Some airport terminals have transformed into destinations in their own right. These world-class airports are more than just a place to catch a flight — they offer immersive experiences where travelers can shop, dine, and relax in style. From the opulent stores found in Doha’s Hamad International Airport to the cultural keepsakes sold at Istanbul’s new airport, here are five of the best airports around the globe for shopping.
Doha Hamad International Airport – Doha, Qatar
Doha, the capital of Qatar, is an internationally renowned business hub and one of the most extravagant cities in the world. Given its reputation for luxury, it’s no wonder that Doha’s International Airport offers an exceptional shopping experience. Ranked No. 1 on Skytrax’s World’s Best Airport Shopping list for the second consecutive year in 2024, Doha’s Hamad International Airport boasts a selection of high-end brands and duty-free shops that rivals the shopping scenes of some cities.
Hamad Airport is home to the Souq Al Matar, a themed shopping and dining concept modeled after a traditional Qatari souq; the Orchard, a 65,000-square-foot garden with over 300 trees and 25,000 plants; luxury stores like Louis Vuitton, Fendi, and Dior; and the Qatar Duty Free, a collection of more than 65 retail outlets and restaurants. The airport also boasts the Dior Luxury Beauty Retreat, the luxury retailer’s first-ever airport spa, offering massages, facials, and hot sand baths.
London Heathrow Airport – London, England
As the busiest airport in Europe in terms of passenger traffic, London Heathrow is more than just a transit hub — it’s a place many travelers look forward to passing through. With 350 stores, Heathrow caters to all types of travelers, from luxury shoppers to those hunting for essentials. The World Duty Free shops alone offer more than 17,000 products for sale, including high-end fashion accessories, cosmetics, tech, and gourmet food.
For those looking to make the most of their time, Heathrow’s Personal Shopper service offers expert assistance in finding the perfect items. And the airport’s dining scene is on par with its retail offerings, from dim sum at Shan Shui to Gordon Ramsay’s Plane Food, where kids eat free during school holidays — a welcome perk for traveling families.
Singapore Changi Airport – Singapore
Often competing with Doha for the top spot, Singapore ranks a close second for the world’s most luxurious airport shopping experience. Jewel Changi Airport, a 10-story shopping mall accessible from all four terminals, offers hundreds of dining outlets and duty-free stores, from luxury skin care and fashion retailers to the first permanent Pokémon Center in Asia outside of Japan.
Other popular spots in the Jewel include Irvins’ Salted Egg, a unique snack shop featuring salted egg-flavored potato chips; Eu Yan Sang, a leading traditional Chinese medicine brand with a history dating back to 1829; and 1855 Bottle Shop, an award-winning wine retailer.
While the shopping is a highlight, the mall itself is an attraction. It is designed to replicate a lush jungle environment and calm the senses with thousands of trees and scrubs, nature trails, and a breathtaking glass dome housing the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, the Rain Vortex. If you find yourself with more time to spare, there’s no shortage of activities, including a walking net, a hedge maze, and a dinosaur-themed reality experience.
Tokyo Narita International Airport – Tokyo, Japan
Narita International Airport in Tokyo offers a shopping experience that feels more like a luxury mall than a typical airport terminal. With a mix of high-end boutiques, designer shops, and unique souvenir stores, it’s a paradise for travelers looking for last-minute mementos, local goods, or upscale apparel and accessories.
One of the most famous stores in Narita Airport is Fa-So-La Tax Free Akihabara, a one-stop-shop offering everything from Japanese chocolates to electronics, all tax-free. Traveler’s Factory Airport is another unique highlight, selling exclusive stationery and dried goods found only in Narita Airport.
To bring the local flavor home with you, Chiba Boukyo is another must-visit, featuring regional peanut-flavored snacks and cookies. There’s also an abundance of anime shops, where you can find a wide range of souvenirs and gifts that let you take home a piece of Japan’s iconic pop culture.
iGA Istanbul Airport – Istanbul, Turkey
Turkey is known for its food, coffee, and textiles, and that’s exactly what you’ll find in iGA Istanbul Airport, voted the best airport in the world by Travel + Leisure in 2024. As a global hub connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe, iGA Istanbul Airport replaced the former Atatürk Airport when it opened in 2018 on Istanbul’s European side.
The airport is a treasure trove of Turkish treats and souvenirs. Offering everything from baklava and lokum (Turkish delights) to gold jewelry and handmade textiles, the airport is a shopping experience reminiscent of a bustling Turkish bazaar. Unifree, an expansive duty-free area, offers a range of luxury fashion brands such as Dior and Prada, along with famous Turkish brands like Altınbaş for jewelry, Dünyagöz Optik for sunglasses, and Konyalı Saat for luxury watch pieces.
Istanbul’s new airport also gets a lot of love for its amenities, which include shower facilities and sleep pods, a youth lounge area, a kids’ playground, a TV-watching area, and the Istanbul Airport Museum, featuring hundreds of historic airport artifacts from 29 museums across Turkey.
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