Private Souq Waqif Tour with Lunch or Dinner in Doha

Falcon Souq tour: see Qatar's prized falcons and learn falconry's role in history

A private tour of Souq Waqif in Doha combines wandering the historic market's spice-filled alleys, visiting the Falcon Souq to see the birds up close, and eating lunch or dinner at a traditional Arabic restaurant. Your English-speaking guide shares the souq's history and culture while you explore shops selling textiles, jewelry, handicrafts and gold. Private transport and bottled water are included. You choose whether to dine at lunch or dinner.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Souq Waqif and enjoy meal

• Visit Souq Waqif market alleys
• Explore Falcon Souq and Gold Souq
• Learn about falconry and culture
• Shop or relax with tea
• Dine at traditional Arabic restaurant
• Stroll through souq after meal

The experience

Three to four hours takes you through Souq Waqif, the market at Doha's heart, where the air carries the scent of spices, oud and Arabic coffee. The alleys wind past shops selling handicrafts, souvenirs, textiles, jewelry and traditional clothing. Your guide walks with you, pointing out the Gold Souq's artisan designs and explaining how the market's architecture and layout reflect Qatari heritage. The Falcon Souq is a separate section where you stand in front of Qatar's prized falcons and learn about the ancient tradition of falconry that shaped the country's culture.

After exploring, you sit down at a traditional Arabic restaurant inside the souq itself, surrounded by the market's energy. The meal includes hummus, fattoush, grilled kebabs, mixed rice and freshly baked bread, with laban or traditional tea to drink. The restaurant's décor (lanterns, wooden carvings, soft Arabic music) keeps the cultural experience going while you eat. You can choose lunch or dinner when you book, and the timing fits around the rest of your day in Doha.

Private transport picks you up and drops you back, and your guide speaks English throughout. Bottled water comes with you, and the tour runs in all weather. Just dress for the conditions. The route stays manageable for all fitness levels, so families with children and older travelers move at a comfortable pace.

What’s included

• Private transport with pickup and drop-off.
• bottled water and soft drinks.
• lunch or dinner at a traditional Arabic restaurant with hummus, kebabs, rice, bread and tea or laban.
• professional English-speaking guide.
• travel insurance.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day17 departure times: the first at 04:30, the last at 21:00

Book up to1d before

AgesUp to age 70

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Qatar International Tours

Is this one for you?The tour is led entirely in English, so it suits travelers who want cultural commentary and historical context without a language barrier. The three to four hour pace leaves room to browse shops or sit with tea in a traditional café, making it comfortable for families and anyone who prefers a relaxed walk over a rushed itinerary.

Traveler reviews

4.60★★★★★★★★★★

10 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What exactly is the Falcon Souq and why is it separate from the rest of the market?

The Falcon Souq is a dedicated section within Souq Waqif where Qatar's prized falcons are kept and sold. It exists because falconry is an ancient Qatari tradition central to the country's heritage, and your guide explains that history while you see the birds up close.

Can I choose between lunch and dinner, and does the timing work with my hotel schedule?

Yes, you pick lunch or dinner when you book. The tour runs three to four hours total, so you can time it to fit the rest of your day. Book lunch if you want to explore the city afterward, or dinner if you prefer to end your day at the souq.

What does the meal include, and will it suit dietary needs?

The traditional Arabic meal includes hummus, fattoush, grilled kebabs, mixed rice and freshly baked bread, with laban or traditional tea. Mention any dietary restrictions when you book so the restaurant can prepare alternatives.

Is the guide English-speaking, and will I understand the souq's history?

Your guide speaks English and shares stories about the souq's history, architecture and Qatari culture as you walk. The commentary is built into the tour, so you learn while you explore.

Does the price include transport from my hotel, and what if I'm staying outside central Doha?

Private transport is included in the tour price. Confirm your hotel location when you book so the driver can arrange pickup. The service covers hotels in the Doha area.