The best airport in the world
Things to see, eat, do and shop for at Singapore's Changi airport.
Airports aren’t exactly known for being a hot spot. No one’s looking to spend more time at an airport with the exception of arriving early for lounge access.
Singapore’s Changi Airport defies this stereotype. Known as the Jewel, it’s been rated the top airport in the world exactly 13 times by Skytrax (it was crowned number one again in the latest 2025 ranking, released a few days ago). It’s the only airport where I get excited as soon as I step off the plane.
Accessible via all the terminals and open 24/7, the Jewel is brimming with things to see, do, buy and eat. For example, it has a butterfly garden, a rooftop swimming pool, a dinosaur park and a 24-hour movie theatre. At the airport. It’s also a food lover’s paradise where you can eat your way through a plethora of award-winning restaurants serving up local and international cuisines. It really is my favourite airport in the world.
On my recent trip to Singapore, I intentionally scheduled time to go back to Changi so that I could explore in leisure instead of while in transit. However, if you have a shorter stay or a layover, adding some time to enjoy Changi is a great way to experience some of the best that Singapore has to offer.
Below are a few of highlights from my most recent visit!
Rain Vortex
The crown jewel at Changi, the rain vortex is the airport’s centerpiece and boasts the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. It feels like a magical oasis and from certain angles, it’s like a scene straight out of Avatar, especially when you see the skytrain passing through the mist!
The Butterfly Garden
A two-storey garden with a 6m tall grotto waterfall, lush tropical plants and over a thousand butterflies. Totally unexpected and a nice little reprieve from the hustle and bustle of travel.
Shiseido Forest Valley
The Forest Valley wraps around the Rain Vortex through four floors and features 2,000 trees and 100,000 shrubs. You can even try a forest bathing experience that’s facilitated by an ecotour company.
Birds of Paradise
This botanical gelato shop is name-checked in the Michelin guide and for good reason. I love all the unique flavours like white chrysanthemum, strawberry basil and osmanthus pear, which you can get in a cup or housemade thyme-infused cones. If you can’t make it to one of the two locations in the city, you can hit up the outpost at Changi.
Ipoh Town Kopitiam
This traditional café is known for serving Ipoh-style food from Malaysia. I loved the nasi ayam goreng berempah, a fried chicken and coconut rice dish that’s a total comfort meal for me. The café’s Choy Kee Egg Tarts are also really popular so they are a must.
Sourbombe Artisanal Bakery
Two words: sourdough bombolini. The custardy fillings include basque burnt cheescake and strawberry milk. I recommend picking up one or two and snacking while you explore.
Don Don Donki
This Japanese discount store chain is an essential stop for me in Tokyo. When I say it has everything, it has everything. Warning: you might come out with a random assortment of things and have no idea why (check whether you have room in your luggage!). On this trip, I picked up soap, snacks and a Miffy keychain.
Muji
You might already have a Muji store where you live, but there’s something irresistible about this three-story store location. I’ve written about my love for Muji before and think it has an excellent and underrated travel section. It’s a great place to pick up travel essentials you might need in the moment or in the future, and also has a great snack selection.
Awhsome by Hyggerium
This super-cute souvenir shop is packed with playful gift ideas from home decor to toys, and it has one of the best collection of Miffy toys I’ve seen. My one regret is walking away without getting one of the print stuffies.
I’m sure people have a least favourite airport, but I’m curious to know if anyone else has a favourite one! If you do, please share in the comments!
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My kind of awards—pantry awards! I already see some favourites here and adding others to cart.
For me Changi is also my favourite along with Hamad Airport in Doha that I've been to. Both have amazing lounges, lots of activities, cool restaurants, and lush indoor gardens to while away the hours.
This is on my airport bucket list! Love the idea of scheduling time to explore it. <3