It’s the country’s sixth busiest airport, with 70 airlines operating out of seven terminals. When in JFK, here’s how we suggest spending your time and dollars.

BEST HAPPY HOUR

A preflight cocktail is going to cost you, and at JFK, prices seem especially steep. Case in point: BRKLYN Beer Garden in Terminal 2 pours a $165 cocktail called the Millionaire’s Manhattan, made with 23-year-old bourbon. For the rest of us, a better pick is Shake Shack in Terminal 4, near gates B23 and B37. Brooklyn Brewery’s exclusive beer for the burger joint costs $6.25, so you’ll have dough left over for a frozen custard >> shakeshack.com.

BEST REASON TO TOLERATE A PLASTIC KNIFE

Terminal 5 — serving JetBlue and Hawaiian Airways, among other airlines — saw a complete overhaul in 2008. The renovation brought new restaurants, including Piquillo, a wine and tapas bar near Gate 22. It’s a great pick for those with time to linger over wine offerings, including tempranillo, cava and albariño. For hearty fare, try the Serrano ham croquettes and bistec panini. otgmanagement.com.

BEST OUT-OF-COUNTRY EXPERIENCE

Muji, a Japanese brand of travel accessories, clothing and other useful items, welcomes shoppers in Terminal 5 near Gate 21. It’s a handy stop for travelers in need of a toothbrush, folding hairbrush or an eyeglasses cleaner. It’s also great for killing time, debating whether you need these items — mini washing board, anyone? >> muji.us.

BEST PLACE TO SHOP FOR LAST-MINUTE SWIM TRUNKS

** **Because, let’s face it: Wintertime in New York is slim pickings when shopping for board shorts and other tropics gear. The antidote is Ron Jon Surf Shop in Terminal 5 near Gate 7, offering hats, flip-flops, sunglasses and the like. The inventory skews toward male surfers, with brands like Billabong and Quiksilver; the shop stocks Roxy for women, but there are no swimsuits >> ronjonsurfshop.com.

BEST REASON TO ESCAPE THE AIRPORT

This is the country’s most train-accessible airport: Within roughly 35 minutes, you can be in Manhattan by taking the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to Penn Station. If it’s warm out, ride the A-line subway two stops to the Howard Beach station, and stroll Rockaway Beach >> mta.info.

For more helpful layover guides, visit:

• Layover Guide to LAX
• Layover Guide to Singapore Changi Airport
• Layover Guide to Miami
• Layover Guide to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport