Published on
September 15, 2025
Among the rest, Spain, The Netherlands, France, UK, Italy, and Austria together have the most incredible European cities for layovers, where travelers can seamlessly turn a long stop into a meaningful adventure. Anything from Barcelona, Amsterdam, Paris, London, Rome and Vienna, these cities boast intricately woven culture and history, along with unbelievable experiences just a few kilometers from the airport. No matter if you’re hunting for an off the beaten path experience or chasing a tick list, these destinations are guaranteed to redefine the layover experience.
Layovers have long been an inconvenience for travelers, often viewed as hours wasted between flights. But now, European airlines are turning this travel dilemma into an exciting opportunity. Through new initiatives, many airlines are encouraging passengers to leave the airport during extended layovers and explore the cities they’re passing through. A recent study has ranked the best European cities for layovers, with Barcelona emerging as the top contender.
The study takes into account several factors that make a city ideal for travelers with long layovers. “Layover” is defined here as any extended connection time that allows passengers to venture outside the airport and enjoy the city. The study focused on cities that are not only easily accessible from the airport but also offer a wealth of attractions, dining options, and convenient transportation to make the most of a short stay. The cities are evaluated based on five primary criteria: the density of attractions, availability of quick dining options, safety, traffic congestion, and proximity to the airport.
As more airlines create partnerships with local attractions and offer layover programs, these cities are becoming an ideal pit stop for travelers. Here’s a look at the best European destinations for layovers.
Barcelona, Spain – A Perfect Stopover
Barcelona tops the list as the best city for layovers in Europe, scoring an impressive 99.23 out of 100. The city’s efficient layout and vast array of attractions make it a dream destination for travelers looking to explore during their layover. Barcelona boasts over 245 attractions within a 10-square-kilometer radius, meaning that visitors can experience iconic landmarks like the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and the Gothic Quarter in a short amount of time.
But it’s not just the sights that make Barcelona a great stopover city. The city is well connected, with 227 international flight connections, and the airport is only 20 minutes from the city center, making it easy for travelers to maximize their layover time. Whether you prefer to use the city’s reliable public transportation system, which includes buses, trams, and the metro, or simply hop in a taxi, getting around Barcelona is a breeze.
What really sets Barcelona apart, however, is the variety of dining options. With quick eateries scattered throughout the city, travelers can sample delicious Spanish cuisine—such as tapas, churros, or paella—without wasting time. The city’s reputation for safety and its welcoming atmosphere further enhance its appeal, making it a fantastic choice for anyone with a lengthy layover.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands – A Canal Lover’s Dream
Amsterdam ranks second in the study, with a solid score of 96.15. Known for its picturesque canals, historic buildings, and laid-back atmosphere, Amsterdam offers travelers a chance to unwind during a long layover while also enjoying a wealth of cultural and historical attractions. With over 100 attractions within every 10 square kilometers, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. You can visit the world-renowned Rijksmuseum, take a boat ride through the iconic canals, or explore the famous Van Gogh Museum.
The ease of navigating Amsterdam also makes it a top pick for layovers. The city is compact, and with a great public transportation system that includes trams, buses, and bike rentals, getting around the city is simple and quick. In less than 30 minutes, you can go from the airport to Amsterdam’s vibrant city center.
What’s also appealing is Amsterdam’s wide array of dining options, with over 200 quick and accessible eateries. Whether you’re craving a quick snack or a full meal, Amsterdam caters to all tastes, from traditional Dutch pancakes to international cuisine. Plus, the city is known for being safe and easy to navigate, making it a great choice for travelers, especially those traveling alone.
Paris, France – Culture and Cuisine at Your Fingertips
Paris is the third-best city for a layover in Europe, with a score of 90.12. The French capital is famous for its artistic heritage, world-class museums, and iconic landmarks, which makes it an ideal destination for travelers with a few hours to spare. With a density of 350.6 attractions per 10 square kilometers, Paris offers visitors a chance to explore the Louvre, climb the Eiffel Tower, or wander around the romantic streets of Montmartre, all within a few hours.
The city’s public transportation system is another key advantage. The Paris Métro is efficient, connecting key tourist attractions to the airport in just about 25 minutes, giving travelers ample time to explore before heading back to their flight. Additionally, Paris is packed with quick dining options, with over 40 eateries per 10 square kilometers. Whether you’re enjoying a croissant at a sidewalk café or grabbing a meal at a bistro, there’s no shortage of delicious French food to enjoy during your layover.
Safety is another reason why Paris ranks high on this list. The city is well-policed and well-lit at night, making it a comfortable and safe place to explore, even during a short visit. And despite its size, Paris is incredibly walkable, which is ideal for travelers who want to maximize their time during their layover.
Why Layovers Are Becoming a Travel Opportunity
Layovers used to be considered a frustrating part of air travel, but with the introduction of layover programs and city partnerships, many travelers are now discovering that these breaks can be an exciting chance to explore new destinations. Cities like Barcelona, Amsterdam, and Paris make it easy to experience a slice of European culture without the need for an overnight stay.
The growing popularity of layover programs reflects a broader shift in the travel industry. More and more airlines are realizing that layovers can offer a unique travel experience, especially for travelers who might not otherwise have the opportunity to explore these cities. By providing access to city tours, offering discounts on major attractions, and creating easy transport options, these cities are turning long wait times into something much more enjoyable.
Barcelona, Amsterdam, and Paris, with their excellent transport links, abundance of attractions, and welcoming environments, exemplify the new approach to layovers. They allow travelers to explore some of Europe’s best destinations during their short connection times, making air travel a more enjoyable experience overall.
What Makes a Great Layover City?
While the top cities for layovers all share some key characteristics—proximity to the airport, easy access to attractions, and a range of quick dining options—it’s the overall experience that makes them stand out. A great layover city should allow travelers to leave the airport, have a rewarding experience, and return to their flight on time.
The key factors that make a city ideal for a layover include:
Proximity to the airport: A good layover city is one where the airport is close enough to the city center to make it easy for travelers to explore without risking their flight.
Density of attractions: The more things to see and do in a small area, the better. Travelers don’t want to waste time commuting between far-flung destinations.
Quick dining options: Not everyone has time for a sit-down meal, so cities with a wide range of fast dining choices are ideal for travelers on a time crunch.
Safety: Travelers should feel secure walking around, even during a brief stopover.
Ease of transportation: A good city for a layover has reliable, affordable, and easy-to-use public transport, or even better, walking distance between key attractions.
Other Notable Layover Cities in Europe
While Barcelona, Amsterdam, and Paris top the list, there are other European cities that also offer excellent layover opportunities:
London, United Kingdom: With its vast array of attractions and excellent public transportation, London is a top choice for travelers with a few hours to spare. The proximity of Heathrow Airport to central London makes it easy to explore iconic sights like Buckingham Palace, the British Museum, and the Tower of London.
Rome, Italy: A short ride from Fiumicino Airport, Rome is another fantastic layover city. The city’s ancient ruins, including the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, are just a short distance from the airport, and travelers can easily make the most of their time by visiting these world-renowned landmarks.
Vienna, Austria: Known for its classical music, imperial palaces, and coffeehouses, Vienna offers a taste of Austrian culture during a short stopover. The city is easily accessible from Vienna International Airport, making it a perfect city for a quick cultural excursion.
Maximizing Your Layover Time
With more airlines focusing on enhancing the layover experience, the next time you find yourself with an extended connection, consider exploring one of these European cities. Whether you’re in Barcelona enjoying the architecture, in Amsterdam sipping coffee by the canals, or in Paris experiencing world-class art and cuisine, layovers can become the highlight of your trip rather than a time to endure.
By making the most of these short breaks between flights, you can transform your layover from a frustrating wait into an exciting and enriching part of your travel journey. So the next time you book a flight with a long connection, remember: your layover might just be the perfect opportunity to discover a new city.
