Are you the adventurous type who likes to explore new cities via public transportation? Do you seek to find beauty in the unlikeliest of places? If so, this list is for you! If you’re like me, you’re used to your everyday run-of-the-mill train stations that simply function as part of the transit system taking you from point A to point B. They range from ‘blah’ to downright creepy. Well, these ain’t those!
Here you’ll find eight train stations around the globe akin to functional works of art. More like attractions themselves, these are definitely worth a spot on your itinerary. Strike a pose and capture some top-notch photos as you explore new cities, visiting some of the world’s most Insta-worthy train stations.
1. São Bento Station - Porto, Portugal
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Located in Porto’s Almeida Garret Square, the São Bento train station is decorated with more than 20,000 blue and white azulejo tiles. Traditionally, these stunning tin-glazed ceramic tiles have been used in royal dwellings, churches, and schools.
Laid over a span of 11 years in the early 1900s, the art displayed on the intricate tiles depicts stories from Portuguese history. They include the Conquest of Ceuta, the Battle of Valdevez, and other notable battles and important events.
2. Kuala Lumpur Railway Station - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Kuala Lumpur Railway Station looks more like a palace than a transportation hub. Designed in the lavish Indo-Saracenic architectural style, the stark all-white structure stands out, with ornate arches, detailed domes, and minaret-like structures that tower into the sky.
Before the Petronas twin towers were erected in 1998, the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station was the most popular icon in the city. Fun fact: Though there have only been two instances of snowfall in Malaysia recorded since 1975, the roof of the station was designed to be able to support up to three meters of snow…just in case!
3. T-Centralen Station - Stockholm, Sweden
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With around 90 out its 100 railway stations being decorated as works of art, Stockholm is world-renowned for its transportation system, which has come to be known as the world’s longest art exhibition. One of the most recognizable stations, T-Centralen Station, sits at the heart of the city’s railway system, accessible via all of its trains.
The platform was painted by artist Per Olof Ultvedt in a simple yet beautiful blue and white leaf motif. Art enthusiasts surmise the blue hue was chosen for its calming effects.
“I think Per Olof Ultvedt wanted to create a calming atmosphere because this is a station where people are in a hurry,” said art guide Marie Andersson. “They are changing trains to another metro line or another commuter train.”
4. Maputo Central Railway Station - Maputo, Mozambique
Designed in the Beaux-Arts architectural style, Mozambique‘s historic Maputo Central Railway Station is one of Maputo’s most well-known landmarks. With stunning verandas, pillars, and lattices, the station is truly a work of art.
In fact, Maputo Central Railway Station also houses Kulungwana Espaço Artístico, a small art gallery exhibiting and selling unique works created by various local and international artists.
5. Madrid Atocha Railway Station - Madrid, Spain
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Madrid Atocha Railway Station is the largest train station in Spain, and was the first to be built in the city of Madrid, in 1892. Renovated from its original form over 100 years later, today the station resembles a huge greenhouse, housing a lush garden filled with tropical plants.
Up until 2018, the station’s gardens were home to over 300 turtles, most of which were abandoned pets. However, they have since been relocated to the Wildlife Center of Navas del Rey.
6. Komsomolskaya Station - Moscow, Russia
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One of the busiest stations in Mocscow, Russia, Komsomolskaya Station is also one of the prettiest. Some of the features that make it unique include chandeliers, vaulted ceilings, Baroque-style detailing, large statues, and numerous breathtaking arches and columns.
Like Porto’s São Bento Station, the walls are decorated with beautiful mosaics depicting stories from notable moments throughout Russian history.
7. Kanazawa Station - Kanazawa, Japan
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Having received a contemporary facelift in 2005, Japan‘s Kanazawa Station combines modernist design elements with traditional Japanese style for a truly innovative and unique appearance.
The huge wooden torii-esque gate evokes the aura of a sacred shrine, while the garden provides a calm and relaxing oasis amid the hustle and bustle. Other interesting elements include the station’s massive glass dome roof and its fountain that also functions as a clock.
8. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Station - Mumbai, India
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Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Made in the Italian Gothic style using limestone, sandstone, and Italian marble, construction of the extravagant building took ten years to complete.
At the entrance gates of the station are columns topped by a lion and tiger, which represent Great Britain and India, respectively.
