13 Cities Where Riding the Subway Is the Main Attraction – Author Kathy Haan

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Subways are usually thought of as a way to get from point A to point B, but in some cities, the underground is part of the adventure. From stations that double as art galleries to trains that run beneath centuries-old streets, subways can tell stories about history, culture, and urban design. In certain places, hopping on the metro is as much a must-do as visiting a landmark above ground. Here are 13 cities where riding the subway is the main attraction.

1. New York City, USA

New York’s subway is more than a transit system. It’s a living snapshot of the city’s diversity and history. With over 400 stations, each ride offers a different experience, whether it’s hearing a jazz trio in Union Square, spotting intricate mosaics in old stations, or simply watching the energy of daily commuters. The 24-hour schedule adds to the character, making it feel alive at any time of day. For visitors, taking the subway isn’t just practical. It’s part of what makes New York feel like New York.

2. London, UK

London’s Underground, famously called the Tube, is both functional and iconic. Its roundel logo and tiled stations are instantly recognizable. Beyond transport, the system is steeped in history, with stations dating back to the 19th century. The Tube’s distinctive map, created by Harry Beck in 1931, is considered a design classic worldwide. Riding the Tube means passing through platforms with vintage charm, escalators lined with posters, and routes that cut through centuries of city growth. It’s a ride into London’s past and present at once.

3. Paris, France

Paris’s Métro is known for its style as much as efficiency. Art Nouveau entrances designed by Hector Guimard make stepping underground feel like entering a gallery. Inside, stations feature striking murals, themed decorations, and even literary tributes. The system’s compact layout makes it easy to explore neighborhoods quickly, while offering a peek into the artistic soul of the city. A ride here isn’t just about getting to the Eiffel Tower or Montmartre. It’s about appreciating how Paris turns even a subway station into a piece of art.

4. Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo’s subway is a marvel of precision and scale. It’s famously punctual, with trains arriving almost to the second, and its reach across the vast metropolis is unmatched. But what really makes it an attraction is the culture it reveals. From orderly boarding to quirky themed trains, the experience reflects Japan’s mix of tradition and innovation. Stations are filled with convenience stores, dining spots, and even full shopping complexes. For a visitor, navigating Tokyo’s subway is both a challenge and an unforgettable immersion.

5. Moscow, Russia

Moscow’s Metro is often described as a palace for the people. Many stations were built during the Soviet era and showcase grand chandeliers, marble columns, and mosaics that rival fine art museums. Taking a ride feels like stepping through a gallery of political history and architectural splendor. Each station tells a different story, from heroic workers to ornate tributes to Russian culture. It’s both transport and spectacle, a reminder that even a daily commute can unfold in a space of grandeur and symbolism.

6. Seoul, South Korea

Seoul’s subway is sleek, modern, and surprisingly fun. Stations are packed with shopping, food courts, and cultural exhibits. Digital art installations and interactive displays make the ride more engaging than just waiting for a train. It’s also one of the cleanest and most efficient systems in the world. For travelers, it’s a chance to see local life up close, from students in uniforms to groups of friends heading out for karaoke. The system blends convenience with cultural glimpses that make it feel like more than a commute.

7. Berlin, Germany

Berlin’s U-Bahn isn’t just practical; it’s a visual treat. Stations often feature bold color schemes, geometric patterns, and distinctive signage. Riding the U-Bahn offers an alternative view of the city, cutting across neighborhoods that tell stories of both East and West Berlin. Some stations preserve Cold War history, while others embrace strikingly modern designs. The trains themselves are iconic with their bright yellow exteriors. A ride here gives visitors a sense of Berlin’s layered identity, mixing history with creative, urban flair.

8. Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm’s subway, known as the Tunnelbana, is often called the world’s longest art gallery. Nearly every station features murals, sculptures, or bold installations created by Swedish artists. The result is an underground world filled with color and imagination. Exploring the Tunnelbana feels like taking a moving museum tour, with each stop revealing something new. From futuristic lighting to cavern-like walls painted in vibrant shades, the system proves that functional spaces can also be deeply inspiring. It’s a must-see part of the city.

9. Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s MTR is efficient, but what makes it an attraction is the energy inside. Stations are hubs of daily life, with shops, bakeries, and long underground corridors filled with commuters. Riding the MTR offers a front-row view of the city’s rhythm. It’s fast, crowded, and buzzing with movement, reflecting Hong Kong itself. Beyond speed, the MTR also connects to ferries and trams, making it part of a larger transport adventure. For visitors, hopping on the MTR is an instant immersion into the city’s pulse.

10. Montreal, Canada

Montreal’s metro is a cultural showcase. Each station was designed by a different architect, which means every stop has its own personality. From bold geometric forms to artistic murals, the variety makes traveling underground a surprise at every turn. The trains themselves run on rubber tires, giving rides a smooth, distinctive feel. For visitors, the metro is both practical and a way to sample the city’s artistic identity. It turns daily commuting into a gallery crawl beneath the streets of Montreal.

11. Shanghai, China

Shanghai’s subway is one of the largest and busiest in the world, and riding it feels like stepping into the future. Stations are modern, bright, and often lined with high-tech displays. The scale alone is impressive, stretching across a city that never seems to slow down. For travelers, it’s a fascinating way to grasp just how vast Shanghai is, while also enjoying sleek trains that glide efficiently. It’s more than transport. It’s a testament to how quickly a city can build and adapt on a grand scale.

12. Athens, Greece

Athens’s metro is a mix of modern function and ancient history. During construction, workers uncovered countless artifacts, many of which are now displayed in the stations themselves. This means a ride often comes with unexpected glimpses of pottery, statues, and relics. It’s like blending a museum visit with your commute. The sleek, modern design of the newer stations contrasts with the history they contain, creating a unique experience. For visitors, the Athens metro makes the past and present meet underground.

13. Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon’s metro is colorful, creative, and full of charm. Stations are decorated with striking tile work, murals, and contemporary art installations. Each stop feels like stepping into a different gallery, showcasing Portugal’s love for azulejos and vibrant design. The system itself is compact and easy to use, but what sets it apart is the visual experience. Riding through Lisbon’s metro adds a playful, artistic layer to city travel. It’s a reminder that even underground, Lisbon knows how to impress with color and style.

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