Long layovers can be a pain. Between standing in line for fast food or scouting out a semi-abandoned terminal to grab a seat, passengers often get frustrated with the excess time. But certain airports pad their amenities with unique and fantastic offerings, making you wish you had even more time to spend between flights. See the world’s largest indoor waterfall, discover a traditional Christmas market, or admire world class art, all without ever having to step outside the confines of the airport. See the world without ever leaving the terminal in the best airports for a long layover.
Jewel Changi Airport - Singapore
Singapore’s Changi Airport is the king of layovers. In fact, it’s so sought after that many travelers plan to spend the night at the airport between flights at one of the airport's multiple hotels or sleep pods ensuring they have time to experience all of its amazing features. Sail between terminals on the Skytrain to reach the stunning HSBC Rain Vortex Waterfall, plummeting over 130 feet from the intricately designed geometric ceiling. Kids and adults alike will delight in the walking nets and trampolines, suspended over the Shiseido Forest Valley, while adrenaline seekers will love rock climbing or flying down the four-story giant slide. End your experience by catching a movie in the IMAX cinema or indulging in Singaporean delicacies like chili crab at one of the many fine dining restaurants.
Dubai International Airport - Dubai, UAE
Whether you choose to find peace in the zen gardens or need to catch up on some actual sleep in the Sleep ‘n Fly Pods, layovers at the Dubai International Airport are all about resetting. Start off your refreshing journey with a shower and massage at the G-Force Health Club or swim laps in their swimming pool and sweat it out at the sauna. While you technically won't have to leave the airport to have a great time, both the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall aren’t too far away if you have enough time for a trip before your next flight. Make sure you have at least six hours before deciding to venture out, customs in Dubai are notoriously long.
Incheon International Airport - Seoul, South Korea
If you’re flying to Asia, chances are you may have a layover in South Korea’s capital, Seoul. With the extensive list of incredible activities and food experiences on offer, you might want to specifically plan a long layover in the Incheon International Airport. Blow off steam at the digital gym, stroll through one of seven different gardens, or take a spin at the Sky Forest skating rink. If you’re curious about the airport's innerworkings, head over to the Observation Deck to watch planes take flight or the 360° VR experience of the baggage handling system. All of this is impressive alone but the true star of the show? The food. Incheon Airport’s Terminal 2 features a delicious array of food options including their Korean Food Street, built to mimic South Korea’s popular markets. Try out specialties like the famous bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) from Gwangjang Market and mandu (dumplings) from Namdaemun Market. If you’re looking for more elevated dining, the Pyunghwaok restaurant is owned and operated by a Michelin star chef. You’ll also notice a Shake Shack should your western food cravings strike.
Hamad International Airport - Doha, Qatar
A popular stopover for the luxurious Qatar Airways, Doha’s Hamad International Airport is the perfect place for a long layover. Visitors can’t miss the famous art installation, Untitled Lamp Bear, Swiss artist Urs Fischer's 23-foot masterpiece, looming over the departures terminal. Rest and relaxation is the name of the game here and guests can choose from the Vitality Wellbeing & Fitness Center or Be Relax Spa for some long relaxing hours. If you need to catch up on sleep, the Oryx Hotel has you covered with day use and hourly rooms available for catching some zzz's. If your layover is longer than six hours, book a Doha City Tour hosted by the airport and Qatar Airways. For only $20 you’ll be transported to Doha’s center, strolling through the smoky Souq Waqif and mesmerizing Katara Cultural Village.
Munich International Airport - Munich, Germany
Did you know the world's longest running Christmas market is inside an airport? The Munich International Airport gives visitors not only a taste of traditional German life but an entire buffet. The Munich Airport Center hosts events year round but is most notable for their Christmas market, the longest-lasting in the entirety of Europe. Sip glühwein as the scent of gingerbread wafts through the air and string lights twinkle from above, all during your layover. For those who aren’t visiting during the Christmas season but are still looking to get a taste of Bavaria during their layover, stop in to AirBräu in the center of the airport for their home brewed beers, or head to the Satellite Wing to visit the many restaurants and shops, inspired by Munich’s very own Viktualienmarkt.
