One of the must-visit places is Souq Waqif in Doha, where you will find the city's best items for sale and the best place to hang out. On a trip to Doha in 2016, I had the opportunity to explore Souq Waqif, and I was not disappointed at all.
Having visited Doha for the first time, I had never actually seen a real Souq, and this was my first experience here.
Souq Waqif has been around for over a century and was initially used by the Bedouin to trade their wares.
From 2004 to 2008, it was given a brand new revamp by the Qatari government and remains probably the only traditional Souq in the Arab countries. The Qatari architecture and design stand out and make this place absolutely beautiful.
Where is Souq Waqif in Doha?
Souq Waqif is located in the centre of Doha City in the district of Al Souq and between Al Asmakh Street and Al Ahmed Street. Anyone visiting Doha will most definitely be introduced to this Middle East-styled market.
There is another Souq Waqif, which is in the Al Wakrah, and visitors should be distinct from this. Just tell the people you want to go to the original Souq Waqif. A landmark is the Pearl Monument or near the Dhow Harbor.
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| A typical scene at Souq Waqif in Doha. |
What Can You Find In Souq Waqif?
Generally, there are many things to find at Souq Waqif, namely garments, household items, fruits, spices and handicrafts. Local jewellery can also be found, and some of the shops even sell traditional Qatari attire and items.
For the curious explorer, some lanes lead to other parts of the Souq, where you may end up at the Gold Souq or even the pet area where all kinds of domestic pets are sold.
For hipster travellers, there are cafes and boutique hotels located around the main Souq Waqif area, so you can stay here and experience the traditional lifestyle of the Souq.
There are lots of coffee shops, local and international, and Middle Eastern restaurants found around the central area. ATM machines are also available, while outdoor cafes line the main cobble street here.
Explore a little further from Souq Waqif, and it will lead you to the unique Falcon Souq, where you can see the traditional falcons being bred and sold. There is even a Falcon Hospital in the area.
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| Cafes and Coffee Shops along the central area of Souq Waqif. |
Best Time To Visit Souq Waqif
The best time to visit this Souq is in the mornings, before lunch, as the entire Souq Waqif closes from noon till around 4.00 PM, then reopens at 10.00 PM at night.
In the mornings, the Souq comes alive with locals coming here to buy wares and other items, and it is a beautiful sight to experience.
Photos of Souq Waqif
Below are random photos of Souq Waqif taken during my trip. Each of the photos has its own description.
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| The main street here. |
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| Ladies' garments and accessories are sold at one of the shops. |
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| Along the main street of Souq Waqif, souvenir stalls by the plenty. |
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| Traditional Qatari items are sold at one of the shops. |
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| One of the traders that sell souvenirs and jewellery. |
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| Some of the lanes are brightly lit to showcase the vibrant colours of the Souq. |
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| A beautiful Qatari design building at Souq Waqif. |
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| Traders inside Souq Waqif. |
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| The lanes are filled with all sorts of interesting items. |
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| You can find traditional costumes and attire being sold at the Souq. |
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| Traditional Qatari plates in vivid colours are for sale. |
Address: Al Asmakh Street and Al Ahmed Street
GPS Coordinates: 25.288436, 51.533691
Opening Hours: 7.30 AM to 12.00 NOON, 4.00 PM to 10.00 PM
Website: Souq Waqif
Conclusion
For anyone planning on visiting Qatar, this local and traditional souk is hands down one of the must-visit places in Doha. My visit to here was via Qatar Airways with direct flights from Penang to Doha.
Especially when you have some free time in the day or late in the evenings, you can easily spend two to three hours just wandering around Souq Waqif in Doha.