Many cheap flights include lengthy layovers. While in the past this was seen as a pain, more and more European airlines are introducing new programmes to encourage passengers to explore their destinations during these extended breaks between flights.
A study conducted by the luggage storage company Stasher analysed and ranked the most connected cities in the world to identify the best destinations for quick layover trips.
For this study, ‘layover’ is used in a broader sense to refer to any extended connection time that allows travellers to leave the airport and explore the city. It focused on cities where travellers have sufficient time during their connection to venture into the city centre and then return to the airport for their onward journey.
Barcelona, Amsterdam, and Paris are the top European layover cities among seven countries.
Each city was evaluated based on five weighted factors: density of attractions, availability of quick dining options, safety rating, traffic congestion, and proximity to the airport.
“The rise of ‘layover tourism’ represents a new travel category entirely. Travellers are increasingly choosing flights based on layover cities, not just price and timing,” Jacob Wedderburn-Day, travel expert and CEO of Stasher, said.
“European cities that recognise this trend and play to their individual strengths will capture a growing segment of international travellers looking to maximise every moment of their journey.”
1. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona ranked first as Europe’s best layover destination, with a score of 99.23 out of 100.
The Spanish city is home to more than 245 attractions per 10 square kilometres and 227 international flight connections.
In 2024, international tourism here grew 4.8%, with visitors from the United States maintaining their leadership for the second consecutive year, according to the Observatory of Tourism in Barcelona.
Last year, the cost of arrival transportation increased 4.5% year-on-year, and the cost of accommodation per person per day rose 9.9%.
2. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Amsterdam landed second in the ranking of top European cities for layovers with a score of 96.15.
The Dutch city scored best as the safest layover and is the closest airport to the city centre, with a 15-minute train ride.
Last year, Amsterdam imposed new limits as part of an ongoing drive against overtourism in Amsterdam. This has seen it increase its tourist tax, ban marijuana in the red light district, and prohibit tours of sex workers’ windows.
3. Paris, France
In third place is Paris, at 90.12, leading in cultural offerings, with 350.6 attractions per 10 square kilometres and 43.0 quick dining options per 10 square kilometres.
Rome ranks last among the eight European cities analysed, scoring 53.04 despite flights connecting the city to 249 international destinations.
Despite being in fifth place, Madrid scored the best in terms of having the least traffic congestion.
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