A Complete Guide on Things to Do in Souq Waqif

Souq Waqif gives you a chance to step back in time. It is a historic marketplace located in the heart of Doha. The traditional Qatari architecture and winding alleyways offer a blend of old-world charm and modern amenities. From shopping for exquisite souvenirs to savouring delicious local cuisine, there’s something for everyone at Souq Waqif. Let’s learn more about the things to do in Souq Waqif. 

Things to Do in Souq Waqif

Whether you want to shop or spend time with your family and friends in a traditional atmosphere, Souq Waqif is the perfect place. Let’s explore the things to do in Souq Waqif together!

Location

Souq Waqif is a vibrant marketplace located in the Heart of Doha. You can find Souq Waqif at a 15-minute drive from Hammad International Airport.

  • Nearby Doha Corniche, Between Al Asmakh Street and Al Ahmed Street, Doha, Qatar

(Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/DPJ3t2v6PVcQis3r7

Shopping at Souq Waqif

Shopping at Souq Waqif can be a fun experience and you can spend your entire day doing it. From Qatari garments and handcrafts to aromatic spices, you can find everything in this marketplace. Here is a list of items you can purchase from Souq Waqif:

  • Traditional Items
  • Food-related Items
  • Animals and Pets
  • Art and Crafts

You can explore these shops in Souq Waqif:

World Craft Trading

World Craft Trading offers high-quality and exclusively crafted jewellery and artisanal creations. Its speciality includes expert services for jewellery repair, gemstone rings and customised jewellery. You can shop a variety of these items, especially for men at World Craft Trading in Souq Waqif:

  • Silver chains
  • Pendants
  • Rings
  • Other homemade crafts

Bin Turkey Al Subaey

Bin Turkey Al Subaey has a variety of handicrafts, souvenirs, gift items, and other items. Along with selling local items, this shop also offers handicrafts from other countries like China, Indonesia, Iran, Egypt, Syria, Turkey, Nepal, India and more.

Bin Turkey Al Subaey deals in the following items:  

  • Items made in Qatar
  • Recycled Crafts
  • Chess Sets and Dama
  • Ceramic Gifts
  • Souvenirs
  • Hanging Lamps

Bin Salah Gift Shop

You can also find Bin Salah Gift Shop in Souq Waqif which offers the below-mentioned products:

  • Handcrafts
  • Wood Carvings
  • Antiques
  • Ceramics
  • Traditional Souvenirs
  • Gifts

Ajmal Perfumes

Ajmal Perfume specialises in fragrances and creates 160k bottles of perfumes daily. It offers the following product categories:

  • Perfumes for men and women
  • Perfume Oils
  • Agarwood
  • Bakhoor
  • Dahn Al Oudhs
  • Gift sets for men and women

Al Khan Store

Al Khan Store is a men’s clothing store offering the best fabric suitable for Qatar’s weather. The shops provide the fabric that is perfect for making traditional Arabic dresses.

Other Shops in Souq Waqif

  • Qahtani and Khelaifi
  • Al Jasra Souvenir Shop
  • Tafaneen
  • Malik Al Bakhoor Trading
  • Al Khazama Perfumes
  • Golden Centre

Dining at Souq Waqif

After a hectic shopping experience, you can also dine in and enjoy a meal at Souq Waqif. From traditional cuisines to international cuisines and restaurants to cafes, you can find everything in Souq Waqif.

Damasca One Restaurant

Evident from its name, Damasca One Restaurant serves the traditional flavours of Syrian cuisine. You can order anything from Syrian comfort foods to smoothies to try the authentic taste of Syrian dishes.

Top Dishes

  • Baba Ghannouj
  • Hummus
  • Muttabal Eggplant
  • Muhammara
  • Mesakaa
  • Fried Beans

Contact Information

  • Phone: +974-4-475-9088 | +974-4-475-9089 | +974-3-333-3954
  • Email: info@damascarestaurant.com 

Parisa Restaurant

Parisa Restaurant specialises in the authentic flavours of Persian taste and visual delights. Every bite of the food and corner at Parisa Restaurant describes the story of the culture and traditions of the Persian World.

Top Dishes

  • Veg Khorak
  • Khoresht Bamiyeh
  • Kabab Vaziri
  • Chelo Kabab e Koobide
  • Sini Ghajari
  • Meigu Kebab

Contact Information

+974-4-441-1494

Rating: 4.3

Bandar Aden Restaurant

Bandar Aden Restaurant serves Yemeni cuisine and provides the option of traditionally sitting on the floor in the rooms. You can experience the true culture of Yemen at Bandar Aden Restaurant. 

Top Dishes

  • Tess Mandy
  • Lamb Heniz
  • Cooking Lamb Buried
  • Soup Fatta
  • Hamor Fish in Oven
  • Fahsat

Contact Information

  • Phone: +974-4-437-5503
  • Email: bandar-aden@outlook.com 

Rating: 4.2

Danat Al Bahar BBQ Fish

Danat Al Bahar BBQ Fish is a seafood restaurant that provides a wide range of dishes. If you are craving seafood while shopping at Souq Waqif, Danat Al Bahar BBQ Fish can be the best food point.

Top Dishes

  • Salmon
  • Sheri
  • Kofer Fry
  • Black Pomfret
  • Squid Fry
  • Prawns Fry

Contact Information

+974-5-095-5517

Rating: 4.6

Other Restaurants and Cafes

  • Alkoot Cafe
  • Ali Al Naama Coffee
  • Coffee Bean
  • Shay Al Shomous
  • Sanaa Restaurant
  • Chai Halib

Accommodation

If you love to explore the traditions and cultures, you can also stay in one of the hotels in Souq Waqif. These hotels provide the best services and a vibrant life in the marketplace. 

Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels by Tivoli

Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels by Tivoli is known for its best hospitality, perfect experiences, delightful culinary and premium facilities. You can have the feel of Qatari culture while having your stay at Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels by Tivoli.

Central Inn

Central Inn is another hotel in Souq Waqif which offers the world’s best amenities and awesome comfort. It provides the best hospitality and personalised services to make your trip pleasurable. It also offers local and international cuisines, a swimming pool, a gym, a spa and a coffee shop.

Attractions

Whether you want to spend your time in an art gallery or at a museum, there are many attractions at Souq Waqif. Let’s explore them.

Souq Waqif Art Centre

Souq Waqif Art Centre displays some pieces of art that reflect Qatar’s heritage and tradition. You can enhance your artistic and cultural awareness by visiting these art exhibitions. If you are an art lover and want to showcase your artistic skills, you can also participate in art workshops.

Al Koot Fort (Doha Fort)

Al Koot Fort is a cultural museum in Souq Waqif. It represents the cultural heritage of Qatar through the architecture including the buildings and towers. Al Koot Fort has faced various transformations as it was a police station, jail, fort and now a museum. It also has various doors leading to the prison cells and high-security cells representing its history as a jail.

FAQs

What Is Souq Waqif Famous For?

Souq Waqif is famous as it is a traditional marketplace. You can buy a variety of products like traditional garments, spices, handicrafts and more from Souq Waqif.

Is Souq Waqif Safe?

Yes, Souq Waqif is a safe place where you can visit at any time without getting worried about anything. It is one of the most famous spots in Doha having police to ensure the security of all.

Now that you know everything about Souq Waqif, you can plan your visit to this traditional marketplace at any time. If you are not a fan of street shopping you can explore the malls in Qatar for a comprehensive shopping experience.

Stay tuned to the Property Finder blog to know more about Qatar.