Doha Authentic Food at Souq Waqif and Culture Msheireb Downtown
Active
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover Qatari culture through its flavors and heritage. This tour takes you to Souq Waqif, Doha’s bustling market, where you’ll savor authentic Qatari dishes, explore spice-filled alleyways, and experience local life. Then, visit Msheireb Downtown, a restored heritage district blending history with modern architecture. Perfect for food lovers and culture enthusiasts!
Tour Highlights
Authentic Qatari Cuisine – Enjoy traditional dishes at handpicked Souq Waqif restaurants.
Souq Waqif Exploration – Wander alleys filled with spices, handicrafts, and cultural treasures.
Msheireb Downtown – Discover Qatar’s heritage through interactive exhibits and stunning architecture.
Guided Cultural Experience – Learn about Qatari history, traditions, and food culture from a local expert.
Ramadan Notice: From March 1-29, 2025, meals and drinks will not be provided on day tours. Dinner remains available. We recommend afternoon tours during Ramadan.
Available options
Authentic Qatari Food At Souq Waqif & Culture Msheireb Downtown Tour
Private Tour<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Qatari local Meal
Tea Or Coffee
Pickup & Drop off Service
Qatari Local Sweet
Qatar local bread
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Pickup start from doha city limit
2
Stop 2
Visit Souq waqif which is the oldest marketplace in Doha.
The Souq sells traditional garments, spices, handicrafts, and souvenirs, It is also home to restaurants and Shisha lounges. The original building dates back at least from the 20th Century in a traditional Qatari architectural style.
3
Msheireb Downtown Doha is a growing place with the current architecture, glowing white mosques, and a cluster of history museums housed in elegant, Arabic-fashion mansions. Qatari family life is portrayed in Radwani House, at the same time as Bin Jalmood House has exhibitions on worldwide slavery
4
Stop 4
Drop Off service
What's not included
Other services not mentioned as included.
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
9 reviews
5★
9
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
4.9
16 reviews
5★
15
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Meal and drinks during day time not provided during (ramadan month 1-29 March 2025)
- The meal served to the children must be under the supervision of one of the parents. We are not responsible for any allergies to children. Please make sure that the contents of the meal do not cause any allergies, whether for adults or children.
- We serve a traditional Qatari meal, which is meat or chicken with rice and some traditional desserts, we do not offer vegetarian or gluten-free meals.
Important notes
Booking Confirmation:
Once your booking is complete, one of our guides will text you the night before your tour or, if the booking is made on the same day, at least 7 hours before the tour to confirm the details.
For last-minute bookings made less than 6 hours before the tour, you must contact our guide leader, Amir, directly at +97455597740 to ensure your participation.
About Doha
Doha, the capital of Qatar, is a vibrant city where modern skyscrapers and traditional souqs coexist. Known for its futuristic architecture, rich cultural heritage, and stunning desert landscapes, Doha offers a unique blend of old and new.
Top Attractions
The Museum of Islamic Art
This stunning museum houses a vast collection of Islamic art from various periods and regions, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Islamic world.
Museum
2-3 hours
Free
Souq Waqif
A traditional Qatari market with a labyrinth of alleys filled with shops selling everything from spices and textiles to handicrafts and souvenirs.
Historical/Cultural
1-2 hours
Free to enter, prices vary for purchases
The Pearl-Qatar
A man-made island known for its luxury residences, high-end shopping, and fine dining, offering a glimpse into modern Qatari lifestyle.
Architecture/Entertainment
Half a day
Free to explore, prices vary for shopping and dining
Aspire Park
A large, beautiful park with lush greenery, walking paths, and a lake, perfect for picnics, jogging, and relaxation.
Nature/Recreation
1-2 hours
Free
Katara Cultural Village
A cultural hub featuring art galleries, theaters, and open-air amphitheaters, hosting various cultural events and festivals throughout the year.
Cultural
2-3 hours
Free to enter, prices vary for events and activities
Must-Try Local Dishes
Machbous
A fragrant spiced rice dish cooked with meat (usually chicken, lamb, or fish) and served with vegetables and raisins.
Main Course
Contains meat, can be made halal or haram depending on the type of meat used.
Harees
A porridge-like dish made from wheat and meat, slow-cooked to a smooth consistency.
Main Course
Contains meat, can be made halal or haram depending on the type of meat used.
Luqaimat
Sweet dumplings made from a batter of flour, yeast, and cardamom, deep-fried and drizzled with date syrup or honey.
Dessert
Vegetarian, contains gluten.
Kahwa
A traditional Qatari coffee made with cardamom and saffron, often served with dates.
Drink
Caffeinated, contains cardamom and saffron.
Popular Activities
Dune bashing in the desert
Camel riding
Sandboarding
Kayaking in the Inland Sea
Relaxing on the beach
Spa and wellness treatments
Picnicking in the park
Yoga and meditation
Best Time to Visit
November to March
This is the best time to visit Doha, with comfortable temperatures and various cultural events and festivals taking place.
20-30°C
68-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Arabic
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
Qatari Riyal (QAR)
Time Zone
GMT+3
Electricity
240VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Very safe
Doha is generally considered very safe, with low crime rates and a strong police presence. However, as with any destination, it is important to take basic safety precautions and be aware of your surroundings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night
- • Avoid isolated areas and unlit streets
Getting there
By air
- Hamad International Airport • 15 km from city center
By bus
Al Ghanim Bus Station, Al Riffa Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Modern, efficient, and air-conditioned, the metro is a convenient way to get around the city.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Karwa, Uber
Rentals
Car, Bike
Neighborhoods
West Bay
Old Doha
The Pearl-Qatar
Aspire Zone
Al Waab
Day trips
Inland Sea (Khor Al Adaid)
80 km from Doha • Full day
A unique natural phenomenon where the sea encroaches into the desert, creating a stunning landscape of sand dunes and turquoise waters.
Zubarah
100 km from Doha • Half day to full day
A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring the ruins of an 18th-century coastal town, offering a glimpse into Qatar's rich history.
Al Khor
50 km from Doha • Half day to full day
A coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and the Al Khor Island, which is a popular spot for birdwatching.
Festivals
Qatar National Day • December 18
Doha Tribeca Film Festival • November (dates vary)
Qatar International Food Festival • March (dates vary)
Pro tips
- Visit popular attractions like the Museum of Islamic Art and Souq Waqif early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds.
- Use the metro and public transportation to get around the city, as traffic can be heavy and parking can be challenging.
- Try traditional Qatari dishes like machbous and luqaimat for an authentic culinary experience.
- Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, from the modern and upscale West Bay to the historic and cultural Old Doha.
- Take advantage of the city's rich coffee culture by visiting local cafes and trying traditional Qatari coffee (kahwa).
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
