Calling all fellow Doha Metro fans! If you’ve been following me for a while, you probably know I’m cultivating a slight obsession with the metro in Qatar. I’ve been sold from the very first moment I set foot on the train. Why? Maybe because the fact that we FINALLY don’t need a car to move around comfortably means so much. Maybe also because, compared to the metro systems I know from Europe, Doha Metro is superior in so many ways. See? I am supposed to write about parks and instead, I sing praise for the metro system. 😀 Keep it together, Joanna!
And now, let’s focus on the actual subject of this post 🙂
So the good news is: there is an unexpectedly high number of parks located either adjacent to the Doha Metro stations or only a short walk away. Many people don’t realize this because they’re so used to taking a car every time they head out. But the weather is getting better, and the metro is super fun for the kids, so… why not? 🙂 (more info about traveling on Doha Metro with kids is HERE).
Here are the list of parks which can be reached using Doha Metro!
Al Bidda Park
One of the biggest and most centrally located parks in Qatar. In fact, it’s so big that there are TWO metro stations adjacent to it! The most convenient option is disembarking at the Al Bidda Station, which also happens to be a connecting station for the Red and Green lines. Once you emerge above the ground, you’ll find yourself basically inside the park, on the Msheireb side of it. It’s also pretty close to the Qatar Bowling Center.
If you’d like to visit the other side of Al Bidda Park, your best bet would be to travel the Red Line to Corniche Station – this way you’ll land very close to where the Expo used to be and you can explore the other side of the park.
5/6 Park
You might know this park because of the amazing Qatar-shaped maze it features. Visiting it using Doha Metro is super easy! Take the Red Line and disembark at the Al Qassar Station. The metro exit is located across the street from the park, and (added bonus!) on the playground side.
My pro tip here is this: you can use Al Qassar Station to reach the southern side of Katara Hills too! There’s a tunnel that connects the station to Katara side.
Katara Hills
I’ve already kinda spoiled it for you – yes, you can reach it from Al Qassar Station, which is only a tunnel away. 🙂 However, if you’re headed towards Katara Hills North (that’s where the man-made river is), you’re better off using Katara Station (also Red Line). This station is located quite strategically, between the South & North Hills, so you can pick your Park of the Day. 🙂
If you fancy a longer walk from Katara Station, you can emerge at the other side of Lusail Highway and head towards Legtaifiya Family Park (one of our family favorites!). Reaching there will take you approx. 15 minutes, and who knows, you might even find the in-ground fountain working, if you’re lucky! 😉
Al Masrah Park & Post Office Plaza
Raise your hand if you have never heard of Al Masrah Park! 😀 I’ll make your life easier: it’s more commonly known as the Umbrella Park, if you look at the photo below, you’ll see why. 🙂 So this Instagrammable small park is located right next to the Corniche Station on the Red Line. There, you can also find a super unique playground (one that imitates Qatar’s best-known structures), and right across the street, there’s the Post Office Plaza. Now this space is a bit boring if you ask me, but nevertheless, it’s green and walkable!
Corniche Station is also a great place to get off the train if you’d like to visit… yes, you guessed it, Doha’s Corniche. 🙂 And possibly have a walk towards Westbay.
Al Abraj Park
Now this one is a bit of a hidden gem – it’s located right in the middle of Westbay and provides a much-needed distraction from the sea of concrete. It’s quite small, but a nice spot to let the kids run around if you’re in the area. If you’re taking the Doha Metro and you’d like to check this park out, disembark at the DECC Station (Red Line) and use the exit next to the Gate Mall. It will take you less than 10 minutes to reach Al Abraj Park.
Hotel Park
Are you surprised to find Hotel Park on this list? When you think about it, it seems that this particular park is located quite far from any Doha Metro station. However, the truth is that it will only take you 10-15min to reach it from DECC Station (Red Line), the actual time depending largely on how badly your kids want to play in the fountain 🙂
If you’d like to continue your adventure, cross the street to the older Dafna Park, and, lo and behold, Qatar Energy Metro Station (Red Line) is only 2km away! So this just turned into a proper walk. You’re welcome. 🙂 (you’re also welcome for saving on parking fees because the Hotel Park parking is paid!).
Aspire Park
Probably the most iconic park in Doha, but, similar to Hotel Park, people prefer to drive there. Granted, the Aziziya Metro Station (Gold Line) is not that close to the park, but hey, you can always take a shortcut through Villaggio Mall (and pick up some picnic food on the way!). You’ll also avoid getting stuck in massive traffic if you’re there in the evening.
Oxygen Park & Qur’anic Botanic Garden
Boys and girls, welcome to Education City! The space so awesome, that there are not one but TWO Doha Metro stations you can use to reach the green areas inside. 🙂
Your first option is getting off the train at Al Shaqab Station (Green Line) and taking a free tram – Oxygen Park is only one stop (and a short walk) away. Tram’s schedule is available HERE. The second option involves taking the metro one stop further, all the way to Qatar National Library Station. Now I know, you will be tempted to just go to the Library instead of visiting the park (it happens to me every single time, hehe). BUT. If your strong will holds for a mere 10 minutes, you will be able to reach the Botanic Garden and enjoy your time there.
Souq Waqif Park
Last but not least, let’s talk about Souq Waqif Park, which is often overlooked because of its proximity to the Souq (people tend to hang around the Souq with its many dining options, rather than visit a nearby park). Nevertheless, I feel that it is my duty to inform you that this small park is only a 10-minute walk away from Doha Metro. All you have to do is get off the train at the Souq Waqif Station (Gold Line) and NOT venture into the Souq. 🙂
Souq Waqif Station is also relatively close to MIA Park – it’s less than 30min walking in total to reach it!
I hope I convinced you to give Doha Metro a try this winter! And as always – if you have any questions, drop me a line at joanna@mamaintransit.com and I’ll do my best to help! 🙂
