Top 10 Best Airports in The World

These gateways to the world make you hope for a delay. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the top 10 airports around the world. 
 
For this list, we’re ranking airports around the world, by considering things like aesthetics and hospitality… Oh and efficiency too, because wherever we are, let’s keep things moving.
 

Each entrant on this list is unique, having at least one quality that makes it stand out from all the slow, infuriating airports out there. Kuala Lumpur’s attraction happens to be a glorious indoor rainforest… Yep, you heard that right. Smack dab in the middle of Terminal A is a purportedly natural rainforest for tourists to wonder at as they wait for flights. Admittedly, some of the other terminals at Kuala Lumpur have received mixed reviews for cleanliness and comfort, but when an airport rocks a rainforest, you just have to award it some style points.
 

Trust us: you’re going to want to familiarize yourself with this one. Contrary to the typical travel experience, waiting for your flight in Taoyuan is actually enjoyable. Among its plethora of perks, the airport offers a free travel library for visitors to browse. You can also get a massage – but not just any old massage: the airport employs blind citizens of Taoyuan, and they offer some killer back rubs. But taking the cake is its “Hello Kitty”-themed gate in Terminal 2. Gate C3 is decked out floor to ceiling in pink, white and everything cute, paying a visually impressive homage to “Hello Kitty.”
 

In 2015, Heathrow was ranked as the sixth busiest airport in the world, handling just shy of 75 million passengers, so we sort of expect you to be familiar with this one. Despite that traffic, it somehow remains unbelievably clean, as well as efficient. In addition to its chic, modern lounge areas and an excellent shopping selection that’s ranked eighth in the world, Heathrow also houses an inspiring collection of works from up-and-coming British artists. So maybe it doesn’t have one standout attraction, but its Heathrow’s class that sets it apart.
 

Leave it to the Swiss to get us out of our gate’s lounge chairs, and shutting off Netflix in favor of the pursuit of excitement. Zürich embraces its nation’s physical attractions, and encourages those with a layover to explore by offering bike and skate rentals. Or you can go to their observation decks to take in the surroundings from afar. Does it happen to be your child’s birthday? With some notice, you can actually organize a party, complete with an excursion through theairport – and cake! And of course, you can stay in and enjoy some highly rated in-house hospitality. But with adventure on the table, we say, when in Rome… or you know, when in Zürich.
 

Think of the style and flair we get from Dubai in movies – we’re picturing Tom Cruise in “Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol.” Anyway, the Dubai Airport radiates that same style. It has a modern design, complete with an elegant Zen garden if you’re looking for a peaceful moment during your travels. But don’t worry: it’s not all style and no substance. In fact, the quality of your stay is probably what will stand out the most. Sure you can shop, but what really strikes travelers are the snooze cubes: private, luxury hideaways where you can drift off into dreamland. Yep, in Dubai, your dreams really do come true. Sorry, we had to say it.
 

Despite the fact that its airport is also one of the busiest in the world, having trafficked over 68 million passengers in 2015, Hong Kong still found a way to make Hong Kong International more of a tourist attraction than a travel necessity. Yeah sure, it has all the amenities to make you comfortable while you wait for your flight, but seriously who cares about that when you have the nation’s biggest IMAX Theater to check out? And seriously who cares about THAT when you can play a quick round on a gorgeous nine-hole golf course? We’re going to go ahead and assume these Hong Kong flights never take off, because why would anyone ever leave?
 

Hey what’s with all these busy airports making our list? Okay maybe it actually makes sense; people keep coming back for a reason. Tokyo International Airport was the world’s fifth busiest airport in 2015, but it sacrifices nothing in terms of service. Tokyo doesn’t have a major attraction like a rainforest or golf course, but it does offer arguably the most comfortable stay in the world. Travelers have praised the airport for being incredibly clean and highly efficient, and for its wonderful hospitality. Tokyo Haneda even offers delicious food options for visitors to scarf down.
 

Munich operates at the peak of efficiency, effortlessly moving its passengers. But that doesn’t mean it skimps on comfort. Munich offers several relaxation zones for those trying to escape the stress of travel, while those looking for a bit of entertainment have more options than they know what to do with. Munich boasts a casino, brewery, mini-golf course, and apparently occasionally hosts surfing competitions. So let’s give Germany some credit; it looks like, in addition to their efficiency, they also know how to have some fun.
 

Yeah, yeah, fantastic shopping, dining, hospitality, WE GET IT! Incheon has to stand out! Don’t worry, it does. First of all, this airport is recognized the world over as the cleanest. But South Korea’s Incheon airport really stands out because it is grounded in culture. It houses Korean Cultural Street, a terminal full of traditional Korean architecture. It also has a Museum of Korean Culture, and a multitude of performances, including the Walk of the Royal Family; a reenactment ofthe daily life of royalty in Korea’s historic Joseon Kingdom. You won’t be able to leave Incheon without a deep love for Korean culture.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
-          Helsinki Airport

Vantaa, Finland

-          O’Hare International Airport

Chicago, Illinois, USA

-          Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport

Rome, Italy

-          Beijing Capital International Airport 

Beijing, China

-          Charles de Gaulle Airport

Paris, France

Singapore Changi is the undisputed champion of airports, holding the top spot as “Best Airport” since 2013, according to Skytrax. Singapore Changi tops all the categories: it’s extremely efficient, but also gives travelers a luxurious stay. It offers a free – yes free – movie theater, a fish spa to ease the barking feet of the weary traveler, a regular spa, and a koi pond. It also showcases unsurpassed beauty in its many themed gardens, including a mesmerizing butterfly garden. Then, of course, there’s the giant, multi-story slide you can’t help but give a ride. So yes, Singapore Changi can just go ahead and drop the mic on all other airports.
 
Do you agree with our list? What airport do you think is the best in the world? For more interesting top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.