You know, these days travel isn’t just about hopping on a plane and landing somewhere. Sometimes, the airport itself becomes a highlight. Ever spent hours happily wandering around instead of just waiting? Yeah, some airports can wow you like that.

This guide will tell you about a few things to do when you are in the best airports in the world, and how you can turn that time into something memorable.

1. Hamad International Airport (DOH) – Doha, Qatar

Hamad International Airport is truly a showstopper among the best airports in the world. Opened in 2014, it feels less like a transit hub and more like a luxurious city with world-class amenities. The Orchard, a sprawling indoor tropical garden, offers a calming oasis filled with over 25,000 plants and trees, perfect for relaxing when you’re jet-lagged. For those with longer layovers, the airport’s vitality, well-being and fitness centre features a fully equipped gym, a 25-meter swimming pool with panoramic views, spa treatments, and even a golf simulator.

Best Airports in the World: Journeys Beyond Terminals — Credit: Business Insider

There are also heaps of art dotted around. Oh, and their baggage system handles thousands of bags every hour, so you barely notice any delays. No wonder it snagged the World’s Best Airport award in 2024.

2. Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) – Singapore

If you’ve never been to Changi, one of the best airports in the world, it’s honestly more like a little amusement park than an airport. The Jewel is home to the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, a mesmerising centrepiece you can’t miss. There’s also a vast indoor garden where you can relax and watch butterflies flutter by, creating a calming oasis amid the travel hustle. Beyond that, visitors can explore Canopy Park’s mazes and nets, enjoy numerous shopping and dining options, or catch a movie at one of Changi’s theatres, making every moment here a memorable part of your journey.

Time flies over here as they have varied things like movie theatres, too many shops to explore and even a rooftop pool. If the layover is long, they provide free tours of the city to keep you busy and not think about when to board the flight.

3. Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) – Tokyo, Japan

Haneda’s the definition of smooth operations. They use this fancy AI facial recognition tech, which speeds through immigration and boarding, making you wonder why all airports aren’t like this. The terminals? Spotless. You could practically eat off the floor, but don’t. It’s only a short train ride to the heart of Tokyo, which is handy. Oh, and the food’s pretty legit Japanese style. They nail hospitality so well that it almost convinces you that airports can be friendly places.

Authentic Japanese cuisine and impeccable hospitality ensure that Haneda isn’t just an airport, it’s a friendly gateway to Japan’s culture and innovation, truly one of the Best airports in the world.

4. Istanbul Airport (IST) – Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul’s airport is truly enormous, ranking as one of the biggest and busiest airports in the world. Despite its massive size, spanning over 1.4 million square meters with capacity for 90 million passengers annually, it never feels overwhelming. The sleek terminals blend modern design with efficiency, offering extensive luxury shopping, diverse lounges, and even an on-site museum showcasing Turkish history. Multilingual staff and smooth operational flow make navigating effortless, delivering a seamless experience that cements Istanbul Airport as one of the best airports in the world.

High-speed free Wi-Fi and numerous charging stations keep you connected, while sleep pods and spa facilities provide a perfect way to unwind during long layovers. Plus, its cutting-edge technology, including advanced security systems and digital services, guarantees a smooth, stress-free journey at one of the Best airports in the world.

5. Dubai International Airport (DXB) – Dubai, UAE

Dubai’s Terminal 3, the largest airport terminal in the world by floor space, truly sets the bar for luxury and scale in the best airports in the world. With over 1.7 million square meters of space, it handles more than 80 million passengers annually without feeling overwhelming. The terminal boasts an ultra-efficient baggage handling system capable of sorting 8,000 bags per hour, expansive retail areas doubling previous sizes, and exclusive first- and business-class lounges with direct aircraft access.

Dubai’s Terminal 3? It’s huge, the largest airport terminal on the whole planet, apparently. The shopping is basically a luxury mall on steroids, with fancy brands everywhere. Food? Oh, they’ve got some Mich — Credit: Go Kite Travel

With efficient transport links and a variety of dining options, Munich perfectly mixes Bavarian warmth with modern convenience, earning its place among the Best airports in the world.

6. Munich Airport (MUC) – Munich, Germany

Munich’s airport throws in a bit of local flavour if you’re lucky enough to visit in winter, there’s ice skating between gates, which is kinda cool. Want to get a proper Bavarian experience before takeoff? They have a brewery inside, so you can grab a beer and some pretzels right there. Efficient, with a touch of warmth.

Additionally, the expansive Munich Airport Centre hosts year-round events and activities, such as sports screenings, markets, and seasonal festivals, adding a lively, community feel to one of the Best Airports in the world.

7. Zurich Airport (ZRH) – Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich is exactly what you expect from Switzerland: clean, punctual, organised. Trains run on time, and connections are smooth. If you want to stretch your legs, they have bikes to borrow, which is kinda fun. The airport’s big on sustainability too, with solar panels and recycling programs, you feel a bit better about flying through here, environmentally speaking.

Additionally, Zurich Airport has a variety of gourmet dining options, from traditional Swiss cuisine to international flavours, and numerous lounges that welcome all travellers. These thoughtful amenities contribute to its status as one of the Best Airports in the world.

8. Kansai International Airport (KIX) – Osaka, Japan

Kansai’s cool because it’s built on an artificial island. That alone makes it feel sort of sci-fi. There’s a Ferris wheel close by and an entire shopping area, plus hotels that you can get to from the terminal. Transfers are super easy, which is a blessing when you’re juggling flights.

With a variety of hotels, a lively shopping district, and unique attractions nearby like a Ferris wheel, Kansai transforms your layover into an intriguing part of the journey, solidifying its place among the Best Airports in the world.

9. Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) – Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s airport can handle huge crowds, but somehow it feels pretty manageable. There’s an IMAX theatre if you’re into movies, and tons of restaurants to pick from if you’re hungry. And for long layovers, there are lots of lounges and transit hotels where you can grab a decent nap.

Beyond its size, HKIA embraces sustainability and innovation, featuring airport city development with seamless transit options, extensive retail and dining selections, and a commitment to providing a smooth travel experience. These features help make it one of the Best Airports in the world for managing high passenger volumes with ease while maintaining comfort and convenience.

So yeah, next time you’re travelling, give yourself some extra time in these airports. Sometimes, the best part of the trip starts before you even board. Which one would you wanna hang out in?