Before visiting any new place, I try to search for the must visit places. I came across a photo but there wasn’t any description written as to which place it was. I texted my friend in Doha and asked, which place is this? It’s looks like a set of Arabian Nights movie and I really want to visit when I come to Doha. Souq Waqif, he told me and there I was, all eyes on this place. If you are visiting Doha, you must visit Souq Waqif. It’s a local market situated in the heart of Doha. It is made on the ancient sites of Doha and gives you those Arabian Nights vibes.
I instantly fell in love with this place the moment I first saw it. According to the historians, the souq dates back around 250 yrs. It was named as Souq Waqif because the sellers in this market used to stand at the entrances to display their wares like spices, food, clothes, wood, sheesha and pets. In Arabic, word ‘Waqif’ means ‘standing’ and the word ‘Souq’ means ‘market’ in English.
What to do at Souq Waqif?
Shopping:
Souq Waqif is a perfect place for shopping. You can buy handicrafts, clothes, home decor items, souvenirs and perfumes. It’s indeed a paradise for shoppers. Also, don’t forget to bargain at the local shops, they give a lot of discount on things especially souvenirs. Apart from this, you can buy dry-fruits and spices here at a good price.
Food:
Apart from shopping, you can also spend a good time eating different cuisines here. The street is full of cafes and restaurants where you can sit and eat. The best thing about eating here is, all cafes and restaurants are situated in the middle of the market; hence it makes the experience even more memorable. From pocket-friendly cafes to posh luxurious restaurants, you get it all here. You can also eat original Persian ice-cream there.
https://www.facebook.com/anamikamishra3112/videos/1205567966315802
Photoshoot:
Oh yes! This is an amazing place for a shoot, photo or video both. The backdrops and vibes are all Arabic and you can get the best of the shots here. This place is also has some narrow lanes full of local shops that are gram-worthy.
Birds Market:
There is also a hidden birds market inside the Souq Waqif. I am saying it has hidden because even I had a tough time finding the exact entrance of this place in the market. You can simply ask the locals to help you navigate through the lanes and reach the bird market. Obviously I was not there to buy birds or pets, but the experience was amazing. There, you get to see amazing huge birds like falcons and owls. Apart from birds, there are so many pets shop where you can just roam around and have a good time looking at these amazing, colourful and rare birds and other animals. If you are someone who is against petting the animals, then you won’t like it here, so you can skip it.
vlog coming up soon for this one! Subscribe now
Souq Waqif Art Center:
This is a must visit. Even if you are not a fan of arts and sketches, you must visit this place for a new experience. Though there are many art galleries here at the Souq, this one is the biggest and most beautiful one. From temporary artists sitting here and exhibiting to a permanent exhibition from artists, this place is open for a good time exploring arts and paintings.
Apart from this, you can also sit outside the market and just sulk into the feeling of being there at an Arabian old market. You can watch the moon from the telescope, eat crepes from the local hawkers, drink juices and get a tattoo done.
All in all, this is a must visit place in Doha. I would suggest you to go in the evening as with all the lights on, the market looks even prettier.
Also read:
Wandering in Doha at night -A Photoblog -Qatar National Day Special
My First Visit To Qatar -Tips for First Timers + Qatar Visa Tips For Indians
things to do in doha, visit qatar, visit doha, indian travel blogger, travel blogger, best travel blogger in india
