The Aesthetics of Centuries-Old Urban Heritage – Budapest’s “World’s Second Oldest Metro”

▲ Budapest’s underground metro.

Reported and photographed by Reporter You T-Ru / Budapest

The beauty of Budapest lies not only in its historic architecture but also in its underground metro as an important relic of aesthetic value. In Budapest, there is a line known as the “second oldest metro in the world.” Entering its deep tunnels from street level feels like stepping through a time tunnel, taking you back to how metros looked a century ago—steeped in mystery.


▲%Currently in operation, some carriages still retain the old-style subway compartments.


Budapest is the combined name for Buda and Pest. This city spanning the Danube River boasts a comprehensive transportation system. COSMOS Taiwan’s general agent, Bigfoot Travel, points out that Line 1 of the metro is the oldest railway in Eastern Europe and the world’s second oldest metro after London’s Metropolitan Line. It runs through 11 stations over a total length of 5 kilometers. This seemingly short metro route symbolizes Hungary’s former civilization.

Budapest’s Metro Line 1 was constructed between 1894 and 1896 to celebrate the 1,000th anniversary of Hungary’s founding. Descending into the metro via long escalators from street level differs greatly from the clean and bright environment of Taipei’s MRT—it gives the illusion of entering a time corridor, and the escalators move twice as fast as those in Taipei. The dimly lit metro stations seem to encapsulate the olden days, yet they don’t feel dirty or crowded. Most Budapest locals quietly read books on the train.


▲ Interior of the train.

Visitors taking the metro in Budapest will ride in the iconic yellow carriages, which were specially recreated to resemble the originals during the metro’s centennial celebration. Due to its well-preserved state and rich historical significance, this metro line was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002. Line 1 starts at Vörösmarty Square and ends at Mexikói út, passing by famous Budapest thermal bath sites, the Hungarian State Opera House, and other landmarks along the way.