Singapore Changi Airport, often earns the title of the world’s best airport, and so it should. Singapore Airport is famous for being one of the best layovers worldwide, with an array of thrilling activities and unique attractions, as well as Jewel Changi Airport, offering both travellers and locals a myriad of fun. From immersive gardens, to pop-up art exhibitions, climbing walls, gaming studios, and other unique activities…there is so much to enjoy at Jewel and Changi Airport before your next flight. Here’s our top picks of the best things to do at Singapore Changi Airport this season. Wonderfully, majority of these activities are free to do.
1. Slide down the world’s tallest airport slide
Singapore Changi Airport is famous for its collection of quirky airport slides. Particularly, The Slide @ T3 is a notable attraction recognised as the world’s tallest airport slide. Standing at 12 metres tall, equivalent to 4-storeys, it is an exciting experience for both children and adults. Riders slide from Level 1 into Basement. Additionally, there’s a shorter slide from Basement 2 to Basement 3 near it. The slides open from 12pm to 10.30pm daily.
Plus, there is another fun slide located in Terminal 4, which is only accessible by scanning a boarding pass, and to anyone who meets the height requirement of at least 1.1 metre.
2. Enjoy interactive airport-themed games
The Changi Experience Studio, on Level 4 of Jewel Changi Airport, is the perfect place to learn about the airport’s history through engaging exhibitions and gaming. Designed for all ages, the studio uses cutting-edge technology to offer a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes workings of the airport, as well as various interactive games that simulate airport operations like air traffic control, and race-themed activities such as Amazing Runway. Definitely, one of the best family-friendly things to do at Singapore Changi Airport this season.
3. Wander different gardens
One of the best free things to do at Changi Airport is immerse yourself amid nature. There are dozens of charming gardens to wander. Highlights include the Terminal 1 Discovery Garden with tree-like sculptures adorned in foliage, the Terminal 2 Enchanted Garden boasting vibrant flora and interactive displays, the Terminal 1 rooftop Cactus Garden, and The Butterfly Garden in Terminal 3 which is home to more than 1,000 tropical butterflies. Meanwhile, there’s the 5-storey indoor garden Shiseido Forest Valley at Jewel Changi Airport that offers travellers a tranquil setting to relax before a flight.
4. Go for a swim at a secret rooftop pool
Not many people know that there is a hidden rooftop pool located at Aerotel Airport Transit Hotel in Terminal 1. In fact, it’s the world’s first and only airport transit hotel with a rooftop swimming pool. Relax by the pool, which offers panoramic views of the airport runway, and features an infinity edge creating an optical illusion. There’s a jacuzzi, cabanas, and poolside bar to enjoy drinks and snacks too. The pool entrance is free for guests staying at the hotel. However, travellers can pay $23 to use the facility for one hour.
5. Be captivated by an immersive garden
Travellers transiting through Terminal 2 can’t miss the immersive indoor garden, where nature and technology collide, to bring you Dreamscape. The magical installation features 20,000 plants around 100 species, integrated with 18 evergreen structures, including two special plant features. The highlight is the Digital Sky that simulates real-time weather conditions, as well as glass panels floating above the pond, to make you feel as if you’re walking on water. Meanwhile, visitors will be soothed by the sounds of tropical birds and insects. Definitely, a tranquil place to relax before your flight.
6. Catch a free movie at the cinema
A community space at Changi Airport Terminal 3, featuring a free 24/7 cinema, enhances the passenger experience. Located at Departure Transit Hall North Terminal 3, the 50-seater cinema provides a comfortable viewing experience in front of a large screen. Movies shown in recent times include family-friendly blockbusters like Black Panther, Jumanji, and Luca. There’s a free children’s playground nearby so it’s the perfect place to relax with kids while waiting for a flight. Definitely, one of the best things to do at Singapore Airport.
7. Marvel at the world’s tallest indoor waterfall
The HSBC Rain Vortex, situated in the centre of Jewel Changi Airport, is the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. The mesmerising sight transports into a splendid light and sound show in the evenings, against the backdrop of the stunning multi-level Shiseido Forest Valley. It’s a tranquil place connected to Terminal 1 where you can admire florals, lush greenery, and go for a stroll while awaiting your flight.
Additionally, there’s a stunning new digital waterfall at Terminal 2 Departure Hall, known as The Wonderfall, integrated into a lush vertical garden that captivates travellers. The Wonderfall is made up of 892 flat and lexi-curved LED tiles, standing 14 metres tall, and 17 metres wide. Every 30 minutes there is a musical performance from the digital installation. Learn more about the Terminal 2 expansion.
8. Scale to new heights
Terminal 3 of Singapore Changi Airport is hiding a family-friendly climbing facility. Climb@T3 features an 8-metre-tall rock climbing wall and a 12-metre-long boulder wall, with nine lanes, and state-of-the-art auto belay systems. There are more than 20 climbing routes available for climbers. Children as young as two can try out. In fact, it’s the first-ever sports climbing attraction at the airport. Learn more about Climb@T3.
9. Shop until you drop
Jewel Changi Airport is one of the largest shopping malls in the city. There are more than 350 retail outlets at the nature-themed complex. Jewel offers a range of both local and international retail brands, such as the largest Nike store in Southeast Asia, Singapore’s first Apple Store inside an airport complex, among others. Plus, there’s plenty of dining options to keep you satisfied on your shopping trip.
10. Enjoy adrenaline-fueled action at Canopy Park
Located at Jewel Changi Airport, Canopy Park boasts various attractions for both children and adults, offering the ultimate entertainment before a flight. Get lost through a Hedge Maze and Mirror Maze, bounce across Sky Nets suspended high above the ground, zoom down playful Discovery Slides, and be enchanted by Foggy Bowls, to name a few activities. Definitely, these activities are some of the best things to do at Singapore Changi Airport.
Additionally, fitness enthusiasts can take part in yoga classes, by Minmed Wellness Collective, at Canopy Park and other unique areas of Jewel Changi Airport. Majority of classes take place between 8am and 10am and are priced at $28 per session.
Other things to do at Changi Airport
Travellers and locals can enjoy a wide range of dining options, from popular local dishes to street food, renowned global chains like Mamma Mia Trattoria and JINJJA Chicken at Jewel, Woke Ramen at Terminal 1, refreshing drinks from bars, live music venues, and more.
Definitely, this guide is the perfect way to spend a few hours at Jewel Changi Airport and Singapore Changi Airport before or after your flight.
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