A long layover does not have to mean hours of boredom at the gate. In cities that stay awake around the clock, a 10 or 12 hour pause between flights can turn into a short, unforgettable adventure. With the right plan, those hours become a chance to taste the culture, explore, and reset before the next leg of your trip.

Here is how to make the most of a long layover in a city that never slows down.

Step 1: Check the Clock and Know the Logistics

Layovers of eight hours or more usually offer enough time to explore. The key is making sure you will have at least six usable hours outside the airport after accounting for customs, transportation, and the return trip through security.

Tools like Google Maps and Citymapper help you estimate travel times. Many major cities offer round the clock transit or reliably available taxis. If the airport sits far outside the city or transit shuts down early, staying on site may be the safer call.

Step 2: Store Your Bags and Travel Light

Carrying luggage through a busy city makes exploring difficult. Most international airports have baggage storage or lockers for a small fee. Train stations and select hostels near transit hubs often offer the same service.

Once your bags are stored, keeping only the essentials—passport, phone, and wallet—makes it easy to move quickly and comfortably.

Step 3: Find Late Night Local Food

Cities that run 24 hours usually have excellent late night dining. Street food, diners, neighborhood cafés, and small restaurants often stay open long past midnight.

Asking a local for a recommendation is the fastest path to a great meal. Taxi drivers, baristas, and night shift workers often know exactly where to go. Avoid airport chains and seek out the spots locals rely on after hours.

Step 4: Enjoy the City’s Nighttime Energy

Nighttime reveals a different side of major cities. Entertainment districts, neon lit neighborhoods, waterfront walks, and popular viewpoints take on a new atmosphere after dark.

Pick one area with a lively reputation and wander. Some cities offer late night observation decks or rooftop lounges that stay open with minimal waits. Even a quiet stroll through a busy district can become a memorable part of the trip.

Step 5: Reset Before You Head Back

Before returning to the airport, plan a quick refresh. Many airports have lounges with showers, especially if you have lounge access through Priority Pass or your airline status. Some cities also have affordable 24 hour bathhouses or spas where you can clean up and recharge.

Returning to the airport about two hours before your next flight provides a comfortable buffer for unexpected delays.

A long layover in a nonstop city can feel like a bonus trip rather than an inconvenience. With a little flexibility and curiosity, those overnight hours turn into a highlight rather than a chore.

Talk soon,

Your Maestro Concierge

Editors Note: Opinions expressed here are only the author’s and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity.