I truly believe the metro often captures the vibe and functioning of a city. So here’s a list of my impressions of different metro systems in Europe and the U.S.A.
When I travel, I always go on city trips. And no, for me that doesn’t involve hanging out at cute lunch spots for hours. When I visit a city, I want to see absolutely everything. This means 15 km of walking a day isn’t an exception. However, for further distances, taking the metro is involved. And I have some thoughts.
Paris: stairs, stairs, and more stairs
If your destination is only one station further, you might as well walk in Paris. Otherwise you’ll take a lot of unnecessary stairs. And no, there are no escalators. If there’s an elevator (which I assume is mandatory for accessibility), they’re hidden exceptionally well.
The entrances are usually charming, just like the city itself. However, you don’t want to look too close. Strong smells can also be involved, despite some cute station names like Bonne Nouvelle (‘Good News’).
It can get very busy and people do not hesitate to squeeze themselves in by pushing you aside. You might start to wonder if you’re invisible… I experienced some really antisocial behaviour (this does fit the French stereotype a bit 😉). If you can wait, just let 2 or 3 trains pass by for your own good.
London: a mix of old and new
Fairly easy to navigate, although your experience may depend on the line. If you take the ‘old’ Central line (red), it can get very busy and loud. The Elizabeth line (purple) is the newest addition to the underground system. This one feels very modern, with lots of space. So just like above ground, you get to experience lots of different vibes within one city.
In any case: if you have the choice to either take the stairs or the elevator, always take the elevator!! Otherwise you keeps spiralling stairs for a long time, given how deep the underground is. It’s actually quite impressive. Just don’t be too distracted so that you block the escalators for walking people: always stand on the right!
Madrid: charming with an easy-going vibe
The Madrid metro system is very easy to navigate and overall clean. The entrances are charming, a bit like the ones in Paris but less smelly (luckily). Actually, the city itself also has some similarities with Paris. The buildings are beautiful and have that same grandeur. However, Madrid (including the metro) feels more accessible and easy-going. Maybe it’s because of the warmer climate.
In any case, I’ve seen lots of beautiful (young) people there, including on the metro. I don’t know what it is about the city, but it felt like the place to be.
Copenhagen: no drivers (really!)
This was a weird one to me since there are no drivers, everything works fully automated. I thought it was fun to take “the front seat” to look at the tunnels – or sometimes to look at actual views (like when you head into the city from the airport) – ahead of you.
The metro in Copenhagen is also very safe: there are glass barriers so you can’t fall onto the tracks. This all matches the city’s image: generally safe and modern. One example of that safety: did you know parents leave their babies outside in their strollers when they go to restaurants, bakeries etc.? The babies just nap – even in cold temperatures – while the parents relax inside. This was even stranger to me than the metro without drivers.
Berlin: a bit complicated at times
The metro stations are clean and relatively spacious. Just make sure you don’t mistake the metro (U-bahn) for the S-bahn (regular trains). There are some stations (like Potsdamer Platz) where they all come together, and it can be a bit complicated to find the right platform there. This matches the history of the city, which obviously also is a bit complicated.
Brussels: artsy, but avoid creeps
One could say Brussels is quite an artsy city, being the home of famous painters like Magritte. You can also tell by taking the metro. In many stations there are murals that match the part of the city where you are. There are also other special decorations hanging from the ceilings. And often there are people making music/singing, which adds to the vibe.
The metro is also quite efficient (more so than trams since the metro is less impacted by construction sites and other obstructions like traffic). Just be cautious of creepy men around some entrances.
New York City: horrible all the time, scenic occasionally
First of all: it’s a complete maze. Not only the many lines, but also the subway stations themselves. Especially in the busy centre of Manhattan. Even Google Maps will only get you so far.
Now, let’s say you reached the right platform and train (hooray), you still had to conquer horrible smells first. In any case: do not take the elevator. I repeat: do not take the elevator! You’ll be in a closed off box with no air and only the smell of urine.
But the views once you’re on the metro? They can be amazing, especially over the Brooklyn Bridge. That way, taking the metro is just like living in New York City in general: you see, smell and experience some weird things, but the views make up for it.
Washington D.C.: clear, clean & spacious
The metro system in D.C. is the complete opposite of NYC. It’s easy to navigate and really a breath of fresh air. The only occasional smells come from people who apparently smoked weed not long before entering the metro. This smell is also quite present on buses and generally while you’re simply walking through the city. At least it’s less strong than the smell of ‘classic’ cigarettes.
When it comes to the infrastructure: you’ll sometimes have to take the elevator up and down several times to get to the right platform, but everything is indicated very well. Just don’t forget to stand on the right side of the elevator so people can walk on the left! The metro stations also feel very spacious and safe, exactly like the city itself.
Not all areas of the city are easy to reach by metro. For example, there’s no metro in Georgetown since that part of the city is very old. But occasionally there are shuttle buses taking you a bit further into neighbourhoods. And you can also take the bus with the same SmarTrip card you use to enter the metro.
Whatever city you’re in: the metro is definitely an experience. Now, Im curious: what’s your favourite metro system?
Written by Nikita
Nikita – founder of Nikita’s World – is a Belgian author of feminist feelgood & a journalist specialized in pop culture and the creative industry.