20 Best City Stopovers Worldwide And Stopover Packages Worth Booking
Planning a long haul trip? Discover our top 20 Stopovers to explore a new city and beat jet lag!
Turning flight stopovers into a mini holiday is a fantastic way to break up long-haul flights and explore a new city, without adding much to your overall trip time or cost. With airlines offering discounted or even free stopover programmes, it is easier than ever to check out major cities, soak up local culture, and tick off bucket list sights during a long layover, whether you have a few hours or several days.
For travellers short on annual leave or keen to see more on a single trip, it is an easy way to add an extra destination without the planning or price of a separate holiday.
Read: How to Find Cheap Flights – 22 Insider Tips, Tricks and Travel Industry Secrets
I have been fortunate to visit most of the countries on this list and have selected 20 of the top stopovers below from personal recommendations. I have also listed some of my favourite things to do in each city as well as airline stopover programme benefits.
What is a Stopover Programme?
Airline stopover programmes let travellers extend a layover in a connecting city, usually the airline’s hub, turning transit time into a short city break. Often available at no extra airfare, they may include perks such as free or discounted hotels, meals, or city tours, with stays from around 24 hours to several days.
Note: Usually stopover programmes or packages can only be booked directly with the airline, via their website or by phone with their call centre.
Best Stopovers Travelling to Asia, Australia or New Zealand
1. Dubai, UAE – Emirates
Dubai is one of the most popular stopovers to Australia New Zealand or Asia, and for good reason. There’s so much to see and do in Dubai and you can squeeze loads in with little time in the city. Shop till you drop at the Dubai mall, enjoy the views at the top of the Burj Khalifa, enjoy a desert safari and much more. There’s a nice mix of city and beach depending on what you want to do on your stopover.
Read: 25 Top Things To Do in Dubai – Great Attractions for Adults and Families
Read: Where To Stay in Dubai – 20 Luxury Dubai Hotels and Great Value Apartments
Stopover Programme Benefits
Emirates has two different stopover packages. The Dubai Connect programme provides a free hotel stay, meals, and transfers for passengers facing long layovers when no shorter connection is available. Separately, Emirates also offers Dubai Stopover packages, which bundle hotel stays, visas, and transfers at competitive prices.
2. Abu Dhabi, UAE – Etihad Airways
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is known to be an accessible and good value stopover destination in the Middle East. From the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the impressive Louvre Abu Dhabi, to the entertainment hub of Yas Island, Abu Dhabi stopovers promise a journey full of unmissable experiences.
Read: 10 Unmissable Experiences For Your Abu Dhabi Holiday
Stopover Programme Benefits
I have personally experienced this Etihad stopover and could not recommend it more. I flew from Dublin to Abu Dhabi and stayed there for 2 nights free of change, thanks to the stopover package. I then flew onwards to Bangkok to continue my journey. You can choose from 4 or 5 star hotels for up to 2 nights.
When you book a stopover you also get a complimentary Stopover Pass packed with perks. Save up to 15% off attractions, theme parks and tours. Stay connected with a free local SIM card and 10GB of data. And make getting around Abu Dhabi a breeze with access to the city’s shuttle service.
3. Doha, Qatar – Qatar Airways
Sarah explored Doha as a stopover on her return from Rwanda in 2024 and found it an ideal balance of relaxation and sightseeing. As one of the world’s wealthiest countries, Qatar showcases it is prosperity through Doha’s futuristic skyline, striking architecture and local heritage, making the city an excellent stopover choice.
With many attractions concentrated in the city centre, even a short stay is rewarding. Sarah booked a private four hour city tour for €40, visiting the National Museum of Qatar, walking along the Corniche, exploring the Cultural Village and The Pearl, and shopping at the vibrant Souq Waqif.
Read: 15 Top Things to do in Doha – Doha Travel Guide
Read: Review of Qatar Airways service
Stopover Package Benefits
Qatar Airways flies twice daily from Dublin Airport to Hamad International Airport with onward connections to 170 destinations worldwide. The flight cost from Dublin to your final destination allows for a complimentary stopovers in Doha for up to 4 nights, making Qatar Airways the perfect choice for a twin centre holiday.
4. Bahrain – Gulf Air
I had a layover in Bahrain with Gulf Air when I flew from Dubai to Thailand a few years ago, I just transited and did not stay, but would have loved to see what Bahrain had to offer. The city is compact but offers plenty to see in a short stopover.
Things to do in Bahrain include the National Museum, the historic Bahrain Fort, or for something different, visit the Tree of Life in the desert or explore the Bahrain International Circuit, home of the Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Stopover Package Benefits
Gulf Air offers a Bahrain stopover package that allows travellers to add one to four nights in Bahrain to their journey. The package is paid rather than free, and typically includes hotel accommodation, with options to add transfers and experiences, making it a convenient way to turn a long connection into a short city break.
5. Istanbul, Turkey – Turkish Airlines
One of my favourite cities in the world, Istanbul is where Europe meets Asia and the only city in the world that spans two continents. I visited in the summer of 2022 and loved my time there.
Even a short stopover of two or three days allows you to see the main sights, including Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Galata Tower, and, of course, shopping at the famous Grand Bazaar. Plus the airfares are always great value and the Turkish Airlines gets great reviews.
Stopover Package Benefits
If your itinerary includes a layover of at least 20 hours at Istanbul Airport and you are travelling on a Turkish Airlines round trip ticket, you can apply for complimentary hotel nights in Istanbul.
Eligibility for the extended nights depends on your departure country, travellers from countries like Australia, Canada, Singapore, the USA and others are included in the programme.
6. Singapore – Singapore Airlines/ Scoot
Singapore is a superb city and even its airport is worthwhile exploring on a layover! Singapore can be expensive to visit, so two or three night stopovers are ideal for keeping costs down, while still seeing the highlights.
Changi Airport alone is an attraction, with Changi Jewel offering a spectacular indoor waterfall, gorgeous gardens, a mirror maze, slides and the Jewel Rassic Quest for kids, among many other experiences.
If you leave the airport, head to Gardens by the Bay at Marina Bay Sands for the immersive Garden Rhapsody Supertree light show, which is so impressive I even went twice plus it is free of charge.
Visit Arab Street for shopping and culture, enjoy a day out on Sentosa Island where Universal Studios is located, and make sure to eat at Satay Street at Lau Pa Sat, one of the best spots in the city for local food.
Singapore Airlines does not automatically offer free accommodation with its standard stopovers packages. If you are planning a stopover in Singapore, you normally have to arrange and pay for your own hotel, or book one of the airline’s Singapore Stopover Holiday packages which include hotel nights at cost rather than as a free benefit.
7. Bangkok, Thailand – Thai Airways/ Norse
Bangkok is a city I have visited three times now, and each trip makes me fall in love with it even more. From stunning temples and the Grand Palace to vibrant street markets, huge shopping malls like Icon Siam, rooftop bars and the iconic nightlife of Khao San Road, Bangkok offers everything you need for an excellent city stopover.
It is not always cheap or direct to reach the Thai islands, so flying via Bangkok is a smart option. Spend a few nights exploring the city before heading on to Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui or even other neighbouring countries.
Thai Airways does not have a free stopover hotel package like some Middle Eastern carriers. Instead, it partners with Royal Orchid Holidays, which lets you add accommodation, tours and transfers at special rates when you book your flight, but you pay for the hotel which are usually good value.
8. Hong Kong – Cathay Pacific
Hong Kong makes an excellent stopover city because it’s compact, easy to navigate, and packed with culture, food and sights. Stroll along the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade for views of Hong Kong Island and the nightly Symphony of Lights show.
Take the Ngong Ping Cable Car to see the Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha) and Po Lin Monastery. Enjoy a beverage at a rooftop bar in Central or Tsim Sha Tsui offer iconic skyline views.
Stopover Package Benefits
With Cathay Pacific you can book up to 3 nights in a range of hotels with transfers at discounted rates through the airline. Packages may include airport transfers and sometimes sightseeing vouchers.
Top Tip: If your airline doesn’t offer a package, booking your own hotel for 2–3 nights in Tsim Sha Tsui, Central or Causeway Bay keeps you close to transport links and attractions.
9. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Malaysia Airlines
Kuala Lumpur is a major hub for flights in Asia and I have personally visited the city and transited through also. The city may not be mind blowing, and does not have many bucket list attractions, but I still think it is worth spending one or two nights to break up a journey to Europe or Australia.
I loved the night bus tour, which is a hop on hop off style experience that takes you past the main sights when they are lit up after dark. I also enjoyed visiting the Batu Caves and shopping in Chinatown while trying a variety of street food.
Read: 7 things you must do in Kuala Lumpur
Stopover Package Benefits
Under Malaysia Airlines’ Bonus Side Trip stopover programme you can add a domestic flight to your international itinerary at no extra base fare to explore more of Malaysia, but you still have to pay the applicable government and airport taxes or fees on that domestic leg.
10. Los Angeles, USA – Air New Zealand
Did you know you can stopover in Los Angeles on your way to New Zealand or Australia? Flying this way can offer shorter travel times, more flexible flight options, and can be a good way to get over jet lag. Flying west can offer a smoother adjustment to time zones compared to routes through the Middle East.
Maybe you have always wanted to visit Hollywood or Beverly Hills? Use LA as a stopover option and enjoy a few nights exploring the city. Take a tour of the celebrity mansions, enjoy a day at Venice beach or check out the Hollywood walk of fame.
Read: Is Los Angeles worth Visiting? (The Pros & Cons)
Air New Zealand lets you visit the USA, Canada or Asia on your way to or from New Zealand with Air New Zealand and their partner airlines. On selected routes, stopovers can often be added at no extra airfare, although fare rules and taxes may apply.
Best Stopovers Travelling to USA, Central or South America
11. Reykjavik, Iceland – Icelandair
Reykjavik in Iceland is a bucket list stopover destination, and is mainly used for transatlantic travel. You can explore everything from bathing in the Blue Lagoon, northern-lights gazing and whale-watching boat trip. Iceland is a popular twin centre with New York from Dublin and can also be done using the low cost carrier PLAY airlines,
Read: Top Things to do in Iceland
Stopover Package Benefits
When you fly transatlantic with Icelandair, you can choose to add a Stopover in Iceland at no additional airfare. Stay for a day, or up to a week and fill every day with amazing bucket list experiences.
12. Toronto, Canada – Air Canada
Toronto has great connections to Mexico and the USA and is the city I chose for a layover on my trip to Mexico. I think two or three nights is plenty of time to explore the city and even enjoy a day trip to Niagara Falls. I found Toronto city centre very walkable and loved the city views from the iconic CN Tower.
I would recommend visiting Toronto in the spring or summer months, as you can enjoy Toronto Island at its full potential. Niagara Falls is also best visited at this time of year, as some attractions are seasonal and close during winter, so it is worth keeping that in mind when planning.
Stopover Package Benefits
Air Canada allows stopovers in Toronto (and other hubs like Montreal, Vancouver) on international tickets, letting you stay over 24 hours for free on paid tickets, or for just 5,000 extra points on Aeroplan miles, enabling you to explore Canada before your final destination.
13. Lisbon or Porto, Portugal – TAP Portugal
Tap Air Portugal offers great connections via Porto and Lisbon to connect Europe with Brazil and other parts of South America, and their stopover programme is one of the best. Take a tuk-tuk tour in Lisbon or enjoy a day trip to the coastal town of Cascais. In Porto you can see the famous bookshop, enjoy a river cruise or cable car or just explore the gorgeous city by foot.
Read: Top 10 Things To Do In Lisbon – With Or Without Kids
Read: Choose Porto For Your Next City Break – Porto Travel Guide
Stopover Package Benefits
The Portugal Stopover Programme was voted the best stopover programme in the world by Global Traveller readers for the seventh consecutive year. You can include a stopover in Lisbon or Porto at no extra airfare when booking with TAP.
Rather than covering the full cost of accommodation, the programme offers special deals and discounts on hotels, tours, restaurants and attractions. This allows you to explore Portugal for up to 10 days on your inbound or outbound journey.
14. Madrid, Spain – Iberia
Another stopover with great connections to South America is Madrid with Iberia. Explore the grandeur of the Royal Palace, shop along the bustling Gran Vía, tour Real Madrid’s iconic football stadium, or enjoy a tapas trail through the city, Madrid has something for everyone. When the sun sets, why not experience an authentic flamenco show and fully immerse yourself in the local culture?
Read: Where To Stay in Madrid, Top Things to Do – Madrid Travel Guide
Stopover Package Benefits
With Stopover Hola Madrid you can discover the city for a few days, without paying extra for your ticket. Select this option when you book your flight, choose the number of nights you want to stay and take advantage of our promotions to get the most out of the city.
15. New York, USA – Aer Lingus/ United / Delta
Stopover in the iconic city of NYC on your way to Mexico or South America. Spend your days shopping, visiting the 9/11 Memorial, taking a ferry ride to Staten Island for views of the Statue of Liberty, or simply wandering through Central Park.
Read: 30 Top Things To Do In New York
While there is no official New York City stopover programme that provides free or discounted hotels and perks, you can book a stopover in NYC by using the multi-city booking options offered by many airlines.
16. Miami, USA – Aer Lingus/ Delta
Miami is fantastic choice for a stopover on the way to South America or Mexico. For a short stopover in Miami you can relax on South Beach, explore Little Havana or sail by the A-lister mansions. If time allows, wander through the Wynwood Walls to admire vibrant street art or take a sunset cruise along Biscayne Bay for stunning skyline views.
There is no official Miami Stopover Program however, Miami International Airport (MIA) sometimes offers various options for travellers with long layovers to explore the city or rest comfortably, and some travel agencies or airlines facilitate stopovers there.
Other Stopovers to Consider for Worldwide Destinations
17. Amsterdam, Netherlands – KLM
The main hub of KLM is based in Schiphol Airport Amsterdam and is connected to over 160 destinations globally. For a European stopover it is possibly the quickest and most convenient city to visit on a quick stopover and personally I think you could squeeze in a lot in just a few hours. Visit Anne frank house, enjoy a canal cruise or simply explore the city by foot and try some Dutch food and beers.
Read: Top 10 Things You Must Do in Amsterdam and Where to Stay – Amsterdam Travel Guide
Stopover Programme Benefits
The KLM stopover program, powered by Flying Blue, lets you add a free stop of 24 hours or more in Amsterdam, turning a layover into a mini-city break for no extra cost or miles allowing you to explore the city for the cost of the original journey.
18. Frankfurt (FRA), Germany – Lufthansa
A major European flight hub and home to Lufthansa, Frankfurt is the gateway to around 200 destinations worldwide. If you stop over, you can explore the historic Römerberg square, walk along the River Main, visit world class museums, or head up the Main Tower for city views.
Lufthansa does not run an official stopover programme in the way some airlines do but it does allow you to include stopovers in your ticket depending on the fare and routing you choose. That means you can build a break of 24 hours or more into your itinerary.
Top tip: Frankfurt has two airports so be careful when booking layovers and double check you have chosen the correct one (FRA).
19. Helsinki, Finland – Finnair
If you have a layover in Helsinki, the compact city centre makes it easy to see a lot in a short time.
Start at Senate Square, home to the white Helsinki Cathedral and surrounded by neoclassical buildings. From there, walk to Market Square by the harbour to browse food stalls, pick up local snacks or try salmon soup. If time allows, take a quick ferry to Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with walking paths, historic ramparts and sea views. It is about 15 minutes from the harbour.
Finnair is best known for its connections via Helsinki to Bangkok, Tokyo and a new route to Melbourne Australia via Bangkok starting in October 2026, this is a fantastic connection option, particularly for Australians wishing to explore Northern Europe. Irish holidaymakers may also benefit from cheaper air fares to Melbourne, Australia.
Stopover Programme Benefits
Finnair offer easy, often free, stopovers in Helsinki using their multi-city booking tool, allowing travellers to stay from a day to a week in Finland at no extra flight cost on certain fares, turning a layover into a city break to explore the capital’s sights.
20. London, UK – British Airways
A firm favourite for a stopover, especially when travelling from Ireland, London connects to destinations all over the world, and airfares are usually lower than flying direct from Ireland. Hop on the Heathrow Express or the Elizabeth line into central London, then take a stroll along the South Bank to see Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye, before heading to Buckingham Palace or stopping for food at Borough Market.
Read: The Top Things To Do In London With Kids and Where to Stay
There is no official stopover programme from British Airways. However, you can book your holiday as a multi city trip by adding London as an extra stop, or use their holiday packages for bundled deals.
I hope these stopovers help you choose the right one for you. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, activities and descriptions are subject to change. Some of the links in this post contain affiliate links, where I receive a small commission if a booking is made, but at no additional cost to you.
