Why is Changi Airport famous?
Check out the iconic Rain Vortex at Jewel Changi Airport. Credits: Darren Nunis on Unsplash
A layover at Changi Airport in Singapore might as well be part of your itinerary. After all, many consider it to be a destination itself. It boasts world-class shops, food joints, entertainment, and other facilities. Thanks to this, Changi has become famous among travelers and earned the title of World’s Best Airport for years! With its numerous Changi Airport attractions, you'll never run out of things to do during your visit.
If you’re visiting Singapore soon, then you’re in for a treat the moment you arrive at Changi Airport. Know what to expect with our guide to all you need to know about the world-famous airport, including what to do in Changi Airport during your stay:
Make your Singapore trip memorable with these activities:
Chill out at Changi Airport Lounges
Satisfy your cravings at Changi Airport
Unique Experiences at Changi Airport
Singapore Airport Terminals
Source: Changi Airport Facebook Page
Changi Airport has four terminals, three of which are interconnected. Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are interconnected, and you can use the free Skytrains or walk to each terminal. Before you ask, yes, there IS a Terminal 4; however, it’s not interconnected with the rest. It’s the newer terminal with centralized screening after immigration.
You’ll find a slew of different amenities and Changi Airport attractions in each terminal. Here are what you can find in each one, from which airlines operate there to lounges and hotels:
Terminal 1
This is where airlines like Emirates, Qantas, and most under Oneworld, such as American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Japan Airlines, depart. Terminal 1 is also connected to Jewel Changi Airport, an entertainment and retail center with nature theme, , offering even more options for people looking for things to do in Changi Airport.
There are also check-in lounges and plenty of refreshments, so you can relax before you depart. Here are the notable lounges:
Plaza Premium Lounge Singapore
Source: Plaza Premium Lounge Facebook Page
Relax before your next flight at this swanky lounge. Spanning 7,000 square meters, Plaza Premium Lounge is equipped with shower and massage facilities plus plenty of food and drink offerings. You can freshen up and satiate your growling stomach before hopping on a long flight. Long stopover? You can book for three, six, and twelve-hour use!
Changi Lounge in Jewel Changi Airport
Go-getters can get the hustle and relax at Changi Lounge.
Changi Lounge, which is located within Jewel, offers calm and respite in between your transit. Relax in the peaceful lounges or get some work done using the high-speed internet. You can also use the shower rooms and nap facilities to rest up before your trip.
SATS Premier Lounge T1
Source: Changi Airport
At SATS Premier Lounge T1, you can also enjoy private lounges, shower rooms, food and drinks, massage services, and more. Get some work done by connecting to the WiFi at the workstations. Wait, turns out you’re going to be at Terminal 3? You’ll also find a SATS Premier Lounge there!
Want to stay the night near Changi Airport? Here are the notable hotels you can book:
YOTELAIR Singapore Changi Airport Landside
Source: YOTELAIR Singapore Changi Airport Facebook Page
Stay the night at Changi at the futuristic YOTELAIR. It’s perfect for solo travelers, couples, and an entire family! You can also access the fitness center and laundry services. It’s also really close to Jewel so that you can appease your inner shopaholic.
Terminal 2
Terminal 2 is no slouch with its relaxing vibe. Credits: @chinito_iced on Instagram
Terminal 2 is where Singapore Airlines’ regional and Asian flights depart. While it officially opened in 1991, it already embraced modernity with its facilities and interior. It also gives off a relaxing vibe, thanks to its central garden atrium and koi pond, adding to the list of Changi Airport attractions.
Source: Changi Airport Website
Its notable lounges and hotels are Ambassador Transit Lounge and Hotel, TGM (with a Priority Pass ‘lounge’ serving restaurant meals), Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Gold, SilverKris, and First Class lounges.
Terminal 3
If you’re flying back to Australia or Europe via Singapore Airlines, you’re likely going to Terminal 3. If this is where you’re headed, you’ll be pleased to know that aside from first-class check-in areas, this terminal also has a butterfly garden, the world’s tallest airport slide, and plenty of lounges, dining, and shopping experiences. These unique features are among the top Changi Airport attractions that make your layover more enjoyable.
Source: Changi Airport
If you want to stay the night here, you can go to the Crowne Plaza, where you can get poolside and even airport runway views from your own room. Get access to the fitness center, gift shops, and even the bar if you want a boozy night before hitting the hay.
Terminal 4
Source: Changi Airport Facebook Page
Terminal 4 is Changi’s newest terminal, so it’s got a lot of cool tricks up its sleeve. It’s unique in that it’s not interconnected like the other three terminals, and its focus is automation, with self-service check-in and bag drops. Immigration and boarding are also automated, but only when going out, unless you have fast-lane access. You’ll also find a food court reminiscent of Joo Chiat Road, a famous residential conservation area in Singapore.
Facilities in Changi Airport
With so many Changi Airport attractions, it’s a destination all on its own. It’s also got plenty of amenities and facilities for your necessities. Here’s a rundown of what to do at Changi Airport:
ATMS across all terminals | Convenience stores | Local SIM card purchase | Rooftop pool with jacuzzi |
Arrival Garden | Entertainment Deck | Lost and found | Sculptural Tree Garden |
Baby Care Room | Family Zone | Money changers | Shower and spa services |
Baggage storage | Free-to-use rest areas | Passenger meeting services | Smoking areas |
Business Centres | Free Wi-Fi | Phone booths | Social tree interactive installation |
Cactus Garden | GST Refund | Piazza Garden | Transit hotels |
Charging Points | Ground Transport Concierge | Porter service | Viewing mall |
Children’s play area | Interactive art station | Post boxes and Post Office | Water Lily Garden |
Clinics and Pharmacies | Internet kiosks (550+) | Prayer rooms | Wheelchair rental |
Food and Drinks
There are sooo many food joints in each terminal of Changi! Credits: @Xuansnacs on Instagram
If you're a foodie wondering what to do in Changi Airport, exploring the diverse culinary options is definitely one of the top activities on the list. There are plenty of food joints to choose from, catering to a wide range of budgets and tastes. In fact, there are around 90 of them at the airport! There are restaurants and food courts where you can stuff yourself before or after a long flight. The variety of dining options is just one of the many Changi Airport attractions that make your time here enjoyable.
Duty-Free shopping
Changi Airport is a shopaholic’s delight! Credits: @changiairport on Instagram
Changi is home to retail outlets (a whopping 150 of them!) and luxury shopping malls (rich folks can get their fix of Louis Vuitton at Terminal 3). It’s also really popular for duty-free shopping, which means you don’t have to pay taxes or duties—perfect when you wanna bring home some souvenirs for loved ones! Shopping is undoubtedly one of the most popular things to do in Changi Airport.
Staying at Changi Airport overnight
Aside from staying at the transit hotels, there are plenty of options for an overnight stay at Changi. There are a few free sleeping lounges with semi-flat recliners. You can even shower at some of the lounges to keep yourself fresh! You can also stay at hotels that are just minutes away, such as Capri by Fraser, which is close to Singapore Expo and East Coast Park. This swanky hotel has all the amenities you need for a comfy stay: a free pool, restaurants, fitness centers, and more. The convenience of these accommodations adds to the impressive list of Changi Airport attractions that make layovers here so appealing.
Written by: Rohana Monzon
