Looking to bring a piece of Qatar back for your loved ones? Step into the enchanting world of Souq Waqif Doha, an age-old marketplace that’s a true haven for shoppers. Situated at the heart of Doha, on the site of a century-old marketplace. Located along with the bank of Wadi Musheireb, Souq Waqif is the “standing market” in Doha. A whole site with top restaurants and shopping experiences.
To your amazement, Souq Waqif is considered the No. 1 tourist attraction in Qatar. Travellers love to indulge in street shopping in Souq Waqif. It depicts the vibes from Aladin’s times. Centuries ago Bedouins would bring their sheep goat and goods as a barter system.
Contrary to the modern skyline of Qatar, the old mud-brick buildings in Souq Waqif depicts the cultural history of Qatar. It evokes a striking sense of the past with the bustling of life here. If you want to explore each corner of this traditional marketplace, you choose the right place, Seek Qatar for your guide.
So, without wasting much time, let’s start navigating the bustling lanes in Souq Waqif for your unforgettable visit there. In this guide, you will get help about everything you need to know about Souq Waqif.
Let your adventure begin in Qatar with our guide on Incredible Things to do in Qatar.
Exploring the Best in Souq Waqif
Starting with the best things to do and explore in the ancient, culturally representing marketplace in Qatar, Souq Waqif, we are here to guide you about the ultimate shopping experience in Souq Waqif.
Traditional Items and Souvenirs Shopping
Well, natives of Qatar believe that every corner of Souq Waqif has some unique piece of art which attracts the travelers towards itself. In fact, the cultural souvenirs here are not commonly found anywhere in Qatar.
You can buy some Qatari cultural clothes, tailored robes, kitchen utensils, pots and other items you won’t find anywhere else. So, if you plan to visit Souq Waqif, visit with a handful of cash.
Experience the rich flavors of Qatar’s Cuisines
Entering the main gate of Souq Waqif, you will be tempted by the rich flavorful smell of different delights at Souq Waqif. You know what? Samosas and pine leaves, the irresistible combination of traditional Qatari food.
However, if you don’t want traditional Qatari food, go for Parisa restaurant in Souq Waqif. A restaurant with a culinary delight of Middle-East fusion of spices and flavors. Kebabs, walnut and pomegranate stews; two not-to-be missed dishes with an extravagant decor.
Best Restaurants to Dine In in Souq Waqif
Restaurants in Souq Waqif are a delight to the visitors. People who love to experience the culinary delicacies of Qatari traditional food with the combination of cuisines. So, let’s dive into these gastronomic pleasures in Souq Waqif:
Damasca One Restaurant – Syrian Cuisine
Look for Damasca One, if you want to try some Syrian cuisine in Souq Waqif. With rooftop and top-notch sitting plan, Damasca One is one of the top-recommended restaurants in Souq Waqif, Qatar. Fojo, the main Syrian traditional dish, is the top-selling item here. So, give it a try.
Location: Souq Waqif, Doha, Qatar
Timing: 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Saffron Restaurant – Thai Cuisine
Try looking for Thai food in Qatar, go to Saffron where the enriched Southeast Thai cuisine is in the menu bar. You can opt from yummy Thai soup to chicken fried rice with green chili dry chicken. Stunning city view with majestic gold detailings on walls, Saffron is not your typical Thai restaurant.
Location: Al Khaleej St, Doha, Qatar
Timing: 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Al Matbakh Restaurant – Indian Cuisine
Al Matbakh restaurant in Doha is a treat to the people who are die hard lovers of Indian cuisine. From every local Indian food to the royal Indian dishes, the restaurant has every variety of Indian food you love and praise.
In addition, the ambiance of the restaurant is cozy and traditional. With an outdoor seating plan, the eatery becomes an even better experience at Al Matbakh restaurant.
Location: Souq Waqif by Tivoli, Doha, Qatar
Timing: 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM
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Discover the Trendiest Jewelry at the Gold Souq
One of the finest, traditional yet trendiest jewelry shops at Souq Waqif, Gold Souq. Jewelry, especially gold, is quite famous among the Middle East people. So, if you are visiting Souq Waqif for the sake of gold shopping, Gold Souq is your one stop destination.
From antique to trendiest 18-carat jewelry to 22-carat jewelry, Gold Souq has a vast range of jewelry at Souq Waqif. Apart from gold, diamond and stone jewelry is also available there at quite reasonable prices and most authentic pieces of art.
Timings: Saturday to Sunday: 09:00 am to 01:00 pm; 04:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Friday: 04:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Location: Downtown Doha, Near Souq Waqif
Contact No: +974 4437 0258
Nearest Metro Station: Souq Waqif
Immerse Yourself in the Ancient Art of Falconry
Falconry, the traditional sports in the entire history of Qatar for which people spent their fortunes. No doubt that falconry has massive importance in Qatari culture. But, what does that do with Souq Waqif? Well, Souq Waqif is the sole showstopper shopping center of falcons.
In Souq Waqif, a specific area is granted to falconers and falconry where people come, visit, and make memorable pictures with falcons. However, some locals come to buy the best falcons from here, too. Some of the falcons sold at higher prices because of their breeds. However, other falcons are granted for rents or auctions, too.
Best Shopping Haul from Souq Waqif
Shopping is a therapy. If you don’t know where to shop for the best fashion, kitchen utensils, household items, and other products. Give Souq Waqif a trial. You will definitely buy the best branded and local items here.
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Dallah Arabian Pots
First, we bring Dala Arabian pots to add to your shopping cart. These arabian pots are basically coffee pots in which the locals serve the coffee or tea to their guests. These Dala Arabian pots are either made of silver and brass; a symbol of ancient middle east history.
In Souq Waqif, multiple crockery shops are in lane with these traditional coffee pots. If you are an antique lover and want to have a memory of Qatar, Dala Arabian pots are the best choice for your shopping.
Custom-crafted Wooden boxes
Secondly, you can never be disappointed with the custom-crafted wooden boxes sold out in Souq Waqif. The eye-catching designs on these wooden boxes with cultural and unique art representation attracts the travelers towards it. These wooden boxes are also sold out as souvenirs in Doha. These custom-crafted wooden boxes are available in all sizes i.e. small, medium, and large.
You can store some of your savings or shopping in it or present it as a gift to your loved one. However, these custom-crafted wooden boxes are available only at Souq Waqif and Hamad International Airport, Qatar.
Cultural Pashmina Shawls and Scarves
Souq Waqif, a home to the shawls and scarves made from pure pashmina in a vast range of colors, designs, and quality. For travelers who love pashmina traditional shawls and scarves, it is a haven for them. If you visit the streets of this marketplace, you will find a wide range of pashmina shawls and scarves there.
You know the amazing fact here? These pashmina shawls are so light-weighted and hand-crafted that you can buy as many shawls as you want in your hometown. These pashmina shawls and scarves will not disturb the balance of your weight bag.
Best Hotels to Stay in In Souq Waqif
Admitting the fact that Souq waqif is the most iconic place to stay in Qatar. Enriched with a number of shops, markets, visiting places, and restaurants, this spot is a haven to travelers.
If you are planning to travel to Qatar, you must look for a hotel to stay in. Here are some of the recommendations, you can look upon while choosing your place for a soothing stay.
1. Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels by Tivoli
Located in the heart of Doha, just 15 minutes drive away from the Hamad International Airport and a link to a lane of ten multinational cuisine based restaurants, Souq Waqif Boutique Hotel by Tivoli is the most iconic destination in the Doha to stay in for an adventurous experience.
With a wide range of facilities like an old-age hammam in a spa, free Wi-Fi, gym, pool, and many other options to consider for your stay in Souq Waqif Boutique Hotel by Tivoli.
Location – Souq Waqif, Doha, Qatar
Alwadi Hotel Doha – MGallery
Another five-star hotel in Souq Waqif to stay in is Al Wadi Hotel which is just 6 minutes drive away from iconic market place. This hotel seems like a combination of luxury and hostility, with four different categories of rooms and three types of suites.
Apart from that, the massage services along with the golf course made it an even better choice for travelers. Herein, there are three restaurants and two bars for serving the guests in an effective way.
Location – Corner of Wadi Musheireb and Jassim, Qassim Bin Mohammed St, Doha, Qatar
Al Najada Hotel Doha By Tivoli
Just nine minutes away from the ancient cultural marketplace of Souq Waqif. Al Najada hotel is the complete definition of architectural beauty and elegant luxury that amuse the travelers. From Al Baraha restaurant containing multiple international cuisines to Tivoli Tea lounge. This Al Najada Hotel is the best recommendation for your stay in Souq Waqif, Qatar.
Location – Barahat Al Jufairi, Street، Doha, Qatar
Unique Finds at Souq Waqif
Some of the unique, majestic items which you will only be able to find at Souq Waqif, not anywhere in the world. So, let’s dive into the unique finds here:
Desert Rose
Desert rose is not actually a desert but an artcraft that is so beautiful and magnificent that you can’t leave out its charm so easily. Travelers love to buy this desert rose and give it to their loved ones. It is not easy to find authentic desert roses.
But, in Souq waqif, you will find a vast range of these art pieces at reasonable prices. However, it depends on your bargaining skills that how much concession you will be able to get from the seller.
The Old Pearl Diver Shop
Pahlwaan Saad Ismail Al Jassim, one of the last Qatari pearl divers to extract the pearls underwater and open up his shop in Souq Waqif, which is the busiest marketplace in Doha.
He started pearl diving in his 36’s and now in 87’s his family is running the business with him. His shop here gets all the hype it deserves for the efforts it takes to extract the pearl out of the shell 20 meters below the water level.
Handmade Bangles
One of the most intricate pieces of art, handmade bangles, where the customer chose the design, color, and size of the bangle. Then, the mantle is heated and bent into bangles. These bangles are completely customized and quite expensive only if you ain’t bargain.
Summing Up the Guide
Summing up the whole blog with the fact that Souq Waqif is the one-stop destination for your adventurous travel to Qatar. Located at the heart of Doha, it covers all the traditional marketplace of Doha. Herein, the travelers can buy traditional yet sophisticated art pieces. They can watch the falconry in real life.
To add more, the best dine-in places to best hotels, Souq Waqif has everything you look for in your stay in Qatar. If you have any query, you can ask us. We would love to guide you through our expert blogs.
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People May Ask
| 1. Should I have cash to buy in Souq Waqif? Yes, it is better to have Qatari riyal in your bag. Some of the people try to use dollars but the shopkeepers are not well aware of dollars. So they might hesitate to receive them. |
| 2. What is the best time to visit the Souq Waqif? It is recommended to visit the Souq waqif at late noon or early evening time. At this time, a maximum of the shops will be open. Before that, you might not be able to find the shopping activities in the marketplace. |
| 3. Is Souq Waqif safe to visit? Yes, Souq Waqif, in fact, the whole of Qatar is one of the safest places in the world you can visit. According to FIFA fans, you felt safe even at nights in Qatar. |
| 4. What is Souq Waqif famous for? Souq Waqif is famous for the shops, from local to brands, restaurants, stay-in areas and eye-catching views for the travelers and visitors. |
