Best Cities for a Long Layover

Facing a seven-hour-plus layover in London? Why not check out the city while you wait for your next flight? The proximity of some cities to their airports makes them ideal for flying through and passing the time between flights.

Interior of the Hagia Sophia Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey © Epicstock | Dreamstime

Istanbul

If you find yourself at the bustling Ataturk Airport in Istanbul, Turkey with six hours to spare, you are eligible for TourIstanbul. Offered by Turkish Airlines and available only for Turkish Airlines passengers, this free tour begins at 9:00 a,m, and 12:00 p.m. A shuttle and English-speaking tour guide take you from the airport to the ancient city to view historic sites and sample Ottoman cuisine, free of charge.

Qianmen Street, Beijing, China © Eagleflying | Dreamstime

Beijing

A layover of eight hours or more is all you need to see the Great Wall of China. Travel one hour by bus and enjoy an English-speaking tour guide’s commentary on the history of the city and the Wall itself.

Amsterdam, Netherlands © Joyfull | Dreamstime

Amsterdam

Although there are few official tours available from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam, the city is only 20 minutes from the airport and is easily accessible by train. Pop into the city for a one-hour canal tour, or simply walk the streets and enjoy Dutch specialties like pea soup and gourmet cheeses.

Champs Elysee, Paris © Tomas Marek | Dreamstime

Paris

Stopping over in the City of Lights? Explore the romantic city of Paris, France, with a five-hour bus tour through famous sights like Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, The Louvre and a 45-minute stop at the Eiffel Tower.

Seoul, South Korea from Bongeunsa Temple © Sean Pavone | Dreamstime

Seoul

From Incheon Airport, take a free tour of Seoul’s beautiful temples, palaces and effervescent markets. The tours range from one hour to five hours and include bus transit to and from the airport. To enter South Korea with no visa, there is an entry fee of $10or 10,000 Korean won.