Souq Waqif

The basics

The Souq Waqif is one of the most visited attractions in Doha, both on sightseeing tours and city food tours. You’ll be able to learn more about life in Qatar as you pass by the myriad of stalls, and experience Qatari cuisine at the many surrounding restaurants and street vendors. You can also take a break at local cafes and shisha lounges.

Around the main souq, there are several other markets, including the Falcon Souq and the Gold Souq stocked full of jewelry. Attractions such as the Souq Waqif Art Center, with its ornate woodwork and lanterns, and the unusual Golden Thumb Statue also give this cultural institution an artistic side.

Things to know before you go

• Many places, such as the Souq Waqif Falcon Hospital, close during the afternoon.

• Restaurants in the souq typically feature Middle Eastern, Asian, and Mediterranean cuisines.

• While the main streets through Souq Waqif are accessible, flat, and open, the busy paths inside the covered market are quite narrow and could create potential problems if you’re less mobile.

How to get there

Thanks to its central location in the old downtown area of Doha, Souq Waqif is an easy place to get to. Take the Gold Line of the Doha Metro to the Souq Waqif station and then walk across Banks Street to reach the market. You can also arrive quickly by taxi or rideshare.

When to get there

Souq Waqif is open daily until late in the evening, generally with a break in opening hours in the early afternoon. The souq is generally busiest in the evening, as people wait for the outside temperature to cool off and come to dine at its many restaurants. For a quieter shopping experience, try visiting mid-morning when the stalls first open.

Falconry in Doha

Falconry is the national pastime of Qatar, and the practice has long been a part of traditional Qatari culture. So important is falconry that Souq Waqif even has its own Falcon Souq, where the birds are trained for hunting, as well as the Souq Waqif Falcon Hospital, where injured birds are treated.