The best free things to do in Doha

Katara Cultural Village is a must-see cultural center with many free attractions. Stroll through its alleys filled with galleries and artists' studios, then relax in the beautiful Katara North and South hills. These man-made hills offer scenic views of landmarks such as Pigeon Towers, Katara Mosque, the gift box-shaped Children's Mall and the Al-Gannas (Falconry) Society of Qatar building (shaped like a falcon's head). The park features purple running tracks, water features, and interesting seasonal plants.

Katara Amphitheater, in the heart of the Katara Cultural Village, is a popular event venue. When there are not many people there, you can walk around and enjoy the view of the sea on one side and the Cultural Village on the other. "Force of Nature", an art installation depicting Mother Nature holding onto the earth, is located between the amphitheater and the water, showing the powerlessness of humanity in the face of nature.

Located in Katara Cultural Village, Al Thuraya Planetarium is a great place to learn about astronomy, geology, atmosphere, weather and everything anything related to 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 view from the terrace.

You'll want to take plenty of photos in this luxurious shopping district, from the Murano glass sculptures to the beautiful water features to the stunning window displays at Galeries Lafayette.

One ​​of the most picturesque areas of Doha, the Mina area is the renovated Old Port of Doha. Discover its quaint cobbled streets, striking wall art and pastel-colored buildings. Stop by the bustling fish market or discover fascinating marine life at the aquarium at The City Gallery, Doha Port.

Also in this area you can visit Flag Plaza and Box Park for free - a complex built from brightly colored cargo containers, which always make the list of the most Instagram-worthy places in Qatar.

The bustling Souq Waqif is a cultural treasure that highlights Qatar's rich past. Explore the quaint streets and shops selling perfumes, jewelry, carpets, spices, souvenirs and traditional clothing. Check out the Souq Waqif Arts Center (free to visit), where you can see local artists at work. You can also visit the Falcon Market, the camel pen and the Emiri stables, home to valuable Arabian horses, for free.

Across the road from Souq Waqif, the spiral-shaped Fanar (Qatar Islamic Cultural Center) is a great place to immerse yourself in Islamic culture and learn about Qatar's heritage and culture. It hosts women-only coffee mornings, the Qatari Majlis in three languages ​​(English, Spanish and Russian) and tours of the Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Mahmoud Mosque.

No visit to Doha would be complete without a stroll along the picture-perfect Corniche, a 7-kilometre promenade paved with palm trees and dotted with extraordinary works of art . Check out Franz West's Gekröse and Pearl Monument. Relax at Al Masrah Park (also known as Umbrella Park) with its Instagram-worthy flower and umbrella tunnels. Let the kids play at Doha's cute, modern playground, featuring miniature versions of four of the city's famous buildings.

Al Bidda Park is one of the oldest and most popular parks in Doha, where you can have a picnic or barbecue, explore bike paths and even watch for the birds. There are also plenty of children's playgrounds to keep the little ones entertained and a zip line for older children.

The world's first fully built smart and sustainable urban area is home to the free Msheireb and Barahat Msheireb Museums - the largest outdoor covered pedestrian plaza in the region . You can also discover the Doha Design District - full of studios, galleries, boutiques and creative workshops - and M7: Qatar's epicenter of innovation and entrepreneurship in design, fashion and technology.

Doha's public transport system includes three different trams, two of which are completely free. It's a relaxing way to explore downtown Msheireb by heading to the Msheireb Museums or the Msheireb Gallery. From Education City, you can then take the tram to visit the Ceremonial Court, Quranic Botanical Garden, Qatar National Library and Mathaf Museum of Contemporary Art - all with free entry.

Voted as the 4th most beautiful library in the world in 2024, Qatar National Library is a book lover's dream. This sophisticated, light-filled space is designed like origami, if you imagine two huge sheets of paper spread apart and folded diagonally at the corners. Inside you will find thousands of modern and rare books, spacious reading rooms and exhibition areas.

Another great green space where you can relax is the 88-hectare Aspire Park. As a popular event center, the park offers activities for everyone with spacious lawns, playgrounds, jogging tracks, a skate park and exercise equipment. It is home to Katara's only lake, a 3.37-hectare bird and bird sanctuary. Every December, the park comes alive with events and competitions in honor of Founder's Day.

Take the kids to explore the Qatar-shaped maze, right in the center of Park 5/6. Along with a children's play area, jogging and cycling paths, it's also full of interesting artwork. Near the north entrance, you'll see a long wall painted with vibrant murals by 20 local artists. You'll discover cool installations from artists such as Saloua Rauda Shukair (Poems and Poem in Three Verses) and Al Sumood (Symbol of Fortitude) by Faisal Al Hajri.

A unique concept in the world of botany, the Quranic Botanical Garden exhibits and preserves plants mentioned in the Holy Quran and the indigenous flora of Qatar. This tranquil oasis is designed to teach visitors the greater importance of plants in our daily lives.

While you're at the botanical gardens, you can also explore the surrounding Oxygen Park - equipped with running tracks, volleyball courts and several multi-use fields. It's a great place to work up a sweat - but also enjoy the air-conditioned trails on hot days.

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

The Qetaiphan Glass Bridge, which delights with its modern glass architecture, offers breathtaking views of Lusail city and the sea. Qetaifan Islands South 1, 2 and 3 are connected by this glass paneled suspension bridge that looks like a necklace strung between the islands.

Visit Qatar's first night beach, open from 15:00 to midnight. This lovely free beach is a short walk from Legtaifiya metro station (red line), where you can swim in shallow, clear waters and enjoy pleasant views of the city. There are public toilets (no showers) and free sun loungers, but it is recommended that you bring your own umbrella, chairs and picnic food.