Multi-leg flights are an unfortunate product of air travel. Whether you’re headed to Sydney, Stockholm or Saskatoon, chances are that you’re going to end up making a connection somewhere along the way, and if you’re really unlucky then that layover could be for hours.

Not all connections translate to misery, however (unless you’re flying through Newark). In fact, many airports around the world are actually quite conducive towards spending a few hours on the ground, whether it’s because of the amenities within or the proximity to the city. At SuiteTrip headquarters we’ve been compiling our favorite layover spots for the last four years, and this month we finally took the time to distill our favorite out spots for your enjoyment.

1. Washington D.C. (Reagan). In addition to being a pretty nice airport, the great thing about DCA is that it’s right near the District of Colombia, meaning you can sneak out to the Metro, hop onto the yellow line and be in the nation’s capitol in a matter of minutes. Want to take a look at the new exhibit at the Smithsonian? No problem. Stop at the Fox and Hounds for some $4 G&T’s and mozzarella sticks? Yes please.
2. Honolulu. Beyond the fact that you’re on an island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, HNL gets extra points because of its proximity to the beach (and the ability to get there.) Step outside and take the #19 bus up the road a few minutes and you land at Waikiki beach, where the sand is soft, the palm trees sway and there’s not a care in the world. Plus, for passengers transferring through from Japan into the US this is a great place to nap.
3. Detroit. Some airports are awesome because of their proximity to great sites and activities. Detroit (specifically, Delta’s McNamara terminal) gets honorable mention because of the sheer volume and class of the facilities. Zip up to the upper level to ride the hulking red sky train from end to end of the A concourse. You can also enjoy world class sushi (or southern style fried chicken!) at one of the wide range of restaurants.
4. Tie between Chicago, San Francisco and Boston. Each of these massive cities is well connected to urban areas via the train system, making transfers into the city and the culture an easy endeavor for any curious traveler. Where they lose points is in their proximity to interesting sites. It’ll take you a good 45 minutes on the blue line to get into the loop from Chicago’s O’Hare, while Boston’s T makes a similar, slow trudge. And don’t get us started on SFO’s BART.
5. Another great airport for in-terminal canoodling is Pittsburgh. Originally built as a community center before this whole 9/11 security wonkiness, PIT has a post office, drug store and a wide spectrum of shops built into the terminal — behind security. The sum total of those services can keep the connecting passenger busy for hours, or at least long enough to wait for a flight.

Happen to be flying out of the country? Let us tell ya, there’s nothing finer than an afternoon spent roaming the halls of Tokyo’s Narita or lounging in the spas of Helsinki International. But those heady terminals are the subject of another SuiteTrip article. Until then, we’ll be British Airways Terraces lounge at Heathrow.