Jewel Changi Airport: Best Things to Do, Top Attractions & Local Guide

If you’re stopping over at Changi Airport or passing through Jewel, you’re in one of the best airports in the world. And it feels like a mini city on its own.

A long layover shouldn’t be daunting. Because once you know what to do at Changi Airport, you’ll want to come back.

Here in Singapore, we see Changi as more than just an airport. It is a proper attraction. The moment you step into Jewel and see the Rain Vortex, you’ll realize this place is far from ordinary.

In this guide, I will show you how to make the most of your time here. It doesn’t matter if you have only three hours or the whole night to explore.

You’ll learn how to get between terminals and Jewel, follow easy layover plans, check out top Changi Airport attractions, and enjoy activities like a free movie theater and PlayStation/Xbox gaming zones. You’ll also know how to find great dining spots and do some quick shopping.

Difference Between Changi Airport and Jewel

Changi Airport is Singapore’s main international airport.

Meanwhile, Jewel Changi Airport, often called Jewel, is half botanical garden, half mega mall located inside the airport. It has more than 3000 trees and 60,000 plants, and over 280 retail shops and dining outlets.

Where Is Jewel Changi Airport Located?

The figure below is a layout of how Jewel and the Changi Airport terminals are positioned. Jewel sits at the center of the airport complex and is easily connected to the nearby terminals.

This airport has four main passenger terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and Terminal 4. According to Changi Airport Group, Terminal 5 is under construction to meet growing travel demand and strengthen Singapore as a global aviation center.

• Jewel is located between Terminal 2 and 3 and is directly linked to Terminal 1 via covered walkways and bridges.
• Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are arranged in a sort of open U-shape around Jewel, so it is easily accessible on foot from each of those terminals.
• Terminal 4 is farther away and not directly connected by bridges. So you can use a free shuttle bus to reach the main terminal area before walking to Jewel.

So, Jewel is a part of Changi Airport, but it also operates as its own attraction. The terminals are nearby and linked by bridges and walkways, so visitors can easily walk from the terminal into Jewel.

Transit passengers can head over if their timing allows, and the general public can walk in just like any other mall in Singapore.

How to Get to Jewel from Terminal 1

1. Exit the Arrival Hall at Terminal 1.
2. Follow the clearly marked signs for Jewel Changi Airport.
3. Walk across the covered link bridge, which is directly connected to the terminal.
4. You will arrive at Jewel within a few minutes.

How to Get to Jewel from Terminal 2

1. Exit the Arrival or Departure Hall at Terminal 2.
2. Choose one of the following options:
   • Option 1: Take the Skytrain to Terminal 3, then walk to Jewel via the covered link bridge.
   • Option 2: Use the direct covered link bridge connecting Terminal 2 to Jewel.
3. Follow airport signage, which is clear and easy to navigate.

How to Get to Jewel from Terminal 3

1. Exit the Departure Hall at Terminal 3.
2. Follow signs pointing to Jewel Changi Airport.
3. Walk across the direct covered link bridge connecting Terminal 3 to Jewel.
4. This is one of the quickest and most convenient routes.

How to Get to Jewel from Terminal 4

1. Exit the Arrival Hall at Terminal 4.
2. Take the free shuttle bus to Terminal 2.
3. Once at Terminal 2, follow the signs to Jewel.
4. Walk via the covered link bridge or take the Skytrain to Terminal 3 and walk from there.
5. Allow extra time, as shuttle buses may have short waiting periods.

Understanding Jewel’s Floors

Once you enter Jewel, you will notice that it is built across several floors.

The lower floors are mostly filled with food and retail shops. The upper floors are home to the main attractions, such as Sky Nets, Canopy Park, and other fun activities.

If navigating big places feels a bit overwhelming, the Changi Airport Mobile App is convenient because it shows real-time directions and store information. The Changi App is available for both Android and Apple devices, so you can download it from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.

For Android Users

For Apple Users

Access for Locals and Non-Transit Visitors

For locals and tourists who are not transiting, getting to Jewel is very easy. You can take the MRT to Changi Airport station and walk from the station link.

Several public buses, including 24, 27, 34, 36, 53, 110, and 858, stop at T1, T2, and T3. For example:

• Bus 24 → runs between Changi Airport and Bedok / Tampines area
• Bus 36 → runs between Changi Airport and Ang Mo Kio / Hougang
• Bus 110 → connects Changi Airport to the city center (e.g., Orchard / Bugis)

You can also order a taxi or a Grab car as they will drop you right at the entrance.

If you are driving, Jewel has convenient parking, and the official Changi Airport website provides updated parking rates and transport details so you can plan ahead.

This makes visiting Jewel smooth for everyone, whether you are catching a flight or simply coming for a day out.

Making the Most of Your Time: Layover Planning Guide

If you are planning to explore Changi or Jewel during your layover, make sure you have 3 to 5 hours or more! Many travellers underestimate how big the airport is.

Walking between terminals or waiting for the Skytrain can take longer than expected. So the first thing to understand is that time management is very important.

Keep these important points in mind to make your visit smooth and hassle-free.

1. Always give yourself enough buffer time.
2. Leaving the transit area means clearing immigration and security.
3. Allow 15–20 minutes to move between the terminals and Jewel.
4. Carry-on bags make it easier to explore freely.
5. For larger luggage or longer stays, use the baggage storage counters at Jewel on Level 1.
6. Check Singapore’s visa requirements before leaving the transit area.
7. Refer to the official immigration website for the most reliable information.

Here are the layover plans based on the time you have to make the most of it:

If You Have 3 to 5 Hours

A short layover still gives you enough time to enjoy Jewel and Changi Airport attractions.

Start with the HSBC Rain Vortex. It is the main star here, and you can enjoy the view from many angles.

Right next to it is the Shiseido Forest Valley, which is perfect for a relaxing walk. Try to catch the light and sound show if the timing matches your transit. It is beautiful and worth waiting for.

If you feel hungry, go down to level B2 for a quick bite before heading back to your gate.

If You Have 6 to 8 Hours

With a longer layover, you can slow down a bit and explore more of the attractions. Spend some time at the Rain Vortex and the Forest Valley, then consider a visit to Canopy Park on the upper level.

If you plan to try the attractions like the Sky Nets, it is better to book in advance. After finishing up at Jewel, you can move to Terminal 1 or Terminal 3 and walk through the themed gardens.

The Butterfly Garden is a popular choice, and it is something unique that not many airports have. For food, you can try local dishes at the Five Spice food hall in Jewel or at one of the terminal food courts. The prices are reasonable, and the flavors feel more like everyday Singapore food.

If You Have 8 to 12 Hours

Now you have enough time to explore properly. You can try the Changi Experience Studio, which is a fun and interactive way to learn about the airport.

Or you can spend more time at Canopy Park and enjoy extra attractions like the Sky Nets. If your layover is long enough, you might even join the Free Singapore Tour.

It is very popular with transit passengers and covers some beautiful parts of the city. After your activities, you can shop around for souvenirs, snacks, or duty-free items before heading back to your terminal.

If You Have an Overnight Layover

For overnight layovers, comfort is the most important thing. Jewel’s Changi Lounge and the transit hotels like Aerotel or the Ambassador Transit Hotel offer quiet places to rest.

You can take a shower, sleep for a few hours, or simply unwind. If you still have some energy, catch the evening light show at the Rain Vortex.

After that, enjoy a peaceful dinner and stroll around Jewel before heading to sleep. It is a nice way to pass the time without feeling bored or restless.

Top Jewel Changi Airport Attractions

If you have never been to Jewel before, you will notice very quickly that this place is a giant garden that happens to be inside an airport. That is something you do not usually expect inside a terminal.

Every time I visit, the atmosphere never fails to impress. Below are a few of the top Jewel Changi Airport attractions that have always charmed me.

1. HSBC Rain Vortex

The star of Jewel is always the HSBC Rain Vortex. It is the tallest indoor waterfall in the world, and seeing it in person feels almost unreal. When the water pours down from the top, the whole place becomes lively.

If you stay until the light and sound show starts, the whole scene becomes even more magical. I have seen it multiple times, but it still impresses me whenever I pass by.

2. Shiseido Forest Valley

Surrounding the waterfall is the Shiseido Forest Valley. This indoor garden is one of my favourite spots because it is peaceful and full of greenery.

There are walking paths, stairs, and different levels that make it fun to explore. It is also a great place for photos because everywhere you turn, there is a nice background waiting for you.

If you enjoy nature like me, you can easily lose track of time.

3. Canopy Park

If you want something more playful, head up to Canopy Park on the top level. Tickets are required, so it is better to book in advance, especially during weekends or school holidays.

The Sky Nets are one of the highlights. You can choose the walking net or the bouncing net, and both offer great views of Jewel from above.

The mazes are very fun too. The Hedge Maze feels like a mini adventure, while the Mirror Maze can be quite confusing in a fun way.

Discovery Slides look like art pieces, but they are also a playground that both kids and adults enjoy. Foggy Bowls are perfect for younger children, and the Petal Garden and Topiary Walk add a lovely floral touch to the whole area.

Many visitors wonder whether the paid attractions are worth it. From my own visits, I would say yes, especially if you enjoy active and playful experiences. Families love it, and even adults enjoy the views and the fun vibes.

4. Changi Experience Studio

The Changi Experience Studio is the perfect place for airport nerds, or if you just love learning new things. It is filled with interactive games, digital exhibits, and stories about how the airport works.

It is surprisingly engaging, even for adults. You get to learn about aviation in a very modern and playful way, so it is a good choice if you want something different from nature or shopping.

5. Other Interesting Spots

You will also find the Changi Fossil exhibit on the basement level. It has a collection of fossils and dinosaur pieces that kids usually find fascinating.

While walking around Jewel, you will notice a wide variety of dining and shopping options, too. From local snacks to international brands, there is plenty to choose from if you want to eat or shop before your flight.

Changi Airport Terminal-Specific Attractions

Many travellers think that Jewel is the only interesting spot at Changi, but the terminals themselves have plenty of unique sights. As a local, I always tell people not to skip the terminals.

There are plenty of free attractions, and some of them are hidden gems that even frequent travellers miss. If you take your time to explore, you will realize that every terminal has its own character.

6. Terminal 1 Attractions

One of the first things you will notice in Terminal 1 is the Kinetic Rain sculpture. It is a beautiful, moving art installation composed of hundreds of bronze droplets.

I always stop to watch it for a while because it is so calming. If you head up to the rooftop, you will find the Cactus Garden.

It is surprisingly peaceful up there, and it has over a hundred types of cacti. There is also the Water Lily Garden inside the terminal, where you can sit down and enjoy the lilies floating in the pond. It is a small spot, but it feels very peaceful.

7. Terminal 2 Attractions

Terminal 2 has a more playful feel. One of the nicest spots is the Enchanted Garden. It reacts when you walk past it, with soft lights and sound effects.

It is fun to see kids get excited by it. The Orchid Garden and Koi Pond are also very pretty. You can see many different orchid varieties and a pond full of koi fish.

If you want something more fun, head to the Entertainment Deck. It has gaming consoles like Xbox and PlayStation, and there is also a free movie theatre. Many travellers are surprised that these are free, so it is worth checking out.

8. Terminal 3 Attractions

Terminal 3 has one of the most popular attractions in the entire airport, the Butterfly Garden. This place is beautiful and full of colour.

You can see butterflies flying around, and there are plants and flowers everywhere. I still enjoy visiting it even as a local.

If you want something more active, you can try The Slide. It is the tallest slide in any Singapore airport, and it is quite fun even for adults.

The Central Piazza has a giant LED display that shows digital art, which looks great at night. And of course, you can catch another free movie at the theatre here.

9. Terminal 4 Attractions

Terminal 4 has a very different vibe from the older terminals. The Heritage Zone is a row of old Peranakan shophouses and there is a digital theatre that shows scenes from local culture.

It feels like a small taste of Singapore’s heritage. Another thing that stands out in T4 is Petalclouds, a kinetic art piece that moves slowly above the central area. It is elegant and quite hypnotic to watch.

Across All Terminals

No matter which terminal you explore, you will always find something to do. Changi has free movie theatres, children’s play areas, gaming zones, and many art pieces around the terminals.

It is easy to pass a few hours without feeling bored. The best part is that many of these attractions are completely free, which is great if you are on a long layover and do not want to spend too much.

Food and Dining at Changi Jewel Airport

Here, there is something for every budget and taste, and everything is super convenient.

Since I have come here frequently for an outing, I can say the food choices are excellent, whether you want something quick or something more special.

Singapore is a multicultural society so it’s easy to find halal, vegetarian, or other diet-friendly meals. Just check the signs or ask the staff.

One of my favourite spots is Five Spice at Jewel. It’s a hawker-style food court where you can try proper local dishes like Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, or kaya toast.

I always tell visitors not to settle for fast-food chains when our local food is right there waiting. Every terminal also has its own food court with affordable and authentic options.

If you prefer international food, you will find plenty of Japanese, Korean, and Western cuisines. There are also many casual cafes for a light bite or coffee.

For something fancier, Jewel has a few nice restaurants with great ambience, and some even offer views of the Rain Vortex.

My Personal Changi and Jewel Experience

Though my own experiences cannot all fit here, I’m sharing a few highlights. The first time I saw the Rain Vortex, I stood there and stared.

Even as a Singaporean, the view still hits me every time. The cool mist and the sound of the water make the whole place feel very calming.

When I visited with my nieces and nephews, they absolutely loved the Canopy Park. They ran, bounced and explored like it was their playground.

Sometimes, I like to do a little Changi Challenge with friends. We try to catch the Kinetic Rain moving at the perfect moment. It’s a fun way to enjoy the airport from a different angle.