DUBAI, UAE – FEB 1: The newer Terminal 3 (Emirates) at Dubai International Airport, one of the busiest airports, on Feb 1, 2014. It is the single largest building in the world by floor space.shutterstock/Ritu Manoj Jethani
- Passengers can do more than just wait for their plane at airports; they can watch IMAX films, explore jungles, check out aquariums, and even relax at a pool.
- Here are a collection of the coolest attractions found at airports around the world in countries such as Germany, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Singapore.
International air travel is normally a pretty stressful affair. We hustle just to get to the airport. Then we stand through long lines in both security and passport check. We are usually charged fee after fee just to board the plane and get our bags through; and to top it off, the seats are usually crammed. Good luck keeping your head on straight if there’s a layover, as that can leave you stuck in an airport for hours on end.
But there are some airports out there that you may never want to leave.
For instance, there’s a 25-meter lap pool at the Hamad International Airport in Qatar. There’s also a giant aquarium inside Vancouver International Airport. And Hong Kong International Airport features not just an Imax and virtual golf course, but also has an aromatherapy spa, and over fifty shops and restaurants inside the terminals.
These airports were built to impress travelers, not just to shuttle them around the world. They were constructed to the tune of many millions (if not billions) of dollars to impress and inspire world travelers on a grand scale of what their host countries are capable of accomplishing.
Let’s take a look at some of the coolest attractions at airports around the world.
7. Dubai International Airport (United Arab Emirates) — Interactive kids zone
The newer Terminal 3 (Emirates) at Dubai International Airport, one of the busiest airports, on Feb 1, 2014. It is the single largest building in the world by floor space.shutterstock/Ritu Manoj Jethani
Dubai International Airport is nothing short of palatial. It’s Terminal 3 building alone is 18 million square feet and was the largest building in the world (by floor space) upon its completion in 2008.
For passengers, that means there are going to a slew of available shopping, restaurants, spas, and even sleep pods. For the young ones, there’s a dedicated kids zone complete with interactive games, family-friendly entertainment, and a climbing area.
8. Hong Kong International Airport (Hong Kong SAR, China) — Aviation Museum
Where do we begin with the Hong Kong International Airport? There’s an IMAX, virtual golf course, aromatherapy spa, and tons of shops inside. Oh, there’s also a small aviation museum complete with flight simulators called the Aviation Discovery Centre.
9. Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (Spain)— Unique architecture
Check-in hall of Barajas Airport in April 26, 2013 in Madrid, Spain. Interior of Terminal 4, designed by Antonio Lamela and Richard Rogersshutterstock/Iakov Filimonov
One of the two largest airports in Europe based on sheer size, Terminal 4 at Madrid-Barajas is the crown jewel. With angular architecture, flowing dome roofs, circular ceiling windows, and giant cross beams, Terminal 4 is a modern wonder.
10. Singapore Changi Airport (Singapore) — Everything
Trong Nguyen/Shutterstock
One of the central travel hubs in Asia, Singapore’s Changi Airport is generally considered the best airport in the world. Travelers are often amazed by its cleanliness, great service, and dramatic interior design. But there’s much more.
