Following the announcement of the reopening of Istanbul's historic Haydarpasa railway station (slated to open its doors in 2019), we highlight the most incredible railways stations to explore in your lifetime.

1. Grand Central Terminal, New York

Built in 1913, Grand Central is an elegant, elaborately decorated monument to railway history. It has more platforms (44) than any other station in the world, and has appeared in dozens of films, including Men in Black, Carlito's Way, Bad Boys, and The Godfather, helping make it one of the city's most visited tourist attractions. There is plenty to explore inside, including The Campbell cocktail bar, the Whispering Gallery (in front of the Oyster Bar restaurant), and the food market.

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