Souq Waqif Doha Holidays
Souq Waqif
Holidays
The living heart of old Doha — a beautifully restored traditional market of mud-rendered alleyways, spice stalls, falconry shops, shisha cafes and the most atmospheric dining in Qatar
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Flight Time
6.5h direct from UK
Best Time
October to April
Country
Doha, Qatar
Suppliers
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Souq Waqif Holiday Guide
Souq Waqif is the cultural heart of Doha and the most atmospheric destination in Qatar — the falconry souq, spice market, shisha cafes and excellent restaurants make it an essential evening experience. Best visited after 6pm when the heat drops and the atmosphere peaks.
10 minutes from West Bay. October to April is ideal.
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Popular Areas in Souq Waqif
Average Temperatures
Jan
19°C
Feb
21°C
Mar
25°C
Apr
31°C
May
37°C
Jun
40°C
Jul
41°C
Aug
41°C
Sep
38°C
Oct
32°C
Nov
26°C
Dec
21°C
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Call 01282 960 460Top 8 Things To Do in Souq Waqif
The falconry souq, spice market, shisha cafes and the most atmospheric dining in Qatar that make Souq Waqif the cultural heart of Doha.
The Souq
Souq Waqif is the most authentic and atmospheric market in Qatar — a labyrinth of mud-rendered alleyways lined with spice stalls, fabric merchants, traditional clothing shops, handicraft vendors and souvenir sellers. The souq has been carefully restored to its original 19th-century character, with traditional Qatari architecture, wooden lattice screens and a genuinely historic atmosphere. The best time to visit is in the evening when the souq is at its most lively and the temperature is cooler.
Falconry Souq
The Falconry Souq within Souq Waqif is one of the most unique and fascinating markets in the world — a dedicated section of the souq selling falcons, falconry equipment (hoods, gloves, perches, bells), hunting dogs and exotic birds. Falconry is a deeply important cultural tradition in Qatar and the Gulf, and the Falconry Souq is the finest place in the world to observe this tradition. The falcons on display are extraordinarily beautiful and the prices are extraordinary.
Restaurants & Cafes
Souq Waqif has the most atmospheric and diverse restaurant scene in Doha — a mix of excellent Qatari restaurants (serving machboos, harees and other traditional dishes), Lebanese mezze restaurants, Iranian grills, Indian curry houses and international cafes, all set in beautifully restored traditional buildings with outdoor terraces and shisha. The Al Aker restaurant and the Damasca One restaurant are among the most popular. The outdoor terraces in the evening are the finest dining setting in Doha.
Shisha & Coffee
The shisha cafes and traditional coffee houses of Souq Waqif are among the most atmospheric in the Gulf — a string of outdoor cafes serving shisha (hookah), Arabic coffee (qahwa) and sweet tea in a beautifully traditional setting. The shisha cafes are the most popular evening destination in Doha for both locals and visitors and are the best place to experience authentic Qatari social culture. The atmosphere in the evening is extraordinary.
Museum of Islamic Art
The Museum of Islamic Art is a short walk from Souq Waqif — one of the finest museums in the world, designed by I.M. Pei and housing an extraordinary collection of Islamic art spanning 1,400 years and three continents. The building itself is a masterpiece of contemporary architecture and the museum is the finest cultural institution in Qatar. The museum cafe has excellent views over the Doha corniche and the West Bay skyline.
Al Najada Hotel
The Al Najada Doha Hotel by Tivoli is the finest hotel in the Souq Waqif area — a beautifully designed boutique hotel set in a traditional Qatari building adjacent to the souq, with 180 rooms and suites, a rooftop pool, an excellent spa and several restaurants. The hotel is the best choice for visitors who want to be in the heart of old Doha and is the most atmospheric hotel in Qatar.
Evening Atmosphere
Souq Waqif in the evening is one of the most atmospheric experiences in the Gulf — the alleyways are illuminated by traditional lanterns, the restaurants are full, the shisha cafes are busy, street musicians play traditional music and the whole souq comes alive with a genuinely festive and authentic atmosphere. The evening is the best time to visit — the heat of the day has passed and the souq is at its most lively and beautiful.
Practical Tips
Souq Waqif is in the heart of old Doha, 10 minutes from the West Bay hotel district by taxi. The souq is open daily from approximately 9am to midnight (later on weekends). The best time to visit is from 6pm onwards when the temperature drops and the atmosphere is at its best. Dress modestly — shoulders and knees should be covered. The souq is very busy on Thursday and Friday evenings (the Qatari weekend).
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