Thing to do
Doha Corniche
The Doha Corniche is a seven-kilometre crescent promenade around Doha Bay, linking the Museum of Islamic Art, Al Bidda Park and the West Bay skyline.
The Pearl-Qatar and Qanat Quartier
Qanat Quartier on The Pearl-Qatar is a Venice-inspired district of canals, pastel buildings and arched bridges, with water taxis, cafés and waterside restaurants.
At a glance
- Type
- Island neighbourhood and canals
- Area
- The Pearl-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
- Official site
- visitqatar.com
Good to know
- Water taxis
- Cafés
- Restaurants
- Boutiques
- Cinema
Why we recommend it
The Pearl-Qatar is an island district on the coast north of West Bay and Katara, with homes, shops and restaurants. For visitors, the most enjoyable part is Qanat Quartier, a neighbourhood modelled on Venice, with candy-coloured buildings lining a network of canals, arched footbridges and a replica of the Rialto Bridge. It is a very different side of Doha from the souq and the museums, and it makes a relaxed setting for an evening stroll and a meal by the water.
The easiest way to see the canals is by water taxi. Boats leave from Gate B of the Qanat Quartier canals between 9am and 11pm and take up to ten people, so a family or small group can share a boat. On foot, look out for the Piano Stairs, 30 musical steps that link the QQ7 boardwalk with the mezzanine level, and Plaza Andalucia, a Spanish-style square with arches, balconies and tiled fountains that sometimes hosts street events.
Food is a big part of a visit. Cafés and restaurants around the canals include Artist Café, which serves breakfast and lunch and runs workshops in origami, sketching and watercolour, as well as Eggspectation, Turquoise Café and Gallery, El Faro, Nozomi, Crabtonite and The Breakfast Club. There are boutiques, spas, salons and gift shops along the arcades, an IMAX screen at Novo Cinema, and Megapolis, a 24-hour entertainment venue at Medina Centrale with bowling, karaoke, virtual reality and racing simulators.
Qanat Quartier suits couples, families and anyone looking for a gentle evening out with photo opportunities. It is at its best in the late afternoon and after dark, when the buildings are lit and the temperature is more comfortable for walking. Allow two to three hours for a walk, a water taxi ride and a meal, and longer if you plan to explore the wider island.
The Pearl is north of West Bay and Katara Cultural Village, so a taxi or ride-hailing app is the simplest way to arrive from central Doha. It pairs naturally with an afternoon at Katara, a short drive to the south, followed by dinner beside the canals.
The Pearl-Qatar and Qanat Quartier FAQs
What is Qanat Quartier?
A Venice-inspired neighbourhood on The Pearl-Qatar with canals, colourful buildings, arched bridges and a replica of the Rialto Bridge.
Can I take a boat on the canals?
Yes, water taxis run from Gate B of the Qanat Quartier canals from 9am to 11pm.
How many people fit on a water taxi?
Each ride holds a maximum of ten people.
Where can I eat in Qanat Quartier?
Options include Artist Café, Eggspectation, Turquoise Café and Gallery, El Faro, Nozomi, Crabtonite and The Breakfast Club.
What are the Piano Stairs?
Thirty musical steps linking the QQ7 boardwalk with the mezzanine level.
Is there entertainment for families?
Yes, Megapolis at Medina Centrale is open 24 hours with bowling, karaoke, VR and racing simulators, and there is a Novo IMAX cinema.
When is the best time to visit?
Late afternoon and evening, when it is cooler and the buildings are lit.
How do I get to The Pearl?
A taxi or ride-hailing app is the simplest way from central Doha.