Top free things to do in Doha

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.