Imagine an artificial island covering 14 km², shaped like a pearl. This marvel exists in Doha! Just a few minutes from the West Bay business district and a short distance from the Katara Cultural Village, The Pearl Qatar is a dazzling jewel named after Qatar’s heritage as a former world leader in the pearl trade.
Even if you’re just visiting for a few hours, it’s the perfect place for exploration and relaxation.
Leave the planning to us! In the guide that follows, we’ll unveil the must-see attractions and activities at The Pearl Qatar, ensuring you don’t miss out on any of its highlights.
Table of Contents
What to do at The Pearl Qatar?
Shopping at The Pearl Qatar
Treat yourself to a shopping spree in the luxury boutiques that dot the island. You will find famous brands like Armani, Balenciaga, Chopard, Porsche, and Versace.
Discover the Qanat Quartier
Visit Italy without leaving Qatar at Qanat Quartier, nestled in Pearl Island’s heart. This Venice-inspired area invites you to wander through canals and bridges, taking in the vibrant buildings and quaint shops along the cobblestone paths.
A highlight is the unique piano stairs—a 30-step staircase that creates music as you step on it. With ten classic tunes programmed in, these musical steps are sure to stir the Vivaldi within you.
Enjoy gondola rides, art workshops, elegant shops, and ice cream parlors here—it’s time to experience the sweet life, let yourself be swept away!
Stroll along the Porto Arabia Marina
Porto Arabia, at the center of Pearl, stands out as a key area with the biggest port around. Drawing inspiration from the sophisticated Côte d’Azur, this spot is especially lovely in the evening. Get captivated by the view of luxurious yachts docked in the marina, all while soaking up the area’s calm and classy vibe.
Go on a mini-cruise
From Porto Arabia, you have the option to rent a private boat or take a 20-minute tour around the stunning Porto Arabia Marina. This unique journey offers a close-up view of the towering skyscrapers near the port and West Bay. Some tours might even bring you to the Museum of Islamic Art, located at the far end of the Corniche.
What to do with kids in The Pearl Qatar?
If you’re on a family vacation in Qatar, your kids will love these attractions.
Megapolis Entertainment Center
Near Qanat Quartier, the Megapolis Entertainment Center is a haven for gamers of all ages! It offers arcade games, bowling, billiards, darts, mini-golf, escape rooms, virtual reality, racing simulators, karaoke, and many more activities for the whole family. The toughest choice will be deciding what to do first!
CurioCITY Center Of Play
Located in the Porto Arabia district, CurioCITY Center Of Play is an interactive and educational play center that is ideal for children aged 2 to 12. The interactive play areas, craft workshops, and learning zones are sure to entertain your little adventurers.
Yippy Land
Just a short walk from CurioCity, Yippy Land is a park filled with rides and arcade games designed for children under 12 years old.
Novo Cinema
Watch a movie with the family at Novo, a cutting-edge cinema, showcasing the newest releases and special showings for kids. Novo Cinema is conveniently located close to the Megapolis Entertainment Centre.
Where to eat at The Pearl?
The best restaurants
The Pearl stands out again with its diverse range of upscale restaurants, offering a variety of culinary experiences from Italian and Japanese to Lebanese and more. Visit Hasan Kolcuoglu for a taste of Turkey, right in the heart of the Qanat district, where you can enjoy traditional dishes from the Adana region. For a Lebanese experience, Arabesque serves delicious shawarma. Shakespeare and Co, a European restaurant, provides stunning views of the promenade. Similarly, Relais de l’Entrecôte lets you savor a steak with views of West Bay’s towers.
For those yearning for Latin American flavors, Toro Toro at the Marsa Malaz Kempinski Palace serves dishes inspired by Brazil, Peru, and beyond.
Vegetarians can sit down at Shakespeare, which offers vegetarian and vegan dishes, or at Evergreen Organics, which is a plant-based restaurant.
Afternoon tea at Café Murano
Enjoy a luxurious tea time at Café Murano, located in the splendid Marsa Malaz Kempinski palace. Here, you can indulge in a variety of pastries, mini-sandwiches, and select coffees or teas. For two people, the cost is 275 riyals, which is about 67 euros.
FAQ
How to get to The Pearl Qatar?
The easiest way to get around is by taking a taxi or using a ride-sharing service like Uber, which is much cheaper in Doha than in many European countries. You can also reach The Pearl by public transport. Just take the Doha Metro Red Line to Legtaifiya station. From there, you can catch the free “Metrolink M110” buses that frequently run between the metro station and The Pearl, making it convenient for visitors.
Can you swim at The Pearl?
The main limitation is that swimming in the canals and public beaches of The Pearl is usually not permitted. However, some hotels like Kempinski Marsa Malaz, St Regis Marsa Arabia, and Hilton Doha The Pearl offer private swimming pools and, in some cases, private beaches where you can enjoy a swim.
