The Traveller's Magazine
Travel by rails still ignites a traveller’s spirit. Vast expanses, the lurch of the train forward as it leaves the station. The dining car and the possibility to meet someone, ignited by Before Sunrise. If you’re bound for the rails, depart from one of the world’s most beautiful stations.
New York’s Grand Central
New York’s Grand Central Station has been the heart of the city’s movement for a hundred years. 700,000 people pass through its doors, board trains and watch their departure times flick up on the timetable board from the large marble floor in the centre of the station. Grand Central is still standing today thanks to Jackie Kennedy who campaigned to protect and preserve it as a city landmark when developers wanted to tear it down.
How to: experience New York for FREE
Hensinki’s Central Station
Helsinki’s central train station is the workmanship of architect Eliel Sarrinen who immigrated to the USA in the 1920s. Before he did though, he designed one of the most famous buildings in Finland, the capital’s central train station. It opened in 1919 and is one of the finest examples of art nouveau architecture.
Liège-Guillemins Station
Liege may be Belgium’s third largest city but it’s got a train station that even turns Brussels and Antwerp green with envy. The station was unveiled in 2009 and is the masterpiece of Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. It may have took a decade to build but the result is amazing, from the 35m high glass roof to the child day care facilities. Plus, it was important for Calatrava that there be no advertising on the platforms… none. How refreshing!
Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
Mumbai’s train station was christened Victoria Terminus after the British Queen Victoria in the year 1887, in time for her Golden Jubilee. Today, 125 years later, Mumbai’s central train station is called Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in honour of the first Maratha emperor. The station, designed by Frederick William Stevens, is one of the finest examples of great Victorian Gothic Revival architecture, with an Indian twist of course. As India’s busiest station, an estimated 3 million pass through the station on a daily basis.
Travelling in India: female and solo
What’s your favourite train station to travel from?
#fridayfinds is a bi-weekly feature on the Traveller’s Blog. We collect some inspiring photos from around the web and match them up with some great travel tips and ideas. Want to recommend a theme? Leave us a comment.
