These Airports Are Definitely Worth the Layover

Getting stuck at the airport is the worst! But what if you can play a round of golf, swim laps, get pampered at the spa or catch a movie?

By: Kayla Kitts

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Singapore Changi Airport

Singapore Changi Airport, known as Changi Airport, is the main airport for Singapore, therefore making it one of the largest transportation hubs in Southeast Asia. Located in Changi, at the eastern end of Singapore, it's known as one of the busiest international airports. Currently rated as the World's Best Airport, it's easy to see why with this long-running list of amenities throughout its four terminals. In Terminal One, stop by the cactus garden, try your hand at woodblock rubbing, take in the kinetic rain art installation, walk through the various gardens and take a dip in the rooftop pool. In Terminal Two, take in a movie, lay back at the spa, walk through the orchid and sunflower gardens, and lounge in the sports Xperience Zone. In Terminals Three and Four, go shopping, let the kids play, catch up on your favorite TV shows, explore one-of-a-kind exhibits and more. There's no shortage of places to sleep, relax or shop to your heart's content.

Hamad International Airport

Formerly known as New Doha International Airport, Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar, serves almost 40 million people each year. At less than four years old, the airport received a "5-Star Airport" designation by Skytrax. With high-end shopping, restaurants and services, it's easy to see why. From seafood and Arabic to Italian, there are plenty of dining choices to satisfy every traveler's palate. A world-class duty-free shopping experience is at fingertips with Burberry, Harrods, Hermes, Bvlgari and more. Need some time to simply unwind? Enjoy the superior hospitality at one of the premium lounges. And if your layover is especially long, stop at the Airport Hotel and book a stay for as short as five hours. (You don't even need to leave the passenger terminal to enjoy it!) For a quick nap, head to the dedicated quiet rooms featuring soft lighting and comfortable recliners. If you just need to work off those post-flight aches and pains, the Vitality Wellbeing & Fitness Centre offers an indoor swimming pool, hydrotherapy tub, classic spa treatments, gym and squash courts.

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, known simply as Schiphol, is the main international airport of the Netherlands. Located less than six miles south of Amsterdam, it's the third busiest airport in Europe, with almost 64 million passengers passing through in 2016. After you pass through security, shop at more than 35 gifts, jewelry and clothing stores including Hermes, Gucci, MAC Cosmetics and Johnnie Walker House. Take a culinary adventure at the champagne and caviar bar or enjoy spectacular views of the platform at Dakota's Cafe and Restaurant. Whether you want to sleep or simply freshen up with a hot shower, visit the Mercure Hotel or YOTELAIR, located just after passport control. For even more relaxation, indulge in quality treatments at the Xpress Spa or seek solitude and peace at the Meditation Centre.

Zurich Airport

Zurich Airport, located eight miles north of Zurich, is the largest international airport in Switzerland. Also called Kloten Airport, it brought in almost 28 million passengers in 2016. During your time at Zurich Airport, you certainly won't be short of things to do. Discover the area surrounding Zurich Airport by renting a variety of sports equipment like bikes, walking poles and skates. Grab sunshine on the Observation Decks to watch the pilots in the cockpit and see planes take off. Interested in a bird's-eye view of Switzerland? Take a scenic flight in a helicopter or airplane. Check into the Transit Hotel to rest up for a few hours, or simply find a rest area with comfy reclining chairs. And if you're just looking to pass the time with fine dining and shopping, walk through the 60 shops and 40 restaurants and cafes in the exclusive passenger zone.

Munich Airport

Located roughly 18 miles northeast of Munich near Freising, Munich Airport is a large international airport and considered the second-busiest airport in Germany in terms of passenger traffic. Munich Airport has a wealth of beauty and wellness services to ensure you're looking and feeling A+ for your travels. Doctor services include internal medicine, dentistry, dermatology, ophthalmology, travel medicine, a clinic, pharmacy and more. Get your workout done before or after your flight at Bodystreet Fitness Studio, or stop by the Hilton fit & fly SPA to take advantage of the 17-meter pool, sauna, steam bath, solarium and a fitness center. Stop at one of the salons or barbershops to ensure your hair is perfect upon arrival. Allow yourself to fully relax at Chi-Mas Institute or Cosmetic Institute with either acupressure or luxurious spa treatments right before take-off.

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, located in Taoyuan, is considered Taiwan's largest and busiest airport, serving the capital city of Taipei and northern parts of the island. What can travelers expect during their layover at this international hub? In Terminal One, visit the duty-free luxury shops, browse through the Butterfly Garden and Art Gallery, grab traditional Taiwanese food and let children tire out in the play area. In Terminal Two, grab a much-needed massage, lay back in the Sunlight Lounge, reenergize in the Sport Park and browse through the Mini Garden Airport Library.

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, also known as Roissy Airport, is the largest international airport in France and located just 16 miles north of Paris. Bringing in almost 66 million passengers in 2016, it's considered the world's tenth-busiest airport. Here's what keeps all those people happy when they pass through Roissy Airport: seafood, French cuisine, bakeries and sushi; luxury duty-free shopping, of course; kids' play areas, Playstation terminals, premium lounges, massage and spa services, cinema suites, and wireless computer kiosks.

Chubu Centrair International Airport

Located 22 miles south of Nagoya in central Japan, Chubu Centrair International Airport is the main international transport for the central region of Japan. The airport is even located on an artificial island in Ise Bay, Tokoname City, making it an even more unique travel experience. See airplanes close up as they taxi and take off (while grabbing a bit of fresh air!) on the 300-meter-long Observation Deck. Looking for something even more relaxing? Soak in the bathhouse, which offers a view of the airplanes and the sunset beyond the Ise Bay. Stop by Grand Raffine to take one of their high-quality spa services, including body care offerings and popular head spa treatments. And for a quick moment, hop in a massage chair just before boarding your flight.

Incheon International Airport

Incheon International Airport, located in Incheon, South Korea, is the largest airport in the country and the primary airport serving the Seoul area. It's notable for being one of the largest and busiest airports in the world and one of the world's cleanest airports. Considering its size and amenities, we're impressed. Incheon Airport lures in travelers with its incredible leisure activities like a 72-hole golf course, casino, movie theater, ice-skating rink, private sleeping rooms, premiere lounges, spa and sauna, tranquility gardens and a Museum of Korean Culture tourists will surely appreciate.

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These Airports Are Definitely Worth the Layover

Related To:

Shop This Look

Singapore Changi Airport

Hamad International Airport

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

Zurich Airport

Munich Airport

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

Chubu Centrair International Airport

Incheon International Airport

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