Guide to Souq Waqif Doha - All you need to know

Situated on an ancient trading site in the center of Doha, the capital of Qatar, Souq Waqif Doha is a beautiful paradise for those who want to experience what it is really like to shop the traditional way in Qatar. The marketplace was established more than a century ago and has been an iconic landmark in Doha ever since. With its many traditional Qatar buildings and fine shopping, Souq Waqif draws tourists from all over the world and is a place that one should think of visiting.

In addition, here is everything you need to know about Souq Waqif, Doha’s famous place in Qatar. This guide will help you have a memorable experience at Souq Waqif Qatar, from navigating the busy pathways to finding the top shops.

About Souq Waqif

Souq Waqif Doha is one of the most popular historical landmarks in Qatar with a rich history. Apart from being a marketplace for locals over the past 250 years, this is a national icon for tourists. Souq Waqif ranks as the best place to explore traditional crafts, art, and the aroma of traditional species.

Let us first understand what Souq Waqif means before delving into the history of this heritage market. Waqif means standing and Souq means "market" in Arabic. So, this open-air marketplace in Qatar is a gathering place for vendors and traders offering a wide range of goods, including clothing, fishwood, spices, cinnamon, and cumin.

Souq Waqif Doha is one of the most popular historical landmarks in Qatar

Location of Souq Waqif

In Doha, Qatar, this is the address of the original Souq Waqif.  Do not confuse this with the new Souq Waqif in Al Wakrah, please.

Address: Souq Waqif, Al Jasra, Doha, Qatar.

The Souq Waqif location is situated between Al Ahmed Street and Al Asmakh Street in the heart of Doha. Souq is a short stroll from the Doha Corniche.

Exploring the best in Souq Waqif Doha

We are here to help you have the greatest possible shopping experience in Souq Waqif, Qatar's historic and culturally significant bazaar. Let us start with the top things to do and see there.

Souvenir shopping and traditional items

Souq Waqif has some distinctive artwork on every corner that draws tourists there. It is rare to get cultural items like this elsewhere in Qatar. 

You can buy pots, kitchen utensils, tailored robes, Qatari traditional clothing, and other unique products. Therefore, bring a small amount of cash if you intend to visit Souq Waqif. 

The Souq Waqif location is situated between Al Ahmed Street and Al Asmakh Street 

Experience the rich flavors of Qatar’s Cuisines

The rich, savory aroma of the various treats in Souq Waqif will entice you as soon as you enter the front gate. What do you know? Traditional Qatari cuisine is enticing when combined with pine leaves and samosas. 

Best shopping Haul from Souq Waqif

Buying is a form of therapy. For the best clothes, kitchenware, home goods, and other products, you may not know where to shop. Give a chance to Souq Waqif Doha Qatar. Here, you can undoubtedly find the best locally produced and branded goods. 

Dallah Arabian Pots 

The traditional coffee pots seen in the Middle East are called Dalla Arabian Pots. The pots are either used in brass or silver. The Dalla Arabian Pots have been in use for generations in Qatar and are mostly used to greet guests at Qatari houses. Many of these pots, designed with jewels and other things, may be found at Souq Waqif Qatar.

The traditional coffee pots seen in the Middle East are called Dalla Arabian Pots

Designer Wooden Boxes

The handcrafted wooden boxes that are sold out in Souq Waqif are always a hit. Travelers are drawn to these wooden boxes because of their striking designs that depict various cultures and forms of art. In Doha, these wooden boxes are also in high demand as souvenirs. 

You can give it to a loved one as a gift or use it to store part of your money or purchases. However, only Souq Waqif and Hamad International Airport in Qatar carry these specially-made wooden crates.

Pashminas Shawls and Scarves

You are already in the proper place if you are shopping at Souq Waqif Doha and wondering where to find some pashminas. Travelers will find Souq Waqif to be a delightful place to shop for the best pashmina shawls and scarves, which come in a variety of colors, patterns, and quality. 

The best shawls and scarves are available here at very affordable costs. The finest part? Travelers can buy as many of these goods as they like and present them as gifts to their loved ones because they are portable.

Best hotels to stay in Souq Waqif Doha

Nothing compares to staying at Doha's most famous landmark. Do you want to stay at one of Doha's best hotels or resorts but are unsure where to go? Here are some of the best locations to stay during your vacation in Doha, located in Souq Waqif.

Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels by Tivoli

The Souq Waqif Boutique Hotel by Tivoli is the most famous place to stay in Doha for an adventurous experience. It is situated in the center of the city, only 15 minutes by car from the Hamad International Airport, and has a connection to a lane of 10 international restaurants.

There are numerous amenities available for your stay at the Souq Waqif Boutique Hotel by Tivoli, including a spa with an old-age hammam, free Wi-Fi, a gym, a pool, and many more. 

Alwadi Hotel Doha – MGallery

Consider the top hotel in the vicinity of Souq Waqif Doha and the Alwadi Hotel Doha is undoubtedly among the best. For those who want to stay close to Doha's best location, the five-star hotel is a haven, nestled just six minutes' walk from the famous Souq Waqif.

Visitors arriving here for their vacation in Qatar are greeted by a sophisticated haven that is exquisitely decorated and exudes warmth and comfort. The guests can select from a total of four types of rooms and three types of suites. One can also either go to the golf course to have a good time playing golf or avail the massage services of the hotel.

Al Najada Hotel Doha By Tivoli

The Al Najada Hotel Doha is another five-star property that is close to Souq Waqif Doha Qatar. The busy traditional marketplace is only a nine-minute walk away. The hotel is a treat for anybody who stays here because of its exquisite architecture and luxurious amenities.

There are several amenities available to visitors to the Al Najada Hotel that are designed to provide the greatest experience. The Al Najada Hotel in Doha has a lot to look forward to, from the best dining options, cafe, and lounge to the hotel's famous poolside bar.

Best locations to stay during your vacation in Doha, located in Souq Waqif

Best restaurants to Dine in Souq Waqif Doha

Dining in Souq Waqif Doha is among the most delightful experiences in Qatar. Here are the best restaurants lying close to the traditional marketplace where you can shop and eat.

The Village restaurants

The Village in Souq Waqif is a family-friendly restaurant in Doha. The village restaurant in Souq Waqif, which defines the interiors and the atmosphere, boasts a picture-perfect appearance with fine furnishings, private seating, and all the conveniences you need for a family meal. 

It is the ideal spot to enjoy Doha's traditional cuisine because of the welcoming staff and Qatari hospitality.

Al Metbakh restaurant

You may savor the deliciousness of every Indian dish at Al Metbakh, which is rated as the top Indian restaurant in Qatar. With an open area and outdoor seating, Al Matbakh is the best place to eat and have fun.

The menu includes everything from Indian street food to royal cuisine. The meal, the shisha, and the view of the Corniche are all perfectly combined.

Parisa Souq Waqif restaurant

The Parisa Restaurant offers a traditional Persian meal in Qatar. It is the perfect spot to have dinner with family because of the carefully chosen treats from every corner of the world's greatest culinary destination. The interior's elaborate and cozy design enhances the atmosphere and creates a sumptuous eating experience. 

You will see how tastefully the chandeliers and mosaic artwork have been incorporated to go with the mirrors that were gathered from Iran 3.5 years ago. 

You can read more about Top 6 Best Restaurants In Doha For Luxury Experience here

Dining in Souq Waqif Doha is among the most delightful experiences in Qatar

In conclusion

Speaking of marketplaces, one of Qatar's most famous sites, Souq Waqif Doha, offers almost anything you might expect. This is a place that has it all, from the best restaurants and hotels to the best traditional and modern stores that are a treat for tourists. 

Before heading to Qatar and experiencing the vibrant energy of Souq Waqif, make sure you’re prepared with a Qatar e-visa. Applying for a Qatar e-visa via our website is a quick, convenient, and reliable way to secure your entry into the country. By applying online, you can avoid lengthy paperwork and save time, ensuring a smooth arrival in Doha.

So, are you looking for a luxurious, vintage shopping or lodging experience in Qatar? Visit Souq Waqif Doha now and take advantage of everything it has to offer.