Six of the best airport locations to explore while you wait

HAARLEM, AMS

Lying almost off the end of one of Schiphol's runways on the Spaarne River, Haarlem is a skip away by train or bus from the airport and an uncrowded alternative to Amsterdam while you're waiting for a flight connection. It has a classic old Dutch town centre punctuated by church spires and a windmill, and ringed by canals and tulip fields. Frans Hals Museum is one of the country's best art museums, or you can just enjoy coffee or beer in the cobbled Grote Markt main square, and fancy you've strayed into an Old Master painting. See visithaarlem.com

INCHEON, ICN

Most visitors head straight to Seoul and miss this throbbing, cutting-edge city, which offers chic shopping, eye-catching contemporary architecture and a fringe of beaches. Songdo district, with its interactive information panels and outrageous buildings, is a good place to start; the observation deck atop G-Tower is magnificent at sunset. Amid the skyscrapers, slivers of Incheon history remain in Chinatown, the concession-era harbour, and Songdo Hanok Village, which recreates old Korean architectural styles. Jeondeungsa Temple is 400 years old on a fortified site that dates back 800 years. Seaside Wolmido district has traditional gardens and fantastic seafood restaurants. See visitkorea.or.kr

VENICE BEACH, LAX

Eleven minutes in a taxi – avoid the ridiculous one-hour bus ride – gets you jetlag-beating sunshine at this quirky Los Angeles beachside suburb, best known for the eccentric and showy characters that jog, ride, play basketball, juggle and perform along its boardwalk and pier. The characters working out on the outdoor gym equipment at Muscle Beach are quite a sight. You'll find boutique shopping and art galleries along Abbot Kinney Boulevard, and abundant restaurants, bakeries, and food trucks everywhere. If you have more time, Santa Monica is the next stop up the coast. See discoverlosangeles.com

PUTRAJAYA, KUL

Malaysia's manicured new administrative capital, halfway between Kuala Lumpur and the airport, resembles a tropical Canberra. Striking buildings, bridges and mosques line an artificial lake amid beautiful landscaping and radiating avenues lined by palm trees. A highlight is pink Putra Mosque, with a gorgeous dome and one of the world's tallest minarets. The silvery, ultra-modern Besi Mosque is also wonderful. Hilly Putra Perdana Park provides a good panoramic overview, as does a boat ride. Night-time illuminations are striking. Putrajaya puts on a string of special events such as major sporting competitions and garden, fireworks and hot-air-balloon festivals. See malaysia.travel