Souqs & Markets in Qatar

Souq Waqif in central Doha is the best known, with spice, textile, falcon and handicraft sections and dozens of restaurants. For a quieter evening, Souq Al Wakrah is a rebuilt seafront souq beside the beach south of Doha.

Restaurants and cafés open through the day and late into the night, but many shops close in the early afternoon and reopen in the evening, and Friday mornings are quiet. Evenings are the liveliest time to go.

Take the Doha Metro Red Line to Al Wakra station, then a Metrolink feeder bus or a short taxi ride to the souq. Check the current feeder route in the Karwa Journey Planner app before you travel.

Polite bargaining is normal in traditional souq shops, especially for textiles, souvenirs and larger purchases, but not in restaurants or fixed-price stores. Carry some cash, as small shops may not take cards.

The Gold Souq is next to Souq Waqif in central Doha, and prices are based on the day's gold rate plus a making charge. It is busiest in the evening.