Souq Waqif

Souq Waqif stands on the site of Doha’s old trading market, rebuilt in traditional style with mud-rendered walls, timber beams and shaded alleys. Stalls sell spices, perfumes, textiles, handicrafts and Arabic coffee pots, and there is a whole section devoted to falcons, with a specialist falcon hospital nearby. Spice merchants are happy to let you smell their saffron, cardamom and dried limes before you buy.

The souq comes alive after sunset, when families stroll the main lane and the restaurants fill their terraces. Several serve good Indian food, and vegetarian mezze such as hummus, falafel and moutabal are easy to find.

Many stalls close in the early afternoon, so come from five o’clock onwards. The spiral minaret of the Fanar Islamic cultural centre rises at the edge of the souq and makes a good photo stop.