Many budget airlines offer flights with lengthy layovers, and while this used to be considered an inconvenience, European airlines are now developing programs to encourage travelers to explore local destinations during these extended stopovers. A recent study by the luggage storage company Stasher has ranked the most connected cities globally, highlighting top destinations suitable for quick layover trips. Here, the term “layover” extends beyond mere transit times to include opportunities for travelers to leave the airport, explore nearby attractions, and return in time for their onward flights.
In the study, Stasher analyzed cities where travelers have enough time to venture into the city center during their connections. The cities were assessed based on five key criteria: the density of attractions, availability of quick dining options, safety ratings, traffic congestion, and location in relation to the airport. According to Jacob Wedderburn-Day, CEO of Stasher, the emergence of “layover tourism” is reshaping travel habits, with many travelers now selecting their flights based on layover opportunities as opposed to merely price and timing. European cities that recognize this trend are poised to capitalize on a growing segment of international travelers eager to enhance their journeys.
Barcelona emerged as the top layover destination in Europe, receiving an impressive score of 99.23 out of 100. The city boasts an incredible density of attractions, with over 245 points of interest in each 10 square kilometers. It also offers a wide array of international flight connections, currently totaling 227. With international tourism in Barcelona experiencing a 4.8% growth in 2024, American visitors continue to dominate the demographics. However, travelers have seen increases in transportation and accommodation costs, which went up by 4.5% and 9.9% respectively over the past year.
Amsterdam claimed second place in the ranking, scoring 96.15, and stands out for its safety and convenience, given its proximity to the city center—just a 15-minute train ride from the airport. The city has implemented regulations to manage overtourism, including raising tourist taxes and introducing bans on marijuana use in certain areas, impacting the experiences of both tourists and locals. These decisions have aimed to enhance the quality of life in Amsterdam while preserving its charm as a travel destination.
Paris came in third, with a robust score of 90.12, particularly noted for its rich cultural offerings. With 350.6 attractions and 43 quick dining options available per 10 square kilometers, it presents ample opportunities for travelers with layovers. While it ranks high as a layover city, Rome, despite being connected to 249 international destinations, found itself at the bottom of the list with a score of 53.04. Madrid, although ranked fifth overall, excelled in maintaining low traffic congestion, which enhances the layover experience for travelers.
As “layover tourism” continues to gain traction, European cities are innovating to attract travelers seeking to optimize their time during layovers. These trends indicate that cities like Barcelona, Amsterdam, and Paris are not only destinations but also integral parts of a journey, potentially enhancing travelers’ overall experiences. The importance of understanding and adapting to these emerging travel patterns cannot be overstated, particularly as more people seek to make the most of their travel arrangements while maximally enjoying local cultures and sightseeing opportunities.
