Major airports are n't typically the coolest places to kick back and have some fun . Thousands of passengers herded toward departure gates and lengthy security queues manned by stoney-faced stewards rarely equates to a joyful time . But an increasing number of airports are attempting to liven up the pre-flight experience by providing a variety of weird and wonderful distractions to keep the weary traveler entertained . From live music concerts to contemporary art exhibitions and from IMAX cinemas to public ice rinks , some have so much going on they 're on the verge of becoming travel destinations in themselves . See also : Record breaking airports . So , where are these happening aviation hotspots ? We 've selected seven of the world 's biggest and busiest airports where entertainment and leisure services are taking off . Singapore . Singapore 's Changi Airport may claim to be Southeast Asia 's premier air cargo hub , but it 's also one of the original innovators in the field of airport entertainment . The giant facility was one of the first to introduce free WiFi areas whilst a roof-top pool and jacuzzi has been open to passengers since the late 1990s . Amenities introduced in recent years include an interactive art gallery , children 's fun slide and an on-site nature trail . Free city tours of Singapore are also available to any passenger with a stopover of five hours or more . Nashville . Nashville has long been considered one of the cradles of American music . Elvis Presley , Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash have all been fixtures of the city 's famed recording studios . Keen to play up this lively musical past , Nashville International Airport puts on regular live concerts for travelers and music enthusiasts alike . Four stages -- one located outside security and three more beyond -- host upwards of 100 free events every year . See also : How good is your airport sign language ? Country music and jazz performances are staples here , but rock bands and traditional Celtic acts are also a common sight . San Francisco . Elaborate art installations are now a common fixture at airports around the world , but San Francisco International ( SFO ) was offering travelers an insight into the aesthetic more than 30 years ago . The SFO Museum -- which is comprised of more than 20 galleries across four terminals -- was inaugurated in 1980 and continues to host an ever-changing schedule of exhibitions on a diverse range of subjects . Passengers are free to browse the airport 's myriad exhibits while non-flying visitors on day trips from the San Francisco Bay Area are also able to stop by . See also : The world 's transport hubs . Recent events include a collection of pan-Asian ceramics dating as far back as the seventh century AD and a photographic expose on the secret life of plants . Seoul-Incheon . Incheon Airport on the outskirts of Seoul , South Korea , has earned a reputation for travel excellence . The sprawling complex is one of the world 's busiest passenger and cargo hubs , snapping up the Airports Council International world 's best airport in air service quality award for seven consecutive years . Integral to this success is the wide selection of fun activities and facilities to keep waiting passengers occupied . An ice rink , casino , spa and sauna represent just a few of the cool distractions on offer . A five-minute shuttle drive away from the airport , travelers can tee off for a relaxing round on the airport 's 18-hole Incheon Golf Club course . Munich . Munich is famed for its Oktoberfest beer festival and the city 's airport aims to bring a sample of the alcohol-fueled fun to thirsty passengers . Airbau , a Bavarian-style tavern complete with its own brewery and traditional German beer-garden , serves up over 110,000 gallons of homemade hops from its home in the airport 's Terminal 1 every year . Like all genuine Oktoberfest celebrations , Airbau also plays host to a lively music program during busy periods and an outdoor beer garden . Sydney . Potted plants are a common adornment in many airport waiting areas , but the Qantas First Lounge at Sydney International Airport , Australia , takes green decor to altogether more holistic levels . The luxury facility is home to a 30-meter vertical garden , comprising 8,400 plants . The giant installation is incorporated into the facility 's restaurant and day spa treatment rooms , where passengers can relax with a massage or refreshing shower . See also : Could you park a plane ? A business center and library meanwhile offer optimum quiet space for working travelers to hit the books . Hong Kong . At 13.8 meters high and 22.4 meters wide , Hong Kong International 's on-site cinema is the world 's only airport IMAX and the largest cinema in the Chinese territory . The giant screen replaced the previous terminal two movie theater , the 4D Extreme Screen , in June last year . Hong Kong residents as well as travelers are able to access the cinema given its landside position at the airport . Both 2D and 3D movies are regularly shown , including the latest Hollywood blockbusters and so called `` edutainment '' features .
Airports are providing entertainment facilities to improve passenger experiences . Comment: Other airports play host to art exhibitions , health spas and IMAX cinemas .