While an airport is a place where you can book or take a flight, Some airports are just amazing that they can also serve as a tourist attraction -- most of them usually have some cool locations where one can hangout or chill out.
Munich Airport
Munich has been ranked fourth overall in terms of the world’s best airports. It has also been labeled Europe’s best airport for the last 10 years and been given a rare five-star rating by Skytrax.
So what sets Munich Airport apart from the rest?
Its on-site brewery. We all like to have a drink while we’re waiting for our next flight, and where better to do it than at a brewery. If you’re looking for entertainment, head over to the world’s biggest man-made standing wave where you might be lucky enough to catch the pro contest hosted by airport staff.
If that doesn’t spark your interest, an in-terminal park has a mini golf course, aviation models including an interactive historic aircraft experience, and a giant slide. Or you may want to take a nap in one of the airport’s private sleeping cabins.
McCarran International Airport
McCarran International Airport (aka LAS) is Las Vegas’s primary airport and lives up to the expectations of its Paradise location in Nevada. As the world’s eighth-busiest airport, it is the host of an aviation museum that celebrates the history of air travel in Las Vegas.
LAS also offers its own brewery as well as a number of pubs and local restaurants with 24-hour slot machines to really give you that taste of the Vegas lifestyle. If a nap is what you’re after, then head into any of the lounges, which are free to all travelers. If you have a lot of energy, then you can use the airport’s gym where your full access includes shower and sauna facilities for only $25.
Dubai International Airport
Dubai International Airport is great for those tech-savvy travelers looking for fast Internet and speedy check-ins. Its “Wow-fi” has won awards for being the fastest Wi-Fi in the world with speeds up to 39.50 mbps. Secondly, its smart gates allow passengers to skip the usually lengthy queues and simply walk through, immensely speeding up the check-in process.
For those wanting a little bit of entertainment, the airport’s partnership with ICFlix means travelers can stream unlimited movies and TV shows for free. In terms of rest and relaxation, the airport has its very own in-terminal Zen garden which offers a bit of culture as well as some peace and quiet. You can also get a massage.
As for food, there are some great offerings. You can eat at Wolfgang Puck’s The Kitchen, one of the only two Pret a Mangers in the nation, some local restaurants, or a Heineken lounge.[8]
Bangkok International Suvarnabhumi Airport
If you’re going to plan a trip that takes you to one of the world’s best airports, you should probably know how to pronounce the name. It sounds like “sue-wahn-ah-poom.” Note the silent “i” on the end.
Now let’s move on to why it is a world-class facility. Although it doesn’t have any amenities like museums or pools, it is exceptional at providing traditional airport shopping and food. It is also one of the largest passenger airports in the world, offering more flights and smoother flight transitions to help passengers remain calm.
It has an airport hotel for overnight stays. If you’re on a budget, cheaper lounges and chairs around the airport are designed to accommodate sleeping passengers. The airport cuisine ranges from fast food to cultural Thai and Asian restaurants.
If you have a long wait and you aren’t keen on getting some sleep or food, board the in-airport train on the lower level and head into the city. No matter what time it is, Bangkok is always alive.
Samui International Airport
Samui International Airport has one of the world’s coolest designs for an airport. Privately owned by Bangkok Airways, the facility is conveniently located on one of the nation’s major island hot spots, offering ease of access for international tourists.
The buildings are made from primarily bamboo and thatch. Tropical flowers in the terminals give the airport an exotic holiday feel. The facility’s lack of air conditioning and use of natural air flow to cool the terminals has won it international awards for environmental conservation and just adds to the mystique of this incredible resort-style airport.
Although it is one of the best airports in the world, check-in and baggage collection still takes time because the operation is small and privately run. However, it is definitely worth the extra wait times to experience flying in or out of this spectacular place.
For food and shopping, there are a few boutique stores and cafes as well as a culture-based food court called Samui Park Avenue. If you’re looking for something a little different, the airport also hosts the Samui Robot Group shop which sells Alien-like monsters made from recycled auto parts.
