The 19th-century Antwerp-Centraal railway station is often hailed as one of the world’s most beautiful stations, with elaborate design work by the legendary Belgian architect, Louis Delacenserie. While the majority of the station remains intact, on closer inspection you’ll notice a wave-like distortion in the train hall roof, a lasting effect of WWII damage. The station was restored in 1986 and today is one of four major rail hubs on the high-speed rail network, whisking travellers off to other areas of Europe at record speeds.

The neo-Renaissance design of Budapest Keleti is one of Hungary’s architectural gems. The name itself, which translates as “eastern railway station”, stems from the station’s origins as a terminal hub for rail services from eastern Europe, such as the Balkans and Transylvania. The station remains a core hub of European rail travel today and is frequented by travellers from across the continent. The pastel-hued building, designed by Gyula Rochlitz and János Feketeházy and constructed between 1881 and 1884, resonates with the eclectic style, which defines design works that draw inspiration from multiple sources. In recent years, the station’s unique architectural style has caught the eye of Hollywood filmmakers, with features in popular films such as Mission Impossible and Black Widow.

Zurich HB embodies the essence of Swiss culture, offering both historic charm and sleek modern designs. The railway hub is one of 22 stations in the Zurich municipality and is one of the busiest railway stations in the world, serving as a gateway to some of the most popular routes across Europe. Don’t let the crowds put you off, however, as the station’s excellent facilities are equipped to deal with high levels of footfall. 

Porto São Bento Station is renowned for its azulejo tile murals by Jorge Colaço, which line the interior lobby hall and represent key moments in Porto’s history. Located in the Historic Centre of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the early 20th-century site remains a charming relic of Portuguese ornamental heritage.

London’s St. Pancras International is housed in a breathtaking Victorian Gothic building designed by British architect George Gilbert Scott. The building features a red brick facade with a vast clock tower, with a glass and wrought iron framework over the tracks designed by British civil engineer William Henry Barlow. Despite being partially damaged during the Blitz, the station has remained a steadfast hub for both national and international travel and now serves as the central station for Eurostar trains to Paris and Brussels.

Other stations that deserve honourable mentions include Madrid Atocha Station which was rebuilt by Rafael Moneo, Paris Gare du Nord, Edinburgh Waverly, Helsinki Centraal and Flam Railway Station.

Enhance your rail journey with a stay at one of our handpicked hotels - like the elegant Widder Hotel in Zürich or Sapphire House Antwerp - both just minutes from their respective stations. Of course, you can discover more options through ASMALLWORLD Collection.