Occupying pride of place down Grand Hamad Street, the Souq Waqif, also known as the “Standing Market,” is an amazing place that offers traditional art and crafts, restaurants and cafes with cuisine from around the world. There are many hotels in Doha Qatar offering sumptuous accommodations such as Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels, where you could stay and amble around the alleyways of Souq Waqif. The area is in face one of the most popular shopping destinations in Doha and a traditional market which also attracts culture buffs and shopaholics alike to explore the diversity of experiences on offer in the unique commercial space.
Perhaps best known for the eclectic mix of coffee houses and restaurants lining the streets, this mammoth thoroughfare on Grand Hamad Street also offers a variety of consumer goods both traditional and modern to suit the tastes of tourists and locals alike. Elaborate walking sticks for example are a specialty at the market and available in souvenir and gift shops alike while magic lipstick which comes in an array of colours but turns red upon application is anther novelty item. Beauty conscious travellers should not forget to pick up a packet of authentic henna, a natural and herbal hair dye famed around the world. When it comes to Qatari souvenirs, the Souq Waqif houses several well-known boutiques retailing everything from conventional Arab coffee pots to carpets and Bedouin weaved items. Carvings made of gypsum are another unique product available in the market which also houses an antique shop with nothing for sale! The entire shop full of old snapshots and collectibles is for show alone although visitors can take pictures of this strange storefront.
Food lovers should take the time to enjoy saffron flavoured candy floss from the Markaz Al Halawiyat Al Khaleej shop and dig into a coffee cone from the Azba Food Stuff Centre where the biscuit and coffee infused snack is available. Aromatic and authentic spices are also sold at the market and visitors should explore the smells and tastes of some of the less common spice varieties while they shop. Those travelling with children must find a store which retails chewable, colour bubble pencils and PSY walkie talkies inspired by the Korean pop star by the same name.
Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google +
