Souq Waqif in Doha – complete visitor guide, prices, food and how to get there

Souq Waqif is Doha’s most atmospheric traditional market and one of the city’s must-see places. Narrow alleys, mud-style walls, spices, perfumes and cafés create a strong old-Arabia vibe just a few minutes from the modern skyline. In the evenings, the souq turns into a giant open-air living room where locals and visitors meet to eat, shop and people-watch. This guide will help you navigate Souq Waqif, understand prices and make the most of your visit.

• Souq Waqif is Doha’s main traditional market. It sits in the historic centre of Doha, near Doha Corniche.
• Evenings are the best time to visit. Days can be extremely hot; after sunset the souq becomes busy, lively and much more comfortable.
• Typical shop hours are split. Many shops open roughly 10:00–12:00 and 16:00–22:00, while restaurants often work from early morning until midnight.
• Getting there is easy by metro. Souq Waqif station on the Gold line is a 1–2 minute walk from the main entrance.
• Nearby you’ll find Falcon Souq, camel pens and stables. This is where you can see Qatar’s falconry heritage and Arabian horses.
• Food and prices vary a lot. A simple meal can cost 4–17 $, while a mid-range dinner for two may reach 27–96 $ depending on the restaurant.
• Modest clothing and respectful behaviour are important. Shoulders and knees covered, careful with photos of people and animals.

Souq Waqif is a large traditional market in central Doha, close to Doha Corniche. The complex was rebuilt in a traditional style, but it stands on the site of an old marketplace used by Bedouins and traders for many years.

The souq is a maze of narrow alleys with themed sections for spices, textiles, gold, pets, souvenirs and home décor, plus many cafés and restaurants around the main square. In the evening most of the action moves outdoors, with terraces full of people smoking shisha, drinking karak tea and having dinner.

Souq Waqif is easy to combine with a visit to Museum of Islamic Art or National Museum of Qatar, as well as a walk along Doha Corniche.

From Doha Airport

By metro
Take the Red line from Doha Airport to Msheireb, change to the Gold line and ride one stop to Souq Waqif station. The whole trip takes about 20 minutes; a standard single ticket costs around 2 QAR (about 0.5 $).

By bus
Airport buses connect Hamad International Airport with central Doha. Some routes stop within walking distance of Souq Waqif; the ride usually takes 15–25 minutes and costs roughly 1–3 $.

By taxi or transfer
Official taxis from the airport to Souq Waqif take about 15–25 minutes depending on traffic. Expect something around 8–15 $ (30–55 QAR).
If you prefer a meet-and-greet service, book a transfer in advance – you’ll find options on Transport in Qatar with partners like Kiwitaxi and Welcome Pickups.

From other areas of Doha

• Metro: simply take the Gold line to Souq Waqif.
• Taxi/Uber: a ride from most central areas takes 5–15 minutes and costs only a few dollars.
• On foot: if you stay near Msheireb Downtown or the Corniche, walking is also possible (10–20 minutes).

You won’t get a strict map, but it helps to know the main zones:

1. Central square – lined with restaurants and cafés, full of life in the evening.
2. Spice and dry goods section – towering bags of saffron, cardamom, dried limes, nuts and dates.
3. Textiles and clothing – shops with traditional clothes, fabrics and tailor services.
4. Souvenirs and décor – lanterns, pottery, chess sets, magnets, carpets and cushions.
5. Falcon Souq and animal area – falcon shops, a camel pen and Emiri stables with beautiful Arabian horses.
6. Souq Waqif Art Center – gallery and artists’ studios showcasing local art.

Souq Waqif is one of the best places in Doha to try local and regional food.

What to look for:

• grilled meats, lamb dishes, kebabs;
• mezze, hummus, falafel and salads;
• karak tea and Arabic coffee;
• Middle Eastern sweets, dates and ice-cream;
• shisha in open-air lounges.

According to average price data for Qatar, a simple meal in an inexpensive restaurant costs about 4–17 $ (15–63 QAR / 4–16 €) per person, while a mid-range dinner for two is around 27–96 $ (100–350 QAR / 25–88 €).

Soft drinks usually cost 1–2 $ (3–5 QAR), and a small bottle of water is roughly 1–2 QAR.

You can find almost anything that fits into a suitcase:

• spices, teas and sweets;
• incense, oils and perfumes;
• lamps, pottery and home décor;
• clothes and textiles;
• jewellery and gold;
• hookahs and accessories.

Bargaining tips:

• Light bargaining is normal in souvenir and textile shops – asking for 10–20 % off is fine.
• In grocery-style shops prices are more likely to be fixed.
• Start by asking politely for the “best price”, then work from there.
• Stay friendly – a smile and relaxed tone help more than aggressive haggling.

Most restaurants and bigger shops accept cards, but small stalls still prefer cash in QAR.

There is no single fixed schedule, but you can expect:

• Shops: roughly 10:00–12:00 and 16:00–22:00, some stay open later.
• Restaurants: many are open from 8:00 until midnight, some even 24/7.
• Fridays: many shops close in the afternoon for prayers.

Best time of day:

• Summer: visit after sunset – daytime heat can be extreme.
• Winter: both day and evening are pleasant; winter is generally the best season for outdoor sightseeing in Qatar.
• Morning: perfect for photos and a quiet look around, but the lively “market feel” is strongest in the evening.

Dress code

• Shoulders and knees should be covered for both men and women.
• Light, loose trousers or skirts plus a breathable top work very well.
• Beachwear or very revealing outfits are not appropriate.

Behaviour and photography

• Ask before taking close-up photos of people.
• For animals (falcons, camels, horses), look for signs or ask handlers – sometimes there are rules or a small fee for photos.
• Avoid photographing military or government buildings.

Safety

• Souq Waqif is generally safe, including in the evening.
• As everywhere, keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas.
• With children, watch out for narrow alleys and steps, but overall the area is family-friendly.

Staying online

• Some cafés and hotels around Souq Waqif offer Wi-Fi, but speeds and login rules vary.
• A tourist eSIM is usually the easiest way to stay connected; you can compare options for Qatar on eSIM Qatar with providers like Airalo, Ubigi, Yesim and others.
• If you use public Wi-Fi, consider a VPN for extra security, especially for banking and work accounts – see VPN for Qatar for recommended services (Surfshark, NordVPN, Proton VPN).

Travel insurance

• Medical care in Qatar can be expensive, so travel insurance is highly recommended.
• A basic 7-day policy typically starts at around 7–13 $ (≈25–45 QAR / 6–11 €); more comprehensive plans for sports and extreme activities cost more.
• You can arrange a policy online via Insurance for Qatar with partner EKTA.

Below are ballpark figures for Doha and the Souq Waqif area based on country-level cost-of-living data. Individual cafés and shops will differ, but this gives a realistic range.

Food & drinks

• Inexpensive meal near Souq Waqif: 4–17 $ (15–63 QAR / 4–16 €) per person.
• Mid-range dinner for two: 27–96 $ (100–350 QAR / 25–88 €).
• Fast-food combo: 7–8 $ (24–30 QAR / 6–8 €).
• Coffee or karak tea: 2–8 $ (6–30 QAR / 2–8 €) depending on the place.
• Soft drink (0.33 l): 1–1 $ (3–5 QAR / ≈1 €).
• Water 0.33 l: up to 1 $ (1–2 QAR / up to 1 €).

Transport

• Single metro/bus ride: around 1 $ (2–5 QAR / ~1 €).
• Taxi start: 2–4 $ (7–15 QAR / 2–4 €).
• Taxi 1 km: 1–4 $ (5–15 QAR / 1–4 €).

Insurance

• Basic 7-day travel insurance: roughly 7–13 $ (25–45 QAR / 6–11 €).
• Extended policies with higher limits or sports coverage: ≈37–42 $ (≈135–150 QAR / 34–38 €) and above.

• Try to visit twice: quiet morning for photos, and evening for the full atmosphere.
• Plan at least 2–3 hours for the souq itself; half a day if you also want museums and the Corniche.
• Bring some small QAR notes and coins for snacks and small souvenirs.
• In summer, protect yourself from the heat – hat, sunscreen, water and light but modest clothing.
• For nearby accommodation check Accommodation in Qatar with partners Trip.com and Booking.com.
• If you like organised experiences, you can book Doha city tours with a Souq Waqif stop via Tours in Qatar (Get Your Guide, Viator).

How much time do I need for Souq Waqif?
Count at least 2–3 hours to walk around, shop a little and have a meal. If you plan to visit Falcon Souq, the camel pen and nearby museums, set aside half a day.

Can I pay by card?
Yes, most restaurants and larger shops accept cards. For small stalls and cheap souvenirs, cash in QAR is still very handy.

Is Souq Waqif good for children?
Yes, it’s a family-friendly place with animals, lights and plenty to look at. Just keep an eye on kids in crowds and near the animals.

Is it safe to walk at night?
Generally yes. The area is busy, well lit and popular with families. Normal city common sense is enough – keep valuables close and avoid leaving bags unattended.

Does Souq Waqif operate during Ramadan?
Yes, but opening hours change: more places are closed during the day, while evenings and nights can be even livelier. Check local timings if you visit during Ramadan.

Is there parking near Souq Waqif?
There are several parking areas and underground garages around the souq. On weekend evenings they can fill up, so consider coming earlier or using the metro.

Souq Waqif is the heart of traditional Doha – a place where you can taste local food, buy spices and souvenirs, watch falcons and camels, and feel the rhythm of the city in one stop. Come in the evening for the atmosphere, respect local customs and give yourself enough time to simply wander. For many travellers, this becomes one of the most memorable parts of their trip to Qatar.