Why Tourists Are Taking Long Layovers In Singapore's Largest Airport

Singapore's Changi Airport is considered one of the best rated airports in the world, and it's also one of the best spots to spend a long layover. Websites and media outlets have highlighted Changi's world-class transit experiences, and TikTokers have documented their fun layovers (nope, that's not a misnomer) spent at the hub. Changi Airport is so good that you might even want to go out of your way to visit it between flights.

Many of the airport's top sights and activities are found in Jewel, an indoor shopping and amusement center. Jewel is where you'll find the world's largest indoor waterfall, the Rain Vortex, which has become an iconic symbol of the airport. You can marvel at the photogenic waterfall day or night, and for even better views, you can pay to enter the Canopy Bridge, where you can see the Rain Vortex and its surrounding lush greenery from above.

At Jewel, you'll find several other attractions, too, making it a worthwhile spot for a layover even if you don't have time to explore the streets of Singapore. You can stroll around the colorful Canopy Park (included in the purchase of admission to Canopy Bridge), follow the walking trails in the Shiseido Forest Valley, and play games in the high-tech Changi Experience Studio. Jewel is also known for its shopping (there are over 150 retailers in the complex) and its unique mix of Eastern and Western dining establishments.

Even if you don't make it to Jewel during your layover in Singapore, you'll find there's plenty to discover within the terminals. Adding to the nature theme found in Jewel, you'll find stunning gardens throughout the airport, including the spectacular Butterfly Garden, the uplifting Sunflower Garden, and the relaxing Cactus Garden (just to name a few).

Once you're done immersing yourself in nature, tap into your playful side at the Entertainment Corner in Terminal 4, where you can compete with your travel companions in video and arcade games. Or try scaling the walls at Climb@T3, an indoor rock climbing facility. To cool off after, head to the rooftop pool at the Aerotel Airport Transit Hotel. There is an entrance fee to use the facilities, but it might just be worth it for one of the most luxurious layovers of your life.

At Changi Airport, you'll also find several areas for resting and catching up on sleep, perfect for beating jet lag. There are multiple top-tier lounges in each terminal, as well as free napping spaces. You can also unwind at one of the free movie theaters inside the airport, which screen the latest blockbuster releases 24 hours a day.

Changi offers more than enough to fill a long layover, but be aware that you can't technically experience it all without leaving the airport. Most notably, Jewel is located outside of immigration on the landside of the hub. With this in mind, you should be prepared to go through immigration and customs to leave the airport and undergo all security procedures to re-enter. Make sure you leave plenty of time in your layover itinerary to avoid missing your connecting flight.

Check visa requirements for your country before exiting the transit areas. Some travelers can enter Singapore freely without a visa, and others may be allowed to enter the landside for only 96 hours or less, as long as they have a connecting flight to another destination. Requirements can vary, so research carefully in advance.

If you plan to stay within the secure zone of Changi Airport, know that it can still take a bit of time to get between terminals. A free train connects Terminals 1 through 3, while a bus is required to reach Terminal 4. Terminal 4 also has its own security checkpoint that you'll need to go through to enter the building.