The world's most surprising airport attractions
Hedge mazes, golf courses, on-site breweries—these nine airports are destinations in their own right.
Seoul's Incheon Airport (ICN) has a year-round skating rink and 18-hole golf course.
This story was adapted from a version originally published in the National Geographic Almanac 2019.
Many travellers view airports as no more than a stopping-off point on the way to something better—and who could blame them, with delayed planes, security requirements, and maddening crowds all part of the routine? But these nine hubs have set out to change that with eyebrow-raising attractions, uber-trendy hangouts, and local flair. [Make the most of your layover in the top ten busiest airports.]
Hong Kong
At HKG, you’ll find a nine-hole golf course, one of Asia’s biggest IMAX screens, virtual car racing and basketball, and a Muji store.
Incheon
Seoul’s ICN boasts a year-round skating rink, an 18-hole golf course and driving range, and a culture center with Korean crafts and music.
Changi
The new 10-story Jewel expansion at Singapore’s SIN has a hedge maze and a giant bouncing net. Indoor playgrounds, rides, and a reading corner make it family-friendly.
Munich
No surprise: MUC has an on-site brewery, Airbräu, and an Audi showroom. It also hosts indoor surfing and mountain bike events.
San Francisco
SFO has an aviation museum, a branch of the Steinhart Aquarium, and a public transit stop right in the airport.
Schiphol
Amsterdam’s AMS houses an oxygen bar with aromatherapy, a library, and two 24/7 mini museums: Rijksmuseum (art) and Nemo (science).
Vancouver
YVR takes advantage of its expansive spaces with large-scale native art and aquarium exhibits that are home to over 5,000 creatures.
Zurich
Healthy travellers will like ZRH’s on-site grocery store and the chance to get some fresh air by renting in-line skates, bikes, or walking poles.
Detroit
Move in style from one concourse to another through DTW’s Light Tunnel - illuminated glass panels that throb in time with space-age music.
