We’ve all experienced the dreaded layover. But what if we told you there were (at a minimum) ten airports out there that will make your next stopover a tried and true walk in the park? We’re talking places with showers, nap pods, world-class dining, and free city tours into some of the greatest metropolises in the world. Come take a look. We’ll not only take the edge off your next layover – we may even make it a moment to remember.
Schiphol Airport | Amsterdam, Netherlands
If you ever find yourself with a stopover in Amsterdam, you’re in good hands. The airport is practically a destination in itself. One of its best features is its branch of the world-famous Rijksmuseum. It proudly features Dutch masterpieces for free. And, depending on the length of your layover, you can actually make your way into Amsterdam’s city center in just 15 minutes!
Munich Airport | Germany
Not too far away, Munich Airport is another one that’s good to be “stuck” in for a while. In truth, you’ll feel more like you’re in a high-end shopping mall than a major transit hub. Whether you’d like to get some window shopping or some real shopping done, you’ll be pleased by what you see here.
Also, there’s a full-blown brewery right inside the airport where you can sip on some freshly brewed Bavarian beer as a reward for your shopping heroics. Best of all, if you happen to be there in the winter, there’s a lovely little ice skating rink and Christmas market in the airport plaza.
Zurich Airport | Switzerland
Like Amsterdam, you have some nice options when it comes to a Swiss layover. If you want to play it safe and remain in the airport, there’s a lovely day spa that can wash all your travel woes away. This is also your golden opportunity to invest in a Swiss watch that will last a lifetime.
If, however, you have time on your side, take the short train ride into the city and, at a minimum, stroll along Lake Zurich. If it’s wintertime, indulge in a small glass of mulled wine. And, if it’s summertime, you’ll be dazzled and delighted by the gorgeous scenery.
Helsinki Airport | Finland
You might be catching onto a theme here. It’s no surprise that some of the safest and cleanest countries in the world also have some of the best airports for layovers. Helsinki Airport is as well-designed as a high-end hotel. Throughout the entire airport, you’ll find cozy nooks with Finnish design, an art gallery, and – best of all – a traditional Finnish sauna to melt away all your cares away.
Vienna International Airport | Austria
Have you ever watched Arnold Schwarzenegger’s documentary on Netflix? In truth, it gives you a lot of insight into his upbringing and special love for Austria. If you, too, felt inspired by it, make sure you find a way to add Vienna into the rotation in your European travels.
The airport alone is sleek and efficient, so you won’t have any trouble navigating it. There are also delicious opportunities to savor some authentic Austrian pastries and coffee at one of the cafés. But, the city itself is only a 15-minute train ride away, making it easy for you to savor the world-famous coffeehouses and stunning architecture.
Copenhagen Airport | Denmark
Continuing the theme of Scandinavian airports done right, we have Copenhagen Airport. Filled with stylish Danish design, fantastic dining, and plenty of hygge, you’ll feel instantly at ease when you’re here. And, again, the city center is just a short metro ride away, giving you the perfect opportunity to photograph some of that quintessential Copenhagen architecture.
Frankfurt Airport | Germany
As one of Europe’s busiest hubs, the odds are actually high that you could end up in Frankfurt sometime. The same scenario applies: in just 15 minutes, you could be in the city center by train. But, if you need to stick to the airport due to time constraints, you’ll find some wonderful amenities that you’ll wish existed everywhere.
There are shower facilities, nap lounges, and, of course, plenty of eateries to fuel up. If you can’t make it into the city, the airport itself will make you feel like a million bucks before you embark on the next leg of your journey.
Istanbul Airport | Turkey
Okay, we think you get the point about those Scandinavian airports. Let’s branch out just a little bit further. If you’re making your way to any exciting exotic locales, Istanbul Airport is the place you want to have a layover.
It’s a new airport that’s both massive and modern – offering everything from luxury shopping to an elegant airport hotel with beautiful spa treatments. Depending on the length of your layover, Turkish Airlines will even offer you a free city tour so you can catch a glimpse of the city’s breathtaking mosques and bazaars.
Charles de Gaulle Airport | Paris, France
Okay, CDG may not be the nicest, prettiest airport on this list. But, it’s the one you want to fly into if you have a lot of time to kill and want a sneak peek of Paris. The RER train will take you straight into the city in no time. So, if you have a lengthy layover, you can spend a few hours soaking up the main sights, strolling along the Seine, grabbing an authentic croissant, and maybe even finding a new lover to kiss beneath the Eiffel Tower before you head back to the airport.
Changi Airport | Singapore
Okay, this one’s not technically in Europe (obviously). But, we so want you to be “stuck” here someday. Changi Airport won’t even feel like an airport, but a destination. The entire place is packed with things to do. We’re taking a rooftop pool, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, and an expanse of lush green gardens.
And that’s just if you have a handful of hours to kill. If you have an even lengthier layover, don’t fret. You can hop on a free city tour and catch a glimpse of one of the prettiest cities in the world. Don’t you just want to hug the architects and engineers who fashioned this mini city on a runway?
Taking Layovers to New Heights
With any one of these ten airports, the dreaded layover is hardly a hassle. We hope that, in your next adventure, your flight path takes you through any one of these gems. You’ll feel instantly relaxed or easily invigorated – whichever one you’re going for.
And, before you pack your bags and board your flight, feel free to come on over and check out our extensive library of destination guides. From travel tips to city tips, we’ll help you get where you’re going with the greatest of ease.