Souq Waqif: 10 things to see and do at Doha’s ‘standing market’

By Dimitris Sideridis, CNN
7 minute read
Updated 5:43 AM EST, Mon February 26, 2018
<strong>Iconic building:</strong> Qatar's oldest market is ideal for those who want an authentic Doha shopping experience. Here's our pick of the best things to see and do at Souq Waqif...
Iconic building: Qatar's oldest market is ideal for those who want an authentic Doha shopping experience. Here's our pick of the best things to see and do at Souq Waqif...
Dimitris Sideridis
<strong>Browse luxury fabrics</strong>: The textile section is one of the most popular parts of the market, with stores offering beautiful scarves, embroidered pashminas and stunning shawls.
Browse luxury fabrics: The textile section is one of the most popular parts of the market, with stores offering beautiful scarves, embroidered pashminas and stunning shawls.
Dimitris Sideridis
<strong>Jewelry shopping: </strong>Whether you're looking for a dazzling necklace or shimmering earrings, the nearby Gold Souq is a good place to visit.
Jewelry shopping: Whether you're looking for a dazzling necklace or shimmering earrings, the nearby Gold Souq is a good place to visit.
Dimitris Sideridis
<strong>Opulent dining: </strong>The outlandish Parisa restaurant, located in the Gold Souk, serves Iranian delights under ornate chandeliers hanging from a mirrored-ceiling.<br />
Opulent dining: The outlandish Parisa restaurant, located in the Gold Souk, serves Iranian delights under ornate chandeliers hanging from a mirrored-ceiling.
Dimitris Sideridis
<strong>People watching: </strong>Sit at an outdoor table in the early evening and take in the vibrant ambience as locals smoke shisha.<br />
People watching: Sit at an outdoor table in the early evening and take in the vibrant ambience as locals smoke shisha.
Dimitris Sideridis
<strong>Shop for spices: </strong>The bazaar is filled with stalls and shops selling brightly-colored spices, dried fruit, nuts and other culinary delights.
Shop for spices: The bazaar is filled with stalls and shops selling brightly-colored spices, dried fruit, nuts and other culinary delights.
Dimitris Sideridis
<strong>Collect keepsakes:</strong> One of Doha's most popular tourist attractions, the iconic marke<em>t</em> is an ideal spot to pick up a traditional souvenir to bring back home.
Collect keepsakes: One of Doha's most popular tourist attractions, the iconic market is an ideal spot to pick up a traditional souvenir to bring back home.
Dimitris Sideridis
<strong>Play checkers: </strong>Majlis al Dama, a modest coffee shop popular among locals, is a great place to gather and either watch or take part in a game of dama (otherwise known as checkers).
Play checkers: Majlis al Dama, a modest coffee shop popular among locals, is a great place to gather and either watch or take part in a game of dama (otherwise known as checkers).
Dimitris Sideridis
<strong>Boutique hotels:</strong> Souq Waqif is also home to several luxurious boutique establishments such as Arumaila, which has a roof terrace that offers breathtaking views of the Doha skyline.
Boutique hotels: Souq Waqif is also home to several luxurious boutique establishments such as Arumaila, which has a roof terrace that offers breathtaking views of the Doha skyline.
Dimitris Sideridis
<strong>Sweet treats:</strong> The market is filled with stalls offering delicacies including Al Aker Sweets, which sells delicious kunafa.
Sweet treats: The market is filled with stalls offering delicacies including Al Aker Sweets, which sells delicious kunafa.
Dimitris Sideridis
<strong>Community projects: </strong>Souq Waqif Art Center exhibits the work of many talented local and international artists and its open work stations mean you can often watch them as they work.
Community projects: Souq Waqif Art Center exhibits the work of many talented local and international artists and its open work stations mean you can often watch them as they work.
Dimitris Sideridis
<strong>Learn falconry: </strong>"Falconry is a sport that dates back in Qatar's history and is still widely practiced," says Al Shammari, of Embrace Doha. "Be sure to pay a visit to Falcon Souq and learn all about falconry."
Learn falconry: "Falconry is a sport that dates back in Qatar's history and is still widely practiced," says Al Shammari, of Embrace Doha. "Be sure to pay a visit to Falcon Souq and learn all about falconry."
Dimitris Sideridis
<strong>Stable visits:</strong> Travelers can venture into the Horse Stables, situated close to the Falcon Souq, where a number of Arabian horses are housed.
Stable visits: Travelers can venture into the Horse Stables, situated close to the Falcon Souq, where a number of Arabian horses are housed.
Dimitris Sideridis
<strong>Market patrol: </strong>The souq is guarded by heritage police officers and their daily horse ride across the market has become a top attraction.
Market patrol: The souq is guarded by heritage police officers and their daily horse ride across the market has become a top attraction.
Dimitris Sideridis