32 Best Airports in the World Where You Won’t Mind The Long Layovers
Airports are thought to be one of the most boring places, and people generally do not like to wait in one. Most of us have the impression that airports are overcrowded and dingy places, but it might change right now. Here is a list of some of the best airports in the world where people like to stopover and have a good time.
1. Changi International Airport, Singapore
The Singapore Changi airport is rated as the best airport in the world by Skytrax for the 7th time in a row! It sets the standard for building an airport that people will love to visit. If you have a lay off for 2 to 3 hours, then be sure to explore the airport which has a great selection of stores, restaurants and even a theatre. There is even a hotel on the premises where you can rest for a while.
Major Attractions: TWG Tea Boutique, Black: Barista Coffee World, Candy Empire, Beauty in the Pot, Goshin Ramen, Arrival Garden, Cactus Garden, Hedge MAZE
2. Incheon International, South Korea
One reason why Incheon Intl' is one of the best airports in the world is the 72-hole golf area inside the premises. Apart from that, the airport also has a lot to offer passengers are encouraged to check-in their bags and go on an airport-tour. The visitors can go on a duty-free shopping and dining spree.
Passengers love Zurich airport for the shopping complex, which is open all 365 days a year. If you have a layover in Zurich airport, you can even book a room to relax after a tiring flight. They also have several options when it comes to dining at the airport.
Major Attractions: Montreux Jazz Cafe, Duty Free Shops, Airport Jet Coiffure, Airport Tour, Hotel, AIR Bakery, Coffee and Friends, Heligrill
4. Taoyuan International Airport, Taiwan
Taoyuan International Airport serves Taiwan. One of the reasons why this is on the list of best airports in the world is because visitors can even book a half-day tour if they are interested in knowing more about the place. Apart from that, the airport also has essential facilities like a bank, a post office, bathrooms for showers, etc. The shopping and dining area of this airport is impressive and full of options.
Major Attractions: Bookstore, Duty Free Stores, 12MINI Petit Pot, Royal-House, COMEBUYTEA, D7 Bar, Museums, Hello Kitty Wonderland lounge, Plaza Premium Lounge
5. Dubai International Airport, UAE
When we think about Dubai, we think of luxury, and that's true even at the airport. Dubai is known for its VIP hospitality. The airport has everything from live entertainment to a 5-star hotel. They have the best duty-free shops. They also have a cafe culture at the airport to help the visitors mingle.
Major Attractions: Dubai International Hotel, Bathrooms for Showers, Duty Free- Gold shops, Starbucks, Cho Gao, Asian Cuisine, Skybar, Al Majlis
6. Munich Airport, Germany
The Munich Airport wholeheartedly invites all the visitors to have a great time at the airport. They have great shopping and lounging options. The airport even has a visitors park designed especially for the kids. Some options are really affordable too.
Major Attractions: Hotel Hilton, Bagutta, Kinderland, Duty free shops, Shower, Chi-Mas-Institute, M-crew hairdresser, A380 tour
7. Amsterdam Schiphol, Netherlands
The motto of this airport is to help the visitors to shop, eat, drink and relax. This must tell you that they have chalked out the way through which they want to be hospitable to you. They have a number of duty-free shops that provides you with a good experience of shopping. If you get bored, we will recommend you to explore the airport as it is quite interesting in itself. The airport also provides offers on certain shops and products.
Major Attractions: Yoghurt barn, AKO, Amsterdam Bread co., Cafe Chocolat, Crossroads, Holland Boulevard, Airport Library, Massage-O-Matic
8. Hong Kong International Airport
The Hong Kong airport promises you to provide an amazing beginning to your journey. They have all the needed facilities, such as lounges, Wi-Fi, a lost and found section and other things. Along with that they also have places which will be relaxing as well as recreational for the visitors. There are cultural exhibitions at this airport which help the visitors to know more about the place.
Major Attractions: Wing Wah Cake Shop, 24-hour Shop and Dine, Online Shopping, Aji Ichiban, Ajisen Ramen, Chee Kei, Caviar House & Prunier, Airport Shopping Ambassadors
9. Vancouver International Airport, Canada
This is yet another airport that is loaded with all the facilities that a visitor may need, and they are notable for their luxurious lounges. They welcome everybody to get their first-class hospitality, and they are always trying to improve the airport. Shopping and dining are key parts of in making this one of the Best Airports in the World, and they have special services for each of the terminals.
Major Attractions: Absolute Spa, Airport Butler Concierge Service, Lounges, Flight Stop, Hudson, Lick, Globe@YVR, Lift Bar and Grill
10. London Heathrow
Heathrow airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, and it caters to a lot of people on a daily basis. They have created an airport that isn’t boring for the visitors, and they can actually enjoy their time in the shops and eateries. In all 4 terminals of the airport, you can find amazing shops which contain the best of the things. You can also get extra offers if you have a Heathrow rewards card. The airport actually provides you with a glimpse of London.
Major Attractions: Ca’puccino, Eat, The Gorgeous Kitchen, Giraffe, personal shopper, showers, prayer rooms, airport hotels
11. Kansai International Airport, Japan
If you are flying into the Osaka Bay, then you will need to land in the Kansai airport. The staff present in this airport is quite courteous, and the airport tries to provide all the needed facilities like lounges, banks, transportation, etc. to the visitors. They also provide a pretty interesting selection of places where you can shop and dine. As Kansai is a beautiful place, it is also reflected in the decor and architecture of the airport.
Major Attractions: Duty Free, showers, relaxation, skyview, IL Bar, Ganko Sushi, KamaKura Pasta, Saintmarc cafe
12. San Francisco International Airport, California, USA
This is another one of the Best Airports in the World that sees a lot of people on a daily basis. For making the airport more appealing, one of the things that they have done is to incorporate pieces of art throughout the different terminals. If you are a patron of art, you will definitely see them. The lounges are relaxing and clean, and you can even avail a hotel. Other than that, you will get a number of options when it comes to dining or shopping at this airport. If you can, check out the museum at this airport.
Major Attractions: Museum, 24th & Mission Taco House, Amoura cafe, Black Point Cafe, 100% Pure, Duty Free, Self-guided tours, Xpress Spa
13. Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Malaysia
This international airport highlights the great things about its culture, and you can easily catch shows during different festivals. The airport also believes in providing luxury to its visitors, and they have everything from a clinic to great showers to charging stations to TV and Smoking Lounge. Apart from that, the visitors can also avail the banking services and relaxing hotels or lounges.
Major Attractions: Duty Free, Luxury Boutiques, Jewellery, Dome Cafe, OldTown White Coffee, Flight Club, Nooodles
14. McCarran Airport, Nevada, USA
This is the airport that greets you into Las Vegas, so you have to expect a lot more from it than just being the usual boring airport. As soon as you reach the airport or land in it, you will be able to tell that it is different from others and it does seem luxurious. They specialise in providing shopping and dining options. Along with that the visitors also get to relax in one of the lounges present at the airport.
Major Attractions: 360° Gourmet Burrito, Lounges, Museum, Art, Burke in the Box, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Candy Cove, Duty Free
15. Tokyo International Haneda
The Haneda airport is a simple place, but it does provide all the things that you will need in an airport, and they never scrunch on any facilities. They have banks, medical assistance facilities, lounges, massage centres and numerous eateries under the same roof. You should take a tour of the airport to see the variety that it currently provides to the visitors. There is even a hotel on the premises of the airport.
Major Attractions: Ariso Sushi, Lounges, Caffee 146, Tokyo Pop Town, Duty Free, Air Lawson, Hotel, Tiat Sky Lounge
16. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Texas, USA
This is the airport that you will land in if you are going through the city of Austin, Texas. It is a nice and clean airport which will provide you with great shops and dining experiences. On top of that, the airport is a hub of art and music which is the reason that it lands in the list of Best Airports in the World.
Major Attractions: ABIA Live Music, Art, Barbara Jordan Terminal, Fara Cafe and Sky Bar, Z Cafe, Barton Springs Express, Xpress Spa
17. Athens International Airport, Greece
The airport at Athens is beautiful, and it is connected via a railway. The airport provides visitors with facilities such as baby rooms, business lounges, banks, minimarket, pharmacy, etc. which are quite important. Along with that, it also provides visitors with hotels where they can stay for relaxation.
Major Attractions: Kir-Yanni Wine Bar, Exhibitions, Duty Free Shopping, Sofitel Hotel, Luxury Lounges, Minimarket, Eat Greek
18. Helsinki Airport, Finland
This is the main airport present in the Helsinki city, and it provides you with facilities such as places for beauty and wellness, free lounges for relaxation, hotels for an affordable price, healthcare, playrooms for kids, etc. So, if you have a layoff, it will be sufficient for you to have a nice time and a comfortable time here. You can also shop at several duty-free stores or have a nice lunch or dinner at restaurants.
Major Attractions: VIP Services, Ulappa, Grab and Fly, Helsinki Market, ARG Airport Fashion, Bookstore Suomalainen Kirjakauppa, Plaza Premium Lounge
19. Doha Hamad International Airport, Qatar
The Doha airport is in Qatar, and by the very location, you can understand that it is a luxurious airport with several premium services. What makes this one of the Best Airports in the World is the architecture of the airport looks exquisite, and every corner of it tells you about prosperity. You can even get the special assistance service at this airport. There are numerous ways you can relax at this place. Also, you get to shop and dine at the best places.
Major Attractions: Duty Free Shopping, Art exhibition, quiet room, hotel, Azka, The Cafe, Argo Tea Cafe, AU Gold Boutique
20. Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
If you’re wondering what to do while you wait for your flight, then you needn’t worry because the Atlanta Airport has various options from taking a nap or getting some work done in a pod and if you enjoy some creativity then the airport’s art exhibitions and live music scene must be checked out.
Major Attractions: Pods for Working & Sleeping, Live Music, Art Exhibitions, Chapels for Religious Services, Asanda Spa Lounge (Delta Sky Club Terminal E), One Flew South Restaurant
21. Beijing Capital International Airport
Have a few hours to spend at the airport? Then why not check out Terminal 3, which is an architectural beauty and happens to be every foodie’s dream. There are over 70 restaurants, cafes and more with cuisines ranging from traditional Chinese, Western to fast food
Major Attractions: Duty-Free, Asilk, HuaXiangYuan Tea Shop, Le SPA, Gardens with Fishponds
22. Los Angeles International Airport
Known as the third busiest airports in the US, LAX Airport provides a variety of dining options and retail stores like Hugo Boss and Fred Segal. The airport is also an art gallery for budding artists, so make sure to take a look around for some of the art installations and exhibitions.
Major Attractions: Chaya Sushi, Petrossian Caviar and Champagne Bar, Umami Burger, Shake-Shack, XpressSpa, See’s Candies, Vino Volo
23. Soekarno–Hatta International Airport
Unlike the more popular airports, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport is slightly on the simpler side and is equipped with all the basic amenities you may require. It has a 24-hour food court called Food Cetera, retail facilities and coworking space as well for those who want to catch up on some work emails. What makes this one of the Best Airports in the World is the facilities that all flyers love.
Major Attractions: Bakmi GM, Baso Indo, Dunkin Donuts, Old Town White Coffee, Taman Sari Royal Heritage Spa, TAO Reflexology, Massilia Bookstore
24. Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thailand
With over millions of visitors regularly, the Suvarnabhumi Airport has a good collection of boutique and luxury stores such as Burberry and Chopard. If you need to refuel on some energy, then the airport also has over 50 eating spots which cater to an assortment of cuisines along with some bar options for spirits.
Major Attractions: Jim Thompson Thai Silk, Lacoste, Chang Massage and Spa, Kinramen, Mango Tree, Whittard of Chelsea, Glass Bar
25. John F. Kennedy International Airport
There’s a lot to do if you have a couple of hours to spare due to the long layovers, from eating at great restaurants and cafes with your family or grabbing drinks with your friends to just lounging around with a good book. You can also shop at Best Buy for some electronics or shop at MAC for some beauty products.
Major Attractions: Shake Shack, Blue Smoke on the Road, Croque Madame, Deep Blue Sushi, BRKLYN Beer Garden, Coach, Best Buy
26. Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi
Indira Gandhi International Airport which has been voted as one of the best airports in the Asia region houses popular brands of retail stores, food places, a lounge, spas and a duty-free which provides its passengers with something to do during layovers for transit flights.
Major Attractions: O2 Spa, Heaven on Earth Spa Express, Marks & Spencer, Tommy Hilfiger, WH Smith, Punjab Grill, Café Delights, In transit Sleeping Pods
27. O’Hare International Airport
Tired after a long flight and have time to spare before your next flight, why not fit in a little meditation or quick stretch at the Yoga Room located in Terminal 3. You can also take advantage of your layover and explore Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport Garden – the first aeroponic garden built installed in any airport. Chicago is after all known for its dining experience so why not try out some local specialities like Reggio’s Chicago Style Pizzeria and further enhance the experience by shopping at major retail brands like Michael Kors and Armani. The sheer experience a flyer here has is what makes it one of the best airports in the world.
Major Attractions: Swatch, Vosges Haut-Chocolat, Bon Appetit, Tortas Frontera, Wow Bao, Billy Goat Tavern & Grill, Chapel
28. Frankfurt Airport
One of the busiest airports, Frankfurt International Airport has enough reasons to keep you busy from over 100 shops to window-shop or actually shop through. Check the Coupon Wall for discounts and deals around the eating joints and retail shops. You can also try the flight simulator to experience operating a flight.
Major Attractions: Caviar House, Goethe Bar, Be Relax Spa, Airport Tour, Flight Simulator, Showers, Birkenstock
29. Charles De Gaulle Airport
While in the city of lights also known for its food, perfumes and fashion, it would be impossible not to visit Beauty Unlimited which is one of the largest cosmetics and fragrances store in the airport. You can also find Cecile & Jeanne (jewellery boutique), Musees de France (souvenir shop), Pure et Rare (wines and spirits shop) and mobile phone vending machines to cater to all your shopping needs.
Major Attractions: Paul, Laduree, Naked, Pret a Manger, McDonald's, Yves Saint Laurent, Kusmi Tea, La Maison du Chocolat, In-terminal Arcades
30. Shanghai Pudong International Airport
Shanghai Pudong International Airport, although modern, has fewer high-class facilities as compared to some of the other major airports in the Asian region. The airport offers a decent variety of restaurants from Yonghe King, Chez Choux and Ajisen Ramen. Other amenities include a lounge, duty-free and a spa.
Major Attractions: Duty Free, Qitai Tea Shop, Yongqi (Spa), Starbucks, Photobooth, Anna Sui, Burger King
31. Barcelona El Prat Airport
Got hours to spare at the airport? Then why not work up an appetite by visiting the Duty-Free and retail stores for some shopping where you could find some nice souvenirs for your friends and family, and then get a massage or facial at the Heaven on Earth Spa Express. Afterwards, grab a bite of some of the traditional dishes of Spain at Custo or Lizarran and make it a complete mini trip.
Major Attractions: Desigual, Mango, La Botiga Del Barca, Pans & Co., McDonalds, Burger King, Massimo Dutti, Porta Gaig, Asador Del Mar, TRYP Barcelona Aeropuerto Hotel, ATM’s, Free Wifi
32. Toronto Pearson International Airport
One of the most popular airports in the world, Pearson International Airport has something for everyone from shopping at Gucci or Coach to Dining and Drinking. You can also visit the Goodlife Fitness Gym at Terminal 1 for a workout to get all that oxygen flowing before your next flight.
Major Attractions: Tim Hortons, Acer Restaurant, Fetta, Beerhive, Hudson’s Bay, Sheraton Gateway Hotel, Burberry, Play Areas for Children, Duty Free
So, here are some of the best airports in the world which will never let you realise that you are going to have a long lay off. Try to explore the airport when you are there, and we are sure that you will find something that will become a memorable experience. Let us know in the comments about which airports you cannot wait to visit!