Opened in 2014, Al Wakrah Old Souq, more commonly known as Souq Wakrah, is one of the destinations in the south of Qatar. The seaside traditional market is a nod to Al Wakrah's heritage as a fishing village. While Souq Waqif is more popular, Al Wakrah Old Souq is still worth checking out especially if you love less crowded places. Here are some of the things you can do when you visit Souq Wakrah!
Note: Effective May 28, 2021, Phase 1 of the gradual lifting of COVID-19 restrictions states that:
Reminiscent of a traditional Arabian village and market, part of Souq Al Wakrah's charms is its winding alleyways which lead to the beach and corniche. Walk around the alleyways and courtyards and check out what hidden gems you can find. These passageways are popular with photographers and photography enthusiasts in Qatar.
There are restaurants situated along the seaside, facing the parking lot, and the Grills section behind the meat & vegetables market. The cuisine you can find is varied although seafood is the most popular fare here. For grilled seafood, try Danat Al Bahar BBQ Fish, try Yemeni cuisine at Al Fanar restaurant facing the beach, have Italian food at Mercato Antico, cool down with ice cream from Gharissa, or gobble down diner food at Bennigan's facing the spacious parking area.
Check out more restaurants here:
While the number of shops seems to be dwindling over the years, there are still markets and shops that you can check out. Out of the 10 zones of Al Wakrah Old Souq, 5 of them have dedicated markets/sections for different products such as dates, nuts, fish, cheese, flowers, sweets, women's accessories, perfume, gold, souvenirs, meat, vegetables, fruits, spice, handicrafts, utensils, swords, carpet, birds and animals, wood, and marine equipment.
While there are a few mosques situated in Al Wakrah Old Souq, there's one you shouldn't miss out on. Abu Manaratain Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in the municipality, is located within the Old Souq. The mosque only has one minaret even though 'Manaratain' means two minarets, according to AFAR.
Dotted with old dhow boats along the sand, the Souq Al Wakrah Family Beach requires swimmers to adhere to proper swimwear. Not allowed on the beach are pets, smoking, fire, barbeque, camping, photography, and swimming is not allowed after sunset.
Not a fan of swimming? There are plenty of seats along the beach where you can just sit down and people watch or stare at the horizon.
In front of the playground* located at the other end of Al Wakrah Old Souq is a promenade where you can freely bike and walk without people getting in your way.
*Note: The playground is still currently closed as per COVID-19 restrictions.
One of the famous old roundabouts, the Pearl monument has since been relocated between Al Wakrah Old Souq and the Al Wakrah port after the upgrading works of the Al Wakrah main road. If you're walking along the seaside part of the souq, you surely won't miss this towering icon - a landmark of Al Wakrah city.
Not allowed inside the souq are:
How many times have you been to Souq Al Wakrah? What's your favorite spot there? Let us know in the comments!
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