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Updated 7 November 2026. This route comes from our family’s time in Qatar. Check the Museum of Islamic Art’s current hours and visitor notices before setting out, as museum access and park facilities can change. Allow for the heat and the walking distance between stops.
Souq Waqif is easily the number one spot to visit when exploring the wonderful city of Doha, Qatar. In this post you will find out what else you can explore in the immediate surroundings. The 8 things to see near Souq Waqif are easy to access so you can make the most out of your visit.
If you like watching videos instead, then check out our vlog “MUST WATCH before visiting SOUQ WAQIF – 8 things to see near Souq Waqif in Doha, Qatar.”
Souq Waqif is a traditional marketplace that dates back at least one hundred years. It was renovated in 2006 after a fire destroyed a lot of the facilities. However, it has maintained its charm and traditional Qatari architecture.
Here you will find a big variety of wares from traditional garments, spices, crafts, souvenirs; and lots more. There’s also many restaurants and shisha lounges to choose from. It usually hosts a variety of art galleries, events and concerts. And don’t miss the art installations throughout. Within immediate proximity to the market you will find the Al Koot Fort, the camel pen, Souq Waqif Park and Bismillah hotel- Qatar’s oldest hotel.
Open Trip.com to search for accommodation in Doha, Qatar. The link opens the Trip.com homepage, where you can enter your destination and dates.
Lastly, make time to visit Souq Waqif both at day time and night time, as the ambience and experience changes dramatically and are both very much worth the time.
Al Fanar
Your first stop after Souq Waqif is only a few minutes walk and it can be easily accessed via an air conditioned underpass. Al Fanar is not only one of the most iconic landmarks in Doha but it is also an Islamic Cultural Center. This is a perfect place where you learn about Islamic faith and take arabic lessons. Moreover, they welcome visitors to take a tour of the center and to visit the mosque.
The Pearl Monument
The Pearl Monument is beside the dhow harbour on the Corniche, near Souq Waqif and the Museum of Islamic Art. It is a popular photo stop and reflects the importance of pearling in Qatar’s history.
The Dhow Harbour
The Dhow harbour is another fantastic place to immerse yourself into the culture and history of Qatar. Dhows are such a big part of Qatar’s history as they were used to transport good between countries, fishing and pearl diving. These days, dhows are mostly used to take people out into the bay to view the Doha city skyline from the water. So this is a good spot where you can organise a Dhow cruise because you simply show up and one of the many vendors will readily offer to take you out on their boat.
Tip: walk to the far end for a great hang out spot with the city skyline as a backdrop. Or walk to the back far right to get a different view and angle of the Museum of Islamic Art.
Museum of Islamic Art
Museum admission depends on visitor category. Check the museum’s current tickets and bring the required ID if claiming resident or student admission. The museum and outdoor park have different opening arrangements.
Box Park
Box Park was a colourful photo stop on our original route. Its repurposed shipping-container buildings are distinctive, but the shops and food vendors operating there may change. Check current access and business information before making it a meal stop.
MIA Park
Playgrounds, cafes and event areas may change or close temporarily. Check the current MIA visitor information and local signs for facilities available during your visit.
7 sculpture
The sculpture simply known as ‘7’ is located at the end of the MIA Park pier. American artist Richard Serra was the designer of this sculpture which stands at almost 24 meters high. This sculpture is made from 7 steel plates which have been arranged in a heptagonal shape. The inspiration for this work of art came from a minaret in Afghanistan. The same artist has also designed the popular East-West / West-east, which is an incredible sculpture found in Zekreet.
Doha Skyline
Finish your day taking in the views of the Doha skyline. This spot in MIA park is one of the best places to do this. Here, you’ll get an amazing view of the Doha Skyline and watch all the dhow boats cruising in the bay. As the sun sets, you will be able to watch the city light up in front of your eyes.
In addition, just besides the hill there’s the MIA Park Coffee Shop where you can have a light dinner or maybe a few drinks. (Non-alcoholic drinks that is). The kids also love to run up and down the hills while we can comfortably watch them from the cafe seating area.
Ask park staff whether a buggy service is operating if someone in your group needs help with the walk. Do not rely on the free service mentioned in our original article being available at a particular time.
Interested in moving to Qatar? Don’t forget to read all about our first impressions here!
Nearby Stadium 974, previously known as Ras Abu Aboud Stadium, also used shipping containers in its design. Read our Qatar World Cup stadium story for the background to our visits.
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