Best cities for a stopover: Hong Kong, Singapore, Lisbon

DREADING that long airport stopover? We’ve found the world’s best cities to explore between flights. You’ll be wishing you had more time in these spots.

The best cities in the world for a stopover

IF WE had the option, most of us would prefer to avoid stopovers as much as possible however in many cases the dreaded airport wait is inevitable.

What makes a city ideal for a long stopover varies. Sometimes it is the proximity of the airport to the city, other times it might be a compact city centre, a popular area that is easily walkable or convenient transportation options from the airport to the city.

Got at least eight hours to spare? Here is a list of 10 cities, from travel site FlyerTalk, that you can easily explore.

Bogotá, Colombia

This once crime-ridden city is now as safe as most major world cities. The city centre’s proximity to the airport makes it an ideal stopover destination. Despite Bogotá being one of the largest cities in South America, eight hours should be enough to visit most of the major sights at La Candelaria, Chapinero or Usaquén.

Explore La Candelaria district of Bogota.

Hong Kong

To suggest that you could even see half of Hong Kong in eight hours would be insulting, but with the city being so easily accessible via train, eight hours might be enough to visit most of the major sights at either Kowloon or Hong Kong Island including the famous Victoria Peak.

Hong Kong is a stopover’s dream.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The Kuala Lumpur airport is about an hour from the city centre, which might make it a strange choice to be part of this list. However, the reality is that most of the major sights such as the Batu Caves, Merdeka Square, Petronas Twin Towers and Jalan Alor, can easily be visited in only a few hours.

The Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur.

Lisbon, Portugal

Portugal is often the forgotten country of western Europe. If you have ever had the chance to visit this beautiful country, you are probably wondering why that is the case. Its capital, Lisbon, is relatively close to the airport, and most of the major sights are within walking distance from each other.

If you’ve got time, make the trip to Belém Tower and the Monastery of Jeronimos.

Lisbon, the most overlooked destination in Europe.

Panama City

Few sights are more recognisable worldwide than the Panama Canal. Eight hours is more than enough for a quick tour of the canal and the Old City. If staying overnight, then you may even be able to take one of the longer and more comprehensive Panama Canal tours.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Most of San Juan’s major non-beach sights are located in Old San Juan. Stroll around the old city for shopping and numerous restaurants and visit Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Paseo La Princesa.

The ancient San Felipe del Morro Fort.

Singapore

From the National Orchid Garden, to Gardens by the Bay, to Marina Bay Sands and the famous Raffles Singapore, this is a city made for the long stopover. Changi airport even offers free two hour city tours to passengers with stopovers longer than four hours.