The 10 Most Beautiful Subway Systems in the World

When thinking of subway systems, most people will generally focus on the practical purpose they serve in transporting people from one area of a city to another. It is unlikely that the beauty of the subway is something that will spring to mind. When thinking about their appearance, the majority of subways could be described as grey, dingy, smelly, and unnatural looking with their dim lighting and concrete blocks. However, there are some subways across the globe that are not like this at all. In fact, they have become for their beauty. Here are ten of the most beautiful subway systems in the world.

Naples, Italy Subway

Although Naples is generally known for its historic architecture, the subway in this city is of a completely different style. The Toledo Metro Station is designed in light bright color and has Metro passengers feeling like they are entering another world from a science-fiction movie. The station features bright lights, mirrored areas and walls that look like they are covered in a million stars. Another interesting station in this subway is the University of Naples Station as this features a brightly colored psychedelic design.

Taiwan Subway

One of the most outstanding stations on Taiwan’s subway is the three-story Formosa Boulevard Station. The most notable feature in this station is the Dome of Light. This was designed by Narcissus Quagliata, an Italian artist, and is the world’s largest glasswork. The glasswork is a huge attraction for tourists. Unusually, this station is also used as a wedding venue.

Stockholm, Sweden Subway

Many of the most stunning and unique stations in the world are part of Sweden’s subway. Each of the stations in this subway has its own unique and outstanding design. Radhuset Station has exposed rock painted red that creates a look that is somewhere between futuristic and volcanic. The smart elevators that appear from the center add to the modern feel. Kungstradgarden Metro Station is like being on another planet as some sections feature modern designs while others have exposed rock that create the sensation of waling through a cave. Stadion Station boasts painted rock faces including a distorted rainbow over the entrance.

Lisbon, Portugal Subway

Tomas Taveira was the architect who designed the Olias Station on the Red Line in Lisbon, Portugal. It has a very unusual design that features installation art that was put together by Rui Sanchez, Pedro Calapez, Graca Pereira Coutinho, and Pedro Cabrita Reis. If combines splashes of color, the use of unusual materials, and an almost industrial feel.

St. Petersburg, Russia Subway

The subway of St. Petersburg is a representation of the history and culture of Russia. The perfect example of this is Avtova Metro Station, which features baroque designs, classic artworks, and interesting mosaics.

Shanghai, China Subway

While some subways stand out for their stations, the subway in Shanghai is beautiful because of its tunnels. The Bundt Sightseeing Tunnel consists of a variety of designs, from swirls in shades of blue that look like you are falling into a hole, to brightly colored sections similar in design to a kaleidoscope.

Moscow, Russia Subway

The architecture of Moscow was once known for its fine examples of structures built during various periods of history. However, it is now just as well-known for its innovative contemporary landmarks. The perfect example of this is the Slavyansky Bulvar Station which has polished platform floors and white ceilings with funky geometric designs. In direct contrast is the Komsomolskaya Station which has a traditional baroque-style décor and features historical mosaics.

Paris, France Subway

Paris is known for its beautiful architecture and fascinating history in the art world. These features of the city extend to the subways. Two stations in this subway stand out in terms of their beauty. The first of these is Palais Royal, which has a particularly attractive entrance that is lined with dazzling colored beads. The second is Arts Et Metiers Station. This has an interesting industrial design with the walls lined in copper panels and cogs suspended from the ceilings.

New York, United States Subway

New York is a city that always likes to stand out from the crowd, so why should the subway design be any different? There are two stations that are particularly notable in this subway; Fulton Transit Center and City Hall Station. The former is one of the newest stations on the subway and it features a huge oculus, which is a stunning conical conduit that draws in light from the street level above. The latter was opened in 1904 and its curved architecture and feature clock are fascinating to see. Sadly, this station is no longer in operation and is now a ghost station.

Frankfurt, Germany Subway

Although many of the metro stations of Frankfurt’s subway do not particularly stand out as being anything special, that is not the case for Bockenheimer Wart. This station was designed by Zbigniew Peter Pininski. The fantastical entrance to the station depicts a train car crashing through the wall of the sidewalk.