30 things to do at Singapore Changi Airport

Changi Airport is an airport like no other. It’s not just a place to catch a flight, it’s a destination in itself. Whether you’re visiting Changi with a couple of hours to spare or you’re catching your next flight, we’ve put together 30 different things to do at Changi and Jewel Changi Airport to pique your interest. From free movie screenings to uncovering hidden workout spots to admiring the many art installations around the airport, there is something for everyone

1. Take a dip at the first rooftop swimming pool in an airport

Hands up if you miss taking a dip in the pool while waiting for your flight at Changi! If you didn’t already know, the rooftop swimming pool located within Aerotel Airport Transit Hotel is the first swimming pool in an airport, and you can pay to use the pool even though you’re not a hotel guest. Apart from the pool, it also features a jacuzzi, poolside bar and shower facilities. Head down to the pool to squeeze in a refreshing dip! Simply make your way from the departure or transit area of Terminal 1!

2. Catch a movie at our theatres with free screenings

Many memories of a holiday in Singapore begin at Changi Airport—from checking in and exploring the airport’s free facilities to finally waiting for the boarding call at the boarding gate. If you have a little more time between your flights and are after some free things to do, the movie theatres at Terminal 3 could be your new favourite spot. What could be a better way to while the time away than watching the latest blockbusters without paying a single cent?

3. Hop between Skytrains to explore the whole airport

Changi Airport is 1,300 hectares—equivalent to 1,800 football fields. Yes, you read that right. As an airport this size, you can be sure that our priority is passengers’ comfort and convenience. If you’ve visited Changi, chances are you would have taken the Skytrains to move between the terminals. With them, travel time is shortened by half compared to walking—especially useful if you’re rushing for your flight because every minute counts. Jump between the different Skytrains and explore the different terminals! They connect Terminals 1, 2 and 3 at both the public and transit areas.

Pro-Tip: Take the public area Skytrains between Terminals 2 and 3 to get up close to the HSBC Rain Vortex in Jewel!

4. Slide down the world’s tallest slide in an airport

Whether you’re seven or 70, Changi Airport doesn’t discriminate! Come and slide with us at The Slide@T3. At 12-metre-tall (or four storeys high), we guarantee that you will have a whale of a time whizzing down the slides, and you will be raring to go again before you even reach the bottom of the slide.

It’s perfect for both the young and the young at heart!

Pro-Tip: If you’re travelling through Terminal 4, we recommend you try out the slide experience there too!

5. Have fun at Chandelier at T4

After walking around the Heritage Zone, take a few more steps and slide down to the Chandelier at Changi Airport Terminal 4. Have fun at the 16-metre-tall structure and play till your heart’s content! Plus, with our guide, you'll find out that there's more to do at Terminal 4 than you know!

6. Scale new heights at Climb@T3

Climb@T3 features an eight-metre-high rock climbing wall, complete with nine different climbing routes of varying difficulties. Whether you're a seasoned climber or just starting out, there's a challenge suited to your skill level. New to climbing? No worries, Climb@T3 also offers guided programmes to help you kickstart your journey. And that's not all – once you've conquered the heights, why not give their 12-metre-long bouldering wall a try?

It's a fantastic way to burn off some energy, especially if you're travelling with restless little ones.

7. Meet some dinos in Jewel-rassic Quest

Make your way to Jewel's Level 1 Concierge Counter and embark on a prehistoric journey with the Jewel-rassic quest. As if you stepped into a time machine, get transported back a staggering 89 million years into the past when colossal dinosaurs ruled the Earth. These larger-than-life creatures come to life amidst the lush greenery of the Shiseido Forest Valley via augmented reality.

Engage in thrilling things to do like hunting for dino eggs, unearthing fossils, and even meeting cast members from the Jurassic Franchise! Your little ones are in for a day of fun as they explore Jewel (even the Canopy Park), determined to spot all the captivating dinosaurs that await their discovery.

8. Visit the first Butterfly Garden in an airport

Ahh... Changi's famed Butterfly Garden. Hidden in a discreet corner of Terminal 3’s transit area, the Butterfly Garden is the world’s first in an airport. In its full glory, you will see more than 1,000 butterflies from 30 to 40 species native to Southeast Asia. Apart from butterflies, the garden features blooming flowers, lush greenery, and even a six-metre-tall grotto waterfall. It is also where you can witness the butterfly metamorphosis. Look out for the many cocoons maturing in the cage, you might even catch some butterflies emerging from their cocoons if you are lucky!

9. Check out some unique cactus species at the Cactus Garden

You may not be a fan of Singapore’s hot climate, but these guys definitely are! Here at Changi, we don’t just bring you all over the world, we bring cacti from all over the world for you too! There are more than 100 species of unique cacti at the Cactus Garden at Terminal 1, including various forms of Cycads – a hardy survivor of the dinosaur era – and other interesting cacti like the Golden Barrel cactus, Old Man Cactus, and the giant Ponytail palm trees. You can even see some edible apple cactus and prickly pear cactus too! There is bound to be a cactus here that prickles your fancy if you're trying to find fun things to do to kill time.

10. Be enthralled by Terminal 2's latest garden Dreamscape

Dreamscape is one of several digital installations we have all around Changi Airport. If you ever need a breather, step into Dreamscape at Terminal 2 and admire the digital sky, greenery and fish pond. Occasionally, the digital sky even turns into a thunderstorm, where you'll find hidden surprises such as a sampan boat passing by. Make sure to also step onto the elevated pond and look beneath your feet! The pond is built using transparent acrylic so you can spot all the different fishes swimming beneath you.

Check out the article linked above if you are curious to find out more about how this digital marvel came to life!

11. Admire the mesmerising Kinetic Rain

There are many art installations in Changi Airport, but one of the favourites in Terminal 1 has got to be Kinetic Rain. Located at the Departure Hall, you wouldn’t miss this giant sculpture made up of 1,216 bronze droplets moving in perfect harmony. Watch closely and you’ll find that the sculpture transforms elegantly into multiple shapes – 16 in fact, ranging from an aeroplane, a hot air balloon, to even a dragon! Travellers around the world stop by the Kinetic Rain to be mesmerised by its deliberate, fluid movements.

Some have even told us that it calms and relaxes them! Watch the Kinetic Rain in motion, a treat for you, no matter where you are.

 

12. Admire the stunning Wonderfalls

Let's face it, air travel is not equivalent to a trip to the spa (unless you’re at Changi 😉). Rushing for flights, security screening, layovers and delays can be stressful experiences, and that’s where our stunning art installations come into play. Art can have a calming effect on stressed-out passengers.

However, even if you are not a stressed-out passenger, you can still enjoy the beautiful art installations we have on display in the airport! Our latest installation at Terminal 2, the Wonderfalls, is a four-storey tall digital waterfall that will be sure to make you go “WOW”. Be sure to catch the special four-minute show that plays every 30 minutes to see our waterfall in all its glory.

The next time you come here, try spotting some of these masterpieces that can’t be missed!

13. Marvel at the enthralling Petalclouds

“Petalclouds,” a kinetic art sculpture at Changi Airport Terminal 4, is inspired by the design theme of orchid petals found everywhere in the terminal. This massive dynamic artwork, which spans 200 metres across the Central Galleria, comprises six “floating clouds" which are a perfect marriage of art and technology. You will be mesmerised as you observe the fluid movement of the art piece moving in tandem with the classical music specially composed by BAFTA award-winning composer, Ólafur Arnalds. It truly is a moving experience (no pun intended).

14. Relax by the majestic HSBC Rain Vortex

The icon of Jewel Changi Airport is a spectacle to behold both in the day and at night. During the day, you will be enchanted by the sunlight catching the water as the mighty cascade flows 40 metres down to the basement. Come night, you will be dazzled by the display of lights and sounds as the fountain transforms into a magical show. Cooped up at home for too long? The HSBC Rain Vortex and the surrounding Shiseido Forest Valley are great places to head out to for a breath of fresh air.

15. Soak in the lush greenery surrounding the Shiseido Forest Valley

Escape from the hustle and bustle of the airport as you take a hike through the Shiseido Forest Valley at Jewel. A four-storey area that features walking trails, over 900 palms and trees, and 60,000 varieties of shrubs from all around the world, your worries will melt away as you soak in the luscious green canopy around you. You can choose to walk past the rocky falls on the eastern trail, which would give you a sense of grounded-ness, or you can take the western trail and be shrouded in a refreshing mist for a mystical experience. With the enchanting music in the background, a walk through the Shiseido Forest Valley is an ethereal experience.

16. Have fun at the Canopy Park

Looking for a play area that is built for kids and the young-at-heart? The Canopy Park at Jewel is an indoor wonderland for both children and adults! There are three first-of-its-kind play attractions, which are Sky Nets, Canopy Mazes, and Discovery Slides!

Both the walking and bouncing Sky Nets are attractions that will score high on both the thrill-seeking and enjoyment aspects. There are two types of Sky Nets, the first is a walking net designed to introduce a slight thrill factor as it straddles a five-storey high void, and it feels like a contemplative walk in the park where you have to watch each step for balance. The second net, the bouncing net, allows visitors to bounce their way amidst the canopy of the lush vegetation in Jewel.

Next, you can also have fun getting lost and navigating in the hedge maze and mirror maze. The former feels serene as you wander around the beautifully landscaped hedges, while the latter offers a fully immersive and trippy experience. How fast can you navigate out of the mazes?

As for the Discovery Slides, there are a total of four slides that make up the playscape! The slides are an integrated combination of a lookout platform and a kids’ play area where children of all ages and even adults, depending on their courage and ability, find the perfect spot for sliding.

Oh! And for those planning your wedding or pre-wedding photoshoots, you can now say ‘I do’ in front of the most romantic backdrops in Jewel. Talk to us to find out how we can make your dream wedding come true.

17. Head down to Hub & Spoke for good food and live music

During the day, Hub & Spoke café offers a nice respite for those who cycle from Changithe Jurassic Mile. Their brunch menu boasts dishes such as The Big Brekkie, featuring scrambled eggs, sausages and toast, as well as local favourites such as Nasi Lemak, Mee Rebus and Mee Siam. Pair your meal with a cup of kopi (coffee) or teh (tea), and fuel up to conquer the rest of your day!

In the evening, head over to Overflow, Changi’s first ever live music bar, also sited at Hub & Spoke. Serving bar bites and a large selection of alcoholic drinks, you can head down here to unwind after a long day. Enjoy their live music performances, performing different genres of music every night. Get ready to sing your hearts out in the company of good friends and good music!

Hub & Spoke is located a short walk from Changi Airport Terminal 2, towards the direction of the city.

18. Explore Jewel Changi Airport - The unique Eat-Play-Shop paradise

Jewel Changi Airport is open daily for all to enjoy. It’s a known fact that there are many things to do in Changi Airport. Jewel, for one, takes ‘plenty to see and do’ to a whole new level. We’re talking about the unique indoor greenery, thrilling attractions in 14,000-square-metre Canopy Park, first-in-Singapore retail and dining concepts, the interactive digital experience attraction that is the Changi Experience Studio, and the list goes on! Be sure to save a few hours so that you can thoroughly explore Jewel! If you are flying off from Changi, you can even head to Jewel’s early check-in counters to drop off your luggage first. Early check-in is available for many airlines from three hours to 24 hours before your flight.

19. Step back in time at the Heritage Zone

Take a trip back in time to 1930s Singapore as you stroll past the Heritage Zone at Changi Airport Terminal 4. You can see how the quintessential Singaporean shophouse has evolved over the years! From the Baroque design found from 1880 to 1900, to the Rococo style from 1910 to 1920, and to the Peranakan style in the 1920s and 1930s, before finally winding up with the 1950s Modern Décor style.

You can also catch a glimpse of what life in 1930s Singapore was like, by watching the six-minute theatrical performance that tells the story of the unlikely romance between two neighbours who are passionate musicians.

20. Swing by Changi Experience Studio

The list of attractions at Changi Airport does not just end at the tallest indoor slide! Changi Experience Studio is the new digital experience attraction nestled in the heart of Jewel. With immersive shows and interactive exhibits, the studio lets you see Changi Airport with a fresh set of eyes. Get a chance to race a Porsche 911 against a Boeing 747 jet plane, a behind-the-scenes peek at operational processes from horticulture, baggage handling systems to airfield management and even learn through games!

21. Cycle through Changi Airport Connector to experience Changi and the city by wheels

It’s the perfect adventure for both avid cyclists and those who just want to enjoy the sea breeze and idyllic views of the beach too. There are just so many things to see and do at the Changi Airport Connector! You can even rent a bicycle from GoCycling located near Hub & Spoke at Terminal 2 to start your journey off.

If you need to stay connected, you can also rent and pick up an SG Wi-Fi router before you head off!

22. Step into the Jurassic age at Changi Jurassic Mile

Ever wanted to fulfil your fantasy of walking alongside some magnificent dinosaurs after watching a movie from the Jurassic Park series? Now you can at Changi’s Jurassic Mile!

Be wowed as you travel back in time and marvel at a wide range of dinosaurs, from the towering Brontosaurus to the terrifying-looking T-Rex. You won't miss them with the longest dinosaur being around 17-metre wide and the tallest at around 5 metres in height!

You can also beef up your dino-knowledge through the informational panels along the trail, which is perfect for enticing the minds of curious children!

23. Plane-watch at our viewing malls, with amazing views of the tarmac

The viewing galleries at Changi are a popular spot for those of you who need some down time. The tall windows give an unrestricted view of the airside where you can observe aircraft and Changi’s ground operations on the tarmac. For many, the viewing galleries are more than just a place for plane spotting. We’ve seen students using the big, quiet space to study for their exams, couples spending some much-needed alone time for heart-to-heart talks, children marvelling at the huge aircraft parked right in front of them and more. This is a place where dreams are made and promises pledged.

All four terminals at Changi Airport have their own viewing gallery.

24. Enjoy some duty-free shopping with one of the best prices in town

Ahh... the joy of retail therapy... One of the privileges of travelling is definitely duty-free shopping. From skincare and fragrance from Shilla Duty Free, to wine and spirits from Lotte, don’t you miss the rush of going from aisle to aisle looking for your favourite brands and buying them at prices much cheaper than in town.

It is not often that you get rewarded for shopping, but here at Changi, you can get rewarded as you shop with us! Changi Rewards is a loyalty programme that rewards you with exclusive privileges when you spend in Changi Airport. Enjoy GST-absorbed shopping at the shops in the public areas, and earn up to 3 per cent rebate in points on all purchases, and these points can be converted into vouchers to offset future purchases. Enjoy double rewards if you shop at Jewel, earning both Changi Rewards and Capitaland points! Whoever said that pampering yourself requires you to break the bank clearly hasn’t shopped with us!

And don’t forget, you can also shop for duty-free items at Changi Airport on iShopChangi and pick up your items from our Collection Points across all terminals.

25. Soak in the festivities at Changi Festive Village

Looking for somewhere fun to let loose over the weekend or after work? Head over to the airport's Changi Festive Village, happening from now till 31st March 2024! Come on over and play games at the Candy Carnival at Terminal 3’s Arrival Hall, or experience the cold wintry climate in our Candy Snow House! Race your friends in our Candy Kart go-kart course, or play your favourite carnival games such as Ring Toss. If you’re feeling peckish after using up all your energy, try out the various carnival food stalls available. Our recommendation? Try out the Swiss Rosti with the smoked duck and cool yourself down with the Mango Sticky Rice Ice Cream. For an extra indulgent treat, grab the Tiramisu – available in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions.

Grab a couple of pictures at our Candy Wonderland located in Terminal 3’s Departure Hall. A snow show will also be happening on selected Friday and Saturday evenings, where you can catch buskers, jugglers, and a live marching band performing holiday tunes.

26. Grab a bite at one of the endless F&B options to satiate any cravings

At Changi Airport, you’ll never go hungry. With a wide variety of local and international cuisines, whatever cravings you may have, we will satisfy them. From international favourites such as Shake Shack and Burger & Lobster, to local delicacies from Heavenly Wang and Curry Times, you can spend a full day at Changi just pigging out across our dining options. Discover a world of diverse flavours right here at Changi, without ever leaving the airport. Whether you're in Terminal 2, be sure to visit Singapore’s first Jinjja Kitchen, a fusion Korean eatery. Or if you find yourself in Terminal 3, don't miss the chance to savour Singapore's first Wok Hei Ramen at Woke Ramen.

Pro-Tip: Be sure to use Changi Pay to score some vouchers, and get the most bang for your buck!

27. Recharge yourself through wellness services and activities

We know that travelling can be exhausting, so we’ve got a range of spas and services to give you the pampering you deserve within Changi Airport. Head down to Cuttour Hair Studio and come out with a refreshed new look! If you are looking for a soothing massage to melt your travel fatigue away, check out Natureland Spa at Terminal 3. From manicure services to hair spas to full-fledged spas and massage services, you’ll be spoilt for choice with all the places you could go to, to rejuvenate yourself.

If you’re one who recharges themselves by sweating it out, there are several classes for you to participate in as well. Work out with a great view at Minmed Wellness Collective’s indoor cycling, yoga, barre and pilates classes in Jewel.

28. Rest up at one of the ever-comfortable airport lounges

There is no such thing as arriving too early for your flight at Changi! There are many passengers who deliberately check in early for their flights, so that they can enjoy our world-class airport lounges. Whether you’re looking for a place to take a nap, freshen up with a shower, get a workout in a gym, or simply want to pamper yourself with a massage, our lounges have you covered.

29. Check out our free-to-use rest areas

We know that having an overnight layover flight can make you feel jet-lagged and exhausted, that’s why Changi Airport has plenty of snooze spots in every terminal, for power naps and even falling into a deep slumber! Just don’t forget to set your alarm on your phones so you won’t miss your flight!

30. Bring your little ones to our free play areas

The little ones don’t miss out on the fun at Changi! Indoors and away from the heat, our air-conditioned playgrounds let your little ones play and make new friends in comfort. There are a plethora of different kids’ play areas that children are sure to enjoy. These include a bear-themed playground in Terminal 2’s transit area , a children’s activity corner in Terminal 1 where kids can grab a crayon and piece of paper and take home a woodblock rubbing of Singapore landmarks or sights around Changi. With so many free play areas to let loose within the airport, the little ones will be entertained for hours!

 

Now that you are equipped with all the information you need to make the most out of your time at Changi, we hope to see you here soon. Maybe you’ll even find more things that you love about our airport!

 

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