Souq Al Waqif, located near Museum of Islamic Art and Islamic Cultural Center, is the traditional market of Doha. As i was told, Waqif is an Arabic word that means standing. This market is called standing market as it has stood over a period of time at the same location.
Souq Al Waqif was our last stop in Doha City Tour so we stopped here and didn’t continue towards Hamad International Airport, as we have some time remaining on our own to explore the city. Most of the shops were closed at 3 pm, when we reached. The break is daily from 12 pm to 4 pm in the day. However, some of the shops were open and we explored those.
We bought souvenirs for Doha City from this market. You have to bargain the selling price and its up to you how much you can bargain. We got the the souvenirs from this market at a lesser price than other available options like shops in Doha City Center Mall and Hamad International Airport.
There are many dining places to eat and many shops to buy from.
Museum of Islamic Art is also nearby, so if you want to see it you can plan the visit along with Souq Al Waqif. The museum has a unique architecture; the top semi circles resembles the eyes of a local lady wearing Hijab (veiling of the face in local traditional way).
Also Islamic Cultural Center is nearby, which could also be visited if time permits.
