebrate Founder’s Day.

15. Explore the giant maze at 5/6 Park

Bring the kids to explore a maze in the shape of Qatar, right in the centre of 5/6 Park. Along with a children’s playground, jogging and cycle tracks, it’s also full of interesting artworks. Near the North entrance, you'll find a length of walls painted with vibrant murals from 20 local artists. You’ll discover cool installations from artists like Saloua Raouda Choucair (“Poems” and “Poem in Three Verses”) and Faisal Al Hajri's Al Sumood (Symbol of Resilience). Read about more green spaces in Qatar here.

16. Discover the Qatar Botanical Garden

A unique concept in the world of botany, the Qur’anic Botanic Garden exhibits and conserves the plants mentioned in the Holy Qur'an and the native flora in Qatar. This tranquil oasis is designed to teach visitors more about the importance of plants in our daily lives. 

17. Stay cool at Oxygen Park

While you’re at the botanical gardens, you can also explore the surrounding Oxygen Park – equipped with jogging trails, volleyball pitches, and several multi-purpose fields. It’s a great place to work up a sweat – but also enjoy air-conditioned walkways on hotter days.

Top free things to do in Doha

18. Walk around Qanat Quartier & Medina Centrale

If you’ve never been to Venice, you can get a taste of it right here in Doha – including a replica Rialto Bridge. Qanat Quartier is a charming Mediterranean-inspired neighbourhood inside the Pearl Qatar. It’s an Instagrammer’s dream, from the pretty canals and pastel-coloured buildings to the Spanish square of Plaza Andalucia. Right next to it, Medina Centrale will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a European piazza, complete with fountains, sidewalk cafes and chic boutiques.

19. Take photos of Lusail from a glass bridge

Admired for its contemporary glass-designed architecture, the Qetaifan Glass Bridge provides breathtaking views of Lusail City and the sea. Qetaifan Island South 1, 2, and 3 are connected by this glass-panelled suspension bridge, which looks like a necklace strung between the islands. 

20. Chill at the night beach

Visit Qatar’s first-ever night beach, open from 3:00 PM until midnight. This lovely free beach is within walking distance of Legtaifiya Metro station (Red Line), where you can swim in the shallow, clear waters and enjoy pleasant city views. There are public toilets (no showers) and free beach chairs but it’s recommended to bring your own umbrella, chairs and picnic.

Tip: Most of Doha’s beaches charge an entrance fee but women can visit Doha Beach Club for free every Tuesday (walk-ins only). Children younger than 16 years can also enter for free.

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Top free things to do in Doha