Travel

7 Fun and Free Things to Do in Doha, Qatar

- By Anamika Mishra

There are many fun and free things to do in Doha, the capital of Qatar. I personally love Doha a lot. The city is neat and clean and so systematic. The Indian community there is close and strong. Yes, it is very easy to spot an Indian in Doha. When I visited Doha for the first time in 2019, I was so surprised to meet so many Indians there. Many times I did not even feel that I was outside India.

Photos of Souq Waqif, Doha — Anamika Mishra at Souq Waqif, Doha, Qatar

Let me share some quick information about Doha before sharing the list of fun and free things to do in Doha!

Visa on arrival for Indians
The cost of visa for Indians is USD 27 or INR 2150 approx.
If you are a vegetarian, you need not to worry as there are so many vegetarian Indian restaurants
Good time to visit Doha is in between September – March, otherwise it is very hot
Carry a sunscreen

7 Fun and Free Things to do in Doha, Qatar:

Doha Corniche

Doha Corniche is a waterfront promenade extending for 7 kms along Doha Bay. This place is perfect to spend some time by the beautiful Persian Gulf (the sea). If you want to spend some peaceful time here, you must visit this place either early morning or in the night. I would suggest for night because the Doha city lights and the sea breeze makes the experience amazing!

Souq Waqif

Souq Waqif is Doha’s amazing market. This market will make you feel as if you are re-living the Arabian nights era or in the Aladdin movie set. This market doesn’t have any ticket entry so you can roam here for free. Mostly the shops are of souvenirs, garments and decor stuff. There are also many cafes, bistros and restaurants where you can eat, well that is obviously not free, but just sharing FYI! To make your experience more fun, I highly recommend you to visit the birds market in Souq Waqif as well. Linking full article on Souq Waqif at the end of this blog.

Museum of Islamic Art

This is a wonderful museum with lots of amazing things to learn and explore. The entry to this museum is free. I would suggest you to register and get a Culture Pass Members of MIA so that you can get 10 % discount at the Gift shop and other place here.

Katara Cultural Village

This is a MUST visit place in Doha. Katara Cultural Village is a complex of building, theatres, restaurants, cafes and so many thing. You need one full day to explore Katara. It has a very beautiful Mosque, a massive amphitheatre and waterfront or the Katara Beach, where you can spend your time. Linking full article on Katara at the end of this blog.

Qatar National Library

I have never such a huge and beautiful library till this day. Qatar National Library is a heaven for readers and even if you are a non-reader, you are going to love this the moment you enter. It is THAT beautiful! The entry to Qatar National library is free and I highly recommend you to visit this. Linking full article on Qatar National Library at the end of this blog.

Villaggio Mall

The entry to this mall is free but trust me it is hard to come out from this place without spending a penny. This mall is a shoppers’ heaven. This mall also has Venice inspired indoor canal where you can go for a Gondola ride. I would suggest you to go to one of the traditional perfume shops inside this mall and try some of their fragrance. Its really a good experience!

So, this was the list of fun and free things to do in Doha. Bookmark this article or pinit for future reference. Share as this might help someone who is planning to visit Doha, after all FIFA 2022 is happening in Doha this year!