The Doha Corniche and Skyline

The Doha Corniche, a sweeping seven-kilometre promenade curving along the crescent of Doha Bay, is the showpiece of Qatar's dazzling modern capital and the best place to take in its transformation. On one side, traditional wooden dhows bob on the water; on the other rises the spectacular skyline of the West Bay district, a cluster of gleaming, futuristic skyscrapers in every shape and colour that glitter by day and blaze with light after dark. A favourite spot for strolling, jogging and evening promenades, especially in the cool season, it captures the ambition and wealth of one of the fastest-growing cities in the world.

What you actually see

• The West Bay skyline - the cluster of futuristic skyscrapers.
• The Corniche promenade - the sweeping waterfront walk.
• The traditional dhows - the wooden boats on the bay.
• The Pearl-Qatar - the artificial island of marinas and towers nearby.

When to go

November to March, the cool season, for comfortable strolling along the promenade, as the summer is brutally hot; the skyline is at its most spectacular in the evening and after dark, when the towers light up in a dazzling display, and a traditional dhow cruise offers the finest views of the glittering city.

Honest expectations

The appeal is the modern spectacle of a gleaming, futuristic skyline and waterfront rather than history or culture, so it is more about ambience, architecture and photos than sights to enter; the intense summer heat makes outdoor strolling unbearable outside the cool months. As a showcase of Qatar's soaring wealth and rapid transformation, with a beautiful bayside promenade and dazzling night skyline, though, the Corniche is the iconic image of modern Doha.

Nearby

Souq Waqif, the museums and the Pearl-Qatar island are close by.