11 Instagrammable Airports: The Best Airports for that Perfect ‘In Transit’ Selfie

Airports aren’t exactly the most exciting places in the world, but they do make a necessary backdrop to show off your Instagram-ready travel outfits. While practically all airports have the potential for some excellent #travelgram pics, some are just more beautiful than others — great for snapping that perfect “in transit” selfie.

Looking to fill up your feed and give your followers #wanderlust envy? Here are 11 of the most Instagrammable airports in the world to stage your next travel photo op.

1. Marrakesh Menara Airport, Morocco

A post shared by johannesbärchen (@johannesbaerchen) on Dec 28, 2017 at 2:36pm PST

Marrakesh Menara Airport in Morocco has a special sort of symmetry to it, with its contemporary Islamic architecture and gleaming white walls. The interplay of light and shadow as the desert sun streams through the ceiling casts attractive geometric shadows on the floor — adding just a little something extra to your pics.

2. Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong

A post shared by HK International Airport (@hongkongairport) on Aug 12, 2016 at 5:13am PDT

This massive airport is a luxury shopping mall all on its own, featuring rows of shops selling mid- to high-end brands and its very own IMAX theater. Soaring architecture and ever-changing art installations make Hong Kong International Airport an attractive backdrop for your fashion selfies.

3. Changi Airport, Singapore

A post shared by Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) (@changiairport) on Nov 9, 2018 at 1:26am PST

A post shared by Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) (@changiairport) on Oct 4, 2018 at 9:50pm PDT

Arguably one of the most beautiful airports in the world, with its own Instagram account to prove it, Changi Airport in Singapore is filled to the brim with gorgeous art installations and even has its own butterfly garden. What better way to spruce up your airport pics than with real, live butterflies?

4. Vancouver International Airport, Canada

A post shared by USA TODAY Travel (@usatodaytravel) on Apr 13, 2018 at 1:15pm PDT

Vancouver International Airport in British Columbia, Canada, features its own nature walk, beautiful interiors, and an impressive exhibit of towering Haida sculptures. It even has a large aquarium, where travelers can enjoy the company of colorful fish swimming past.

5. Incheon International Airport, South Korea

A post shared by 인천공항 (@incheon_airport) on Aug 20, 2018 at 4:31am PDT

A post shared by 인천공항 (@incheon_airport) on May 21, 2018 at 4:32am PDT

Incheon International Airport in Korea has many relaxing green spaces where you can kick back and take some excellent pictures. You can find mini jungles, vertical gardens, and trickling waterfalls nestled all over the airport.

6. Munich Airport, Germany

A post shared by Munich Airport (@munich_airport) on Aug 27, 2014 at 5:08am PDT

A post shared by Munich Airport (@munich_airport) on Dec 13, 2017 at 11:54pm PST

Surfing selfie at an airport? Do it for the gram!

Munich Airport in Germany is probably one of the only airports in the world where you can go surfing while you wait for your next flight. Depending on the time of the year, the airport hosts a variety of activities, including indoor surfing, ice skating, and during the winter, a traditional Bavarian Christmas market.

7. Madrid Barajas International Airport, Spain

A post shared by MIN 민 มีน (@bkkmin) on Oct 27, 2018 at 1:25am PDT

A post shared by a-chan (@a_chin.10) on Dec 5, 2018 at 4:48am PST

Madrid’s Barajas Airport in Spain is popular among Spanish Instagrammers for its rainbow ceiling, an impressive steel and wooden structure built in the neo-futuristic style. Indeed, every photo that you see of this airport’s ceiling is in a different color, delighting travelers from all over the world.

8. Denver International Airport, Colorado, USA

A post shared by The Blake Team At eXp Realty (@blaketeamexp) on Nov 20, 2018 at 2:55pm PST

Dizzying contemporary architecture and art installations make Denver International Airport an attractive place to take stunning travel photos. It also recently opened a large indoor park where you can rest and relax before you fly.

9. O’Hare International Airport, Chicago, USA

A post shared by O’Hare International Airport (@flyohare) on Mar 12, 2018 at 6:30am PDT

A post shared by O’Hare International Airport (@flyohare) on Oct 3, 2018 at 7:58am PDT

The Concourse B and C tunnel at O’Hare International Airport is an Instagrammer’s dream, with changing neon lights and glitzy music to keep you entertained. The tunnel is 744 feet long (226 meters) and takes 2 minutes to cross — enough time to snap a selfie or two.

10. Haneda Airport, Tokyo, Japan

A post shared by Toppy (@topitomicorazon) on Apr 23, 2015 at 12:49am PDT

Peppered with traditional Japanese architecture, Haneda Airport has many picture-perfect places to show off on your Instagram feed. You can find many beautiful shop fronts, bonsai plants, art installations, and sometimes even catch a musical performance. You can get gorgeous, #travelawesome photos before you even leave the airport!

11. Wellington International Airport, New Zealand

A post shared by James Eade (@jamesenjoyrelax) on Nov 26, 2018 at 12:30pm PST

Let’s face it, a huge number of tourists travel to New Zealand specifically because they are fans of Peter Jackson’s epic “Lord of the Rings” film series, based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved books. This is why Wellington International Airport commissioned several life-sized sculptures featuring numerous characters from the films, enough to make any fantasy fan squeal with joy.

Take a picture with the head of the sleeping dragon, Smaug, or reach out for Gandalf as he rides upon Gwaihir, the Great Eagle.

Get That #Travelgoals Selfie

Airport selfies are always a great teaser for what’s to come. You’ll keep your followers on their toes until you post your actual destination photos — all while keeping yourself entertained at the same time. After all, shooting epic travel photos to post on your social media account is as good as any reason to while away the hours. #travelgoals

So, if you ever find yourself stuck in one of these airports during a long layover, be sure to take advantage of the free Wi-Fi and go fire up that Instagram! Happy travels!

Flight delays happen, but that doesn’t mean you have to accept them. You may be entitled to a much as $700 in compensation. If your flight was delayed, canceled, or overbooked within the last three years.