Updated in 2024: Why stay at the airport when you can explore a European city during a layover? While some people opt for direct flights to their destinations, our family tries to book long layovers or stopover flights for a few days especially in Europe. Here are the best European cities for layovers and stopovers. We think of it as a bonus vacation and a great way to stretch our legs.
Layovers vs. Stopovers
So, what is the difference between a layover and a stopover? A flight layover meaning is when it is a flight connection that’s usually less than four hours in domestic flights and less than 24 hours in international flights.
Sometimes, there are overnight layovers depending on the airlines and cities. Sometimes, there are all day layovers in cities near airports long enough to explore them.
What is the meaning of a stopover flight? Stopovers are more than 24 hours and can last up to several days. It’s the best way to see two cities in one trip or what we sometimes call “two nation vacation”.
We’ve done most of these long layovers, stopovers or visited the following cities either as a destination or on the way to other places. If you’re lucky enough to be flying some airlines to your destination, check out their special stopover offers to the following cities.
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Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland is the perfect stopover location on the way to Europe especially for us living in North America’s west coast. Icelandair offers a stopover in Iceland for one to seven days with no additional cost.
This “Iceland Stopover program” was a major catalyst that boosted the country’s popularity. We’ve done this Iceland Air stopover offer twice on our way to the Scandinavian region and highly recommend it.
The “Land of Fire and Ice” offers many unique activities from a dip in the popular Blue Lagoon, going on the Golden Circle Tour, exploring downtown Reykjavik, sampling Icelandic cuisine, watching puffins, doing a glacier boat ride, hiking in glaciers, riding horses.
It is also one of the world’s most picturesque places. We allocated about 3-4 days during each stop focusing on an area. We really loved the South Iceland area during our last visit.
Tips for a Stopover in Iceland
Distance from Keflavik Airport (KEF) to city center: 31 miles (50 km)
Getting to the city center: The best option is to rent a car (click for the best prices) especially if you’re staying for a few days. While it isn’t cheap, it gives you plenty of flexibility and the chance to explore and stop at many roadside attractions or to admire horses.
There are also Golden Circle Day Tours (click for the latest prices) that will pick up at the Reykjavik bus station.
The Flybus Airport Transfer is a popular option that takes 45 minutes to the city. Book online in advance for discounted fares and to guarantee a seat.
Family-friendly hotels in Reykjavik
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Aurora Hotel at Reykjavik-Keflavik Airport or Konvin Hotel – Keflavik Airport are very close to the airport and especially convenient for early flights or late arrivals.
We have stayed at Hotel Berg by Keflavik Airport. They picked us up after arriving early in the morning. The rooms are spacious and clean. It’s a boutique hotel located by the marina but only two miles from the airport.
Rome, Italy
The “Eternal City” makes for a fantastic layover on the way to other European cities or other Italian marvels. Rome offers so much with its history, architecture, culture and food. Whether you have one day or a few days here, there are some attractions that can’t be missed during your visit.
Start your visit with exploring Rome’s iconic symbol, the Colosseum. It is an incredible structure and definitely worth the visit.
It’s also easy to explore the nearby Arch of Constantine and Roman Forum. Don’t miss the other popular sites like the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish steps, Piazza Navona, Castel Sant’Angelo and the Vittorio Emmanuel II Monument. Hop-on/Hop-Off Tours make for a convenient option to tour as many places as possible.
Visiting Vatican City
If you have more time, Vatican City, which is an independent city-state and considered the world’s smallest country, is an incredible area to explore. Despite its size, it offers two very popular attractions: the magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums.
We highly recommend going on an early entrance tour that will cover both attractions with LivItaly tours. The Vatican Museums is one of our favorite museums with close-up looks of the mind-blowing Sistine Chapel and the tapestry rooms.
Don’t forget the food! One can’t go wrong with pizza, pasta and gelato. But, Rome seems to take their food to a whole new level with local favorites like cacao e peppe, artichokes, suppli, carbonara and saltimbocca.
Tips for a Stopover in Rome
Check ITA Airway’s website for stopover offers. Sometimes, they have stopovers for no additional cost for up to three nights in Rome.
Distance from FiumicinoAirport (FCO) to city center: 20 miles (32 km)
Getting to the city center: The Leonardo Express Airport train directly takes visitors to Rome’s central hub of Termini Station in 30 minutes every 15 minutes. Though, it’s a bit pricier compared to local bus or train options, it makes up for convenience and ease. Other alternatives are the regional commuter trains with more stops, which is a bit cheaper, or taxis or private transfers are about the same price at about 48 euros.
Get a Pass. Look into getting the Go City Rome pass (click for savings). This can save you up to 50% vs. buying individual tickets at top Rome attractions It even includes free luggage storage.
Where to Stay in Rome
We have stayed at Hilton Rome Airport (click for the latest prices) which is walking distance to the terminals. They also offered scheduled buses to city center at specific drop-off locations and scheduled returns back to hotels.
Paris, France
Who wouldn’t want to stop at the City of Lights and see the Eiffel Tower even for a day? We’ve visited Paris as a vacation destination for a few days as well as a two-day stopover. We can never get enough of its architecture, museums, food, fashion and iconic attractions.
One of the best ways to see many Paris attractions is through a River Seine tour. We can also attest that a bike tour is a great way to beat jet lag and explore the city. It was quite an experience but we were able to bike along the river and stop at many top attractions along the way.
Of course, you can’t visit Paris and not see the Eiffel Tower (even if it’s from a distance). Be sure to book tickets way in advance if you want to go up to the top for panoramic views. If you have more time, visiting some of Paris’ museums, like the Louvre or the Musee d’Orsay, are a must.
Tips for a Stopover in Paris
Air France offers a Paris stopover with no additional airfare cost with some taxes. Check their website for details.
Distance from Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport to city center: 15 miles (25 km)
Getting to the city center: There are RER train stations at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. These direct trains usually offer the fastest public transport option into central Paris especially if you’re arriving during rush hour traffic.
Bus transfers are also available but can take up to 80 minutes. We’ve also traveled via private door-to-door transfer to central Paris and this was the most convenient for our family.
Check the Pass. Get the Go City Paris pass (click for the latest prices). These passes will save you money versus buying individual tickets to top Paris attractions.
Where to Stay in Paris with Kids
*Click the hotel links for the best prices
We have stayed at Hilton Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport while on an overnight layover and was the ideal option for an early flight and even a day of sightseeing. It is a five minute walk from T3 and accessible via the CDGVAL (automatic high-speed train) from T1 and T2.
For an even more convenient option, the Sheraton Paris Airport Hotel is located inside Terminal 2. If you want to stay in the city, we loved our stay at the Hilton Paris Opera. It’s such a beautiful hotel and near the Metro.
Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal’s capital has long been an underrated gem among other popular European cities. After our visit to this unique and beautiful city, we can’t wait to return and explore more.
It offers so many things to do for families and visitors. From its interesting museums, ubiquitous tiles and the most delicious pastries, this is worth a stopover or a stay for a few days.
Tips for a Stopover in Lisbon
Luckily, its national carrier, Tap Air Portugal, offers a stopover in Lisbon or Porto (another city we’d love to visit) at no additional airfare for up to five nights. TAP also offers various discounts on accommodation, museums and public transit passes via its “Stopover Portugal” app. Visit the TAP Stopover page on how to book your trip.
Distance from Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS) to city center: 4 miles (7 km)
Getting to the city center: There is a metro/subway station at the airport that takes visitors directly into downtown Lisbon in about 20 minutes. The Aerobus shuttle service also provides cheap transportation between the airport and the city center with two routes.
Check the Aerobus website for specific routes and discounts. During our visit, we actually took a taxi both ways because it was less than € 20 for our family and was a lot more convenient dropping us at our hotel door.
Where to Stay in Lisbon
The city center is close enough to the airport that there is no need to stay right by the airport if you have a late arrival or early departure. Though, here are two hotels that are good alternatives.
Melia Lisboa Aeroporto Hotel (click for the latest prices) is within walking distance located at Terminal 1 and also offers a free shuttle. Radisson Blu Hotel, Lisbon (click for the latest prices) is also located near the airport and offers a free shuttle.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
The city known as “Venice of the North” is one of our favorite European cities. We did a stopover here for two days in late Fall and returned for an extended trip a few years later during Spring. There was such a contrast with the weather and our itinerary.
There is no shortage of fun and unique activities in Amsterdam from visiting world class museums, sampling cheese and biking in one of the world’s most biker-friendly cities and going on unforgettable day trips from the city center.
The train station is located underneath the airport that took us quickly to the city. If you’re short on time, taking the iconic canal cruise is a great orientation of the city. If you’re here during March to May, do not miss a visit to Keukenhof Gardens touted as the world’s most beautiful Spring garden. And we totally agree!
Tips for a Stopover in Amsterdam
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, The Netherlands flag carrier, allows stopovers in Amsterdam for up to four days with no additional airfare (except some taxes). You can book stopovers through their multi-city booking tool.
Distance from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) to city center: 11.8 miles (19 km)
Getting to the city center: There are three ways to get to the city center from the airport: train, bus or taxi. The train offers the quickest and cheapest way to the city and takes about 20 minutes. Trains run 24 hours a day and leave every 10-15 minutes with no worries about traffic. This was our preferred mode during our stopovers.
Buses, like the Amsterdam Airport Express, take about 35 minutes and only slightly cheaper than trains. Taxis cost almost 40€ but can take you directly to your hotel and are based on meters and not an airport flat fee.
Check the Pass. Get the Go City Amsterdam pass (click for the latest prices). These passes will save you up to 50% off ticket prices versus buying individual tickets to top Amsterdam attractions.
Where to Stay in Amsterdam
Sheraton Amsterdam Airport Hotel (check for latest prices) is located inside the airport and accessible via a covered 200m walkway. The Hotel Mercure Schiphol Terminal (check for latest prices) is also inside the airport in Lounge 3 of Schiphol Airport across the KLM Crown Lounge.
We have stayed at and recommend Hampton By Hilton Amsterdam Arena Boulevard(click for latest prices). It’s a great hotel and right by the train and subway station making it easy to get to the airport and the city center. Rooms were spacious and you get complimentary breakfast.
If you’re looking for a very central location and close to many city attractions, we have also stayed at WestCord City Centre Hotel. This is such a convenient location and near the Centraal Station. You can walk to many places and the tram stop is nearby. Rooms are smaller.
Brussels, Belgium
We visited Brussels on a day trip from Paris. This was a fantastic city to explore even for just a day and you can see many attractions within a short time period. Known as Europe’s Capital due to the EU institutions located here, start with the Grand Place which is one of the most beautiful public squares we’ve visited.
The Grand Place or Grote Markt is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a wonderful place to hang out with its beautiful historic and opulent guild houses, street murals, unique stores, restaurants, museums and the prominent tower of the Town Hall.
Undoubtedly, the most unforgettable attraction in Brussels for us was the small statue of the Mannekin Pis. Don’t miss a visit to see what he’s wearing!
Tips for a Stopover in Brussels
You can fly on Brussels Airlines which offers a stopover in Brussels of up to five days with no additional cost. The stopover program also includes over 50 free activities from city tours to museums in Brussels and other Belgian cities.
Distance from Brussels Airport (BRU) to city center: 7 miles (12 km)
Getting to the city center: Several trains connect the airport to the city center in 20 minutes and particularly the Central and Midi stations. Bus Lines 12 and 21 also connect the airport to the city center
Where to Stay in Brussels
The Sheraton Brussels Airport Hotel is mere steps from the terminal and offers the most convenient lodging option. These nearby hotels have a free shuttle service to and from the airport (click on the links for the best prices): Crowne Plaza Brussels Airport, NH Brussels Airport Hotel, Holiday Inn Brussels Airport
Madrid, Spain
Madrid holds a special place in our family as the first European city my kids visited many years ago. Spain’s capital city offers relaxing green spaces like El Retiro Park, monuments, an enchanting palace, incredible churches and beautiful public squares especially Plaza Mayor. It’s a great city to explore and the visit world-class museums from the Prado to Reina Sofia to the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum.
Don’t miss eating some churros con chocolate and jamon (ham). We spent a lot of time eating at many stalls inside El Mercado de San Miguel. If you have a bit more time, there are easy day trips to the beautiful cities of Segovia and/or Toledo.
Iberia Airlines offers the “Hola Madrid” stopover allowing a stay in Spain’s capital city for up to six nights. This promotion also includes up to 40% discount on Melia Hotels, free public transportation, museum discounts, free advisers and even free beer. Visit the stopover page for more details and to make bookings.
Tips for Doing a Stopover in Madrid
Distance from Madrid-Baraja Adolfo Suarez Airport to city center: 11 miles (18km)
Getting to the city center: There are several options to get to the city center from the airport. The airport taxis are the most convenient and cost about 30€ fixed rate to any central location within the M-30 ring road but you have to take into account language barriers and sometimes, they only takes three passengers. Be sure to only go to the taxi ranks outside the terminals.
Public transportation options which are cheaper are the train or the subway which take about 25 minutes and cost almost the same at less than 5 euros.
Check the Pass. Get the Go City Madrid pass (click for the latest prices). These passes offer cost savings versus buying individual tickets to top Madrid attractions.
Where to Stay in Madrid
Click on hotel links for the best prices!
We have stayed at the Hilton Madrid Airport hotel twice due to early morning connecting flights and were very satisfied with them. They offered a free shuttle to/from the hotel and the terminals.
We have also stayed at the Madrid Marriott Auditorium Hotel & Conference Center during our recent visit. They have a free and convenient shuttle to/from the airport. The hotel is beautiful and direct buses to the city are outside the hotel.
Dublin, Ireland
Ireland’s capital offers art, history and culture for visitors whether you’re here for a day or a week. It’s a walkable city with several pedestrianized areas.
Dublin’s most popular attraction is the seven-story Guinness Storehouse with interactive exhibits on the history and how this popular beer is made. Bonus: you’ll get a pint of Guinness at the end of the tour while admiring Dublin’s views.
We really enjoyed walking down Temple Bar which is lined with many colorful pubs. Be sure to visit when there is live entertainment and you may find yourself singing along much like we did. Don’t miss walking through the beautiful campus of Trinity College and the amazing library and the Book of Kells exhibition.
Don’t leave Dublin without walking through Grafton Street to shop or eat. If you need some green spaces head to St. Stephen’s Green, Phoenix Park or National Botanic Gardens.
Tips for Doing a Stopover in Dublin
Aer Lingus, Ireland’s flagship carrier, allows for stopovers in Dublin at no extra cost. Use their website’s multi-city search tool to book your flights and stopover or contact the help desk.
Distance from Dublin Airport (DUB) to city center: 6 miles (10 km)
Getting to the city center: Two express buses, Airlink and Aircoach, directly go from the airport to the city center in about 30 minutes. Cost is about 7 euros one way and is discounted if you buy online or if you buy a round trip purchase. The Dublin Bus is also a convenient way to get from the airport to the city center. We rode the bus to the city and it provided a great orientation.
Check the Pass. Get the Go City Dublin pass (click for the latest prices). These passes offer up to 50% savings versus buying individual tickets to top Dublin attractions.
Where to Stay in Dublin
Please click on hotel links for the latest and best prices!
We stayed at the Hilton Dublin Airport due to an early flight and enjoyed their spacious rooms and service. There is a mall across the street and a grocery store next door in case you need to do more souvenir shopping.
If you need a hotel with a central location, we have also stayed at the Temple Bar Inn. This was within walking distance from many attractions in the Dublin city center. It was on the Temple Bar area but we didn’t hear any noise to bother us. We had a spacious room for all four of us.
Helsinki, Finland
Known as the White City of the North, Helsinki was quite a pleasant surprise. We recommend the canal sightseeing cruise as a great orientation to the area. It allows visitors to see some outlying islands and learn more about Finland’s capital city.
We enjoyed walking around their open-air market around Market Square by the harbor and exploring the booths inside The Old Market Hall and the Hakaniemi Food Market Hall. If you are traveling with kids,
Linnanmaki Amusement park was a highlight for my kids with their manicured gardens and unique rides. There are also plenty of green spaces around the city
Don’t leave Helsinki without visiting a sauna. Finland’s sauna culture is huge and it has over three two million saunas – about one for every two residents.
It’s a great way to unwind and relax after long flights. If you have a bit more time, visit one of the neighboring islands like Suomenlina (the fortress island), Lonna and Korkeasaari (home to the Helsinki Zoo).
Tips for Doing a Stopover in Helsinki
Finnair, Finland’s flag ship carrier, offers a stopover program at their Helsinki hub up to five days at no additional cost. Their stopover page has plenty of information and informational videos to inspire and enjoy a visit to Helsinki.
Distance from Helsinki Airport (HEL) to city center: 13 miles (21 km)
Getting to the city center: The I or P train takes visitors to the Helsinki Central Railway Station directly from the terminals.
The Finnair Bus takes visitors to the city in under 30 minutes when the weather is good. There is also a Public Bus #615 but takes 45 minutes to get to the central railway station. Taxis offer the most convenient door-to-door service but costs around €40–45.
Where to Stay in Helsinki
Click on the hotel links for the best prices!
GLO Hotel Airport is located inside Terminal 2 and an indoor connection to Terminal 1. The hotels also offers days rooms.
During our visit to Helsinki, we stayed at the Hilton Helsinki Strand Hotel. We highly recommend this hotel for its location and great amenities. It has a waterfront location and right off the airport bus stop and easy access to many of Helsinki’s attractions.
London, England
With the many non-stop flight options from North America to one of London’s airports, it makes it an ideal city for a stopover. London offers so many attractions no matter what your interests are from its culture, food, sports and museums to historic sites.
Budget airlines to other European cities are plentiful from any of its six airports. We have flown into London from the USA and then, flew into other European cities using airlines like Easyjet and RyanAir. to save money.
Two of the best ways to see London is through a River Thames tour or on a double decker, hop-on, hop-off bus tour to see many of the popular attractions like the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square…just to name a few.
One of the things we love about London is its variety of world-class museums. In fact, they’ve counted over 170. Some of the best galleries and museums are actually free including the British Museum, Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A), National Gallery, Science Museum and Tate Modern.
If you have more time, day trips to Stonehenge, Bath, Windsor Castle or even Oxford University are all worth it. British Airways offers free London stopovers when redeeming Avios points.
Stopping in London Gatwick Airport
Distance from London Gatwick (LGW) to city center: 29 miles
Getting to the city center: We have taken the non-stop Gatwick Express into central London a few times and highly recommend it for its speed and convenience. The train service runs every 15 minutes from the South Terminal to London Victoria Station and takes 30 minutes.
Thameslink and Great Northern as well as Southern Trains also offer services into Victoria Station and other stations including London Bridge and St. Pancras and take between 35-45 minutes.
There are also bus options. The National Express has a direct service to Victoria Station once every hour and takes between 1.5 to 2 hours. For a cheaper option, the easyBus operates direct service to west London and takes about an hour.
Where to Stay in London Gatwick Area
Click hotel links for the best prices.
We have stayed at the following two hotels a few times flying into Gatwick. Hampton by Hilton London Gatwick Airport is conveniently connected to the North Terminal which makes it really easy if you have intra-Europe flights on budget airlines like easyJet.
But, the South Terminal and the train station to central London are also easily accessible. The complimentary breakfast at the hotel is a bonus.
Hilton London Gatwick Airport is connected to the South Terminal via a covered walkway. Though, the walk was quite a bit long especially with luggage. We really liked that they had family rooms available.
Tips for a Stopover in London Heathrow
Distance from London Heathrow (LHR) to city center: 17 miles
Getting to the city center: We love the Heathrow Express because it takes us from the airport to central London (Paddington Station) in 15 minutes. There are departures every 15 minutes and though, the price is a bit higher, it is sometimes worth it for the convenience and comfort.
If time isn’t that much of a factor, you can also get on the London Underground’s Piccadilly Line. The Tube takes about 50-60 minutes to central London and run every five minutes.
We’ve taken this too and it was a bit more crowded and really harder if you have baggage. There is also the option of the National Express Coach bus transports passengers between 40-80 minutes to areas of central London and fares are range from £10.
Get the City Pass. Buy the Go City London Pass (click for the latest prices) for some savings (up to 50% off) on the top attractions in London including the Thames River cruise.
Where to Stay in London Heathrow Area
We’ve stayed at these two hotels and enjoyed their location and amenities. They’re very convenient for early morning flights. Click on the hotel links for the latest prices.
Hilton Garden Inn London Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 – If you’re landing or leaving from these two terminals during your layover or stopover, it is worth staying here for convenience. It is located inside Terminal 2 and connects to Terminal 3 via a pedestrian underpass.
Hilton London Heathrow Airport – We stayed at this hotel for two nights last year and will definitely come back due to its convenience and comfort. It is connected to Terminal via a covered walkway and the free Heathrow Connect train service to other terminals. Their breakfast buffet was so varied with great and delicious choices.
London Heathrow Marriott Hotel – We stayed here recently for one night during a long layover. This is two miles from the airport. We actually took the public bus going there and it was easy and stopped very near the hotel. We took Uber back to the airport. The hotel is great with a delicious breakfast buffet.
Copenhagen, Denmark
This Danish capital is another European gem and worth a stopover. Who wouldn’t want to explore the land of Hans Christian Andersen and his fairytales?
Start off the stopover with a cruise through Copenhagen’s canals with opportunities to hop-on and hop-off at several main attractions including the colorful Nyhavn and the Little Mermaid.
The bike culture here rivals that of Amsterdam where multi-story bike parking garages are common. Blend in with the Danes and rent a bike and explore the city streets. Don’t forget to pop into the many bakeries for delicious Danish pastries.
My kids will tell you that you can’t leave Copenhagen without visiting Tivoli Gardens which is the oldest theme park in the world and a family favorite park. This supposedly inspired Walt Disney to create Disneyland’s overall look. With shows, gardens, restaurants and unique rides, this is a can’t miss attraction especially if you’re traveling with children.
Hop on over across the Oresund Bridge to Malmo, Sweden for a day trip or take an easy train ride to Fredriksborg Castle or the charming town of Roskilde to see some Viking ships.
Tips for a Stopover in Copenhagen
Distance from Copenhagen Airport (CPH) to city center: 4 miles (7 km)
Getting to the city center: The train goes directly from the airport to Central Station in 15 minutes and leaves about every 15 minutes. If traveling to specific stations or neighborhoods, the metro is a good option. Bus 5A will take visitors directly to Central Station, City Hall Square and other stations taking about 30-35 minutes. Taxis take about 20 minutes and cost between $40-$50 (USD).
Where to Stay in Copenhagen
We’ve stayed at the Clarion Hotel Copenhagen Airport which is a two-minute walk via a covered walkway at Terminal 3 and was very convenient. This is a great modern hotel and is also steps away from the train station which will take you directly to the city center.
Munich, Germany
Munich is a wonderful walking city filled with beautiful buildings, parks, museums and churches. We loved our walking tour that covered most of the Old Town or Altstadt area and ended at the Marienplatz square to watch the popular Rathaus-Glockenspiel clock show depicting two historic scenes from the 16th century.
Don’t miss having snack or lunch at Viktualienmarkt. If you need to fight off some jet lag, walk around the picturesque English Garden and stop to watch the river surfers. As its capital, Munich is a great base for exploring the Bavarian region.
We loved our day trips to explore the charming town of Oberammergau (known for the Passion Play every 10 years) and the enchanting world of King Ludwig by visiting his famous homes of Neuschwanstein Castle, Linderhof Gardens and Herrenchiemsee.
Tips for a Stopover in Munich
There are no major airlines offering official stopover programs in Munich. But, it is a popular stop for long layovers and sometimes, overnight layovers with enough time to sightsee especially when flying Lufthansa Airlines.
Distance from Munich Airport (MUC) to city center: 24 miles (38 km)
Getting to the city center: The S-Bahn trains (lines S1 & S8) transport visitors every 10 minutes from the airport to the city center in about 40-45 minutes. There is also an option of a taxi or private transfers but cost a lot more in exchange for convenience.
Where to Stay in Munich
Hilton Munich Airport is located between Terminals 1 and 2. They offer day rooms for layovers and even a Fit&Fly Spa that offers spa cards.
We stayed at Hilton Munich City during our visit. This modern hotel is located directly above the Rosenheimer Platz S-Bahn Station. This means you can quickly connect to the city center, Munich Airport and the Munich Central Station.
Prague, Czech Republic
Known as “The City of A Hundred Spires”, Prague is like a fairy tale town come to life with cobblestoned streets winding their way through well-preserved buildings. Cruising on the Vltava River is the best orientation to the city.
Prague Castle dominates the city’s panorama and definitely worth a visit to see its beautiful grounds and architecture and even watch the changing of the guards. If you have more time, climb the 287 steps to the top of St.Vitus Cathedral tower for some of the best city views and to see above all the spires.
The historic area is such a wonderful place to explore from walking the Charles Bridge to watching the medieval Astronomical Clock and the 12 Apostles march out at the top of the hour in the Old Town Square. This is a great place to hang out.
It is flanked by the Old Town Hall which is complex of medieval buildings and the nearby Gothic Church of Mother of God before Týn as well as St. Nicholas Church. If you can fit day trips in you itinerary, we loved Kutna Hora and the Bone Church wish we could have visited Český Krumlov and Karlovy Vary.
Tips for Doing a Stopover in Prague
Prague’s central location makes it a popular hub for many airlines serving international destinations.
Distance from Vaclav Havel Prague Airport (PRG) to city center: 10.5 miles (17 km)
Getting to the city center: Private pickups are a fairly common transport between the airport and the city center especially if there are more than two people in your group. They’re usually the same cost or cheaper than taxis but with better service and even provide a bit of a Prague orientation.
There is an Airport Express Bus with a station outside of Terminal 1 for about €2.50 (60 CZK) that goes directly to the city center (Prague Main Station). For an even cheaper option, go to the bus station outside of Terminal 2 for buses that leave every six minutes.
Tickets are valid for 90-minutes cost €1.25 (32 CZK) and can also be used for the bus, tram or subway. Take Bus 119 to Nadrazi Veleslavin to transfer to subway line A (green) and continue to downtown (Mustek) or any other city center station.
Where to Stay in Prague on a Stopover
The Courtyard Prague Airport is conveniently located via a walkway between Terminals 1 and 2. Another option is the modern Holiday Inn Prague Airport which runs a free airport shuttle or a 10 minute walk to the terminals.
On the travel wish list
The following cities are still on my travel wish list to explore and their country’s flagship airlines offer some wonderful stopover programs. We hope to take advantage of these perks someday soon and visit these other European cities for layovers and stopovers.
Istanbul, Turkey
Straddling Europe and Asia, Istanbul is full of history, charm and incredible structures. I have wanted to visit Istanbul for the longest time and wander around the historic Sultanahmet Square to visit the beautiful mosaics inside the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Most of all, I want to explore as many of the colorful alleys and shop at the Grand Bazaar.
Turkish Airways offers free stopovers in Istanbul and includes free tours in the “Touristanbul” program as well as another program offering free stopover accommodation at several hotels. Visit the Istanbul Airport’s Hotel Desk to sign up and browse through the Turkish Airways website for the stopover program to see if you are eligible for the free stopover accommodation.
Photo by Adli Wahid on Unsplash
Tips for Doing a Stopover in Istanbul
Distance from New Istanbul Airport (IST) to city center: 28 miles (45 km)
Getting to the city center: HAVAIST is the official airport shuttle service and operates 24 hours between the airport and 50 city center destinations. The journey time takes about an hour and costs about $3 USD (25 TL). Taxis, based on metered rates, cost about 30€ (200TL). A new metro line will be opening at the end of 2020 and will take about 30 minutes.
Where to Stay in Istanbul for a Stopover
Yotel Istanbul Airport (Airside) is conveniently located within the Departure terminal’s Duty Free/secure area. This is a great option if you have a valid international boarding pass and are here on a long layover.
The Yotel Landside allows you to leave the airport since it is before security. This one is located on the airport’s main terminal building near entrance #7.
Zurich, Switzerland
As Switzerland’s hub and its largest city, charming Zurich is located by a lake and river with views of the Swiss Alps. I would love to explore the cobblestoned streets of the Old Town (Alstadt) area and see many of its Renaissance buildings.
I’m sure the views on a Limmat river cruise are beyond picturesque. Zurich has about 50 museums and 100 art galleries, many shopping experiences and plenty of chocolate sampling.
Photo by Rhiannon Elliott on Unsplash
Tips for Doing a Stopover in Zurich
Swiss Air offers one of the best stopover programs around with the “Stopover Switzerland”. Passengers can book stopovers up to four nights with several lodging options and free travel on the train or bus and a boat tour plus many more package options and other offers.
Distance from Airport to city center: 10 km (6 miles)
Getting to the city center: There are various options to get from the airport to the city center. The train is the fastest option especially if there is traffic and costs about 7 CHF ($7.40USD). Trains run everyday every 5-10 minutes to the Zurich Main Station and will get there in 10-15 minutes.
The S-Bahn lines (S2, S16, S24) and several regional and InterCity trains will also take visitors to the main station. Look into getting the Zurich card for free public transportation and many discounts throughout the city.
If you would like a bit of a scenic tour and orientation of the city, the streetcar (Line 10) is the ideal option and will take about 35 minutes into the city center. A taxi also offers a comfortable and convenient option to get to the city in about 15 minutes (depending on traffic). Some taxis can be pre-booked and offer fixed-prices which is about 50-70 CHF ($54-$76 USD).
Where to Stay in Zurich for a Stopover
Radisson Blu Hotel, Zurich Airport has direct terminal access via a walkway. It is also a short walk to the airport train station which makes it easy to go into the city center.
Frankfurt, Germany
Frankfurt is known as the “Gateway to Europe” being Germany’s biggest airport. It is easily accessible for visitors with long layovers. The city is full of skyscrapers, culture and interesting attractions. The Museum Embankment (Museumsufer) has many museums to visit no matter what your interests are.
I would love to explore the DomRömer Quarter which is Frankfurt’s recreated old town with new buildings and replicas. If you need to see Frankfurt from above, the Main Tower offers the highest vantage point. Lufthansa Airlines uses Frankfurt s a hub so it’s easy to have long layovers here on your way to other European destinations.
Photo by Igor Flek on Unsplash
Tips for Doing a Stopover in Frankfurt
Distance from Airport to city center: 8 miles (13 km)
Getting to the city center: The S-Bahn (electric train lines S8 and S9) takes visitors directly from the terminals to the Hauptbahnhof (main railway station) in about 10 minutes for about 4.50€. Visitors can then take the subway, bus or tram for more specific destinations. The trains run every 15-20 minutes.
Bus travel (Bus 61) takes about 30 minutes and costs 5€. Taxi rides to the city center are provide convenience and will cost about €25-35.
Where to stay in Frankfurt for a Stopover
Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel is located at Terminal 1 and offers the most central location. The train station into the city is within steps of its lobby. The Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn hotels are on the building above the train station and connected to Terminal 1 via a Skywalk.
Tips for visiting European cities for layovers and stopovers
*Book a multi-city ticket option especially if you’re flying an overseas airline or European national carrier. Play around with times and dates having an extended layover or stopover by using sites like Skyscanner or Kayak. Sometimes, you may be surprised and your multi-city may end up cheaper than your direct flight and you get a two-for-one vacation out of it.
*Take advantage of Go City passes (click for latest prices and to see available cities) to save money if visiting multiple attractions.
*Take advantage of airport hotels especially if they are near city centers and if you have early connecting flights or late arrivals. They are convenient and always provide great service.
*Use Hop-On/Hop-Off tours personal guided tours from Viator or Get Your Guide (click for the latest prices). Sure, they can get a bit pricey especially f you’re traveling as a family but the convenience, wealth of local knowledge and the ability to cover many things during your limited time may be worth it. The best ones are those that can pick you up from the airport even just for a day of sightseeing.
*Research as much as you can in advance including recommended attractions, places to eat and how to easily get around the city. The more prepared you are with your itinerary, the easier it is to see as many attractions and experience the city in the short time period you have during a layover or stopover in Europe.
Disclosure: If you’re wondering why we’ve stayed at many Hilton properties, I used to write for their family travel blog and still hold my Hilton Honors status.
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