Doha Corniche

The Corniche is the long waterfront promenade that curves for about seven kilometres around Doha Bay, from the Sheraton area at the northern end, by the West Bay towers, to the parks near the Museum of Islamic Art and the National Museum of Qatar in the south. It was created from land reclaimed from the sea from the late 1960s onwards, and it remains the city's main public space for walking, jogging, cycling and simply sitting by the water.

A walk along the Corniche is the easiest way to understand the layout of Doha. On one side is the bay with its wooden dhows, which are moored at docks near Al Bidda Park, Al Dafna Park and Sheraton Park and are lit up in the evenings. On the other side, the skyline of West Bay rises to the north, while the older city, the Amiri Diwan and Souq Waqif lie inland to the south. Along the way you pass the Pearl Monument at the entrance to Doha Port, landscaped parks with playgrounds, fountains and shaded walkways, and Richard Serra's sculpture 7 on the promontory beside the Museum of Islamic Art.

There is no single way to do it. Many visitors walk a section rather than the whole crescent, for example from the Museum of Islamic Art to the Pearl Monument, or along the West Bay end for skyline views. You can also cycle, or take a boat ride on a dhow for a view of the city from the water. The Corniche is busiest in the evenings and at weekends, when families come out to picnic and walk, and it is the setting for National Day celebrations and National Sports Day.

It is free and suits everyone, including families, runners and photographers. In the hotter months, keep walks to early morning or after sunset, carry water and wear a hat, as much of the promenade is exposed. The road beside it is a busy divided highway, so cross using the underpasses and designated crossings.

Getting there is simple: the nearest Doha Metro stations are Corniche, Al Bidda and West Bay QIC, and there are underpasses linking the promenade to the city side. Combine a Corniche walk with the Museum of Islamic Art and MIA Park, a dinner at Souq Waqif, or an evening dhow cruise. Allow an hour or two for a section, or half a day if you want to cover most of it on foot or by bike.