Architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness.
Frank Gehry
From subways and metros to underground railways, these subterranean marvels are more than just transit hubs – they’re canvases for artistic expression, architectural ingenuity, and cultural reflections. Beyond their practical function, these unique metro stations around the world double as captivating city attractions, showcasing everything from classic elegance to avant-garde design. Here’s a curated selection of 30 of the most beautiful and unusual metro stations from around the globe, blending functionality with artistic flair.
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1. Naples Metro, Italy
The Naples Metro, also known as Metropolitana di Napoli, began construction in 1911 and has evolved continuously, adding new lines and platforms over the decades. Recently, the “Stations of Art” initiative transformed the metro into a living gallery, featuring over 180 artworks by 90 artists along lines 1 and 6. Toledo Station, inspired by water and light, is particularly famous, with blue-and-white tile mosaics and light installations creating an underwater ambiance. Another standout is Università Art Station, with vibrant, psychedelic designs symbolizing the digital age.
2. Moscow Metro, Russia
Renowned for its opulence, the Moscow Metro is a subterranean museum of Soviet-era art and architecture. With over 200 stations, many adorned with marble floors, grand sculptures, and mosaics celebrating Soviet culture, it’s no wonder visitors are encouraged to explore its beauty. Iconic stations on the Circle Line, such as Taganskaya and Komsomolskaya, showcase Stalinist grandeur, while Mayakovskaya on the Green Line is a favorite for its elegant design.
3. Stockholm Underground, Sweden
Dubbed the world’s longest art gallery, Stockholm’s metro boasts over 90 decorated stations. Each station offers a distinct artistic experience, from the video game-inspired Thorildsplan to the archaeologically themed Rådhuset. Solna Centrum stands out with its dramatic red and black color scheme, symbolizing environmental concerns. This metro system blends art with everyday commuting in a unique way.
4. Lisbon Metro, Portugal
Lisbon’s metro stations are like individual art exhibits, with each one telling a story through traditional Portuguese tiles and modern installations. Highlights include the cavernous Olaias on the Red Line and Parque on the Blue Line, which honors explorers. This metro system invites both locals and tourists to pause and appreciate its artistic splendor.
5. London Underground, England
The iconic London Underground, operational since 1863, is celebrated not just for its extensive network but also for its artistic touches. Historic stations like Piccadilly Circus and Oxford Circus feature unique tile designs that reflect the city’s rich architectural heritage, making them must-see stops for art and history enthusiasts.
6. St. Petersburg Metro, Russia
Known for its luxurious design, the St. Petersburg Metro offers a smaller but equally impressive collection of ornate stations. Notable stops like Avtovo and Admiralteyskaya feature opulent marble, chandeliers, and grand columns, embodying the grandeur typical of Russian underground spaces.
7. Abbesses Métro Station, Paris, France
Abbesses, one of Paris’s deepest metro stations, is celebrated for its Art Nouveau entrance designed by Hector Guimard. This station is adorned with colorful murals and intricate designs that capture the essence of Montmartre, making it a favorite among photographers and visitors alike.
8. Berlin U-Bahn, Germany
Berlin’s U-Bahn is a living history of the city, with stations reflecting the architectural styles of different eras. Alexanderplatz, with its classic blue-grey tiles, is a standout, while the entire system offers a glimpse into Berlin’s past and present through its well-preserved and restored stations.
9. The Millennium Underground Railway, Budapest, Hungary
As Europe’s first continental metro line, Budapest’s Millennium Underground is a historic gem. Still operational, it features classic stations with period details, and even a museum at Deak Ferenc ter that showcases the line’s storied past with original carriages and memorabilia.
10. Munich U-Bahn, Germany
Munich’s U-Bahn is home to some striking underground art, including the colorful Candidplatz and the dramatic, light-filled Westfriedhof. These stations, with their unique designs and artistic elements, transform daily commutes into visually engaging experiences. These metro systems, with their blend of art, architecture, and culture, turn ordinary commutes into extraordinary journeys, offering glimpses into the creative spirit of the cities they serve.
11 Nowy Świat-Uniwersytet Metro Station, Warsaw, Poland
Nowy Świat-Uniwersytet Metro Station in Warsaw is one of the city’s most visually striking stations. Opened on March 8, 2015, this stop on the M2 Line feels like stepping into a futuristic spacecraft, thanks to its vivid purple color scheme and sleek, modern design. The walls are adorned with contemporary graphic patterns, adding to the sci-fi atmosphere. Another notable station in Warsaw is Świętokrzyska, known for its bright yellow theme. Both stations were designed by Estudia Lamela and are must-visits for architecture enthusiasts.
12 Triangeln Underground Station, Malmö, Sweden
Located in the heart of Malmö, Triangeln Underground Station is an architectural marvel with its futuristic, spaceship-like design. Walking into the station is like stepping into another world. The glass structure offers stunning views both inside and out, especially at night when it’s beautifully illuminated. To capture its full grandeur, you might need a drone to photograph it from above.
13 Kiev Metro, Ukraine
Ex-Soviet metro stations are known for their unique designs, and Kiev (Kyiv) boasts some of the most beautiful and intriguing in Europe. While Arsenalna station is famous for being the world’s deepest metro station at 105 meters below ground, it’s Zoloti Vorota that truly stands out with its castle-like decor and mosaics depicting ancient rulers and patron saints of Kyiv. Another notable station is Osokorky, which features contemporary street art reflecting Ukrainian culture. With fares as low as 8 UAH, exploring Kyiv’s metro is an affordable way to see some of the city’s hidden gems.
14 Tbilisi Metro, Georgia
Tbilisi Metro, inaugurated in 1966, was the fourth underground system in the former Soviet Union. Designed to serve cities with populations over one million, Tbilisi was an exception, receiving its metro before hitting this milestone. The system includes 23 stations, with 21 located underground, many of which feature Soviet-style mosaics that reflect the character of the surrounding neighborhoods. For example, Technical University Station is adorned with mosaics celebrating art, science, and education. Though not the most glamorous, Tbilisi Metro offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s Soviet past.
15 Kazan Metro, Russia
While Moscow’s metro is world-renowned, Kazan’s lesser-known system is equally worth exploring. As the capital of Tatarstan, Kazan’s metro showcases Tatar culture through its artwork, particularly at the Kremlinskaya station, where mosaics depict life in the Kazan Khanate during the 14th and 15th centuries. The city’s single metro line consists of about 10 stations, all of which can be visited in an afternoon. A ride costs only 27 rubles, making it an affordable way to explore the city.
16 Glasgow Subway, Scotland
Glasgow’s Subway is among the simplest metro systems in the world, with two circular routes (Inner and Outer Circle) running over the River Clyde. The entire circuit takes just 24 minutes and costs £1.55, making it an easy and affordable option for getting around the city. A unique local tradition is the “Clockwork Orange” pub crawl, named after the subway’s orange-and-white color scheme, where participants attempt to visit a pub at each of the 15 stops. Key stops include Hillhead (near Glasgow University) and Buchanan Street (for shopping).
17 Athens Metro, Greece
Syntagma Station in Athens is a sight to behold. Located in Syntagma Square, it serves as a key interchange between metro lines and the Athens Tram. The station is known for its spotless marble floors and gleaming design. During its construction, numerous ancient artifacts were uncovered and are now displayed in glass cases throughout the station, blending modern transit with Athens’ rich archaeological heritage.
18 São Bento Railway & Metro Station, Porto, Portugal
São Bento Railway Station in Porto is famous for its stunning interior, adorned with over 20,000 azulejo tiles depicting historical battles and pastoral scenes, a project that took 11 years to complete. Below ground, the metro station contrasts sharply with its minimalist, stark white design. São Bento is an active station, bustling with commuters, which adds to the city’s characteristic blend of old-world charm and urban vitality.
19 Politehnica Metro Station, Bucharest, Romania
Politehnica Station in Bucharest stands out for its unique floor, made from pink marble embedded with 80-million-year-old fossils. The limestone, sourced from Romania’s Apuseni Mountains, was initially chosen for its aesthetic appeal, with the presence of fossils only becoming widely known years later. This station, often frequented by students and staff from the nearby Politehnica University, offers a fascinating peek into the geological past and is a must-see for visitors to Bucharest.
20. Tashkent Metro, Uzbekistan
The Tashkent Metro is a unique attraction in Tashkent, renowned for its artistic stations. Photography was prohibited until 2018, preserving these stunning designs as a hidden gem until recently. A ticket costs only 12 cents, and you can hop on and off trains as much as you want without exiting the station. In just a couple of hours, you can explore many notable stations and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. Each station features a distinct theme, often showcasing Uzbek culture and Silk Road history. Highlights include Kosmonavtlar, dedicated to Soviet cosmonauts; Pakhtakor, adorned with mosaics of cotton fields; and Alisher Navoi, which boasts a mosque-like design.
21. Formosa Boulevard MRT Station, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
The Dome of Light in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, is one of the largest colored glass art installations in the world, making it a must-see. Created by Italian artist Narcissus Quagliata, this 660-square-meter dome comprises over 4,500 glass panels and represents the stages of human life through elements like water, earth, light, and fire. The Dome of Light also has significant local meaning, commemorating the pro-democracy Formosa Incident of the 1970s. Located at Formosa Boulevard Station, a busy transfer hub in Kaohsiung, the Dome of Light is easily accessible with ample signage in English.
22. Tama-Center Transit Station, Tokyo, Japan
Tama-Center Station in Tokyo is a paradise for Sanrio fans, featuring beloved characters like Hello Kitty, Gudetama, and Little Twin Stars. The station, just 40 minutes from Shibuya, is filled with adorable decorations, from platform signs to a faux-stained glass ceiling in the ticket area showing Sanrio characters dressed as conductors. The station serves as a gateway to Sanrio Puroland, an indoor amusement park just a 10-minute walk away, where you can meet Hello Kitty in person.
23. Delhi Metro, India
Since opening in 2002, Delhi Metro has grown into one of the most efficient ways to get around the city. It has also become known for its artistic stations, each with unique designs reflecting India’s cultural diversity. Notable stations include INA Metro Station on the Yellow Line, featuring 58 panels of Indian handicrafts; Hauz Khas, with paintings of Delhi’s historic monuments; Mandi House, which displays photographs documenting central Delhi’s history; and Patel Chowk, home to the Metro Museum, which showcases the metro’s development.
24. Bund Sightseeing Tunnel, Shanghai, China
The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel in Shanghai offers a brief but unique underground experience with psychedelic lights and sounds during the short ride between the Bund and the Trade Zone. While not the top attraction in Shanghai, it provides an unusual way to cross the river for those interested in quirky, touristy experiences. A round trip costs 70 RMB, though a one-way trip is often recommended.
25. Almaty Metro, Kazakhstan
Almaty Metro, though limited in reach beyond the city center, is a must-see for visitors to Kazakhstan’s former capital. Opened in 2011, long after the Soviet Union’s collapse, the metro’s stations reflect post-Soviet grandeur, with themes celebrating Kazakh culture and geography. Notable stations include one dedicated to apples, given Almaty’s fame as the ‘city of apples,’ and Jibek Joli, which celebrates the Silk Road. It’s also very affordable and safe, costing just 20 cents per ride.
26. Wynyard Underground Rail Station, Sydney
Wynyard Station in Sydney, primarily serving the city’s corporate commuters, features a striking installation made from the station’s original wooden escalators, dating back to the 1930s. This sculpture, created during a 2017 refurbishment, offers a nostalgic tribute to the station’s history and is a fascinating sight for visitors exploring Sydney’s central business district.
27. Union Station, Los Angeles, USA
Los Angeles Union Station, the main hub of the city’s expanding metro system, is a historical gem blending Art Deco, Mission Revival, and Streamline Moderne styles. Built in 1939, it serves as a gateway to many of LA’s neighborhoods and attractions, including downtown LA, Olivera Street, Chinatown, and Japantown. Union Station is more than just a transit hub; it also features restaurants, gardens, and rotating art exhibits, making it a destination in itself.
28. Buenos Aires Underground, Argentina
Buenos Aires recently extended its subway Line E with three new stations featuring remarkable artwork by prominent female Argentine artists. At Retiro Station, Marta Minujin’s sculpture “David Fragmentandose” reflects the fragmentation of the Argentinian people. Correo Central Station showcases Marcela Cabutti’s floral work “Pasionarias a orillas del río,” while Catalinas Station displays Gachi Hasper’s vibrant geometric art. These stations offer a glimpse into Argentina’s cultural landscape and commitment to gender equality in public spaces.
29. Montreal Metro, Canada
The Montreal Metro, with 68 stations spread across four lines, has a rich history of integrating public art into its design. Inspired by the Paris Metro, the system features colorful murals, sculptures, and other artworks created by local artists over the decades. Notable pieces include the enamelled steel murals at Papineau Station and Michel de Broin’s aluminum sculpture “Révolutions” at the entrance. Exploring Montreal’s metro is like touring an underground art gallery.
30. Museum Subway Station, Toronto, Canada
Museum Station in Toronto is a standout among the otherwise plain subway stops of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). Its design reflects the station’s connection to the nearby Royal Ontario Museum, featuring pillars that resemble museum artifacts like Greek columns, totem poles, and Egyptian statues. Located on the Yonge-University Line in downtown Toronto, it’s a visually striking spot worth visiting outside of rush hours.
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