
Falcon Souq
Discover Qatar's rich falconry heritage at the Falcon Souq, home to trained birds and the world's only Falcon Hospital.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasantly quiet, great for photos

Falcon Souq
Best Time
Pleasantly quiet, great for photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Qatar's rich falconry heritage at the Falcon Souq, home to trained birds and the world's only Falcon Hospital.
"One of the coolest places I’ve visited in my life. Who would have thought of a falcon hospital?"

📸 Best time for photos
Visit in the early morning (around 8 AM) for quiet strolls and excellent photo ops.
🤝 Interact respectfully
Shopkeepers are often happy to let you see falcons up close, sometimes even pose.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Majestic Falcon Encounters
Falcon Souq
See and interact with majestic falcons, a symbol of Qatari heritage. Pose with a bird on your arm!

The World's Only Falcon Hospital
Falcon Hospital
A unique veterinary hospital dedicated to treating these noble birds. A truly fascinating sight.
Traditional Market Atmosphere
Souq Waqif adjacent area
Experience the exotic and atmospheric market, with interesting architecture and local interactions.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Understanding Falcon Ownership
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Best time for photos
Visit in the early morning (around 8 AM) for quiet strolls and excellent photo ops.
🤝 Interact respectfully
Shopkeepers are often happy to let you see falcons up close, sometimes even pose.
✈️ Falcon travel info
Did you know falcons can fly Qatar Airways for free? (One per passenger).
🇶🇦 Local heritage
Falcons are the national bird of Qatar and a significant part of its heritage.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Best time for photos
Visit in the early morning (around 8 AM) for quiet strolls and excellent photo ops.
🤝 Interact respectfully
Shopkeepers are often happy to let you see falcons up close, sometimes even pose.
✈️ Falcon travel info
Did you know falcons can fly Qatar Airways for free? (One per passenger).
🇶🇦 Local heritage
Falcons are the national bird of Qatar and a significant part of its heritage.
🏥 Unique hospital visit
Don't miss the dedicated Falcon Hospital – a one-of-a-kind facility.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Falcon Souq a unique and fascinating destination, offering a rare glimpse into Qatari falconry traditions and the world's only dedicated Falcon Hospital. The opportunity to see and even interact with falcons is a major highlight, creating memorable experiences. The atmospheric market setting adjacent to Souq Waqif adds to its charm.
"This is a veterinary hospital that treats specially birds. If you wanna see falcons here's the ideal place in Doha. Falcons can be seen even outside of the hospital. I didn't have time to go into the hospital to observe. But was able to capture few close ups of the falcons."
Isuru Dissanayake
"One of the coolest places I’ve visited in my life. Who would have thought of a falcon hospital ? Love this"
Natalia
"Nice to watch the birds and the interactions between potential buyers and sellers. Very atmospheric and exotic for someone not from the Middle East."
Gary Brazel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Falcon Souq is conveniently located adjacent to the famous Souq Waqif in Doha. You can easily reach it by taxi or ride-sharing services. Once you're in Souq Waqif, just ask anyone to direct you to the falcon area.
Yes, there are parking facilities available around Souq Waqif, though they can get busy. It's often easier to use a taxi or ride-sharing to avoid parking hassles.
Depending on your starting point, walking might be an option, especially if you are already exploring the Corniche or downtown Doha. However, it's a good idea to check distances on a map.
The Falcon Souq is part of the larger Souq Waqif complex. Wandering through the interconnected alleys is part of the experience. Maps are available, but asking locals is also effective.
While Doha's public transport network is developing, taxis and ride-sharing apps like Uber and Karwa are the most popular and convenient ways to reach Souq Waqif and the Falcon Souq.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Falcon Souq and the general area is free. You can wander through the market and observe the falcons without any admission fee.
The Falcon Souq is generally open throughout the day, but the best time to visit for a quieter experience and to see more activity is in the early morning, around 8 AM. Shops may have varying hours.
While the Falcon Hospital is a unique attraction, there isn't typically a separate entrance fee to view it from the outside or observe falcons in the vicinity. Specific tours or in-depth visits might have costs.
Yes, falcons and related equipment like hoods and jesses are available for purchase. However, ownership is often restricted to Qatari citizens due to the cultural significance and cost.
Generally, photography is allowed, especially in the market areas. However, always be respectful and ask permission before taking close-up photos of individuals or inside private shops.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings, around 8 AM, offer soft light and fewer crowds, making it ideal for capturing the atmosphere and details of the falcons and the market.
A versatile lens, like a 24-70mm, is great for capturing both the birds and the market scenes. A telephoto lens can be useful for close-ups of the falcons.
Definitely try to capture the interaction between sellers and potential buyers, the intricate details of falcon hoods and jesses, and the majestic birds themselves.
While you can see the hospital from the outside, access inside for photography might be restricted. It's best to inquire politely with staff if you wish to take pictures within the facility.
Be patient and respectful. Try to capture their intense gaze and the texture of their feathers. Early morning light is your best friend for stunning shots.
ℹ️ ❓ General Information
The Falcon Souq is a unique market dedicated to falconry, featuring trained birds, specialized equipment, and even a dedicated Falcon Hospital. It's a glimpse into a prestigious Qatari tradition.
You'll see a variety of falcons, from majestic birds of prey to those being trained. You can also find falconry accessories like hoods, jesses, and perches.
Absolutely. Falconry is deeply ingrained in Qatari heritage, and visiting the souq offers insight into this traditional sport and its importance in the region.
Yes, it's located right next to Souq Waqif, which offers a vast array of shops, food stalls, and cultural experiences. You can also see beautiful horses and enjoy views of the Doha skyline.
It's reportedly the only dedicated falcon hospital in the world, offering specialized veterinary care for these prized birds. It's a testament to the importance of falconry in Qatar.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
✈️ Culture & Heritage Seekers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art and Tradition of Falconry in Qatar
The practice of falconry is highly respected, and the birds themselves are treated with immense care. This is evident in the existence of the Falcon Hospital, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to avian veterinary medicine. It underscores the significant investment and commitment Qataris have towards preserving this ancient art. Observing the interactions within the souq offers a unique window into a world where tradition meets modern care, providing a rich cultural experience for any visitor.
Experiencing the Falcon Souq: What to Expect
Beyond the birds themselves, the Falcon Souq is part of the larger, bustling Souq Waqif. This means you're in an area rich with atmosphere, traditional Qatari architecture, and a lively marketplace. Early mornings are often recommended for a more serene visit, allowing you to capture stunning photographs without the midday crowds. While the primary focus is falcons, you might also spot other elements of Qatari life, such as beautiful horses, and enjoy views of the Doha skyline and traditional dhow boats just outside the souq.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit