One of the things I get asked a lot about living in Doha Qatar is is it expensive? And the truth is it can be expensive especially if you spend time in the beautiful 5* hotels. But in truth there are some great free and fun things to do in Qatar if you know where to look. Here I have rounded up my 10 favorite free and fun things to do in Qatar. 

Can you Find Free Things to Do In Qatar?

The answer is undoubtedly yes! Qatar is an expensive country to visit especially if you love luxury hotels and fancy beach resorts but if you know where to look there are plenty of free things to do in Qatar. In this guide we will round up the best free and fun things to do in Qatar.

10 Free and Fun things to do in Qatar

1. Visit Souq Waqif Doha

No visit to Qatar is complete without a visit to Souq Waqif Doha! There is nothing quite like strolling round the alleyways of the souq to really feel like you are in the Middle East! It costs nothing to have a browse but be warned the souq is full of delicious restaurants and shops selling amazing gifts so it might be hard to walk away empty handed!

2. Visit the Public Beaches in Doha

Now while I love visiting the 5* hotels for a relaxing beach and pool day, Qatar has lots of public beaches. While these aren’t great for swimming and sunbathing due to the cultural sensibilities of Qatar they are great if you fancy seeing something new, birdwatching or fancy trying something like dune bashing!

3. Visit the Katara Cultural Village

Katara cultural village is located minutes from West Bay. An architectural triumph with great restaurants and a plethora of public art Katara is well worth a visit. There is also a pretty packed events calendar at Katara so be sure to check for what exhibitions, events and theatre shows are on during your visit!

4. Do a tour of public art

From public art on the corniche, at Katara and even in the desert! Public art can be found all over Doha. From big names like Richard Serra to more regionally based artists there is something for everyone!

5. Visit one of many free museums

I love visiting the museums in Doha from the famed museum of Islamic art to the contemporary art museum Mathaf. Even their special exhibition are free of charge. Where else can you visiting touring exhibitions like Damien Hurst and terracotta warriors for grew!

6. Take a stroll around one of Doha’s fabulous park

Surprisingly for a desert country there are many public green spaces. I love visiting the parks in Doha from he modern and innovative oxygen park education city to the museum of Islamic art park with its unrivalled views of the West Bay skyline.

7.Walk the Doha Corniche

Definitely a winter activity but one I love. It takes less than an hour to walk but you get a great view of many of Doha’s sites from the corniche!

8. Go to a UNESCO World Heritage Site 

The Zubarah Fort is one of the hidden gems of Qatar. The only UNESCO site in the country. Dating from the 1930s Zubarah fort let’s you see why Qatar was like in days gone by!

9. Visit one of Qatar’s many malls

While free this could get expensive depending on your shopping Compulsions! From the largest mall in Qatar – festival city, to the new malls of Qatar mall and al hazm, you can’t come to Doha without experiencing one of their mega malls!

10. Go to the Pearl

A lovely place for a stroll in winter or on a summers night! The pearl has shopping, restaurants and views of some mega yachts and beautiful marina views!

Further Reading on Qatar:

Preparing For Your Trip:
Ultimate Guide of Where to Stay in Doha
What to Wear in Doha