Top things to do at Heathrow Airport: Shops, lounges, restaurants, and more


If you’re taking an international flight to or from London, you’ll probably find yourself at Heathrow Airport. Previously known as London Airport until 1966, Heathrow Airport is one of the world’s busiest airports with plenty of things to do while you’re waiting for your flight.
Whether you’ve just touched down in London or just passing through, here are all the best things you can do at Heathrow Airport, from shops to lounges. Tip: You can leave your luggage with Excess Baggage Company from £7.50 ($10) per bag, so you can explore Heathrow without the baggage.
1. Do some duty-free shopping

Pamper yourself with some duty-free retail therapy at World Duty Free, with nine stores and over 17,000 products across three terminals (T2, T3, T5).
Shop brands like Cartier, L’Occitane, Giorgio Armani, Bobbi Brown, and more—all at duty-free prices. They also have an extensive range of alcohol: pick up a Watermelon and Lime Edinburgh Gin, or a 12-year-old Japanese Malt. If you like, you can even reserve the items you want online, and pick them up from T5’s dedicated collection point. Take advantage of the free shopping transfer service to zip between the terminals quickly.
If you didn’t manage to pick up souvenirs in London, there’s also Harrods (T2, T3, T5) and a Glorious Britain (T3, T5) where you can get some last-minute gifts. Don’t forget the Harry Potter Shop (T5) for all things Hogwarts-related.
Heathrow Airport also offers a free personal shopping service, with accredited international stylists that cater to 14 languages. You can even shop first, leave your items at the airport whilst you take your flight to your next destination, and pick them up on the way back. You’ll also enjoy complimentary access to personal shopper lounges (T2, T3, T5).
The Heathrow Rewards service allows you to accumulate points for every transaction made at the airport. These points can then be used to redeem perks such as lounge discounts, shopping vouchers, and more.
2. Enjoy a little pre-flight relaxation in a lounge

If you’re looking to rest up, head to one of the many airport lounges (there are currently 40!) in Heathrow and enjoy free-flow food and drinks, comfy seats, Wi-Fi and a quick freshen up in the showers before your flight. You can gain entry either through a lounge membership program, credit card privileges (such as Priority Pass), or by booking online or paying at the door. While some lounges allow paid access, others are only available for passengers of that specific airline.
From £40, you can get access to the Plaza Premium Lounge at T2, voted “World’s Best Independent Airport Lounge”, and enjoy the hearty buffet spread and wellness spa in its stylish interiors.

T3 has some of the best lounges in Heathrow, including the American Express Centurion Lounge, Cathay Pacific Business and First Lounge, Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, and the independent lounge, No1 Lounges (from £34).
The Skyteam alliance airlines are in T4, including Etihad, Gulf Air, and Qatar Airways, a couple of which have been newly refurbished or reopened. The Plaza Premium Lounge here (from £41.85) has productivity pods, showers and a fully-tended bar.
You can find the world’s largest lounge complex at T5, where British Airways operates six lounges. Some highlights of British Airways’ lounges include a 20-seat cinema, a wine gallery and champagne bar, hydrotherapy zone. Otherwise, the Plaza Premium Lounge (from £35) in T5 is a good independent lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows and views, and pod seating.
3. Grab a bite at Heathrow’s food spots
Refuel at the many restaurants at Heathrow Airport. Multiple places are open round the clock, such as Caffe Nero (T3), and Costa Coffee (T2, T5).

Drop by Gordon Ramsay Plane Food (T5), a fancy outfit that offers à la carte meals and pre-packaged food (Plane Picnic for £14) that you can take onto the plane. For some traditional British fare, check out pubs like the Crown Rivers Bar & Food (T5), or order a cocktail at bars like The Curator (T3).

There are also many vegan options available at Leon (T2), or healthier eating options at Pret A Manger (T2, T3, T5), Wagamama (T3, T5), or YO! (T2, T3). If you’d like a nice sit-down meal, establishments such as Fortnum & Mason Bar (T5), Caviar House Oyster Bar (T3), and London’s Pride (T2) might fill the bill.
For on-the-go bites, make a pitstop at Itsu (T5) or Starbucks (T5). You can also fill up your water bottles at over 100 water fountains across the terminals. The icing on the cake? Many restaurants are part of the ‘Kids Eat Free’ program where children can dine for free during the school holidays.
4. Admire fine art
Have time to spare? Head to the T5 Fine Art Gallery—one of the first fine art galleries in an international airport—to marvel at the permanent art and sculpture exhibit.
5. Wind down at a spa

If you don’t have airport lounge access, you can still enjoy a full range of treatments like manicures, waxing, facials, aromatherapy, and massages at Be Relax in T5. Book at least 24 hours in advance to snag a slot.
6. Check in to a hotel for some shut-eye
If airport floors and benches aren’t your jam, there are three hotels within Heathrow Airport itself: Aerotel (T3), Hilton (T4), and Sofitel (T5). Otherwise, you can check into many amazing hotels around Heathrow Airport as well.
No1 Lounges in T3 also offers day rooms so you can catch a quick nap in the day before your flight. Just note that you need at least three hours between flights to book one.
7. Let the kids loose at the play areas
Heathrow Airport has many children’s play areas in each of its departure terminals, suitable for both babies and toddlers alike. The Stay & Play areas have fun slides, soft play areas, and coloring and activity sheets that will keep the kids entertained (and tire them out!) until it’s time for takeoff.
Tip: If you’re traveling with little ones in tow, you can place an order in advance for milk, and baby food pouches, and pick them up at Boots (T2, T3, T5).
8. Get your hair done

For the gentlemen, you can even get your hair fixed at Bradley Smith Hair Express Bar in T5. Get a suave new hairdo or sit back and enjoy a traditional wet shave or beard trim.
9. Watch planes land and take off

Catch the planes take off from Heathrow’s only viewing deck, View Heathrow, at the T4 departures, offering 270-degree views of the runway, with binoculars and flight-tracking touchscreens to follow along with each plane.
Other spots which offer incredible views include the Wondertree Restaurant (T2), No1 Lounges (T3), and all across the T5 departure lounge (we heard the views in Gordon Ramsay Plane Food are exceptionally stunning).
10. Send a postcard back home
Send a charming postcard to loved ones back home from the airport’s post office in T3. Heathrow’s Mail & Fly program also lets you ship items back home for just £6, inclusive of packing and postage.
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