April 13, 2026, 9:12 am | Read time: 4 minutes

Why just wait at the airport when you can use the time for a short trip? Many major airline hubs are fascinating cities that are well worth exploring. If you have a longer stopover, you can use the opportunity to take a short sightseeing tour on the way to your final destination.

Several airlines have caught on to this trend and now offer special stopover programs that allow travelers to extend their stay for a few days, frequently without any additional cost for the flight ticket. Moreover, travelers can often enjoy discounts on hotel stays and city tours.

Here are seven airports where a stopover is particularly worthwhile:

7 Airports Perfect for an Enriching Stopover Experience

Helsinki, Finland

Finnair Airport has excellent connections to the city center: Trains I and P take you to the city center in around 30 minutes. Highlights include the Helsinki Design Museum, the Design District with its boutiques and cafés, the historic Ruttopuisto plague cemetery, the National Gallery, and the Art Museum. Those seeking relaxation will find it in the “Allas Sea Pool” sauna and pool area, which boasts the largest terrace in the city.

Paris, France

Paris, a big city brimming with flair, boasts Orly Airport as the perfect gateway for short stays. Thanks to its close proximity to the heart of the city, you could zip over to the Eiffel Tower in less than ninety minutes, snap a memorable photo, and savor a café au lait. But be careful, because depending on traffic, the 20-minute cab ride from Orly to the Eiffel Tower can easily take 45 minutes. There is also the much cheaper option of taking the train into the city. It then takes 48 minutes to reach the Eiffel Tower.

Madrid, Spain

Madrid is also ideal for a stopover. From the Air Europa and Iberia hub, you can easily get to the central Sol station by metro (line 8, then change to lines 6 and 1 or 2). From here, many sights are within walking distance: the impressive Plaza Mayor, the old town with its cozy tapas bars, the Royal Palace, and the San Fernando Art Academy. Art lovers can visit Retiro Park from Atocha station and explore the famous Reina Sofía, Thyssen-Bornemisza, and Prado museums.

Istanbul, Turkey

Turkish Airlines offers the free “Touristanbul” service for passengers with a layover of between 6 and 24 hours. Depending on the tour—half or full day—highlights such as the Blue Mosque, the Topkapi Palace, and the 15th century Grand Bazaar with its around 4,000 stores can be visited.

Singapore

Singapore is a marvel of a city, and its airport is nothing short of spectacular! Changi Airport regularly wins awards as the best airport in Asia and even the world. If your layover exceeds five hours, Changi Airport graciously offers complimentary city tours. See the famous Marina Bay Sands Hotel or visit one of the many food markets—no problem with an organized tour from the airport. And the best thing about it: the excursion is also free!

Reykjavik, Iceland

If you are traveling with Icelandair, you can reach the city center by bus from “Airport Direct” or “Flybus.” A practical hop-on hop-off bus makes it easy to explore the city. Special sights include the imposing Hallgrims Church, the modern Harpa concert hall, and parks such as Laugardalur. The 18 public geothermal baths also provide relaxation.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

From the Emirates hub, a stopover on the red metro line takes you directly to the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building at 830 meters. Nearby, the free water show of the “Dubai Fountain” is fascinating. Other highlights include the Dubai Mall, the traditional souks on the Creek, inexpensive water cabs, and beaches such as Kite Beach. Architecture fans should also visit The Frame or the Museum of the Future.

With material from dpa