Adventures at Souq Waqif, Doha

The Souq Waqif in Doha, is absolute gem for anyone visiting Doha. Souq Waqif, means "the standing market" and is Doha's most iconic heritage marketplace, tracing its roots back more than a century ago to the banks of Wadi Musheireb. Originally a trading hub for Bedouins and locals exchanging livestock and goods, the souq has been meticulously restored to preserve its traditional Qatari archiecture - think mud daubed buildings, wooden beams and lantern lit alleys, into a modern, vibrant social location in the heart of the city.

Spices at the Souq Waqif

Souq Waqif is a labyrinth of winding alleys, each with its own character and specialty. It is easy to spend the day exploring the areas, but difficult to cover the entire souq in one visit. I have been to Doha more than 5 times now, and I would say I have covered most of the areas, but each time I visit, I always discover something new. The main areas of the souq is spilt into different areas that cover:

• Spice and Perfume Souqs

• Textiles and Clothing

• Gold and Jewellery Market

• Handicrafts and Souvenirs

• Falcon Souq

• Animal Area and Camel Pens

• Art Center and Galleries

• Restaurants and Cafes

• Womens Market

I would highly recommend if you have the time, to just wander and let yourself get lost. There are maps that you can get from your local hotels but the best way to explore is really to just wander around the labyrinth of walkways until you reach a different area. The souq is extremely safe, we were never once touted or followed, and the locals are always there to help if you get lost or need directions.

If you have a time limit, I would highly recommend the spice and perfume souqs to see the pyramids of colourful spices, dried flowers, incense and oud. The locals and vendors are always happy to offer samples and share stories behind their blends and it is a great way to take home a sensory piece of Qatar. Remember that bargaining respectful is part of the culture.

When you are in the souq, you would quickly notice that the Qataris that shop there do not actually have any shopping with them. And it is because of the Trolley Pullers, or "hamali", the unsung helpers of Souq Waqif. The locals use these trolley pullers to get their produce and transport them directly to your car or taxi. The spice area is a great location to spot the hamalis in action.

If you are after some Qatari garments or Thobes, then the textile market is the place to go. It is also a very interesting place to understanding more about Qatari garments and to understand that traditional clothing in the Gulf region may share many similarities, but there are subtle differences in style, fit and embellishment that distinguishes a Qatari attire from that of the UAE, including having a collar, and having the headwear, or Ghutra in a distinctive style.

Another area definitely worth visiting is the Falcon Souq as well as the animal area and camel pens. The Falcon souq is where you can see falcons perched in regal rows, waiting for their next owner to pick them up. Although the vendors know that we are not here to purchase Falcons, every shop we dropped by was extremely kind to share about their falcons and also let us hold them. Falconry is a sport in Qatar that is taken very seriously as winning a falcon competition is more than a sporting achievement, it is deeply respected and can significantly elevate your status in society. You can see and feel how deeply important this tradition is in Qatari culture when in this area. Especially with a dedicated Falcon Hospital in the middle of the Souq.

In the animal pens, you can find Arabian horses and camels that belong to the Royal Family. The Amiri Diwan, or the residence of the Qatari Royal Family is right next to the Souq Waqif and being able to see these royal camels and horses up close was such a unique opportunity.

Within the Souq Waqif, there are womens rooms and mens rooms (Majlis Al Dama), a place where women and men socialise separately. I have been to both rooms and in our latest trip, we were invited into the men's room to have a cup of tea as well as play a game of Dama. Dama is a traditional Qatari board game that is a cross between Chess and Checkers that is highly strategic, requiring intelligence and patience. In this instance, we were invited by Mohammad Al-Sulaiti, the executive director and a member of the Majlis Al-Dama as we were taking a break and watching the locals engage in a game of Dama. He invited us in and also shared the rules and indulged us in a game. It was such a special experience for us to be invited in to learn more about the Qatari social life and tradition.

One more thing not to be missed at Souq Waqif is the Kunafe, a classic Middle Eastern dessert made from shredded Phyllo dough or semolina which is layered in gooey cheese or cream and drenched in fragrant sugar syrup, topped in pistachio bits. I love the kunafe at Al Aker sweets. It is also the most famous kunafe destination, although many restaurants also offer it. Their kunafe is served piping hot, with a choice of cheese or cream filling and a generous pour of rosewater syrup. Take a seat out the front of the shop and enjoy your kunafe as you people watch.

If you are wanting to visit Souq Waqif but would prefer to do this on a walking tour, Getyourguide has an option for that. It is a great way for first timers to explore the area and have a guide explain about Doha and the Souq Waqif. My first time at the Souq Waqif was with the Discover Qatar transit tour at the airport and we were brought around Doha on a night tour and had some time at the Souq Waqif and that gave me a great chance to explore with some guidance. This is also an option which is great for first timers in Doha who dont have much time.

Would We Recommend?

Absolutely Yes, Yes, Yes! Souq Waqif holds a special place in my heart. I have visited this place so many times as a solo female on transit. I remember the first time I turned up, I was slightly skeptical about wandering around myself and kept to the main streets. Even then, I was amazed by the liveliness in the Souq, the friendliness of the locals and how clean and safe it was. I have since returned many many times and I always look forward to visiting Souq Waqif and having an amazing Kunafe in the main square. I would highly recommend going in the evening. The sun is down and the souq comes alive. Remember to dress modestly and have a good pair of walking shoes. Let yourself explore and wander and be surprised by what you experience each time.