Souqs in Qatar reflect the true traditions and art of the people of Qatar. These vibrant and bustling markets are a heart of Qatar where you will find so many treasures and antique pieces that will make you cherish your trip to this country. The hustle-bustle of these traditional Souqs and the colorful shops is something that fetches more tourists.
From eccentric knick-knacks to fancy décor, spices to Arabic sweets and vintage delights to dainty jewelry, you will find everything in the Souqs of Qatar. One of the most intriguing things about these Souqs is that the exquisite pieces of art and other stuff are available at reasonable cost. Get your hands on some of the unique pieces and also gorge upon the scrumptious delicacies which are a part of Souqs tour in Qatar.
Top Souqs To Visit In Qatar
If you are a shopaholic and love to roam around quirky markets, then you must definitely take a tour of these famous Souqs in Qatar. We have shortlisted the ones which are worth-visiting and will offer you with a nice shopping and a gastronomic experience.
Souq Waqif
One of the best and most popular Souqs in Doha is the Souq Waqif which fetches a large number of locals and tourists alike. The market is all lined up with vibrant shops selling colorful pieces of art, vintage articles, spices and a lot more. Besides this, Souq Waqif is also famed for offering an exclusive Arabic and International gastronomic experience to all the foodies out there.
During the historic times, the Souq was used as a market place for trading of goods between the Bedouin tribe and the local people of Qatar. They also used to socialize here and discuss about different things. It is around 250 years old. The true vibe and culture of Qatar can be witnessed at Souq Waqif. The hustle-bustle of the market and the lively aura of this place is what makes it a must-visit place in Qatar. There are also shops selling pearl and gold jewelry at great prices. Besides this, you will also find here shops which excel in selling high-quality vintage items like shisha, coffee pots, wooden boxes and a lot of other such exquisite pieces which are rare.
Souq Waqif Timings: 09:00 am to 12:30 pm and 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm all days except Friday. Friday timings are 04:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
Location: Al Souq Street, Doha, Qatar
Souq Al Dira
Souq Al Dira is one of the most famous markets in Doha to buy fabric and other materials ranging from expensive to affordable ones. The shops inside Souq Al Dira sell all types of fabrics from embroidered to silk and lace to designer ones, you will all find it here. The fabrics and material are available in different sizes, patterns, quality and designs. Choose from a wide variety at the various local and fancy stores present at the Souq Al Dira. Also, upgrade your bargaining skills at this market and you can fetch the product at your quoted price if you have quoted as per the quality of the fabric. Souq Al Dira in Qatar also has some really skilled and professional tailors who can alter and provide you with customized outfits at great prices.
Souq Al Dira Timings: 08:30 am to 10:00 pm all days except Friday. Friday timings are from 04:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Location: Al Ahmed St, Doha, Qatar
Falcon Souq
If you are someone who fancy seeing a falcon and want to know more about these ferocious creatures then head to Falcon Souq in Doha. Located within Souq Waqif, this Souq has a large open area where you can see various falcons exercising.
Various products required for training of falcons and the food they eat are also available in this Souq. You can also see them in the showrooms where they rest on the perches. But be careful and we suggest you not to bother these creatures as they are super deadly and dangerous. Most of the falcons found here are hooded as they have been trained. Falcons are highly respected and valuable by the local people of Qatar, so make sure you respect them too!
Falcon Souq Timings: 07:00 am to 06:00 pm. Closed on Fridays
Location: Souq Waqif
Suggested Read: Finest Places to Go Shopping in Doha
Gold Souq
Qatar is all about luxury and hence Gold Souq in Qatar is quite popular where you will find various gold shops selling both heavy and dainty pieces of jewelry. The fancy designs and the attractive prices will allure you to splurge on gold shopping. Even if you have come for window shopping, seeing these attractive gold shops is bewitching in itself.
What intrigues a tourist here are the shops selling gold pieces with your name engraved in English or Arabic. The prices of the gold are as per the weight and the market prices but are still negotiable. If you are not looking out for buying gold jewelry, then you can go for silver or pearl pieces which are comparatively cheaper and looks quite fashionable and attractive. Some of the designs are so unique and classy, we bet you will not be able to hold yourself seeing them!
Gold Souq Timings: 09:00 am to 01:00 pm, reopens at 04:00 pm to 10:00 pm all days of the week except Friday. Friday timings are from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Location: Next to Al-Ghanim Central Bus Station
Souq Al Wakrah
Another attractive and one of the most famous Souqs in Qatar that is a must visit for tourists is Souq Al Wakrah also referred to as mini Souq Waqif. Giving all the rustic feels, Souq Al Wakrah is designed in a traditional way offering the feel of a village. The alleys and the vast courtyard setting of the Souq along with traditional decors, clay figurines and small shops are just perfect to feel the traditional vibe of Qatar.
The shops here sell souvenirs, handicrafts, traditional clothes, perfumes, spices, dried nuts and a lot more. Dine-in options are also available for families. Children can have a gala time playing with sand or skating on the vast courtyards. The whole vibe which Souq Al Wakrah offers is authentic and will give you an insight about the life of the people before all the modern developments in Qatar. The vintage vibe of this place with everything traditional and rustic has made it a great place for hangout amongst tourists and locals alike.
Souq Al Wakrah Timings: 7:30 am -12:30 pm; reopens at 3:30 pm –10:00 pm all days of the week except Friday. Friday timings are from 12:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Location: Al Wakrah, Qatar
Al Faleh Souq
Al Faleh Souq is a kind of shopping complex where you will find almost everything. This Souq in Qatar is famous for items under QAR 10. You can find knick-knacks, clothes, soft toys, games and other stuff at throw-away prices. Bargaining is quite difficult here as the prices are already too low. However, if you have good skills, you can try your luck. It is a good place to buy souvenirs for your friends and relatives as you can find them at very reasonable prices. Al Faleh Souq is located near Souq Al Dira, so both these souqs can be covered in one go.
Al Faleh Souq Timings: Saturday to Friday: 9 am - 12 pm; 4 pm - 10 pm
Location: Al Ahmed Street, Doha, Qatar
Omani Souq
Another good place for shopping in Qatar is Omani Souq. Omani Souq in Qatar was opened to public in the year 1980 with an objective to give access to products from Oman to Qatari people. It is a great place to find some good handicrafts and food from Oman.
Ceramics, straw hats, woven baskets, pottery, garden supplies, incense burners, oud perfume, camel sticks are some popular items to buy from Omani Souq in Doha. Not very spacious, Omani Souq is all stacked up with shops lying close to each other. It is a great place to buy the intrinsic art of Oman and other products that define the traditions and vibe of the country. Also, do not forget to bargain as prices are usually quoted a bit high and shopkeepers enjoy bargaining.
Omani Souq Timings: 07:00 am to 10:00 pm all days of the week
Location: Al Sailiya, Near Wholesale Market, Doha, Qatar
The true culture and vibe of Qatar can be experienced at its various Souqs. These traditional markets in Qatar is a great way to find some treasures which are unique to Qatar. Strolling through these bustling souqs is a great way to dig into the culture of Qatar and get yourself some eccentric souvenirs which are hard to find anywhere else. If you have shopped from any of these Souqs in Qatar before, then do let us know in the comments section below.
Further Read: Top Historical Places To Visit In Doha On Your Travel
Souqs In Qatar FAQs:
Some of the best and popular things which one can get from Souq Waqif are shisha, dates and dried fruits, oud perfume, wooden boxes, Dalla coffee pots, Al-Sadu fabrics, Arabic sweets and a lot more.
Omani Souq is famous for its products which are exclusively brought from Oman. Straw hats, woven baskets, pottery, ceramics, garden supplies, incense burners, oud perfume and camel sticks are a few items one can purchase from here.
One can enjoy seeing the falcons exercising in the open courtyards or can also buy food and other requirements if you have a falcon as a pet.
From Saturday to Thursday, the timings for Souq Waqif are 09:00 am to 12:30 pm and 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm. And on Fridays, it opens from 04:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
Souq Al Wakrah is located at an approx. Distance of 13.5 km from Hamad International Airport and on an average, it takes around 15 minutes by car to cover this distance.
