A traditional market situated in the heart of Doha, district Al Souq. A perfect place to appreciate traditional Qatari Architecture that dates back at least from the period of 20^th century. A one stop destination that will meet anyone’s expectation.

You will never been in Qatar if you will miss to visit this traditional place!

In almost six years staying in Qatar, Souq Waqif has been one of the places that everyone must know. Due to its prime location, anyone from this country has an easy access to visit here. This place is well known due to the countless activities that you can do, from exploring their tradition, checking the wide selection of shops, staycation if you want to get most out of this place, buying handmade souvenirs and many more other things that anyone will surely enjoy.

(If you plan to visit this place, the best month you can go here is between November to February.)

My first visit in that place was last 2016 where there’s a carnival festival. I remember coming there with my colleagues because they wanted me to show the place since it’s my first time working abroad. I was 20 years old back then, so everyone treated me as the youngest in the family. The whole experience was so fun because other than the carnival, there’s also a beautiful parade that took place later that afternoon. Since the weather is also ideal to go out and explore the place, I remember that all of us just walked there from our workplace.

Here are some pictures that we took last 2016. (Sorry for the low quality)

“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller” – Ibn Battuta

Discover the ultimate getaway experience in the mesmerizing Maldives! Start planning your dream vacation today with our exclusive links:

• Book Flights in Qatar to explore this stunning destination.
• Book Hotel & Resorts in Qatar and indulge in luxury, serenity, and breathtaking views.

After the first year of staying here in this country, I was cope up with stress from work that inhibit me to explore more of this place. Another factor is also is how I was so into to savings that pushed me to deprive myself on spending money. I remember those days where I had this way thinking that, going out is spending more which I considered worthless. But as I grow up, I learned to appreciate the joy of making memorable memories just by spending some of my money. The thing that I thought worthless is indeed an opposite when I experienced travelling more. I realized that sometimes, we can do something that we love without spending too much. In my case, I always prepare a budget for my leisure activity every month in order to at least have my destress day for myself.

My partner also plays a big role in most of my travels since he’s my professional photographer! Since I don’t have that much friends, we usually go together and explore different destinations here in Qatar. That’s why we also created our very own YouTube Channel in order to share our travel experience.

Here below is the vlog that we took in Souq Waqif.

“Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow” – Anita Desai

As soon as you arrived in this place, you will be welcomed with its aesthetic architecture making you feel like you travel in the past. The place undergoes for renovation last 2016 but they restore the historical touch of their country. In the past, this place is where different items are trade for daily necessities mostly by Bedouin (nomads who have historically inhabited the Arabian and Syrian Deserts). Keeping that history in mind, they decided to keep the place as is and go on by upgrading the facilities to accommodate more spaces that can be offers hospitality for those visitors of the place.

I’d been visiting the place repeatedly, but the things I felt about it are still the same. Despite of the experiences I had in this place; I still consider going back because of the wide arrays of entertainment that it offers. As I also saw the changes that took place in my almost six years staying in here, visiting a place connected to a history of a country really gives off different kinds of feeling. I think that it is very effective to promote country’s tradition by representing it based on their history. From architecture, activities and events, I am more into tit rather than the modern architecture nowadays.

Now, here are some of the places that you can check out in Souq Waqif.

SOUQ WAQIF WELL AND DOVE SIGHTSEEING

You will easily locate this place because it’s situated in the entrance of Souq Waqif.  As soon as you see a huge pack of birds flying within the same place, then you’re in the right place. There are also feeds that you can purchase in the pet shop near to it so you can enjoy more the experience.

SOUQ WAQIF ART CENTER

You can easily find this place but it follows a certain schedule on a daily basis. Sadly, that day, it was still close when we visited it. Last 2017 where I last visited it and there, I saw artist that offers their art pieces in a certain price. You can also ask for a portrait of yours or any personalized request to the artist available, but of course, the price will be depending on the artist and your request.

SOUQ WAQIF PET SHOP

One thing that shocked me is when I visited this place. Although I felt excited at first when I saw that there’s a pet shop there, I changed my mind as soon as I saw it personally. I just feel bad that animals are in cage waiting for someone for them to be free. I saw cats, puppies, birds and turtles piled up in different cages. I just hope that their condition will be better as soon as possible.

TRADITIONAL ITEMS PRESENTED IN THEIR ALLEYS

Another worth of sightseeing are their traditional items that they set up in the alleys of souq. From vintage boats, fishing items and even house items like the traditional flatiron, they set up it very well which makes you reminisce your past memories with it.

THE GOLDEN THUMB STATUE

This iconic statue in Souq Waqif is the Le Pouce “The Thumb” by César Baldaccini (1921-1998). You will see this statue right away since its location is within the heart of Souq Waqif. It was installed in the year 2019 to mark the biggest sporting success in Qatar’s history (iloveqatar.net). Your tour will never be complete if you fail to see this masterpiece.

CORRIDORS AND ALLEYS

This may sound weird, but one thing that I observed in that place is their alleys and corridors are really worth of photoshoots. Due to its ancient theme, it will look like you’re in Jordan. You can check it in our vlog so you can see how it looks like.

You will never get hungry from your tour because a lot of restaurants are available here. From middle eastern, western and Asian cuisines, name it and they all have it. From Café’s, restaurant and food kiosk that offers both budget friendly and high-end budget, you can surely have a lot of options to choose from.

If you can’t choose from these wide selections, you have another place that you can visit which is close also to Souq waqif. You just need to go to the under pass and you’ll see more selections of restaurants and small shops. Another option will be the Msheireb Downtown Doha which is located just beside Souq Waqif. Like what I stated here, this place is a one stop destination. You will not only be filled with its beautiful architectures; your tummy will definitely be satisfied.

Since the location of this place is within the city, you can easily shop within this place. In Souq Waqif, you will be welcomed with different souvenir shops that is iconic in the country. They also offer a valuable price for it so you don’t need to feel bothersome in spending your money. Most of the shops open in the afternoon, so if you plan to buy something in this place, it is better to visit it around 4:00 in the afternoon.

Souvenir Shops

Souvenir Shops

If a day visiting this place is still not enough, rest assured that accommodation are available here in this area. They have boutique hotels such as Souq Waqif hotel by Tivoli, Al Najada Hotel by Tivoli, Al Bidda Boutique Hotel and Al Jasra Boutique Hotel which is located with the place. The price range in those hotels are around 350 Qar- 600 Qar. If you wanted a budget friendly hotel, you can also choose from those accommodation close to Souq Waqif which are Liberty Suites Doha, Sovereign Hotel, Mercure Grand Hotel and La Villa Hotel. The price range in those hotels are around 160 Qar- 350 Qar.

If you want some high end hotels, you can just choose in Msheireb Downtown Doha where Mandarin Oriental Doha, Alwadi Hotel Doha and Park Hyatt is located.

Transportation is not a problem once you visit this place. You have tons of options to go here like taking metro and drop in Souq Waqif Station (Gold Lane), Karwa taxi, Bus and many more modes of transportation.

If you prefer to use Metro, you can just stop at Souq Waqif station via Gold Lane and you’ll just spend 2 rials!