Corniche
Seven kilometres of seafront promenade around Doha Bay, from the Museum of Islamic Art to the West Bay towers.
At a glance
The Corniche links the towers of the Al Dafna business district with the historic quarters of old Doha.
The Doha Corniche is a seafront promenade and dual carriageway that curves for seven kilometres (4.3 mi) around the crescent of Doha Bay, from the Sheraton hotel in West Bay in the north to Doha Club Park in Al Khulaifat in the south, passing Doha Port. It links the towers of the Al Dafna business district with the old districts around Souq Waqif and is the setting for Qatar National Day celebrations.
Along the way are the Museum of Islamic Art on its own artificial island, MIA Park, the government buildings such as the Amiri Diwan, Al Bidda Park and the traditional dhows moored in the bay, which offer short boat trips. The view across the water to the West Bay skyline is the classic image of Doha.
For cruise passengers it is the obvious first walk. The Grand Cruise Terminal is at Doha Port, on Corniche Road, and the Museum of Islamic Art is within walking distance; Souq Waqif is a short taxi ride from the south end. A walk along part of the promenade fits easily into a morning, with the metro or a taxi to cover the longer stretches.
Official websiteGetting there from the port
5 optionsYour day in port
Example: call from 08:00 to 18:00, all aboard at 17:30.
- 08:30AshoreWalk or take the port shuttle from the Grand Cruise Terminal towards the Museum of Islamic Art.
- 09:15MIA ParkWalk around the park and the museum's island for the first views of the bay and West Bay.
- 10:00Along the CornicheFollow the promenade north past the dhows and the Amiri Diwan towards Al Bidda Park.
- 12:00West BayMetro from Al Bidda or Corniche station to West Bay QIC, or a taxi to the north end by the Sheraton.
- 13:00Souq WaqifTaxi to the old market for lunch and a stroll through its lanes.
- 16:00Back to the shipTaxi to the cruise terminal, about 12 minutes, to be on board by 16:30.
What to see
- 1Museum of Islamic Art and MIA ParkThe museum on its artificial island at the south end and the park around it, with views of the bay and the skyline.
- 2West Bay skylineThe towers of the business district across the water, at their best at sunset and when lit at night.
- 3DhowsTraditional wooden boats moored along the Corniche that take visitors out on the bay.
- 4Amiri Diwan and the government zoneThe seat of government facing the bay, seen from the promenade.
- 5Al Bidda ParkLarge green park beside the Corniche towards the north end.
- 6Richard Serra's '7'The steel sculpture at MIA Park, one of the landmarks listed by Qatar Tourism near the Corniche.
Tips for cruise passengers
- Walk early or lateThere is little shade on long stretches; in the cruise season mornings and late afternoons are the most pleasant.
- Use the metro for the long stretchesCorniche, Al Bidda and West Bay QIC stations are near the promenade; the metro is closed on Friday mornings for prayers.
- Cross by the underpassesCorniche Street is a busy dual carriageway; use the pedestrian underpasses to reach the waterfront side.
- Agree the boat price firstDhow trips leave from several points along the Corniche; agree the price and duration before boarding.
- Finish at Souq WaqifThe old market is a few minutes by taxi from the south end, a good place for lunch before returning to the ship.
Accessibility & families
The promenade is wide and flat, suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, but some crossings of Corniche Street use underpasses; check the step-free routes before you go. Children enjoy MIA Park and the dhow trips.
In pictures
