Top 10 Traditional Places to Visit in Doha 2022 - 2023
1. Souq Waqif
One of Qatar's most recognizable attractions, Souq Waqif is a favorite among locals, residents, and tourists who appreciate the location's historic ambience and market area, where you can find almost anything. There are a lot of interesting things to do in Souq Waqif, including dining at some of the top restaurants, cafes, and food carts in Doha Town, which provide a variety of regional and international specialties. Its winding lanes transport you back in time to the days when people in ancient Qatar lived in such lanes and the stores that lined them. The Souq is a fun spot to hang out with family and friends because of its vitality!
Originally, Souq Waqif adjoined the shore for easy boat access. It still faces the water, but the link to the front is now divided by a major road and a park. The Souq is often considered as the only lasting traditional souk in Qatar. The Souq was established over a hundred years ago as a trading place where Bedouins and the local people bartered an assortment of products and also socialised. With a number of unique things to find at Souq Waqif, this iconic place is one that you shouldn't miss! Don't forget to check out
2. Al Wakrah Souq
Souq Al Wakrah, also referred to as the second Souq Waqif, is the ideal location for people seeking something unique and is only a short drive from the Wakrah family beach. Its architecture was inspired by the traditional Qatari markets, where visitors could stroll, shop, and eat while watching children play in the sand, skate, or run around. Souq Al Wakrah has emerged as one of the hotspots in Qatar, emulating the old life of Al Wakrah, a small village once well-known for fishing and pearling. Here are just a few of the activities you can engage in at Al Wakrah Old Souq, along with five eateries you should visit.
Souq Al Wakrah reflects the old culture and heritage of the country out of its structure, shops, mosques, cafes, and traditional dhow boats. Everything here has a vintage touch that adds more attraction to the place. A lot of traditional goods are available at Souq Al Wakrah. Bags, fabrics, decoration pieces, jewellery, dates, sweets, and spices are just a few of them.
3. Falcon Souq Doha
The Falcon Souq is an amazing one-of-a-kind souq in Qatar that's located next to Souq Waqif. It's a unique souq because it showcases the main part of Qatari society and its rich heritage. Here, you'll find all kinds of falcons, falconry equipment, and accessories along with a special falcon hospital. There are three large falcon sculptures at the entrance inviting visitors in and the Souq's narrow alleyways are dotted with benches so people can sit and enjoy their time there.
Check out this video to learn about the types of falcons commonly found in Qatar!
You'll get to see these beautiful falcons wearing leather hoods on their head perched in their showrooms, and Qataris buying falcons and their equipment or accessories. You may also see falcon owners showing off their falcons especially during October to March which is Qatar's falconry season.
4. Gold Marketing Souq
Gold Marketing Souq in Qatar is one of the largest clusters of gold jewellery shops in the country. Once you enter the Souq, you'll feel like you're transported to a magical world made of gold. The glorious designs and spectacular craftsmanship are exciting to look at even if you're not planning on buying anything. The Souq is particularly busy in the evenings when you'll see husbands buying their wives gold jewellery as a gift or women who are looking to splurge on some bling!
Everything isn't necessarily very expensive and among the gold jewellery that may go into thousands of Riyals, you can also buy cheaper accessories like jewellery made with platinum, white gold and even silver. You'll find places in the Gold Souq, where you can have your name written in gold in Arabic or English. Tourists absolutely love this.
The price of the gold jewellery is calculated based on the price of the weight on the day’s market, making them significantly more reasonable than the shops found in malls or elsewhere. Planning to sell your gold for quick cash or you are just bored with the old design? Here's all you need to know about selling gold in Qatar!
5. Souq Al Asiri
Souq Al Asery (Souq Al Asiri) is one of Qatar's oldest and most well-known souqs. It's also a tourist spot that's on most people's to-see list when they visit Qatar. Souq Al Asery is a colourful souq with all kinds of different shops that sell practically everything from suitcases to handbags, perfumes to ouds, readymade clothes to different fabrics, shoes to toys, watches to electronics; you name it, it's there, and the best thing is most of the items are reasonably priced.
One thing to keep in mind is that most prices are not fixed so you may have to haggle and work your way down, especially if you are a tourist. You can also find small tea shops and cafes scattered throughout the market. If you get hungry while wandering around the souks, you can find something to eat and drink.
The Souq Al Asery is located opposite the Fanar Qatar Islamic Cultural Centre and across from the colourful Souq Waqif. Parking can be a problem around the souq, but with the massive parking lot under Souq Waqif, it shouldn't be too bad.
6. Souq Dira
Souq Al Dira is one of Doha's most colourful souqs and is an absolute favourite for those who are looking for fabrics and materials whether they are the cheaper stuff or the more expensive and luxurious ones. There is a wide variety of different colourful men and women's fabrics and materials available at the Souq, and also tailormade abayas at bargain prices. You can find lace, organza, silk, cotton, crepe, georgette, cashmere pashmina and an all-encompassing variety of fabrics and materials. There's something for everyone. The prices can range anywhere from QR 10 per metre to QR 1,000+. Souq Al Dira is also home to some of the most skillful tailors in Qatar and they'll make you anything you want no matter what the design or pattern.
Oh, and the prices are not fixed so, enjoy haggling and bargaining over a fabric you want to buy. It's expected by the shopkeepers and enjoyed by them, too.
Another thing to remember is that this is a busy area, so finding parking can be quite a nightmare. You can park your car in the parking lot under Souq Waqif if you're willing to pay the hourly fee.
7. Souq Faleh
If you're looking for all kinds of items that come under QR 10, then Al Faleh Souq is where you want to be. It's just near Souq Al Asery and Souq Al Dira and you'll find a bit of everything in this busy Souq, and though you can still haggle here and bargain the prices with the shopkeepers since the prices are already so low, it won't be so easy.
It can be hard to find parking here, and so, if you're willing to pay the hourly fee when you park in the parking lot under Souq Waqif, that's the best place to park.
8. Souq Al Jabor
Souq Al Jabor boasts of a wide variety of products that range from clothing for the whole family, footwear, luggage, gift items, luggage, CDs, costume jewellery, tiaras, and perfumes among other items. It also sells tailoring accessories, which include everything from buttons, threads, sequins, lace, beads, piping, wool, and ribbons to artificial flowers. Haggling is a way of life here, though, in general, the prices are reasonable and you'll find a lot of bargains here.
It's located in the same vicinity as Souq Al Asery and Souq Al Dira, so parking is often a big problem. Most people prefer to park in the parking lot under Souq Waqif if they're OK with paying the hourly fee.
9. Souq Haraj
Souq Haraj can be defined as a market for second-hand goods or a flea market. However, Souq Haraj doesn't just sell second-hand stuff. You can find a wide variety of other goods as well, like furniture, household appliances, mattresses, curtains, carpets, air conditioners, fans, home decor, and a whole lot more.
This is one of Qatar's busiest souqs with people from all walks of life coming to find something or the other. Some people want second-hand stuff, while others want to buy new items.
Parking is a big hassle here as the Souq and surrounding area are very congested.
10. Souq Omani
The Omani Souq was established in 1979 but was opened to the public in 1980 with the aim of having a marketing square that brings together the products of Oman to Qatar. It's still called Oman Souq because many of the products still come in from Oman.
It's not a very big souq but has some amazing things to offer. The whole market is housed under a corrugated steel roof and is like an open warehouse with many little kiosks packed close together stacked with all kinds of different items that include, but are not limited to oud perfumes, authentic Omani frankincense, Omani dried fish, straw hats, woven baskets, ceramics, BBQ items, flowers, plants, camel sticks, spices, nuts, local 'made in Qatar'fruits and vegetables, and if you're lucky, you can even find white truffles here at low prices.
Oh, and don't forget to haggle or bargain for a cheaper price while you're at the Omani Souq; prices aren't fixed. The shopkeepers are used to it, and they enjoy it.
The Omani Souq has recently moved from its location in Maamoura, and can now be found in Al Sailiya where the wholesale market has also moved.
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