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Writer's pictureIan

Mid-journey Sanctuaries: Some of the Best Airports for Blissful Layovers




Our last blog detailed some of the worst airports for lost luggage. Today we'll be a bit more optimistic and look at some of the best airports to have a layover in. There is little worse than being struck for hours in an airport that has all of one coffee stand and a convenience store. Worse yet if you need to spend a night there. If you are lucky enough to have that layover in one of the following airports then you'll find it a much better experience and may even enjoy yourself.



We've broken it down into regions and have listed the top 5 for each. The grading metric included factors such as shopping options and quality, basic activites within the airport, activities for children, dining options and just places to unwind or grab a nap. I know there are a lot of other airports that could have made this list so don't feel offended if your fave airport didn't make the cut here!




Regions



 


North America



Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Texas, USA


Shopping: DFW boasts an extensive shopping experience with high-end brands and unique local boutiques.

Activities: The airport features an art program, live music performances, and even a virtual golf experience.

Kids Activities: The Skylink train, a fun and efficient way to move between terminals, will surely entertain the little ones.

Dining Options: From Texas BBQ to international cuisine, DFW has a diverse range of dining options.

Rest Areas: DFW has numerous lounges and seating areas where passengers can find comfortable spots to rest. Lounges like The Centurion Lounge and Minute Suites provide quiet spaces for relaxation. Terminal D has sleep cabins and rest zones with reclining chairs, offering a quiet space for a nap.



Vancouver International Airport (YVR), Canada


Shopping: YVR offers a mix of luxury brands and local crafts in its retail spaces.

Activities: The airport has an aquarium showcasing Pacific Northwest marine life, providing a unique and educational experience.

Kids Activities: The dedicated play areas and interactive exhibits cater to the needs of families traveling with children.

Dining Options: Vancouver's diverse culinary scene is well represented, with options ranging from sushi to poutine.

Rest Areas: YVR offers relaxation areas with comfortable seating, and some gates have padded benches for passengers to rest and the lounges like Plaza Premium Lounge offer premium amenities. Passengers can find sleep pods in some areas, providing a quiet and private space for a nap.


Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Georgia, USA


Shopping: ATL is a shopping haven with an array of duty-free shops, luxury boutiques, and local retailers.

Activities: The airport hosts art installations and exhibitions, making it a cultural stopover.

Kids Activities: The airport has several play areas and the Delta Flight Museum for an interactive aviation experience.

Dining Options: Southern comfort food, international cuisines, and gourmet options are available throughout ATL.

Rest Areas: ATL has designated rest zones with comfortable seating, and some concourses have quiet areas for relaxation. Concourse T has sleep pods for passengers who want a private and quiet space to rest.


San Francisco Airport - Image by ahsing888 from Pixabay

San Francisco International Airport (SFO), California, USA


Shopping: SFO offers high-end fashion, tech gadgets, and local artisanal products.

Activities: The Aviation Museum and Library, along with rotating art exhibitions, provide intellectual stimulation.

Kids Activities: SFO has multiple aviation-themed play areas to keep young travelers entertained.

Dining Options: From farm-to-table restaurants to global cuisine, SFO is a foodie's delight.

Rest Areas:   SFO has designated relaxation zones and yoga rooms, providing comfortable spaces for passengers to unwind. Some terminals have sleep zones and rest areas with reclining chairs for passengers who need a quiet place to sleep.


Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), Canada


Shopping: YYZ has a range of shopping options, from international brands to Canadian souvenirs.

Activities: The airport features art installations and a cinema to make layovers enjoyable.

Kids Activities: The children's play area and aviation-themed exhibits cater to families.

Dining Options: YYZ offers diverse dining choices, including multicultural options and local favorites.

Rest Areas:    YYZ has designated rest zones with comfortable seating, and some lounges provide quiet spaces for relaxation. Terminals have sleep pods and sleep lounges, offering a quiet and private space for a nap.




 


South America



El Dorado International Airport (BOG), Bogotá, Colombia


Shopping: BOG offers duty-free shopping with a variety of international and local brands.

Activities: The airport has art installations and cultural exhibits to showcase Colombia's rich heritage.

Kids Activities: Children can enjoy the play areas and interactive displays.

Dining Options: Colombian coffee shops, traditional eateries, and international cuisine are available.

Rest Areas:    BOG has relaxation areas with comfortable seating, and some gates have padded benches for passengers to rest. VIP lounges offer premium amenities and passengers can find sleep pods in some areas, providing a quiet and private space for a nap.



Guarulhos–Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport (GRU), São Paulo, Brazil


Shopping: GRU has an extensive duty-free shopping area with a focus on Brazilian products.

Activities: The airport often hosts live music performances and cultural events.

Kids Activities: GRU features play areas and entertainment zones for children.

Dining Options: Brazilian barbecue, regional dishes, and global cuisines are accessible.

Rest Areas:    GRU offers relaxation areas with comfortable seating, and some gates have padded benches for passengers to rest. GRU also has sleep cabins and rest zones with reclining chairs, providing a quiet space for a nap.



Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM), Lima, Peru


Shopping: LIM offers a mix of international and Peruvian brands for a unique shopping experience.

Activities: The airport showcases Peruvian art and hosts cultural events.

Kids Activities: Children can enjoy designated play areas.

Dining Options: Lima's famous seafood and other Peruvian specialties are available at the airport.

Rest Areas:    LIM has designated rest zones with comfortable seating, and some gates have padded benches for passengers to rest. Passengers can find sleep pods in some areas, providing a quiet and private space for a nap.



Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE), Buenos Aires, Argentina


Shopping: EZE features duty-free shops and local boutiques with Argentine products.

Activities: The airport often hosts tango performances and art exhibitions.

Kids Activities: Play areas and interactive displays keep young travelers engaged.

Dining Options: Argentine steakhouses, empanada shops, and international cuisines are available.

Rest Areas:    EZE offers relaxation areas with comfortable seating, and some gates have padded benches for passengers to rest. The airport also has sleep cabins and rest zones with reclining chairs, providing a quiet space for a nap.



Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL), Santiago, Chile


Shopping: SCL offers duty-free shopping and showcases Chilean handicrafts.

Activities: The airport has art installations and cultural exhibitions.

Kids Activities: Children can enjoy play areas and interactive exhibits.

Dining Options: Chilean wines, seafood, and diverse cuisines are available.

Rest Areas:   SCL has designated rest zones with comfortable seating, and some gates have padded benches for passengers to rest and VIP lounges offer premium amenities.

Passengers can find sleep pods in some areas, providing a quiet and private space for a nap.



 


Europe


Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), Netherlands


Shopping: Schiphol is a shopping paradise with a wide range of luxury brands and Dutch specialties.

Activities: The airport features an annex of the Rijksmuseum, offering a cultural experience.

Kids Activities: Play areas, a mini-museum, and an airport library cater to families.

Dining Options: Dutch delicacies, international cuisine, and trendy cafes are available.

Rest Areas:    AMS has relaxation areas and lounges with comfortable seating, providing passengers with options for relaxation. AMS has sleep pods and sleep cabins, providing a quiet and private space for a nap.



Munich Airport (MUC), Germany


Shopping: MUC offers a mix of international and German brands in its retail spaces.

Activities: The airport has an observation deck and hosts live music performances.

Kids Activities: MUC boasts a visitor park with playgrounds and aviation-themed attractions.

Dining Options: Bavarian classics, German beers, and global cuisines are accessible.

Rest Areas:    MUC offers relaxation areas with comfortable seating, and some gates have padded benches for passengers to rest. There are also sleep cabins and rest zones with reclining chairs.



Heathrow Airport - Photo Credit  graceful from Pixabay

London Heathrow Airport (LHR), United Kingdom


Shopping: LHR is a shopping hub with luxury boutiques, high-end brands, and British products.

Activities: The airport features art installations, lounges, and cultural exhibitions.

Kids Activities: Children can explore play areas and engage in interactive exhibits.

Dining Options: Traditional British fare, global cuisine, and trendy eateries are available.

Rest Areas:    LHR has relaxation areas and lounges with comfortable seating, providing passengers with options for relaxation. LHR also has sleep pods and rest zones with reclining chairs, providing a quiet and private space for a nap.



Zurich Airport (ZRH), Switzerland


Shopping: ZRH offers Swiss watches, chocolates, and high-end fashion.

Activities: The airport has an observation deck and hosts art exhibitions.

Kids Activities: Play areas and family-friendly services cater to young travelers.

Dining Options: Swiss cheese fondue, chocolates, and international cuisines are accessible.

Rest Areas:  ZRH offers relaxation areas and lounges with comfortable seating, providing passengers with options for relaxation. The airport also has sleep pods and rest zones with reclining chairs.



Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN), Spain


Shopping: BCN features a mix of international and Spanish brands in its retail spaces.

Activities: The airport has an aviation museum and often hosts cultural events.

Kids Activities: Children can enjoy play areas and interactive displays.

Dining Options: Tapas bars, Spanish wines, and global cuisines are available.

Rest Areas:    BCN has relaxation areas with comfortable seating, and some gates have padded benches for passengers to rest and you can find sleep cabins and rest zones with reclining chairs.




 


Asia


Singapore Changi Airport (SIN), Singapore


Shopping: SIN is a shopper's paradise with luxury brands, electronics, and local souvenirs.

Activities: The airport boasts gardens, a cinema, and the world's tallest indoor waterfall at the Jewel.

Kids Activities: Play areas, interactive exhibits, and the Enchanted Garden keep children entertained.

Dining Options: From hawker centers to Michelin-starred restaurants, SIN offers a diverse culinary experience.

Rest Areas:   SIN offers relaxation areas and lounges with comfortable seating, providing passengers with options for relaxation. SIN has snooze lounges and rest zones with reclining chairs, providing a quiet and private space for a nap.



Incheon International Airport (ICN), South Korea


Shopping: ICN has a wide range of duty-free shops and Korean brands.

Activities: The airport has cultural exhibitions, a golf course, and a spa.

Kids Activities: Children can enjoy play zones, an observation deck, and an indoor skating rink.

Dining Options: Korean barbecue, bibimbap, and international cuisines are accessible.

Rest Areas:    ICN offers relaxation areas and lounges with comfortable seating, providing passengers with options for relaxation. ICN also has sleep pods and rest zones with reclining chairs.




Istanbul Airport (IST), Turkey


Shopping: Istanbul Airport offers a diverse shopping experience, combining international brands with Turkish craftsmanship. High-end fashion boutiques and tech stores cater to a wide range of preferences.

Activities: The airport boasts an impressive art program, featuring Turkish contemporary art and installations throughout the terminals. Passengers can enjoy the Aviation and Space-themed Park, providing a unique blend of education and entertainment.

Kids Activities: Istanbul Airport caters to families with children through dedicated play areas, interactive displays, and the Aviation and Space-themed Park.

Dining Options: Turkish cuisine shines through a variety of dining options, from traditional Turkish kebabs and mezes to international fare.

Rest Areas:   IST provides designated relaxation areas and quiet zones with comfortable seating, allowing passengers to find spots to rest. Lounges like Turkish Airlines Lounge and IGA Lounge offer premium amenities and comfortable spaces for relaxation.

Istanbul Airport has sleep pods and sleep lounges with reclining chairs, providing passengers with a quiet and private space for a nap.



Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND), Japan


Shopping: HND offers Japanese electronics, fashion, and traditional crafts.

Activities: The airport has gardens, observation decks, and cultural exhibitions.

Kids Activities: Children can enjoy play areas, interactive exhibits, and a planetarium.

Dining Options: Sushi bars, ramen shops, and international cuisines are accessible.

Rest Areas:    HND offers relaxation areas and lounges with comfortable seating, providing passengers with options for relaxation. You can also find sleep pods and rest zones with reclining chairs.



Dubai International Airport (DXB), United Arab Emirates


Shopping: DXB is a duty-free haven with luxury brands, gold, and local souvenirs.

Activities: The airport features art installations, a zen garden, and occasional live music performances.

Kids Activities: Play areas, interactive displays, and the Kid's Zone keep young travelers engaged.

Dining Options: From Middle Eastern specialties to international cuisines, DXB offers a diverse culinary experience.

Rest Areas:    : DXB offers relaxation areas and lounges with comfortable seating, providing passengers with options for relaxation. DXB has sleep pods and rest zones with reclining chairs, providing a quiet space for a nap.



 


Oceanus



Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD), Australia


Shopping: SYD offers Australian brands, local crafts, and duty-free shops.

Activities: The airport has an observation deck and hosts cultural events.

Kids Activities: Children can enjoy play areas and interactive exhibits.

Dining Options: Australian barbecue, seafood, and global cuisines are accessible.

Rest Areas:    SYD offers relaxation areas and lounges with comfortable seating, providing passengers with options for relaxation. The airport also has sleep pods and rest zones with reclining chairs, providing a quiet space for a nap.



Auckland Airport (AKL), New Zealand


Shopping: AKL features New Zealand brands, Maori crafts, and duty-free shops.

Activities: The airport has art installations, an aviation display, and cultural events.

Kids Activities: Play areas and interactive displays cater to families.

Dining Options: New Zealand lamb, seafood, and international cuisines are available.

Rest Areas:    AKL offers relaxation areas and lounges with comfortable seating, providing passengers with options for relaxation. The airport also has sleep pods and rest zones with reclining chairs.



Changi Airport (NAN), Nadi, Fiji


Shopping: NAN offers Fijian crafts, local products, and duty-free shops.

Activities: The airport has cultural displays and live performances.

Kids Activities: Play areas and family-friendly services cater to young travelers.

Dining Options: Fijian cuisine, tropical fruits, and international flavors are accessible.

Rest Areas:    NAN offers relaxation areas and lounges with comfortable seating, providing passengers with options for relaxation. The airport also has sleep pods and rest zones with reclining chairs.






Tahiti Faa'a International Airport (PPT), Papeete, French Polynesia


(Question: If you are in Tahiti, why on Earth are you not just staying there? Seriously, look at that picture.)

Shopping: PPT features local Tahitian pearls, crafts, and duty-free shops.

Activities: The airport has art installations and cultural displays.

Kids Activities: Play areas and interactive exhibits keep children entertained.

Dining Options: Tahitian seafood, tropical fruits, and international cuisines are available.

Rest Areas:   PPToffers relaxation areas and lounges with comfortable seating, providing passengers with options for relaxation. The airport also has sleep pods and rest zones with reclining chairs.



Queenstown Airport (ZQN), New Zealand


Shopping: ZQN offers New Zealand souvenirs, local wines, and duty-free shops.

Activities: The airport has stunning views of the Remarkables mountain range.

Kids Activities: Play areas and family-friendly amenities cater to young travelers.

Dining Options: New Zealand lamb, South Island cuisine, and global flavors are accessible.

Rest Areas:    ZQN offers relaxation areas and lounges with comfortable seating, providing passengers with options for relaxation. The airport also has sleep pods and rest zones with reclining chairs offering a quiet [place for a snooze.




 


Airport Lounge - Photo by mark chaves on Unsplash

Whether you find yourself in the bustling airports of North America, the diverse terminals of South America, the cultural hubs of Europe, the modern marvels of Asia, or the scenic airports of the Oceanus regions, these layover destinations promise a delightful blend of shopping, activities, kids' entertainment, and diverse dining options to make your journey more enjoyable.


Each airport has its unique charm, reflecting the culture and spirit of its region. If you do have a layover on your route, then look into the airports available to transit through and make a good choice. It's not always about the least time in between flights. I'd rather have 6 hours to kill in the Istanbul airport than 1 hour in Newark (apologies to any Jerseyites but your airport sucks).


Happy Travels!

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