Historic traditional market and cultural hub

About Souq Waqif

Souq Waqif is Doha\'s cultural heart, a beautifully restored traditional market that has been a trading post for over a century. The narrow alleyways are organized by trade—spices, perfumes, fabrics, and the famous falcon souq where prized hunting birds sell for thousands of dollars. The souq has its own falcon hospital and a camel pen. The architecture, with its protruding wooden beams (shandal) and wind towers, recreates the pre-oil Qatar aesthetic.

The souq is also Doha\'s best dining destination, with restaurants spanning Qatari, Lebanese, Iranian, and Indian cuisines—many in atmospheric courtyard settings with shisha (hookah) and live oud music. Al Shurfa restaurant offers rooftop views over the market. The adjacent Msheireb Museums in four renovated heritage houses tell Qatar\'s story from pearl diving to petroleum. Souq Waqif Art Centre and the Al Najada area host galleries and cultural events. The souq comes alive in the cooler evening hours (after 5:00 PM) when locals and tourists fill the alleys.

Nearby Landmarks

Souq Waqif Falcon Souq Msheireb Museums Al Koot Fort Gold Souq

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost QAR 40-60 (~$11-16)
Time 15-25 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost QAR 35-50 (~$10-14)
Time 15-25 minutes

Ground Transportation Center

Train (Doha Metro Red/Green Line)

Cost QAR 3
Time 20 minutes
Frequency Every 3-6 minutes

Step-by-Step Directions

Take Red Line to Msheireb, transfer to Green Line to Souq Waqif station

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi QAR 40-60 (~$11-16) 15-25 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare QAR 35-50 (~$10-14) 15-25 minutes Budget-conscious, app users
Train QAR 3 20 minutes Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Souq Waqif is one of Doha's liveliest evening destinations, with restaurants and shisha cafés open until midnight or later. The metro runs until 11:00 PM (midnight on weekends). After metro hours, taxis are easily found on the souq's perimeter roads. Uber/Careem work reliably in the area at all hours. The souq is safe to walk around at any hour.

Luggage Tips

Souq Waqif involves walking on stone and sand pathways—leave large luggage at your hotel. A small bag or backpack is ideal for shopping and exploring. The souq has no luggage storage. If visiting on the way from the airport, taxi drivers can be asked to keep bags in the trunk while you explore (negotiate an hourly rate).

Accessibility

Souq Waqif's main pathways are flat but surfaces are uneven stone and occasional sand. Wheelchair users can navigate the main arteries but narrower alleyways are challenging. The metro station has full accessibility. Many restaurants have ground-floor seating. The Msheireb Museums are wheelchair accessible.