Located in the heart of Doha, Qatar’s capital city, Souq Waqif is Qatar’s ancient trading site. This place is a paradise for travellers who wish to experience the true essence of shopping the traditional way in Qatar.

History

“Souq” in Arabic means “Market” and “Waqif” means “Standing”. Souq Waqif was established over a hundred years ago as a hub for traders and vendors selling everything from spices, cinnamon, cumin, clothes, and more during ancient times. Today Souq Waqif attracts travellers from all over the world with its fine shopping experience and numerous traditional Qatari buildings, making it the only left traditional Souq in the country.

Things to Do

1. 1. 1. 1. Shopping

At Souq Waqif one can find almost everything ranging from Traditional robes, spices and perfumes to modern Gadgets. Souq Waqif is especially famous among tourists for clothing items. One can find the best handmade scarfs or embroidered cloaks here. Just be sure to bring a handful of cash; as this is a traditional market most of the vendors don’t accept digital or card payments.

 

1. 1. 1. 2. Dining

One can find a plethora of multi-cuisine restaurants at the end of Souq Waqif marketplace. There’s no better place than dining at the heart of Doha in Souq Waqif. The place offers a fine dining experience at its prominent location, Gold Souq. One can embrace the best of international delicacies or head over to the traditional restaurants in Souq Waqif, Doha to savour the best of Qatari cuisines at their very authentic flavour. In fact, Souq Waqif is home to a number of waterfront restaurants too where guests get to savour the best of cuisines while enjoying the mesmerizing views around.

 

1. 1. 1. 3. Buy Spices

Souq Waqif is famous for its Spices. Once you enter through the main entrance in Doha Corniche, you’ll be mesmerized by the aromatic herbs calling you into flavourful sagas you’ve never experienced before.  One can find aromatic spices, saffron, dried flowers, preserved lemons, and so much more here at Souq Waqif.

 

1. 1. 1. 4. Explore Jewelleries

One of the most popular things at Souq Waqif traditional market is to visit the Gold Souq. One can find the best of traditional as well as modern pieces of jewellery here, ranging from 18-carat gold to 22-carat gold including some high-end pieces of jewellery.

 

1. 1. 1. 5. Experience Falconry

Souq Waqif in Qatar has a whole market typically dedicated to falconry where visitors can come to catch a glimpse of the birds that stand still on wooden perches and visitors can request the shopkeepers to have a falcon perch on their arms.

 

Speaking of traditional marketplaces, Souq Waqif Doha is one of the most iconic locations in Qatar that promises just about everything you possibly expect. From the finest of hotels and restaurants to the best of the traditional and modern shops that are a treat for visitors, this is a place that has it all. Book your holiday with GoMosafer and we’ll help you experience the soul of Souq Waqif at its best. Click here to book your tickets.