Rebecca Mottram Travel Agent

Turning your stopover into a mini holiday is an excellent way to break up a long-haul flight and explore a new destination without adding much to your overall trip cost. With airlines increasingly offering stopover deals, it’s easier than ever to check out world-famous cities, soak up some culture, and even tick off bucket list attractions during your layover, whether it’s a few hours or a few days.

Here are seven of the best stopover destinations, complete with highlights of what to do, which airlines can take you there, and where you might be headed next.

Singapore

If your layover takes you through Changi Airport, you’re in for a treat. From butterfly gardens to a rooftop pool, the airport itself is almost an attraction—but don’t stop there. Hop on the quick metro into the city to discover the vibrant blend of modern architecture and cultural heritage.

Marvel at the futuristic Gardens by the Bay, stroll through the Cloud Forest, or walk the Supertree Grove’s skywalk before sampling local favourites at a hawker centre, where you can grab Singapore’s famous chilli crab or Hainanese chicken rice.

Airlines to take you there: Singapore Airlines

Popular onward destinations: Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand 

Dubai

A stopover in glitzy Dubai offers the chance to glimpse into a truly unique and futuristic metropolis. With its warm climate and unparalleled hospitality, Dubai delivers both relaxation and adventure for everyone from couples and families to solo travellers and groups of friends.

There’s a lot to cram into a few days in Dubai, so try and pick the attractions that appeal to you most. If you wish to relax before a busy touring adventure around Asia, spend some time at one of the public beaches such as Kite Beach, Sunset Beach, or The Beach opposite JBR. If you crave adrenaline, speak to your Travel Counsellor about organising a desert safari that includes dune bashing and a sunset BBQ. If you only have a few hours to explore, head to the Dubai Mall for some shopping followed by a climb to the top of the iconic Burj Khalfa.

Airlines to take you there: Emirates

Popular onward destinations: Africa, Indian Ocean islands like the Maldives, and Australasia

New York City

Despite its reputation as the city that never sleeps, you might only need a day or two to catch some of NYC’s magic. Whether connecting to cities across the US, Canada, or South America, a New York stopover lets you combine cosmopolitan excitement with iconic attractions.

Your first stop should be food, so grab a bagel and go for a walk through Central Park before hitting up all the iconic landmarks. There’s plenty to choose from but the most well-known include Times Square, the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, and the Brooklyn Bridge. You should also take the Staten Island Ferry to enjoy views of the Statue of Liberty for free before grabbing a slice of pizza on your way to Broadway to catch a show.

Airlines to take you there: British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, United Airlines, and Aer Lingus 

Popular onward destinations: The Americas 

Lisbon

You might not initially have considered it, but the charming streets of Lisbon are an inviting stopover for any traveller heading further afield. Compact, warm for most of the year, and full of history, the Portuguese capital is best explored on foot or via its iconic yellow trams. 

Wander through Alfama, the city’s oldest neighbourhood, with its winding streets, historic architecture, and Fado music performances, or visit the Belém Tower or the Jerónimos Monastery for a dose of history – this is where Portuguese explorers once set sail to discover the world. Finally, no visit to Lisbon is complete without tasting the city’s famous custard tarts, pastéis de nata, at Pastéis de Belém.

Airlines to take you there: TAP Air Portugal 

Popular onward destinations: South America and Africa 

Amsterdam

With KLM’s free stopover programme, Amsterdam ranks as one of the most accessible and exciting stopover destinations. The city offers a laid-back atmosphere and attractions just minutes from Schiphol Airport and, thanks to its well-connected routes, you can incorporate a stay here on your way to pretty much anywhere in the world.

The pace is laid-back here, so take some time to wander the interesting streets, cruise along the canals, and admire the quintessential Dutch architecture. You could also hire a bike and cycle through Vondelpark, a green sanctuary in the city centre, before grabbing a coffee and a pastry at one of the many trendy cafes. Finally, get a touch of culture by stopping by the Van Gogh Museum or the Anne Frank House.

Airlines to take you there: KLM 

Popular onward destinations: Africa, Asia, the Americas, and beyond 

Miami

For a colourful and tropical layover experience, look no further than Miami. Known for its vibrant nightlife, art deco design, and beach vibes, Miami is ideal for travellers passing through on their way to the Caribbean or Latin America.

Unwind on the endless beaches of South Beach and explore the pastel-toned Art Deco District, wander through the modern art-filled streets of Wynwood Walls, famous for its street murals, and feast on authentic Cuban dishes, like ropa vieja (a slow-cooked shredded beef dish) and Cafecito (strong and sweet Cuban coffee), in Little Havana.

Airlines to take you there: American Airlines, British Airways, and Virgin Atlantic

Popular onward destinations: The Caribbean, South America, and Central America 

Doha

The gleaming capital of Qatar presents its visitors with a unique mix of traditional Arab culture and futuristic design and with Doha being the hub for Qatar Airways, it’s an ideal stopover en route to Asia or Australasia. 

Just a short bus ride from the airport to the heart of the city, you can make the most of your layover thanks to a free city tour if you’re flying with Qatar Airways. If you prefer to make your own plans once you land, head to the bustling Souq Waqif, a traditional marketplace, to find spices, textiles, and handicrafts, before taking a walk along the Doha Corniche, a picturesque promenade overlooking the skyline. If you have time, another must-visit is the Museum of Islamic Art. This unique building houses a collection of masterpieces from across the globe, revealing and showcasing Islam’s history through pottery, art, sacred texts, textiles, and more.

Airlines to take you there: Qatar Airways and British Airways

Popular onward destinations: India, Far East, and Australasia  

So, those are the some of most popular ones, but I can include lots of different destinations into bespoke itineraries for your needs. Please do let me know what appeals to you most and we can go from there, planning you your next great adventure.