How to get the most out of Doha Corniche 2024

Last updated on April 6th, 2024 at 10:21 am

Stretching beautifully along the sky-blue shores of Doha Bay, the Doha Corniche is a captivating 7-kilometre promenade that stretches from the prestigious Sheraton Hotel in West Bay to the prominent Museum of Islamic Art. 

The corniche walkway has become the city’s heartbeat, pulsating with many daily activities. 

It’s a haven for walkers, joggers, fishers, and picnickers alike, offering a scenic backdrop of the shimmering bay and the striking skyline of Doha.

As you stroll along the corniche, you’ll encounter an array of iconic landmarks and cultural hotspots. 

From the royal Amiri Diwan to the bustling Dhow Harbour, the vibrant Souq Waqif to the serene Fanar Mosque, there are so many things to do in Doha Corniche. 

Additionally, the corniche boasts numerous parks and museums, including the magnificent Museum of Islamic Art and the captivating National Museum of Qatar.

Whether you’re marvelling at the modern skyline or immersing yourself in traditional markets, the Doha Corniche ensures a memorable experience for every traveller.

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01. Go for a walk and take pictures of the beautiful Corniche

Catch the Corniche when the sun rises or sets, and this walk by the lake will be an utter pleasure. Watch the first rays of dawn and sun setting sparkling off the high-rise skyscrapers surrounding the central business centre, and take in the natural beauty of the sea.

In the morning and evening, you will see locals running and exercising.

Take a stroll with your partner down the paved walkway to feel the sea air and enjoy the breathtaking views.

02. Fly a kite

Flying kites is a fun and exciting hobby that can be enjoyed here. The Corniche is the ideal location for flying a kite, so use it! The Corniche is a popular destination for families to bring their children to so they can fly kites and have a fun time together. In addition, Qatar has been holding the International Kite Festival, contributing to the growth of kite flying as a well-liked sport in the country.

03. Dine with a breathtaking ocean view.

There are a few fantastic places to eat on the Doha Corniche, and they’ll fill your belly and your heart. Near the Oryx monument is the Al Mourjan Restaurant, where you may enjoy delicious Arabian and Lebanese cuisine while gazing out at the beautiful Mediterranean.

04 Take a selfie at Pearl Monument

The Pearl Monument is located on Corniche Street, near Dhow Harbor. The sculpture of the fountain portrays a gigantic oyster with its jaws open and a massive pearl in its mouth. This fountain celebrates Qatar’s pearling history and is a fantastic photo opportunity during the day and night. At night, the monument is illuminated, making it a unique photogenic spot.

05. Enjoy The Cruise On A Traditional Dhow boat.

A Dhow ride is the one thing we recommend doing when strolling along the Corniche.

Dhows are traditional wooden boats of Qatar. In the old days, these boats were used by merchants, pearl divers, and fishermen along the coast.

Qatar has repaired numerous antique boats to maintain the country’s history and heritage, and many of these vessels now provide sea tours to tourists and locals.

The dock in front of the Museum of Islamic Art is where most Dhow cruises are situated.

A dhow boat ride is a beautiful way to enjoy the unbeatable view of Qatar.

You can hire a Dhow to sail around the bay and admire the city from the sea, or you can go on a two – to four-hour cruise with food, traditional music, and entertainment.

During the day, you can explore the city’s coastline architecture, ranging from historic landmarks like the Sheraton Grand Hotel to the modern Museum of Islamic Arts and the futuristic skyscrapers of Westbay.

Two-hour round trip from the Museum of Islamic Art to Pearl City is 150 QR for a person with a complimentary drink.

Four-hour boat rides go to the harbour to join an organised dhow cruise with passengers. The ride takes you to Al Safiya Island, with widespread water sports such as banana boat riding and diving and offers traditional Arabic barbecue and karaoke costs around 300QR per person.

Important Tips for Dhow boat ride

1. If you are a small group, negotiate the price with boat captains; most will negotiate and enjoy exclusive use of the vessel as your private boat.

2. Before getting on a boat, check with dhow captains how long the trip would take, what places they are taking, and how much for the person.

3 Best time to take the boat ride is in the evening and enjoy the stunning view of the Doha skyline.

4. If you are taking an afternoon ride, choose a boat with air conditioning and shade.

06 Visit the traditional souq waqif shopping mall

If you are considering shopping in Doha, you should take advantage of this location. Souq Waif has everything you desire, including art galleries, outdoor cafés, and restaurants. This is one of the oldest marketplaces in Qatar and is now a popular tourist attraction.

Read further about Souq Waqif: 12 best things todo in Souq Waqif

07. Visit Qatar’s most famous museum of Islamic art.

The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) is one of the most recognised museums in Qatar, housing a collection of Islamic art from the 7th to the 19th centuries. It is situated at one end of Doha’s seven-kilometre Corniche. It has an exquisite collection of metalworks, pottery, jewellery, woodwork, textiles, coins, and glassware from royal and ordinary households.

Read further about museum of Islamic Art: What to see in the beautiful Museum of Islamic Art Qatar

08 . Enjoy some time in Qatar’s most beautiful park.

Despite its desert environment, Doha features many beautiful green parks, including a handful along the Corniche.

Here are some of the parks located near the corniche.

• Hotel Park
• Al Dafna Park
• Post office park
• Al Bidda Park
• Souq Waqif Park
• Museum of Islamic Park

Read further about best parks in Qatar: 15 Best unique parks you can enjoy in Qatar

09 Visit National museum of Qatar

The National Museum of Qatar portrays the history of Qatar and its people from ancient times to the present. Designed by award-winning architect Jean Nouvel, the museum is interactive and immersive, divided into three chapters of Qatar’s history.

Read further: A Complete Guide to the National Museum of Qatar