The historic market known as Souq Waqif is a significant tourist attraction in Qatar. It is considered to be one of the most well-known traditional folk markets in the area and trades a variety of traditional goods in stalls, where owners display and sell them to customers.
For centuries, this place has served as a souq where Bedouin (nomads who formerly lived in the deserts of Syria and Arabia) can bring their wool and animals to exchange for everyday essentials. As time went on, the souq began to deteriorate and has almost get to the point of being demolished. Fortunately, it was determined in 2004 to protect this historic site, and as a result, the entire market area has been refurbished and restored using conventional Qatari architectural methods. In the Gulf, it’s likely the last remaining traditional souq.
Nowadays, shopping in malls is a well-liked pastime in Doha, where a posh mall or high-end designer store is constantly accessible.
But, Souq Waqif is the place to go if you’re looking for something with a more authentically arabian atmosphere and vibe, as well as a fun night out.
Here are the best things to do in Souq Waqif:
1. Shop for your authentic souvenirs
Do not forget to bring something home, such as souvenirs, in addition to the remarkable and fantastic experience. If you want to bring something from Qatar home for your family and friends, such as Arabic coffee pots, fridge magnets, abaya, Arabic sweets, etc., there are many stores selling unique items in Souq Waqif.
2. Local Restaurants
Souq Waqif is home to dozens of different kinds of restaurants and shisha lounges. The area is very popular with locals and expats alike (especially on weekends) as it offers multiple dining options in the same location.
Related Article: Authentic Arabic Foods in Qatar
3. Check out local art
More than just a place to shop and eat, Souq Waqif also hosts a number of art galleries and exhibition spaces. At the heart of it all is the aptly-named Souq Waqif Art Center, located near the end of the market’s central road.
4. Falconry in Qatar
Although falcons tend to prefer the more temperate regions, they are medium-sized birds of prey that may be found all over the world. The ruthlessness and extraordinary flying skills of falcons are what people most associate them with.
Falconry is an international yet rare sport which people have been practiced for centuries. However, in Qatar and in the rest of the Middle East, falconry is prevalent.
Related Article: Best Places to Visit in Qatar
On the streets of Doha – particularly among the cardamom-scented alleyways of Souq Waqif – they’re a common sight, worn on the wrists of young men like weighty timepieces: symbols of taste, influence and status.
Unsurprisingly, the Falcon Souq itself – a fortress-like arcade adjoining Souq Waqif in downtown Doha – is at the heart of the action. Here, a dozen or more falconers maintain specialist shops, selling prized peregrines, lanners and sakers for prices ranging from £2,000 to more than £200,000.
5. Take pictures with the Camels
The Qatari desert is home to remarkable camels, which are deserving to talked about. In Souq Waqif, you can find a few of them. Feel free to approach the keeper and request permission to take pictures with the camels. From 3 to 5 p.m. is the ideal time to visit (before sunset).
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Thank you for this! I am travelling to Asia in 2 weeks and I will be having stop-over in Qatar. I heard interesting things about souq wakif from friends. Im excited!
Hello Jane! Am happy to hear that you will be spending a short visit here in Doha soon. Hope you will have a fun time while you are in here. Do not forget to take selfie with the camels! 🙂
Qatar is definitely a great tourist destination ! The museum of islamic art is also amazing. I hope you had fun.
Hey Mehdi! Indeed you are right. Qatar is a small country but has a lot of things to offer. If you are a fan of football then FIFA World Cup 2022 is waiting for you.
Qatar is definitely a great tourist destination ! The museum of islamic art is also amazing.
Hi Jane! Thanks so much for sharing. Great content
Hi Wanban. Thank you! I am really glad you liked it!
hello, loved all the shots and the place looks really amazing. would love to visit someday. The art of the local artists looks beautiful, must be super talented. hope you are enjoying a lot. ❤️
Hi Jennifer! Thank you for the nice words! You are right. The local artist is very talented. Tourists were amazed on his painting skill.
It looks like an interesting place to visit.
Hello JK Bloom. Absolutely! You will never regret visiting this small country. Just a piece of advise though. The best time to spend a holiday vacation in Qatar is during “winter” which is from end of November and lasted until April. During summer is not advisable to stay under sun specially during the day.
This looks like such a cool place to visit. I love the architecture.
Hello Cindy. You said it right! Qatar is home to an eclectic mix of architecture with building designs ranging from traditional to modern. You can find other interesting places in Qatar on this link: https://www.explorewithjeph.com/best-places-to-visit-in-qatar/
All of these spark my interest, but can you tell me more about the faconary sport? Like how it’s played. I wasn’t really understanding.
Hi Jessie. Thank you for reading my blog. Regarding with falconry, honestly I just heard it from the seller about this rare sport and I also did a research online. You may check detailed explanation about the falconry here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Falconry 🙂
The local market looks pretty cool, perfect to do some souvenir shopping. I am a foodie so I would definitely enjoy eating traditional food at the restaurants in the market.
Hello Joana. You are right. I recommend the fridge magnets with authentic style. It is not pricey so you can buy enough for your friends and family. When it comes to foods, for sure you will gonna like it here. There are varieties of arabic and asian cuisines available everywhere in Souq Waqif alone so no need for you to go elsewhere!
I love that picture of you with the camel!! Your pictures are really great. I love seeing what other cultures have to offer. I also had no idea that falcons were so prevalent in that area!
Hi Stormy. Thank you! Actually it is my friend Chris who is on the picture with the camel. I will tell him about your comment. He will appreciate it for sure. And I am glad you like the pictures. Thank you!
I would love to travel here! It looks like such a fascinating region!
Hello GiGi Eats! You are very welcome to visit Qatar anytime. Hope you will find this list of places to visit in Qatar helpful. https://www.explorewithjeph.com/best-places-to-visit-in-qatar/
This looks like a great tourist destination! I love the photos you got!!
Hi Brandi-Leigh! Thank you. Am really glad you like the photos. Indeed, Qatar is really worth visiting for. You might want to check as well this list of the best places to visit in Qatar. https://www.explorewithjeph.com/best-places-to-visit-in-qatar/
That Falconery looks amazing, as des the energy of the market as a whole. Thanks so much for sharing your experience!
Thank you for reading my blog Chelsea! The falcons are fascinating but honestly you do not wanna touch them coz they really are SO expensive. Lol. Do not forget to check the place whenever you have the chance to visit Qatar.
This looks like a fun place to see! Would love to go there someday!
Hi Krizzia. I am glad my blog caught your interest and made you want to visit Qatar someday. Feel free to check this amazing places in Qatar and I hope it will help to convince you to come and visit really soon 🙂
https://www.explorewithjeph.com/best-places-to-visit-in-qatar/
Souq Waqif looks like a place that i will enjoy exploring. The local restraunts looks great to try out traditional food.
Hi Suman. SOuq Waqif is actually just one of the places you will be able to enjoy in Qatar. I have listed the best places t visit in the country and I hope you will find it helpful and give you more idea where to go whenever you have long lay-over in Doha.
https://www.explorewithjeph.com/best-places-to-visit-in-qatar/
Awesome place to visit, the art is very interesting. They have nice artists.
Hi Francis. Exactly, you are right with that. Not so many but there are very talented local and expat artists in Qatar who are showcasing their art works in Souq Waqif Art Center.
Oh wow this looks like a fun travel destination. I’d love to get a picture with a camel and being up close with a falcon would be amazing.
Hi Magen. In my personal opinion, it really is a must to take a selfie with the camel whenever you get the chance to visit Qatar. The caretakers are approachable and they will let you go near the camels as long as you want so you are free to take more photos and selfies.
This place is added to the list of my places to visit. Thank you for sharing.
Hello Marjie! I am really happy to hear that you have added Qatar on your list. You will never regret visiting this country. The best time to visit Qatar is from end of November to April so you can explore the city with a perfect weather.
What a cute opportunity to take a selfie with a camel! This market sounds an interesting place to visit with its unique opportunities as well as the feel of culture from Qutar.
Hi Aisasami. Taking a selfie with the camel is “mandatory” when you get the chance to visit Souq Waqif. hehe. Your holiday will not be complete if you miss this experience. Thanks for reading!
Awesome post, informative. Like the photos!
Thank you Jean! Am really glad you found my post informative.
hahahah, please, don’t even ask me about my experience from Qatar. LOL … international scandal!
wow what an amazing place to visit! Thanks for sharing!
Looks like lots of fun.. I liked the camel and art centre 🙂
Seems such a lovely place. Great pictures.
Hello Ch. Nikhila. Thank you for reading my blog. Your comments are really appreciated.
I have heard such nice things about this country and now your post has really made me seriously consider planning a visit.
Hi Trisha. I am really glad my blog was able to convince you to visit Doha one day. Whenever you have a future layover in Qatar, give it s try to explore the city! It will be an amazing experience.
Lovely topic and beautifully composed.. this looks very similar to Dubai’s old markets!!
Hi Mainak. Thank you. Your comments mean a lot to me. I have not been to Dubai but I heard and read good reviews about UAE specially Dubai. Hope to make it there soon and visit their old markets!
Omg the camel ride. This market would definitely be a place i would shop!
Hello Lily. Believe me, this place has a lot of shops to choose from. They sell different stuff like perfumes, traditional clothing, souvenirs, etc.
I had always wanted to visit Doha. This place looks welcoming and relaxing. Your post conveys the beauty of the place.