These two U.S. cities were just ranked among the best in the world for a flight stopover

Layovers get a bad rap. Too often, they mean disappointing airport food, uncomfortable seating and hours of boredom. But sometimes, if you have enough time, a stopover can be an exciting add-on to your trip. According to a new “Stopover Index” created by AllClear Travel Insurance, two U.S. airports rank among the best in the world for turning a long layover into a bonus vacay.

Globally, Frankfurt, Germany, topped the list, followed by Doha, Qatar. But right behind them, Atlanta snagged third place with a Stopover Score of 74.5/100, while Baltimore came in eighth with 72.8/100. Both cities earned their stripes thanks to easy access from the airport, plenty to see and do within 24 hours and reasonable costs once you’re on the ground.

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Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving more than 108 million passengers a year and connecting to over 900 destinations. But don’t let the crowds scare you—it’s a layover goldmine. Downtown is just a quick hop away, and once you’re there, you’ve got options. Check out the Georgia Aquarium, where you can walk through a 100-foot tunnel with whale sharks gliding overhead, or hit the World of Coca-Cola, where the original recipe is locked away in a vault. Add in a thriving food scene and suddenly that multi-hour layover doesn’t sound so bad.

Coming in at number eight globally, Baltimore is the underdog story no one saw coming. Baltimore/Washington International Airport is only 15 minutes from downtown, which means you won’t spend your stopover stuck in traffic. Hotels are more affordable than in many U.S. cities, and day-to-day costs won’t break the bank either. Spend your layover wandering the historic Inner Harbor, dive into the National Aquarium or stroll the cobblestone streets of Fells Point. Baltimore may not always be top of mind for travelers, but it’s perfectly sized for a one-day adventure.

Not all U.S. hubs fared so well. Los Angeles International landed dead last worldwide with a score of just 21.9/100, hampered by sky-high costs, endless commutes into the city and attractions scattered far and wide. Elsewhere in the rankings, Boston, Tampa and Philadelphia squeezed into the global top 20.

So next time your flight involves layover of more than just a few hours, check out your options for a quick visit to a new city.

Here are the 10 best cities for a flight stopover:

1. Frankfurt, Germany
2. Doha, Qatar
3. Atlanta, U.S.
4. Copenhagen, Denmark
5. Warsaw, Poland
6. Dublin, Ireland
7. Vienna, Austria
8. Baltimore, U.S.
9. Amsterdam, Netherlands
10. Zurich, Switzerland