How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Souq Al Wakrah – A Marketplace with Exotic Appeal

Visitors to the Qatari city of Al Wakrah should undoubtedly take the opportunity to head to the captivating Souq Al Wakrah, a traditional market that would delight travellers with its many attractions. Offering amazing shopping opportunities, a marvellous selection of foods and other features, it would always be an entrancing experience to explore this souq and its charming alleyways. More information about visiting this absorbing souq is provided below.

Visit the appealing shops

Vibrant souqs in Al Wakrah | Image via Wikimedia Commons

Admiring the shopping attractions of Souq Al Wakrah would always be an engrossing experience. You will see that the buildings that house the shops have been designed to bear a resemblance to the traditional buildings of Qatar; visitors will notice that these structures would feature walls coated with mud, sizable wooden doorways and eye-catching lanterns. Similarly, the ceilings of the buildings’ roofs have been constructed with palm leaves in the typical Qatari manner.
As you might expect, you would find a mesmerizing collection of merchandise at this souq, such as perfume, spices, nuts, dates, sweets, utensils, handicrafts, carpets and swords. Other goods to look out for here would be flowers, cheese, gold, accessories for women, souvenirs, handicrafts, marine equipment, animals and birds, and so on. Fresh fish, meat, fruits and vegetables would also be available!

Savour the foods

At this souq alongside the shoreline, you would find a collection of restaurants, juice stands, coffee shops, establishments selling Arabic sweets and the like. It would always be a delightful experience to savour Arabian delicacies whilst observing the traditional dhow vessels gliding on the waters.

At the restaurants of Souq Al Wakrah, seafood would be a highlight; you may take the opportunity to savour grilled seafood, including barbecued fish at the popular Danat Al Bahar. On the other hand, for Yemeni cuisine, the place to go would be Al Fanar Restaurant. Meanwhile, for Italian specialities, you may try out the well-reputed Mercato Antico. You may also treat yourself to ice cream which you could obtain at Gharissa or perhaps enjoy American diner fare at Bennigan’s. If you have a penchant for Indian food, you could sample the dishes at Royal Tandoor; visitors with a sweet tooth may experience the Arabic delights available at Al Aker Sweets as well.

Relax at Al Wakrah Family Beach

Families visiting Souq Al Wakrah would have the opportunity to enjoy quality leisure time at the family beach that you would find near the souq. You will find that this appealing stretch of shore happens to be reserved for the use of families. 

Whilst you could take a dip in the waters here if you so desire, you would be expected to attire yourself in modest swimwear as this would be a public beach. Usually, lifeguards would be present from 10 am up to the time of sunset. It would also be a pleasant experience to take a leisurely stroll in the afternoon along the extensive corniche overlooking the ocean. One of the 5-star hotels in Doha to consider being based at, which is next to the souq and this beach would be Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli.

Experience the other attractions

There would also be several other attractions to experience in the environs of Souq Al Wakrah. One of these would undoubtedly be the Abu Manaratain Mosque which would be a noteworthy religious site that would draw the interest of the avid sightseer. You will find that this mosque, counted amongst the oldest to be found in the vicinity of the souq, would present a striking sight to the visitor. Another well-known landmark that you would find within easy reach would be the eye-catching Pearl Monument. This towering structure would present an imposing sight that would undoubtedly impress the observer.