Stopovers and Layovers are excellent ways to add free destinations to your travel lists. Booking non-direct flights to destinations, which involve long stays in some connecting cities, is an intelligent way of adding a mini-vacation to your main vacation without having to spend extra money. And the best thing is that certain European cities are geared to welcoming such visitors. If you are wondering what destinations they are, the following list identifies the top seven best European cities for layovers and stopovers you should consider for your next trip:
Related Posts:
1. Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik is arguably one of the best European cities for layovers, especially if you are flying from the North American region. Since the local authorities wanted to popularize the city among travelers and visitors, they initiated a series of policies that made layovers convenient. And this is of great benefit to everyone! You can easily plan your flights such that layovers in this fantastic city are long and that too for little to no additional costs.
There are many exciting things that you can do while you are here to make it a fulfilling mini-vacation spot. While the number of activities you engage in depends on the time you have, visiting the Blue Lagoon should be on your list at all costs. The lagoon is a glorious and divinely warm water body, immersing in which almost feels therapeutic. Following this, you should head to Grandi Harbor District for some lovely shopping and dining experiences because you cannot leave the city without experiencing its culinary and shopping cultures! Moreover, there are other areas in the town like the stunning Golden Circle and hot pools like Laugardalslaug that you can explore if time allows you.
2. Rome, Italy
What a treat it is to visit the iconic landmark of Italy for free! If possible, you should always go for a stopover in the city, for it is one of the best stopover destinations. After all, you cannot come to the city and sit at the airport, swinging your legs, not stepping out to explore what a remarkable destination Rome is. With a stopover, you will have a considerably larger time bracket, which lets you explore the basics. Starting at the Spanish Steps, you can head to the highly popular Fontana Di Trevi and witness the fountain where the entire culture of throwing coins in fountains began.
If time allows you, you should also try to adjust a viewing of the Pantheon, Colosseum, and the Roman Forum, all of which are stunning remains of the architectural ingenious of the ancient Romans. And if you are lucky, maybe you can find it possible to squeeze a quick visit to the Vatican City to view its Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica.
There is so much to see and do in Rome, the longer layover time the better if that is all the time you have. For future trips, consider making Rome your destination and spend a few days exploring the city.
3. Paris, France
Who would not enjoy some time in the city of love? The city is full of famous buildings and monuments that one must see at least once. So, if you are getting the chance to do so for free, make sure you avail yourself of it. Hop out of the airport as soon as your plane lands and get to the task of exploring one of Europe’s best stopover destinations immediately!
Obviously, the first stop of your quick exploratory journey has to be the Eiffel Tower. It is not something that you can be in the city and miss. Following that, a quick tour through the remarkable Louvre is an incredible idea. However, mind it – the Louvre is an enchanting museum and art gallery, and there are high chances you will not realize how much time you have spent here! If you happen to have more time on your hands, make it a point to pay visits to the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Luxembourg Garden to make your mini-vacation within vacation extremely fulfilling.
Find the full list of things you can do in Paris during your layover here.
4. London, England
London is one of the best European cities for layovers and stopovers. Although stepping out of the airport will be difficult if you only have an hour at hand, you can easily go on mini exploratory trips if you have a couple of hours available.
While you are in London, you should remember that London is the city of museums and art galleries. The city, after all, has a history of over a thousand years. Therefore, there is no surprise in knowing how remarkably vast and noteworthy collections of the museums in the city are. Therefore, begin your stopover explorations by stepping into the Tate Museum for a flavor of contemporary art. Following this, make sure to head to the Borough Market and indulge in gluttony! Honestly, there are so many delicious local eatables here that you will be stuffed to your throat and still want more. Once you are done with these, assess your remaining time. If possible, choose from Thames River, London Eye, Warner Bros studio, or visit all three!
London has so much to offer and many things you can do are closer together within the walking distance. Check out what else you can do during your layover in London here.
5. Munich, Germany
Munich is regarded as one of the best European cities for layovers. One reason for that is the availability of attractions near the airport, which means getting to explore some aspects of the city, even if one is short on time. Therefore, if you happen to be in the city for a couple of hours, make sure to convert it into a fun small holiday.
Head to the downtown and begin your trip from the incredible Marienplatz, a noteworthy building demonstrating gothic influences. Following this, you can head to the Valentin Karlsdadt Museum, a museum of its kind. Dedicated to the life and chronicles of the king of dark humor, Karl Valentin, the museum has several articles from his life. Other than this, do not forget to find some time to enjoy the local cuisine, for Munich’s food and beer are some of the best!
For more things to do in Munich during your layover, see the full list here.
6. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is another very frequent layover point for flights connecting American and European cities. And it is something to be grateful about, for the city of canals is an absolute must-see for everyone. You may not have had planned your visits such that you could have included Amsterdam; however, ensuring that you book a stopover in the city somewhat remedies the situation.
When your flight lands into the city, assuming that you have at least a few hours on your hand, rush over to the Red Light District in the city. Yes, it is a place where you can seek sexual services. However, it is much more than that, and this can only be witnessed by one’s own eyes. You will find spectacular exhibits of architecture, beautiful canals, and outdoor markets in the region, which will change your perception of the locality. Moreover, you can also visit the Anne Frank Museum or take a tour down the canals to have a more authentic and local experience. And while you are hopping from one point to another, do not forget to stop for a bite at Amsterdam’s cafes like Bird and Supperclub, which are famous for their fantastic food services.
For more recommended things to do in Amsterdam.
7. Brussels, Belgium
Brussels is one of those European cities that you must explore, even if your layover time window is very short. The city is renowned for being one of the artistic and architectural hubs of Europe while maintaining a green status. Therefore, missing the chance to explore it is a very bad idea!
Suppose you only have three hours in the city. Unlike other layover destinations, Brussels has something in-store to entertain and amuse you – the Cinquantenaire Park. The park is a phenomenally green space, situated at a ten-minute drive from the main airport, meaning that you can explore it, even if you are short on time. The park has museums dedicated to prehistoric artifacts, vintage cars, and the royal military – exciting collections that will amuse you. If you have longer hours available, you should also step a bit further beyond and go to admire the Grand Place, Europe’s heart. You are bound to be blown away by its cobblestone side streets and peeing statues!
Need more inspiration? See our list of things you can do in Brussels here.
Video Guide: 7 Best European Cities for Layovers and Stopovers
DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links, MultiCityTrips may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.
Related Posts:
Need help planning a multi-trip to Europe or with a stopover in Europe?
Want to make the most out of your multi-city trip and check out these European cities for layovers but don’t know where to begin? If you find this type of multi-city trip planning to be too complicated to plan on your own, we’re here to help!
At MultiCityTrips, multi-destination travel and complicated itineraries such as a trip that include visiting multiple cities, countries throughout Europe as well as adding the best stopover to your itinerary are our specialties. Contact us today to learn more about how one of our experienced travel experts/destination specialists can personalize your multi-city European trip and craft your European vacation package at the best price.
Don’t want to start from scratch and need some trip inspiration? Check out our marketplace for customizable pre-designed packages available right now for many amazing destinations in Europe.
To learn more about how our process of trip planning works in detail, please see our “How It Works” page or check out our video on “How to Plan a Multi-City Trip to Europe in 5 Easy Steps” or How to Plan a Trip with Pre-Designed Package here.
Have questions for us? Schedule a FREE Call with us here or contact one of the travel experts/destination specialists at [email protected], call/text us at (888)223-2316 today
