Doha

Do not miss this special souq dedicated to the ancient practice of hunting with falcons, especially if you visit Doha during the falconry season (October to March). Observing owners showing off the birds and browsing through falconry paraphernalia is a memorable, one-of-a-kind experience.

This is the best place in Doha to find some very unusual and quirky things, from quite precious antiques to truly memorable souvenirs. On Fridays the market becomes a quite rowdy affair, as all kinds of sales exchanges are carried out from the backs of trucks.

Al Asmakh Mall mainly houses the retail outlets of the Landmark Group, including Home Center and Centrepoint. The 36.5 thousand square metre shopping centre also houses a children's entertainment area (Fun City) and underground parking. Visitors can even enjoy the street-side café-style seating during the cooler months of the year.

One of Doha’s newest malls, Villaggio on Al Waab Street, has its star attraction, a 500-metre long Venetian canal, completed with mini-gondolas in which customers can glide from shop to shop! The stores on either side of the canal are designed in Italian style with pastel-coloured architecture. Villaggio houses a branch of Virgin Megastore selling a vast selection of books and music, and a vast array of fashion boutiques catering mainly for the younger set.

The Omani Souq located near Salwa Road, sells mostly day-to-day products like fruits and vegetables, but also local honey, hand-made camel equipment, pottery, incense, truffles in season and flowers. Be sure to try the local karak (traditional tea), it is simply superb.

With several locations in the city including at the Sheraton Doha Hotel and Resort and at the City Center shopping mall, Family Bookshop carries a significant supply of English-language books, ranging from literature to very useful travel guides.

The Gate Mall is widely known for the upscale shopping experience it offers. More than 30 international high-end brands are represented here, including Temperley London, Elie Tahari, Matthew Williamson and Paul Smith.

Among the top shopping destinations in Doha, this mall is very family-friendly with its multiple entertainment options for young and old. Cineplex, Circus Land and a whole range of brand-name stores await you here, as well as unusual furniture, fine china and ornaments at The One.

Besides the numerous shopping options, Royal Plaza also offers an interesting 1920s-themed cinema. Located in the heart of the lively Al Sadd district, the mall's Violet Room has a mini banquet space for up to 100 people. The Royal Plaza also gives special care to visitors with disabilities, who can call for arranging an access to special facilities.