10 Gorgeous Stations Where You’ll Happily Miss Your Train

When a new train or metro station opens up in your city, you can’t wait to experience the new ride but most of all, you are enthralled by the brand new station premises, the spic and span amenities and the modern decor. But there are stations around the world, which have a magical aura about them that fails to wear out even after years and for some stations, it’s almost decades and centuries.

There are many stations, which simply are an integral part of history and define an era of architecture, design and our evolution as a whole. Some have a tale of their own, as to how it came into being. Let’s take a look at some of these fabulous spots, shall we?

1. Grand Central Station

NYC

This one here is truly grand and leaves you feeling like a spec on its main concourse. The art-work on the ceiling of the concourse leaves you amazed at its grandeur. The staircase is said to be a replica of the stairs at the Paris opera house. This iconic station has been a backdrop for many movies worldwide. Opened in 1913, this massive station is also one of the biggest shopping centres in the USA. A whopping 750,000 people travel from this station every day, isn’t that simply awesome?

2. Toledo Metro Station

Naples, Italy

At 50 meters, it is one of the deepest underground stations in Naples. And the escalators which bring you to ground level are simply mesmerizing. Built around the theme of light and water, the art work gives you a feel of looking at the inside of a frozen lake or perhaps makes you feel like you are entering an alternate universe with tons of shimmering stars. Its art and the interpretations are totally up to you.

3. Kievskaya, Mayakovskaya And Park Pobedy Stations

Moscow, Russia

This station boasts of platforms which are nothing short of palatial hallways. Adorned with tasteful Russian paintings which are each displayed under a golden arch, this station exemplifies elegance. And the magic doesn’t end here; you will also be walking under some of the most beautifully designed chandeliers of your life.

4. Antwerp Central Station

Belgium

The intricate interiors of this station will make you feel as if you are inside a cathedral. Completed in 1905, they say no expense was spared on it by King Leopold II. You could spend hours sipping coffee in one of its many cafes and admiring its beautiful interiors.

5. St Pancras International

London

‘Meet me at St Pancras’ – the theme depicted by a statue of two lovers meeting at a station, defines everything amazing about this station. You can hop on a high-speed train that takes you across the English Channel to Paris or Belgium from here. From its great halls to its larger-than-life layout, this station stands a testament to the great Victorian architecture with its red brick facade.

6. Gare Du Nord

Paris

This station showcases Paris in every way possible, from an array of fresh flower stalls, to the aroma of Parisian coffee to fashion and antique shops; it’s all there for you soak in all its glory as soon as you exit from your train. The statues atop its grand exterior depict destinations of the trains leaving from here to across Europe.

7. Avtovo Metro Station

St. Petersburg, Russia

This station has all the Russian bling one can expect. From grand chandeliers to palatial corridors, the station portrays the soviet architecture like none other. The grandeur and art work make it one of the most elegant stations across the globe.

8. Stadion Station

Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm had truly become art lover’s paradise since it had artists decorate about 90 subway stations over a period of 55 years. Today it has become the world’s longest art exhibition covering about 110 kilometres, decorated with sculptures, mosaics, paintings, installations, engravings and reliefs by over 150 artists. The sheer awesomeness of this can be seen at Stadion Station which is adorned by a massive rainbow sculpture at one of the platform entrances.

9. Arts Et Métiers Station

Paris, France

Imagine having to redesign an underground station to commemorate a museum above it. That’s precisely what’s been done at the Arts ET Métiers Station in Paris which houses the Conservatory of Arts and Crafts above it. Inspired by the sci-fi writing of Jules Verne, this station looks something like the inside of a submarine, while sticking to the true Parisian love for art and architecture. Complete with fake portholes, this station gives a true feeling of being in a sub.

10. Jungfraujoch Railway Station

Switzerland

This station receives special accolades only for the sheer feat of engineering that has gone in building it. At 3,454 meters (11,332 ft) above sea level, it is the tallest in Europe. After sixteen years of ardent labour, this station was opened to public in 1912. It connects ‘The top of Europe’ to Kleine Scheidegg, the nearest station just below the mountains. What better way to indulge in the beauty of the Alps than hoping in for a ride to this station?

So, aren’t you blown away by the sheer brilliance and beauty of these amazing stations? The stories behind each one is equally enchanting. They serve as a point of departure or arrival, but are a piece of sightseeing in themselves.

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