Things To Do At Changi Airport Singapore
Changi Airport in Singapore is a city in itself with five-star facilities such as gardens, cinemas and shopping and dining outlets from all over the world.
This airport encourages long stays, suggesting ways to fill even a five-hour layover.
If you happen to be on a layover at the airport but don’t have time to explore the best things to do in Singapore, check out what you can do at Changi Airport instead!
Best Things To Do At Changi Airport Singapore
1. Explore Jewel Changi Airport
Other than the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, the Rain Vortex, at the centre of the Shiseido Forest Valley (or indoor forest) – aptly one of the main attractions in the amazing Jewel Changi Airport – you are free to shop around and, at any point, dine whenever you are hungry, as there are food outlets that offer freshly prepared dishes.
2. Visit the Butterfly Garden
The Butterfly Garden in Terminal 3 is also a lush tropical refuge – the huge dome in the centre of the building serves a dual purpose of growing edible plants for the airport by day and becomes the setting for a wild and dewy garden of more than 1,000 butterflies from 40 species by night. It’s worth going there first thing in the morning, or even late evening, when the butterflies are most active.
3. Relax at the Cactus Garden
.webp/tr:w-500)
The easiest place to combine the two is at Terminal 1, with its remarkable Cactus Garden on the roof; what started out as an ecological experiment is now a peaceful spot with more than 100 different species of succulents and cacti to identify, and a rooftop bar to enjoy a drink at while doing so.
4. Enjoy the Sunflower Garden
The Sunflower Garden in T2 proved to be a very agreeable space for photography, full of light and colour. The seasonal plantings made it a good place to come back to, as there was always something new to see.
5. Orchid Garden and Koi Pond
Terminal 2 is also home to the Orchid Garden and Koi Pond, furnished with luxuriant, flowering orchids and contentedly undulating koi.
6. Experience the Enchanted Garden
The Enchanted Garden is another example of all the senses being entertained. Sensor-activated elements – flowers and lights – delight the eye and provide feedback to the individual. It’s also just really pretty, and there’s a twilight display in the evening that makes it all the more entrancing.
7. Watch the Kinetic Rain Sculpture
The Kinetic Rain Sculpture (terminal 1) is worth visiting. It has 1,216 bronze droplets dancing perfectly. Changi reminds us that even though the world is changing fast with globalisation and global warming, many people just stand still trying to stop the world.
8. Rock Climbing at Climb@T3
For the intrepid, there is Climb@T3 on the B3 level of Terminal 3 that offers rock climbing and bouldering. The 8-metre High Wall and 12-metre Boulder Wall are for the beginner, the intermediate and experts, thus accommodating all climber levels. For the youngsters, there are ongoing programmes such as Rock Tots and Climb and Play.
9. Family-Friendly Activities
Traveling with kids? Changi has you covered. There are several play areas including the Canopy Playground, Family Zone, and Zone X. The Sky Net and Play Area offer slides and obstacles that will keep the little ones entertained for hours.
10. Art and Culture
Art enthusiasts will appreciate the public art displays and Peranakan history exhibits at Changi. The Kinetic Rain sculptures and the Peranakan Gallery offer a glimpse into Singapore’s rich cultural heritage. Interactive art installations throughout the airport add to the cultural experience.
Things To Do At Changi Airport Singapore
Changi offers a dizzying array of activities to appeal to all tastes You can experience bonsai, butterflies, extravagant kinetic and static sculptures, fresh flowers, water features, and living walls.
There are also art and sculpture exhibitions, as well as a multitude of food and drink options. Or you can take part in one or more of the multiple activities available – not far from my plane on the tarmac – with relays, foosball, ping pong, or Xbox.
You could relax in one of five gardens, rest on the roof of an exercise machine, take a nap, stretch out on a day bed in the transit hotel, or visit a nail salon. It’s our in-flight entertainment.
Finally, Changi provides a wet and wild, or at least a damp and refreshing end to the journey in Singapore.
Check out some of our other related articles and guides below:
- Best Things To Do In Jewel Singapore (2024)
- Best Things to Do in Singapore (2024)
- Best Indoor Activities in Singapore (2024)
- Best Outdoor Activities in Singapore (2024)
- Best Things To Do In Bugis Singapore (2024)
- Best Things to Do in Jurong Singapore (2024)
- Best Things to Do in Sentosa Singapore (2024)
- Best Things to Do in the East Singapore (2024)
- Best Things to Do in West Singapore (2024)
- Best Shopping Destinations in Singapore (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you have any questions about things to do at Changi Airport Singapore, you can refer to the frequently asked questions (FAQ) about best Things To Do At Changi Airport Singapore below:
What is the best time to visit the Butterfly Garden?
The advice that we would like to offer to tourists who do not want to socialise with many others around is to visit the Butterfly Garden as early as possible in the morning or at the end of the day. That is the time when visiting this Garden is neither too hot nor too crowded for tourists to better enjoy the Garden and calm their minds.
Are there any free city tours available?
Yes. Transit travelers with a minimum of a six-hour layover can enjoy free city tours that will take them around some of Singapore’s most iconic sights without ever having to venture out of the airport compound (there are four different half-day tour options, which will be given every day). Make sure that you check your tour schedule and availability in advance.
Can I stay overnight at Changi Airport?
Anticipating that you would be spending a night here, Changi Airport boasts a variety of accommodations, the YOTELAIR being one of them. The booking time is flexible, offering guests the possibility to conduct business, see a doctor, gamble at the casino or check in for a late flight. There is a direct passage to the airport itself. The rooms come fully equipped with all the necessities. You cannot go wrong, right?
Is there a place to relax and unwind at Changi Airport?
There are plenty of passengers’ lounges around, from staff-card-debt-membership lounge to pay-per-use lounges, even a spa, including several types of massage and foot reflexology treatment – or maybe take a swim in the rooftop swimming pool.
What are the must-try local dishes at Changi Airport?
If you come to Changi Airport, do try some of Singapore’s classic dishes such as the national favourite, Hainanese chicken rice; nasi lemak (coconut-milk-infused rice); kaya toast (traditional local bread spread with the local delicacy of kaya made from pandan and egg); laksa (spicy noodle soup) and local coffee, kopi. You’ll experience the food culture of Singapore. These delicious foods are served at dining outlets around the airport.
