The most beautiful metro stations in the world

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Ask many of those who frequent the dark and dingy spaces of the New York, Paris or London underground transportation systems and beautiful architecture and stunning design may not be the first words that spring to mind.

"When an elevated vision for the humble subway does manage to come together, however, the work is a boon for frequent underground travellers," says Travel + Leisure.

Around the world, there are a number of metro stations that are beginning to buck the trend. From grand chandeliers and light projections to huge mosaics, interesting artefacts and culturally relevant street furniture, these stations are built with the commuter in mind.

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"A tunnel carved by man through the earth and rock is a very special kind of place," said architect Lord Norman Foster, as a part of his submission to design a station in Bilbao, Spain. "Its shape is a response to the forces of nature and the texture of its construction bears the imprint of man. As found, these qualities of shape and texture have a drama; they should be respected, not covered up to pretend that it is just another building. You should feel that you are below ground and it should be a special kind of experience."

Here are eight that embody Foster's words: