Antwerp Central Railway Station in Belgium, often hailed as the most beautiful train station globally, has become an unexpected tourist hotspot. Renowned for its unique beauty that baffles architectural classification, the station was crowned the world’s most beautiful in 2014 by Mashable writer Dennis Green and continues to top various rankings, including Conde Nast Traveller’s list of the 36 most beautiful train stations.

Euronews also recognized Antwerp Central Railway Station in a roundup of Europe’s most stunning train stations. Beyond expert acclaim, tourists on TripAdvisor have showered praise on the station, describing it as a “masterpiece of art and history” with its majestic domes, arches, sculptures, and an impressive interior featuring marble floors, stained glass windows, and ornate decorations.

Antwerp Central, inaugurated on August 11, 1905, boasts a 66m steel canopy designed by Clément Van Bogaert and an interior that leaves visitors in awe. Inspired by the Pantheon in Rome, Belgian architect Louis Delacenserie designed the large dome that floods the station with natural light, earning it nicknames like the “railroad cathedral” or “Spoorwegkathedraal.”

Delacenserie incorporated diverse architectural styles, including Neo-Renaissance, Art Nouveau, and Baroque, using over 20 types of marble and stone. The station features towering columns, intricate ironwork, a large station clock, and high-glass-ceilinged train halls. Designated a protected monument in 1975, it underwent a thorough renovation in 1986 and expanded in the early 2000s, doubling its capacity with two underground levels.

Antwerp Central serves as a crucial transport hub with high-speed services to Amsterdam, Paris, and Marseille, attracting commuters, residents, and tourists alike. The station is now a highlight on walking tours, and travel options include direct flights from the UK or Eurostar services from London St Pancras to Brussels, followed by a connecting train to Antwerp.

For those seeking scenic rail journeys, options abound, including a picturesque 25-minute train ride along the Italian coast in the Cinque Terre region, offering breathtaking views of clear waters, rugged cliffs, and vibrant buildings. Additionally, travellers can experience sea views on specific London Tube routes and explore some of the most beautiful railway journeys in the UK.