Doha has very much hung its hat on the luxury tourism market and between the glitzy malls and five-star hotels it can look a lot like a place where you need to be willing to splash the cash to have a good time. But lots of people who visit the city, and who live and work there, don’t have an unlimited entertainment budget and beneath the five-star exterior there is a living breathing city with activities for those on all budgets.
This is particularly important for those mulling a stopover and wondering whether a night or two in Qatar in return for a cheaper flight (and flights with layovers do tend to be a bit cheaper) might be a false economy if you end up splashing all your cash in the capital. The good news is it is perfectly possible to have fun in Doha without breaking the bank. Here’s how.
1. Walk the full Doha Corniche at sunset
Enterprising tourism executives have not yet found a way to charge for a view, and what better place to catch one of those than on Doha Corniche at sunset. Easily reachable on the Metro, the Corniche is 7km of walking and cycling paths, with parks, kids’ play areas, and shaded seating that makes for a great evening out with the family.
But the main event is the picture-postcard view of the Arabian Gulf studded by dhows and the tall towers of West Bay – many of them designed by world-class architects – on the horizon.
2. Unwind at MIA Park and catch the skyline glow
A perfect place to wrap up that walk is at the lush park beside the Museum of Islamic Art, which has city views, walking paths, and public art by Richard Serra. The MIA itself is free for under 16s and Qatari residents, and you can also visit its restaurants and cafes (although these are, sadly, not free). As the run dips below the skyline, the MIA building is reflected in the water around it.
3. Wander the alleys of Souq Waqif
Just like in the days when Bedouins from all over Qatar and the region would head to Souq Waqif to ply their trade, there is no charge for wandering the narrow alleys of the restored market to enjoy the smells of spices and sight of gold (and falcons) on display. Most of the traders here are Qataris and will be happy to share their reminiscences of Doha before the oil boom – although you will have to pay a few riyals to enjoy a spiced cup of karak tea or a snack at one of the eateries on the site. Souvenirs aren’t free either, although they are relatively affordable. Remember that haggling is accepted (nay, expected).
4. Visit Msheireb Museums for free cultural insight
The entrance to the four heritage houses that have been restored as part of the huge sustainable mega protect in downtown Doha is free, with galleries exploring the history of this city through the lens of pearl fishing, language, and the trade of enslaved people. You can also ride the Msheireb tram for free, and gawp at the incredible architecture on display – much of it is award-winning work by international architects.
5. Explore Katara Cultural Village and the amphitheatre
Like Msheireb, Katara Cultural Village is free to wander, as is the nearby public beach, which has separate areas for men and women and families. Be sure not to miss the Istanbul-inspired Blue Mosque and the vast open-air amphitheatre. If you visit in the evenings or at weekends, you will likely see an art exhibit or other free event, and the nearby Katara Hills is a good place for a picnic on the grass overlooking the wider site.
6. Stargaze at Al Thuraya Planetarium in Katara
It is surely one of Doha’s best-kept secrets that the Al Thuraya Planetarium in Katara Cultural District is totally free. Open from 8am to 8pm, the planetarium is a great destination for families with kids of all ages, with exhibits covering astronomy, geology, weather and oceans. It is named for a cluster of bright stars called Thuraya – meaning ‘Seven Sisters’ in English – and contains 200 seats inside Qatar’s first astronomical dome, as well as a 22-metre screen showing movies about space. Exhibits are in both Arabic and English.
7. Ride the free Msheireb or Education City trams
Everyone loves a tram, especially when they are air conditioned and free, and provide a guided tour of two of Doha’s newest and most interesting neighbourhoods, Msheireb and Education City. Take a ride on the latter as far as the Qatar National Library, which is also free and contains thousands of manuscripts and interesting displays on literature and art. Even if you don’t fancy the exhibits, the library is a superlatively chilled-out place to spend an hour or two.
8. Explore the funky colors of Mina District and Box Park
Amble among the rainbow shipping containers, boats, and waterfront of Mina District near Old Doha Port, where you can see cruise ships docking and a lively fish market. You’ll need to take a cab to get here, unless you are willing to make the 20 minute walk from the National Museum Metro station. Box Park is the place to go for snapping pictures of the brightly-coloured containers – many of which now hold trendy food outlets and designer stores – while Flag Plaza contains hundreds of flags from nations across the world. Climb to the upper floors of the containers for great views of MIA Park, the National Museum and Stadium 974 in Ras Abu Aboud.
9. Relax at Al Bidda Park and watch local life
Al Bidda Park is one of the biggest green spaces in the city, with skyline views, birdwatching, and play zones for kids. It is split across three zones – Arumailah, Al Bidda and Wadi Al Sail – and is served by a metro station of the same name. This is a good spot for fitness fanatics, with running and cycling tracks and outdoor gym equipment. You can picnic on the grass but barbeques are only allowed in specific areas of the park.
