If you are looking for a wonderful place to shop, to dine, to explore or simply sitting at one of the many attractive outdoor cafe to watch the world pass by, look nowhere but Souq Waqif in Doha.
For centuries, this location has been a souq for Bedouin (nomads who have historically inhabited the Arabian and Syrian Deserts.) to take the wool and animals to trade for daily necessities. With time pass, the souq started to run down and has almost get to the point of being demolished. Luckily, in 2004, it was decided to preserve this historical site so the entire market area has been renovated and restored according to the traditional Qatari architectural techniques. It’s probably the only traditional souq left in the Gulf.
Besides the main street, don’t forget to explore the labyrinth like alleyways to find more stores. Here, you will find both souvenirs for tourists and shopping for locals – from fabric, spices, and perfume to garden equipment and pets. Happy exploring!
Most of the shops close at noon till 4 p.m. So it’s best to find a cafe or restaurant and enjoy a good lunch. They do open all day. Maybe you should try the shisha too if you haven’t done so.