There are places in Doha where you can have that traditional feel of the place. Souq Waqif is one such market where you will feel the soul of Doha. This market is located in Qatar, Doha and sells traditional items. You will find local spices, garments and souvenirs here. The best way to reach here is by taking the Metro golden line.
This place reminds you of the good old days that still exist. Here you will feel the peaceful scent of oud and cardamom during the day and have a festival-like feel at night. The street music, hustling, bustling and families cheering and bargaining around is the best thing to witness here.
About Souq Waqif
It’s a traditional Qatari bazaar and was restored in 2006 as a historic heritage site. The whole vibe is old Arabic style. Thick mud walls with timber beams and labyrinthine lanes take you back to older times. Here you will find all the things that define Arabic culture.
Getting there is cheap and totally on budget. A bus, a car or a quick walk from Doha corniche can take you there. You can take the Metro Gold Line from anywhere in Doha. Note that it is accessible from underground. From the airport, it’s just a 15-minute drive.
For private vehicle owners, there is plenty of parking underground. From there, pedestrian tunnels take you to the market. Here is a quick breakdown for you. Take any of them
- Metro bus Gold line
- 15-minute taxi ride from Hamad International Airport.
- Route 737 from the Public Bus.
The entry is free for all. Usually the shops stay open till midnight. You can find everything here. Buy abayas, incense, spices or souvenirs. There are restaurants and shisha lounges to entertain you.
Best Time To Be There
Night time is best to explore the market. Go at night when the weather is usually nice, and the vibe is cheerful. Days are usually hot and humid, but peaceful to walk around. On Fridays, the market closes down around prayer times.
What To Do in This Perfect 2–3 Hour Loop?
Spending time exploring the market is fun. Time will go by and you won’t even notice. We suggest starting your walk from the main plaza. Enjoy the view. How street performers and families walk around. Buy a cup of tea and blend in.
While having this walk of a lifetime, you will see pyramids of spices and scents. Saffron, dried limes, rose buds…. The aroma is otherworldly. You can go to shops to try scent samples. Shopkeepers will explain to you about the perfumery and can give you oils in customized bottles. Do buy some.
If you know about fabrics, here you will find pashmina shawls and Bedouin-style fabrics. There are pottery and calligraphy shops too. The best thing to visit at this market is Falcon Souq. Here you will see falcons all lined up in a row. There are leather hoods and perches. There is also a Falcon Hospital nearby. It’s refreshing to see Bedouin traditions this close.
You can also spend some quality time in Qehwa and coffee shops. Qehwa is served with dates. Have a nice dinner here under the lanterns.
Best Places to Eat In Souq Waqif
The market has many restaurants where visitors enjoy a traditional meal. Some well-reviewed are
- There is a famous Persian Hotel, Parisa. It has vegan options too and closes at 11 pm.
- Damasca One restaurant serves Syrian food. It closes at 1 am.
- Bandar Aden Restaurant is another best reviewed hotel here. It is famous for its outdoor seating and yummy food.
- Sarhad Premium Restaurant is a Pakistani restaurant. The food here is finger licking good. The best part is that it stays open 24/7.
- Dokya is famous for its Arabic food and wonderful ambiance. It closes at 2 am.
Be Aware Of The Timings
Usually, the shops open at 10 in the morning and take a break at 12. They resume at 4 p.m. and stay open till 10 pm. Restaurants have different timings, though. Some do stay open till late at night. On Fridays, everything pauses during prayer hours.
Come here before sunset. Enjoy a walk and explore the market. Have dinner afterward. And grab a café table before the dinner rush.
What to Buy Here and How to Bargain?
Here are a few picks you can buy
Spices
- Saffron
- Za atar
- sumac
- Fruit teas
- Local Blends
Teas
- Arabic tea blends
- Herbal teas
Scents and perfumes
- Oils
- incense burners
- Oud
Textiles And Home Decor
- Pashmina
- Bedouin Weaves
- Carpets
- Lamps
Handicrafts
- Wood boxes
- Calligraphy
- Pottery
- Dhow models
Smile while making a bargain. Respect the culture and people, and bargain politely. Most stores accept cash, so keep change for better bargaining. Whatever you are buying, check it well and buy only if you are satisfied.
Photo And Etiquette Tips
What’s a good souq tour without pictures? Make the best use of the golden hour when stores look beautiful. At night, hunt reflections on polished stone floors. Take close-up shots of saffron mounds, a brass lamp seller’s hands or a perfumer decanting oil. Falcons make the best muse. Ask the handlers, and most of them will let you take pics.
Dress decently and make sure your body is covered. Never smoke in the market. During Fasting days don’t eat or drink publicly. It’s considered rude.
Plan Your Day
Here is a perfect breakdown of your day at Souq Waqif
- At 17:00, arrive by metro Gold Line or park underground. Take a short wander through the spice alley.
- At 17:30, visit Falcon Souq + Falcon Hospital.
- 18:15 is the best time to visit a perfume stop for oud/bukhoor. Also, grab a karak tea to go.
- At 18:45, browse handicrafts and bargain gently.
- Have a nice dinner at 19:30. Book ahead on weekends.
- 21:00 is perfect for Mint tea + people-watching on the main plaza. Capture night photos.
Nearby Add-ons (walkable)
- Doha Corniche is nearby. Visit and enjoy sunset skyline views.
- There is an iconic spiral mosque, Fanar, nearby. It is the best backdrop for your night photos.
- The Museum of Islamic Arts is a short ride away.
Is Souq Waqif Open Every Day?
Yes. You can read the schedule above. Restaurants have different timings, but most shops follow the same time. On Fridays, most shops open late.
Is it Worth Visiting in Summer?
You can visit it any time of the year. Summer days are hot and humid. Despite the fact that the metro and cafes have air conditioning systems, walking in the market will feel exhausting. So you can come late in the evening.
Are You Coming?
Every place deserves to be seen. The Souq Waqif market is the essence of traditional Bedouin culture. Even if you don’t intend to buy anything, the cultural experience is refreshing. Come and have a look at Arabic culture at its finest. See how the traditional lifestyle lingers in corners.
