Travelling by underground isn’t just a practical way to get around the city quickly — in some parts of the world, it’s an extraordinary visual experience.
Here are seven metro stations that are worth a visit—and snapping a few photos of—for their breathtaking beauty.
Contemporary Art in Toledo Station – Naples, Italy
In Naples, the standout Toledo Station was built by Webuild and inaugurated in 2012 as part of the Art Stations project — a network of stops transformed into a museum, featuring over 200 contemporary artworks along lines 1 and 6.
Designed by Spanish architect Oscar Tusquets Blanca, Toledo is a tribute to the elements of water and light. The escalators pass through waves of blue and white tiles that evoke the sea, while the upper halls are dominated by two large mosaics by South African contemporary artist William Kentridge.
Art as a Statement at Solna Centrum – Stockholm, Sweden
With over 90 decorated stations, Solna Centrum is among the most iconic in the Stockholm metro system. Opened in 1975, it features a red vaulted ceiling and green walls symbolising the threat of industrial development to Swedish nature. The Solna station a powerful and theatrical visual statement — perfect for a photo moment.
A Boost to Carbon Neutrality with Cityringen – Copenhagen, Denmark
Cityringen is the underground circular line driving Copenhagen toward its ambitious goal of carbon neutrality. Inaugurated in 2019 and built in collaboration with Webuild, it stands as a model of sustainable urban mobility.
The subway stations, designed by Cobe and Arup, are bright, functional, and made with eco-friendly materials. Nordic elegance and technology blend in spaces that are simple yet striking.
The Best of Soviet Architecture in Avtovo – St. Petersburg, Russia
Built in 1955 in the Stalinist style, Avtovo is an underground masterpiece of the St. Petersburg metro. With marble columns, chandeliers, and neoclassical decorations, the station is known as an “underground palace.” A symbol of Soviet monumental architecture, it blends aesthetics and engineering into a truly unique space.
Expo Postmodernism at Olaias – Lisbon, Portugal
Designed for Expo 1998, Olaias is a vibrant and colourful postmodern metro station in the capital of Portugal. Architect Tomás Taveira collaborated with contemporary artists such as Pedro Cabrita Reis, Graça Pereira Coutinho, and Rui Sanches to create a dynamic environment filled with mosaics, bold geometries, and refined materials – making this Lisbon metro station a symbol of energy and innovation.
Contemporary Art and Urban Design at Oxford Circus – London (Oxford Street), United Kingdom
Opened in 1900, the Oxford Circus station combines Edwardian elegance with modern functionality. Featuring red brick facades and renovated interiors, it is now a central hub of the London network, where history and innovation coexist amid contemporary art and urban architecture.
Future Urban Transport with Orange Line – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Developed by Webuild on behalf of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC), the Orange Line was inaugurated in 2023. With approximately 41 km of track, it is the longest driverless line in the capital. Technology, sustainability, and futuristic design make it a model for future public transport.
