Long layovers are sometimes a necessary evil when you’re trying to get from one destination to the next, or heading back home after a tour. Airports have started stepping up their game for globe-trotters, and are now filled with lots of cool things to do. If you thought going to the gym in a terminal or chilling in the business lounge before taking off were serious travel goals, think again! These days it may be fun killing time in an airport, but true travel junkies know that nothing beats taking your first steps in a new country. If you’ve got a long layover and are up for a mini adventure, this guide highlights top things near international airports.
Blue Lagoon, Iceland
Distance from Keflavík International Airport: 21.4km
What could be better than going to a volcanic spa during a layover and taking advantage of the magical properties of hot springs? According to National Geographic, Iceland’s Blue Lagoon is one of 25 Wonders of the World, and it happens to be just 20 minutes away from the airport. On average people spend a couple of hours in the lagoon, so it could be the perfect layover attraction. Blue Lagoon’s enchanting geothermal waters are located in a centuries-old lava field in Reykjanes Peninsula – a UNESCO Geopark.
Table Mountain, South Africa
Distance from Cape Town International Airport: 25km
Are you the adventurous kind that can manage a hike during your layover? Then take advantage of Cape Town International Airport’s proximity to Table Mountain. It’s one of the most iconic landmarks in South Africa, and most people can manage the summit in about two hours. Along the way, you’ll see lots of fascinating fauna and flora, many of which are native to the mountain. If you want to scope out the beautiful and exciting scenery, but you’re short on time or not feeling up to the walk, then grab a cable car!
Villa Maria Estate, New Zealand
Distance from Aukland Airport: 5.1km
Jump in a taxi from Aukland Airport, and in ten minutes you could be sipping some of New Zealand’s internationally-renowned wines. Villa Maria Estate is an award-winning vineyard with 40 hectares of grape vines, which began as a small family business and has now grown into a global empire. So while everyone else is walking over carryons and paying for overpriced drinks at the airport bar, you could be enjoying a delicious glass of wine (or two) while relaxing in a lush green vineyard.
Narita, Tokyo
Distance from Narita International Airport: 8.6km
People can make the most of a long layover at Narita International Airport by heading to the small town of Narita, which is super close to the airport. Many tourists don’t include Narita on their itineraries, so it’s an opportunity to go off the beaten track and visit a beautiful, but often-overlooked, spot. At the heart of this town is an ancient temple called Naritasan Shinshoji. It sits in a Buddhist complex with ornate shrines and peaceful gardens. Between the temple and train station is a charming alleyway with colourful shops and restaurants in the style of Japan’s Edo period where you can spend a couple of hours before heading back to the airport for your flight.
Islands Brygge, Denmark
Distance from Copenhagen Airport: 7km
Earlier this year, after considering cities from all over, CNN hailed Copenhagen as the best place in the world for swimming alfresco. Surrounded by waters, the city is home to some fantastic outdoor baths. Among these is Islands Brygge, just a short drive from the airport: you could be swimming in the open air with a view of the skyline.
National Botanic Gardens, Ireland
Distance from Dublin Airport: 8.6km
If you’ve got a layover in Dublin, then you can go and bliss out in the oasis of the National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin. Not only will you get to see some of Ireland’s famous countryside, but you’ll also get to hang out with some VIP plant species and cultivators from around the world. Elevate your downtime between flights in Dublin by exploring 19.5 hectares of beautiful gardens filled with endangered species, some of which are already extinct in the wild. What’s even better is entry is free!
Eco-Park, India
Distance from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport: 7.3km
Situated on 480 acres of land and surrounded by 104 acres of water, Kolkata’s Eco-Park is one of the largest parks so far in India and the first of its kind in the eastern region of the country. It’s a great attraction for a long layover, especially if you have kids, as there are lots of activities such as archery, gaming, trampolining and cycling for example.
Note: Remember that you’ll need to check all your travel documents to make sure you can access these cool attractions as some countries may require you to have a transit visa.
What are your top tips for long layovers? Let us know!
