The 4-hour Layover: what to see in 4 hours in 4

The 4-hour Layover: what to see in 4 hours in 4
great cities
By Andrew Kaszowski
Ditch that overpriced airport lounge lager
and napping on pleather seating… make the
most of your layover with a whirwind tour
of the world’s finest cities.
If you’ve seen the movie “The Terminal” you
know that the life of a frequent traveler can
mean living inside of airports with no contact
with the real outside world. Sure, many of the
world’s top airports are modern architectural
marvels with so many amenities and beautiful
features that you probably could live there. But
who would want to?
If you plan carefully and keep a close eye on the clock; you can get out and explore!
FlightNetwork looked at the world’s four busiest airports by passenger traffic (according
to wikipedia’s 2010 year-to-date passenger data) to offer you a perfect super-quick
itinerary for the very best of each city. Be prepared, though, you don’t have much time…
let’s go!
Special disclaimer: Don’t miss your flight! It is very easy to get swept up in the charms
of a new city when you’re exploring. Set an alarm on your watch, keep a close eye on
your time and make sure you’re back at the airport in time for check in. Remember, five
minutes too late could cost hundreds of dollars!
1) Atlanta: Tour the Historic Fox
Theatre
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International
Airport
2010 passengers to-date: 51,839,477
10-second primer (pretend you know about
the city): The major connecting hub for Delta
airlines, you’re likely to connect here more
than anywhere else in North America. Atlanta is one of the most powerful metropolitan
areas in the United States with a rich history. It’s the birthplace of Martin Luther King,
Jr., the home of CNN and Coca-Cola, and has a beautiful downtown that blends rich
history and modern skyscrapers.
Fox Theatre
660 Peachtree St NE
Phone: 404-688-3353
Tour: $10, check ahead for availability
Take a tour of the historic Fox Theatre; known as one of North America’s most beautiful
historic theatres. As you learn about the preserved architecture with dramatic minarets,
shining marble, ornate carvings, and decadent décor you will hear about the legends that
have graced the stage and brought audiences to their feet over the decades.
After your tour, head out for a short walk along Peachtree Street, the heart of Atlanta to
take in the downtown vibe.
Directions: 30 minutes each way, $2 each way
Walk to Airport Station
Take the Gold Northeast Doraville Line toward Doraville Station
10 stops to North Avenue Station
Walk North on Peachtree Street to the Fox Theatre
2) Beijing: Take in the vastness of
Tiananmen Square
Beijing Capital International Airport
2010 passengers to-date: 41,920,556
10-second primer: The capital of China since
the communists under Chairman Mao came to
power in 1949. Although it is a modern capital
in terms of China’s history, Beijing has enough
drama and intrigue in the last generation to create an unforgettable visit – as well as
historical sites from the majestic past. Beijing is the country’s second-largest city after
Shanghai; but it is regarded as the cultural heart of the country… host to the 2008
Summer Olympics.
Tiananmen Square
Qianmen St
Immediately south of the Forbidden City
Walking across the largest plaza in the world – the vastness and modern history (site of
the 1989 crackdown on pro-democracy activists) are haunting. Your eye contrasts
between the emptiness of the space and the towering monuments of the Forbidden City.
The Gate of Heavenly Peace and the Forbidden City are at the North, and the mausoleum
of late chairman Mao Zedong are at the south (you can view his body free of charge if
you have time).
Directions: budget 40 minutes+ each way, 25 yen for airport express plus 2 yen
for subway each way
Take the Airport Express train to Dongzhimen
Transfer to line 2 to Jiangouomen Station
Transfer to line 1 to Tiananmen Xi (Tiananmen West Station)
3) Chicago: Stand on clouds at
the Willis Tower
O'Hare International Airport
2010 passengers to-date: 38,279,907
10-second primer: You know a city has style
when it can say it coined the word “jazz.”
Chicago is one of the largest, busiest, and most
dynamic cities in the United States and the hub
of the Midwest. O’Hare is the major transfer point for United and American Airlines.
Downtown Chicago is home to some of the most impressive urban architecture in the
world – in fact the skyscraper truly gained prominence as the city was re-built following
the great fire. So, best to explore one of those famous skyscrapers in person … from one
of the best observation towers in the world!
Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower)
233 S Wacker Dr
Phone: 312-875-9447
Observation deck pass: $18.45
Chicago’s tallest building (and for many years the tallest building in the world) is 1454
feet high and 110 stories. A 70-second elevator ride takes you to the observation deck
with unobstructed views of the city below and Lake Michigan. A new feature for the very
brave is “The Ledge” – literally a glass box that hangs out from the side of the tower,
allowing you to look straight town to the ground below.
Directions: 1hour 15min each way, $2.25 each way
From O’Hare take the Blue Line toward Forest Park (19 stops)
Arrive at Jackson-Blue
Walk to Willis Tower
4) London: Walk across the time
on the Millennium Bridge
London Heathrow Airport
2010 passengers to-date: 36,927,381
10-second primer: Europe’s largest city (7
million) is a fascinating example of the past
and future co-existing perfectly. 2000 years of
history from the Romans and colonialism give
the city the world’s finest museums and historic buildings; as well as an old-style classy
attitude. Yet London is also one of the world’s most multicultural and modern cities, soon
to host the 2012 Summer Olympics. Head to the Millennium Bridge to literally walk
between eras – from the Tate Modern art museum to the ancient St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Tate Modern museum, Millennium Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral
25 Sumner St., Bankside
Phone: 20-7887-8888
Free (no really!)
Tate Modern is London’s most raved about museum and a fascinating example of the
city’s emergence into a modern metropolis. The museum resides in an industrial
revolution-era coal power plant that has been transformed into a beautiful – and free! –
showcase of stunning modern art.
After poking around the museum, walk directly outside and across the Millennium
Bridge: a suspension foot bridge across the River Thames. The bridge forms a direct line
between the modern museum and the ancient St. Paul’s Cathedral.
You won’t have time to tour St. Paul’s; but walk around and gaze at the famous dome. If
time allows, grab tea and crumpets at a café near the cathedral.
Directions: 1hour 30min each way, 4pounds each way
Take Heathrow Express towards London Paddington Rail Station
Walk to Paddington Underground Station
Take the Bakerloo Line towards Elephant & Castle Underground Station
Exit at Waterloo Station, walk to Waterloo Rd, bus stop E
Take the Route Bus RV1 towards Tower Gateway Station
Get off at Southwark Bridge Road, bus stop BV
Walk to Tate Modern