Doha Food and Souq Waqif Market Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore Souq Waqif's vibrant market
- Taste authentic Qatari cuisine
- Discover Msheireb Downtown Doha's heritage
- Learn about Qatari culture and history
- Experience Doha's rich culinary traditions
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of Souq Waqif
- Sampling of traditional Qatari dishes
- Visit to Msheireb Downtown Doha
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Itinerary
Pickup from your selected hotel/ location/Airport
Visit the most iconic spot in Doha (local market of Souq Waqif) very popular among the locals and tourists, Souq waqif has a different section from souvenirs to spices, textiles, entertainments and dining, our tour guide will guide you Throughout the hidden gyms of the Souq, you will visit the falcon shops and hospital and the horse stud. will visit the art center which is the hub of visual artists in Qatar and the handy craft where you can see traditional stuff made in Qatar, thereafter we will take you to taste a traditional Qatari meal. This experience will make you feel like being in an Arabic country.
Souq Wakif Art Center, worth to have a look at for its Islamic Qatari architecture, for its atmosphere and for seeing artists, mainly painters, at work, most of them young women, when I visited. Naturally it is also a place to go shopping for art.
Drop-off at your selected hotel/ location/Airport
Important information
Know before you book
- The tour is conducted in English; ensure you understand the language.
- Be prepared for a moderate amount of walking during the tour.
- Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for the tour.
- Bring a hat and sunscreen to protect against the sun.
- Carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Stroller Accessible
Good to know
- Dress code: cover your knees and shoulders, regardless of whether you are male or female/ Don’t wear anything see-through.
- Souq waqif local market: Most shops operate from 10:00 am. to noon. Re-open at 4 p.m. till 10 p.m. Fridays only afternoon.
Traveler reviews
Exceptional Private Tour of Souq Waqif with Javid
We had a wonderful private tour of Souq Waqif with Javid, and it was the perfect introduction to Doha. The experience was seamless from start to finish, beginning with prompt pickup from our hotel and a warm welcome that immediately set the tone for the afternoon. The highlight, of course, was exploring Souq Waqif itself. Javid brought the market to life with his deep knowledge of Qatari culture, history, and daily life. Rather than just walking us through the main corridors, he took the time to explain the significance of the architecture, the spices, the falcon shops, the textiles, and the subtle details you might otherwise miss. His pacing was perfect — unhurried but efficient — giving us time to browse, take photos, and soak in the atmosphere. We especially appreciated the stop at the Souq Waqif Art Center. Javid pointed out elements of Islamic Qatari architecture and explained how the space supports local artists. It added an extra cultural layer to the visit that we wouldn’t have understood on our own. He was quick to point out great photo places and take the photos for us. What truly made the tour stand out was Javid himself. He was personable, professional, and genuinely passionate about sharing Doha with visitors. He answered every question thoughtfully and tailored the experience to our interests. It felt less like a scripted tour and more like exploring the city with a knowledgeable local friend. The drop-off back at our hotel was just as smooth as the pickup. If you’re looking for an insightful, comfortable, and culturally rich introduction to Souq Waqif, we highly recommend booking a private tour with Javid.
Fun and Informative Great Guide
Incredible. Super nice guide, Javid. Great walk around and lots of information. Food was fantastic and learned a lot about the area. 10/10 Top Notch all around!
Life Changing Cultural Experience
This was an amazing experience. Our tour guide Javid was so attentive and answered all of our questions about the culture and history as well. We had a very delicious local meal where we ate family Style. This is a beautiful experience that I will remember the rest of my life. If you’re in Doha, I highly reccomend this tour.
Amazing market food tour with Javid!
It was an absolute blast, learned to much about the culture and history of Qatar. Javid was amazing, super friendly and polite.
Great Tour
We would recommend this tour. Our guide, Junaid, was amazing. He was very knowledgeable and did a great job teaching us about the Souq Waqif. The falconry was definitely the highlight. The lunch we had was very good and he also made sure we had vegetarian options. We would recommend the tour especially with Junaid