If you’re staying at one of our Premier Inn hotels in Doha and are looking for things to do in this exciting, energetic city, you won’t be disappointed. If you’re staying in a budget hotel in Doha and want to make your money go as far as possible, what is there on offer that’s pocket-friendly? Here’s our favorite free things to do in Doha, and the best bit? It won’t cost you a penny!
Wander around Souq Waqif
Just because you’re in a souq doesn’t mean you have to buy anything. Just immersing yourself in the hustle and bustle of an authentic souq is an experience in itself. You’ll find the Souq Waqif behind Al Corniche Street. If you don’t fancy wandering around during the day then head there in the evening, as it’s open until 10pm. The crowds are just as lively, but it’s more comfortable to walk around, and there seems to be less pressure to buy, too.
Hop on the Gold Line, east to west, to reach Souq Waqif by Metro. There's also underground parking available.
The Museum of Islamic Art
This is one of Doha’s special spots. Built on its very own custom-made island, this stunning museum is home to some of the most important and beautiful works of art in the whole of Islam. The ultra-modern building (designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei) is the perfect showcase for the thousands of traditional artefacts within, each one representing an important aspect of Islam and the culture of the Middle East. It’s free to enter, and once you’ve had a look around you can relax in the museum’s café or in the park next to the museum in a shady spot, and watch the world go by.
The Pearl
This man-made island sits on the north side of Doha Bay and is one of the city’s biggest luxury developments. Take a stroll around the marina, look at the million-dollar yachts, and plan what to do with your next winning lottery ticket, or go for a coffee in one of the many cafés that line the harbour and simply take in the views.
Visit Katara
While Doha may be a thrusting, modern city, its roots go back centuries. If you want to see an older side to Qatar then a visit to Katara cultural village is a great idea. Sitting between The Pearl and the city’s West Bay, this popular spot is filled with galleries and museums. Take a stroll around some of the city’s museums and absorb more of the ancient culture of Qatar. Check online for information on festivals, exhibitions and more that are coming up.
It’s within walking distance of the centre of the city, so you don’t even need to pay for transport to get there, open daily 9.00am - 4.30pm. Closed on Fridays.
Stroll along the Corniche
The Corniche runs along the front of Doha for 7km and is one of the city’s most popular spots for an early evening stroll. Lined with palm trees and with several parks and green spaces along its length, it’s the ideal spot to chill out and relax, and take in the incredible view. There are children’s play areas along the Corniche, so it’s a great spot to bring the family for an evening picnic. If you want to have a swim then head for Palm Tree Island. Dhows leave every 10 minutes and it’s a very short trip over to the island.
The Falcon Souq
Falconry is an intrinsic part of Middle Eastern culture, and the Falcon Souq is one of the few places you’ll find dedicated to this traditional hunting practice. There’s even a falcon hospital next door, where you can meet some of the birds up close.
Get a bird’s eye view of the city from the top of The Torch
This luxury hotel is 300m high, so if you’ve got a head for heights a trip to the top of the Torch gives you some of the best panoramic views of the city. At night the entire tower is lit up in a dazzling array of colours. If you want to go shopping afterwards then a walkway connects you right to the Villaggio Mall.
No matter what you decide to do during your visit, Premier Inn hotels in Doha connect you to the city, and at an affordable price.