Best Airport Lounges in Europe | Reviews, Ratings and Our Favorite

Airports don’t always make for restful spaces — the rush of departures, endless queues, and the clatter of wheeled suitcases on tile floors.

But tucked away in terminals across Europe are sanctuaries that can flip the script: lounges that feel more like boutique hotels than waiting areas.

These are places where you can order Michelin-starred meals, sip champagne with a view of the runway, or even nap in a private suite before boarding.

Europe’s airport lounges consistently rank among the finest in the world. And they’re not always just for first-class travellers — with the right ticket, membership, or even a one-off payment, many are surprisingly accessible.

If you’re curious how they compare globally, check our full guide to the Best Airport Lounges in the World, According to the Latest Ratings. Or, if you’re flying stateside soon, don’t miss our ranking of the Top 10 Business Class Lounges in the U.S., including a spotlight on the new American Express Centurion Lounge at JFK.

Here are Europe’s best airport lounges

La Valletta Lounge, Malta International Airport (MLA)

A personal favorite here at Locals Insider, and proof that smaller airports can deliver a surprisingly solid lounge experience.

The space is generous, with wide seating areas and even an outdoor terrace where you can step out for some fresh air — or a smoke, if that’s your thing. It’s not the quietest lounge around, but the Maltese-inspired food more than makes up for it, with chicken skewers, local cheeses, and hearty snacks.

Unlike Lufthansa’s First Class Terminal in Frankfurt, where access is reserved almost exclusively for premium ticket holders, at Valletta you can buy entry even if you’re flying economy. Revolut users get an extra perk: a 30% discount on access. It might not have the polish of Zurich or Vienna, but it has plenty of charm — and it feels unmistakably Maltese.

Vienna Lounge, Vienna Airport

Verified Review: “What an incredible lounge. Lovely atmosphere, spotlessly clean, great views of the runway, lots of Austrian wine, and a huge selection of delicious food; they also had a good selection of cakes. I really enjoyed the salad selection as well as the cheese wheel. I could have stayed here all day.” Archi T, Google 

Vienna Lounge has been featured in many prestigious publications, such as Condé Nast’s coverage of The Best Airport Lounges in the World, and was named the Best Lounge in Europe for the Priority Pass Excellence Awards, 2025.  

Covering an impressive 2,500 square meters and accommodating up to 450 guests, the space has relaxed seating areas, private booths, and laptop zones, making it the perfect spot for families, business travelers, and holidaymakers. 

You’ll be welcomed with plenty of spots to enjoy food and drink. The buffet is brimming with Austrian specialties like Riesling chicken and strudel, Austrian beers and wines, and cakes.  There’s also a Viennese Café area with artwork by Klimt and Schiele from the Leopold Museum, where you can munch on more treats and peek at some of the international newspapers available.  

Thanks to the magazines, newspapers, TVs, and tasty food options, there’s little chance of boredom here. Plus, the refreshing showers offer welcome relief after a long travel stretch. There are even private booths with beds if you need a rest or suffer from the dreaded jet lag; just make sure to set the alarm! But the true highlight is the outdoor terrace with unspoiled airfield views.  

It’s easy to access, but if you’re departing from gates F and G, you’ll need extra time to hop on the shuttle service. For those holding first and business class tickets, frequent flyer cards (depending on the airline), and Priority Pass holders, you’ll have access, while regular travelers can gain entry for $66.  

Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, London Heathrow 

Verified Review: “Hands down the BEST airline lounge I’ve been in. Everything was just perfect. This lounge has a resting (quiet) area where you can lie down or meditate in the dim light. They also have a cooked-to-order menu, so bring the food to your chairs. It was perfectly cooked and nicely presented. Tons of staff walking around to ensure your every need is met.” Abacuses, TripAdvisor 

In Terminal 3’s Upper Class Wing, you’ll find The Clubhouse at London Heathrow. Like Vienna Lounge, it made it to Condé Nast’s Best Airport Lounges list, and also made the top spot in Travel + Leisure’s Best Airport Lounges in the World, and for good reason.  

There are a couple of choices for where to eat here. You’ll want to visit the Brasserie if you fancy some waiter service. But if you’re already relaxing elsewhere and don’t want to leave your seat, you can use the QR code at the table to order, and somebody will bring your food when it’s ready.  

Options include some quintessentially British dishes like the full English breakfast, venison pie, sticky toffee pudding, and even afternoon tea. The drinks menu offers tea and coffee, champagne, wine, beers, and cocktails, including the signature ‘Virgin Redhead’ recommended by visitors.  

Depending on the vibe you’re going for when you visit, there are various ‘zones’ throughout the lounge. The Clubhouse retreat offers guests a space to rejuvenate in the relaxation areas and enjoy time for meditation and quiet time before flying. Or to burn off some energy, you can head to the Peloton bikes, followed by the showers.  

There is also a pool table and a library for visitors to use. Best of all is the roof terrace for views of the airport and some plane spotting.  

You’ll be able to visit the lounge from three hours before departure if you’re a Virgin Atlantic Upper Class or Delta One passenger, or a Flying Club Gold or SkyTeam Elite Plus member.  

Lufthansa First Class Terminal, Frankfurt Airport 

Verified Review: “I must say, the FCT in Frankfurt is absolutely remarkable, and there’s nothing I could possibly fault. The service is truly exceptional, the food is divine (especially the burger garnished with fresh truffles), and the tranquil ambiance provides a peaceful retreat from the bustling airport. All that combined with the limo transfer and the assistance from a dedicated private attendant deserves a huge applause.” Lukasz P, Google 

Lufthansa First Class Terminal is Skytrax’s number one Best Business Class Airline Lounge. It’s in a separate spot from the airport with its own entrance, check-in, and security control. You’ll arrive at the dedicated driveway, where the team will meet you and handle your luggage.  

You’ll then meet your personal assistant at reception, who handles all travel formalities and accompanies you through security, and will take care of check-in. When it’s time to leave, a chauffeur will take you directly to the aircraft. 

To gain access, you must be a Lufthansa or SWISS First-Class passenger departing on the same day, or an HON Circle Member when flying Lufthansa, SWISS, or Austrian.  

Lufthansa First Class Terminal centers around relaxation, comfort, and well-being with its easy chairs, quiet rooms, day beds, and spacious shower rooms (including one with a bathtub).  

But if you’re traveling for business and need space to work, there are five office units with complimentary services to help your productivity. You’ll miss the duty-free shopping at the main airport, but the lounge has a store where you can collect and redeem miles.  

The Cigar Lounge and bar have over 130 types of whisky and other beverages if you need a drink, and for a full wining and dining experience, there is an à la carte menu to enjoy. 

Air France La Première Lounge, Paris-Charles de Gualle Airport 

Verified Review: “Possibly the most elegant and high-touch airline lounge I have ever experienced. IMHO, the food is at a Michelin star level and makes the lounge a “go to” venue. Ensure you prebook spa treatments, whether the complimentary or the paid options. Overall, the La Premiere experience is superb with immediate airplane to terminal transfers in luxury level cars (most BMW 7 series), escort through the airport, and a choice of first or last onboard boarding.” Gareth G, Google 

Air France La Première Lounge made it to Condé Nast’s Best Airport Lounges in the World and received a 5-star Airline Lounge rating by Skytrax, and we’re not surprised. Guests can enjoy Michelin-starred cuisine, a space to relax and unwind, and even a treatment at the wellness center.  

It’s located in Terminal 2E of CDG. La Première customers will have seamless entry, including a private check-in lobby, dedicated security, and a personalized escort directly to the lounge, then onto boarding. 

The in-lounge dining features cuisine curated by Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse and an à la carte menu. Visitors have spotted and praised dishes like duck foie gras pâté en croute and chicken croque with Comté and black truffle.  

Serene escape and airport don’t usually go together, but the lounge is home to The Sisley Treatment Center. Guests can indulge in a free facial, like the Nutrition Sleep Well Facial Care, and we can’t think of anything better to enjoy before a long-haul flight. Other longer treatments are available, like the Anti Jet Lag Treatment to revive the mind and body before traveling.  

For complete privacy, you can even book a suite within the lounge, featuring a living area, workspace, television, double bed, bathroom, and outdoor patio.  

Turkish Airlines Business Class Lounge, Istanbul Airport 

Verified Review: “This would have to be one of our favorite lounges we have visited. The lounge is huge with plenty of seating. We particularly like the library section. The food has to be the standout; we love the individual cooking counters, the Thai food was awesome, as was the standard Turkish fare. The staff were friendly and went about their business without any fuss. All in all, a wonderful experience.” VH, Google  

Just above the main International Departures concourse on the mezzanine level is the Turkish Airlines Business Class Lounge.  Skytrax praised it with a 5-star Airline Lounge rating, and it earned a place in Condé Nast’s Best Airport Lounges in the World list. It was also named Travel + Leisure’s Favorite Airport Lounge. It’s exclusive to Turkish Airlines and Star Alliance Business Class travelers and has space for 765 people.  

It offers facilities to accommodate every type of traveler, from dedicated workspaces to relaxation areas with showers and in-lounge bedrooms for napping.  

There is even a cinema and games facilities, including a virtual golf and flight simulator, and a children’s play area. Plus, you can get some fresh air on the terrace overlooking the busy terminal below. 

Around the lounge are live cooking stations serving worldwide and Turkish cuisine to give you a flavor of how the food is prepared. You can expect dishes like pide, manti, and plenty of grilled meats and vegetables, as well as some international cuisine, like Thai dishes.  

There are also salad bars with savory and sweet dishes like traditional Turkish delights and beverage stations with Aryan, tea, and more, which you can enjoy in the Tea Garden or the cozy library. Alcoholic options are also available, with self-pouring wine and prosecco, plus baristas are available for specialty coffees and other drinks.  

Plaza Premium Lounge, Leonardo da Vinci International Airport

Verified Review: “One of the best lounges I’ve ever been to. I might start booking flights just to eat here! The food is restaurant-quality (maybe better than some restaurants), made with real care and passion. The Chef Andrea was so nice, he personally prepared every dish and kept checking in as I shamelessly went back for seconds… and thirds. At this point, I look forward to this lounge more than the actual trips. Can’t wait to come back!” Guilia F, Google

Plaza Premium Lounge sits in Terminal 3 at Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, otherwise known as Fiumicino Airport. It consistently receives positive online reviews, like over 3,990 reviews on Google, and it came in top place in Skytrax’s Best Independent Airport Lounges 2025 list for the third year running.  

The space is available for select business-class passengers, Priority Pass, LoungeKey, DragonPass, and American Express Global Lounge Collection cardholders. But you can visit by paying around $62, and it’s cheaper if you book online.  

The lounge is modern and chic, with nods to ancient Roman architecture. In the middle of the space is a central round bar surrounded by seating areas, including private honeycomb pods, booths, and recliners that overlook the runway.  

Guests are invited to relax, try signature dishes and drinks from the region, stay updated on the latest TV news, flick through the newspapers and magazines, and freshen up with one of the showers, which you’ll need to book in advance.  

The buffet serves salads, hot dishes, finger foods, and cakes, with plenty of local flavour and dishes like penne arrabbiata, chicken meatballs, and butternut pumpkin soup. Though travelers frequently praise the food, if you’re just after a drink, the central bar serves complimentary barista-made coffee, soft drinks, and beer, while other drinks are available to purchase.  

KLM Crown Lounge 52, Amsterdam Schiphol 

Verified Review: “The KLM Lounge completely exceeded my expectations. It’s unbelievably spacious, beautifully designed, and full of tasteful touches. The staff were polite and welcoming, and the coffee was excellent. There’s a wide variety of food options, and the lounge is thoughtfully divided into different zones to suit different types of travellers. One of my favourite touches? The adorable Miffy decorations — such a charming detail!” DC, Google 

KLM Crown Lounge 52 is between concourses E and F, beyond security. You can reach it by heading up the escalator. The space welcomes KLM or SkyTeam business-class passengers and Flying Blue Platinum/ Gold and SkyTeam Elite Plus members. If none apply, then paid entry is also an option for around $76, with discounts for Flying Blue members who book in advance.  

The space here is vast and has well over 1,000 seats. It’s cleverly sectioned into five themed zones with Dutch influences: Polder, City, Dutch Mountain, Sea, and Sky.  

We’d recommend the Polder Zone, which has work-friendly seating, lockers, and dining for business travelers. The City Zone is home to the main bar and buffet, which offers salads, hot dishes like stews and pasta, fresh bread, desserts, plus self-serve soft drinks and coffee.  

For more food options, the Sky Zone upstairs features the Blue Bar and Blue Restaurant with premium beverages and food available to purchase. Plus, there is an outdoor terrace overlooking the runway. The Dutch Mountain Zone is designed for entertainment, like the tiered seating for TV viewing.  

Finally, the Sea Zone is where you can go if you need a rest and recharge. There are 20 showers, relaxation areas, and sleep cabins, which you can book for a fee.  

SWISS First Class Lounge E, Zurich Airport 

Verified Review: “Impeccable experience, everything about it was top-notch. From the lounge employees, the cleanliness and the service. An excellent bar, and the food at the restaurant was of the highest quality possible. I took the Swiss tasting menu and can only say – WOW. The views from the lounge are also amazing.” Nitzan H, Google 

Last but not least is the SWISS First Class Lounge E at Zurich Airport. It’s won many accolades, like the World’s Best Airline Lounge for Dining at the 2024 World Culinary Awards. Most recently, it landed in the second spot in Skytrax’s Best First Class Airline Lounges in 2025.  

It’s located at Terminal E, above gate E27, non-Schengen. Those with access are SWISS and Lufthansa first-class passengers and Lufthansa HON Circle Members. 

It’s smaller than some of the lounges mentioned in this article, with seating for about 80 guests. It’s light, airy, and modern, with floor-to-ceiling windows. The focal point is the wine humidor, which has over 1,000 bottles from around the globe, so you can expect an extensive selection if you need a glass at the bar.  

No buffet here, just a five-star a la carte restaurant with American cuisine. You’ll enjoy a five-course tasting menu, which has seen dishes like smoked salmon and cheese fondue. There is also a spacious terrace with open views if you fancy plane spotting.  

Work stations and a conference room are available if you’re traveling for business. But if all you can think of is winding down before your flight, there are high-end shower suites and two luxurious private bedrooms with TVs and ensuite bathrooms.  

Our TOP 9 Airport Lounges in Europe and Why

• La Valletta Lounge, Malta International Airport (MLA) – A Locals Insider favorite, with spacious seating, Maltese-inspired food like chicken skewers and cheese, and an outdoor terrace where you can even smoke.
• Vienna Lounge, Vienna Airport (VIE) – Condé Nast’s #1 lounge worldwide, featuring Austrian wines, a Viennese Café, and an outdoor terrace with runway views.
• Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, London Heathrow (LHR) – A stylish retreat with à la carte dining, afternoon tea, cocktails, and a rooftop terrace.
• Lufthansa First Class Terminal, Frankfurt (FRA) – Private security, personal assistants, limo transfers to the plane, and a bar with over 130 whiskies.
• Air France La Première Lounge, Paris CDG – Michelin-starred Alain Ducasse dining, Sisley spa treatments, and private suites for full privacy.
• Turkish Airlines Business Class Lounge, Istanbul (IST) – A vast, lively lounge with live cooking stations, cinema, golf simulator, library, and kids’ play area.
• Plaza Premium Lounge, Rome FCO – Skytrax’s best independent lounge, with Roman-inspired architecture, a central bar, and restaurant-quality Italian food.
• KLM Crown Lounge 52, Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) – Huge, cleverly themed zones, from “Polder” to “Sky,” with self-serve dining, sleep cabins, and an outdoor terrace.
• SWISS First Class Lounge E, Zurich (ZRH) – A refined space with fine-dining tasting menus, a 1,000-bottle wine humidor, and private bedrooms with ensuite baths.

So, there you have it; Europe’s finest lounges all in one place, traveler-approved and spotlighted by some of the most respected names in the business. These spaces prove that your time at the airport doesn’t have to be a drag; they might make you look forward to the layover.  

You might want to arrive a little earlier next time you’re heading to the gate. You’ll be glad you did when you’re sipping on a drink, stretching out, and relaxing before your journey starts.