Online shopping may be the in thing these days, but it can never replace the real thing. For the die-hard shopaholics, there’s nothing better than spending the day at the mall. With so much to see and do at the malls, a day out at the shopping complex is an experience in itself. From theme parks to bowling alleys, skating rinks, and fine dining, the largest shopping malls in the world these days have something for everyone. The malls listed here may not all provide over-the-top amenities, but the uniqueness of each one makes it to this list of “must-see” shopping centers. Keep scrolling and read our list of the 15 most amazing shopping malls from around the world!
Mall of America, Bloomington, Minnesota
1
As one of the largest shopping malls in the world, Mall of America is the perfect pick to kick off this list. Set in the city of Bloomington, this mall, with 390,000 square meters (4.2 million square feet) of retail space, draws about 40 million visitors a year. Constructed on the site where the famed Metropolitan Stadium once stood, ever since its opening in 1992, the shopping complex has been one of the top tourist destinations in the country.
Hosting more than 400 events in the year, ranging from fashion shows to celebrity appearances and concerts, the mall continues to pull in the crowds. There are more than 520 stores, an aquarium, and a giant Lego store. 14 movie theatres and a Nickelodeon theme park make this a go-to destination. What’s more, the parking lot is pretty big, and you can park your vehicle for free! And since Minnesota doesn’t charge tax on clothing, make sure not to leave this mall empty-handed!
The Forum Shops, Las Vegas
2
Do you plan to travel to Las Vegas? If so, you must visit The Forum Shops! At the heart of the Las Vegas strip, adjacent to Caesar’s Palace, is this rather interesting shopping center dubbed “The Shopping Wonder of the World.” It is located in Paradise, Nevada, and it is 667,468 sq ft (62,000 m²). Due to its strategic location, some of the area’s top hotels and attractions, like the Museum of Selfies, are within easy reach. Meanwhile, its unique interior design replicating ancient Rome, 160 specialty shops, a giant 50,000-gallon aquarium, talking statues, and world-renowned restaurants make the mall a must-visit destination.
You can find a lot of high-end brands here, like Rolex and Tiffany. However, we also appreciate the fact that there are some affordable brands, too! Whether you want to shop, dine, or relax, this is the place to be. No wonder it’s considered by many as one of the best malls in the world!
King of Prussia, Philadelphia
3
What is the largest shopping mall in the world? Surely it isn’t this one. However, the Court and the Plaza of the King of Prussia mall combine to make it the largest mall on the East Coast! Ever since it opened its doors in 1963, the mall has been a shopper’s paradise. Located in the community of the same name, this mall has 2.8 million square feet (222,967 square meters) of retail space and features 8 major department stores like Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, and others. In addition to that, there are also 40 eateries and about 400 retail shops; the mall receives a steady stream of shoppers.
Set at the junction of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Routes 202, 76, and 522, accessing the mall is a breeze. In addition to that, the King of Prussia perimeter offers plenty of free parking as well! Those visiting the city must make sure to stop by this mall!
West Edmonton Mall, Edmonton, Alberta
4
The 500,000 sm (5.3 million square feet) West Edmonton Mall in Canada has more than 800 stores and 10 attractions. One of the biggest draws for visitors is the replica of the Santa Maria, the ship Christopher Columbus sailed on. The ship can be booked for events and parties. Besides this, there is also a waterpark, an indoor amusement park with more than 27 spectacular rides, an ice palace, and an underground aquarium.
If you’re a foodie, this mall is heaven! The food options are endless, and many are pretty affordable. The Fantasyland Hotel, which is also a part of the shopping complex, has interesting rooms with various themes, such as ‘Hollywood,’ Polynesian, and Truck Stop, to name a few. Named one of the largest shopping malls in the world and the best in the city, this shopping center sure doesn’t disappoint!
The Villaggio Mall, Doha
5
While the Villagio Mall may not be among the biggest shopping malls in the world, it sure is one of the most exciting ones! A popular fashion and lifestyle destination located in the city of Doha, the Villagio mall is popular for its Venetian-style interiors, combined with some interesting skylines showcasing different times of the day. The total retail floor area of this shopping complex is 1.3 million sq ft (125,000 sm). You can also find world-class brands all under one roof.
One of the main attractions is the canal running through the center of the mall, on which you can take a gondola ride. As one of the best malls in the world, it also has an indoor Olympic-sized skating rink, a wonderland for children, and a 13-screen luxury cinema. The mall also has ample parking space, but it tends to get extremely crowded on the weekends.
Harrods, London
6
Another great addition to the best malls in the world is Harrods, a must-see for those visiting the capital city of England. The largest department store in Europe and one of the biggest malls in the world, Harrods lays claim to having its own unique postcode, SW1X 7XL, and being the site for the world’s first escalator. It has over one million sq ft (90,000 sm) of selling space, with 330 departments, including its seasonal Christmas department.
Harrods has been attracting visitors to its environs for years, not just for the shopping experience but also for the ambiance. The most popular departments of Harrods are the food halls on the ground floor which offer fine delicacies. For those who want to travel to London, this mall is a must-visit! But to avoid the crowds and to experience the mall better, we highly recommend visiting on a weekday morning!
Wafi Mall, Dubai
7
If Rome was the inspiration for The Forum Shops, Egypt is the inspiration for the Wafi Mall. Seen as one of the best malls in the world, the mall, with its hieroglyphic-covered columns, is designed to resemble an Egyptian pyramid. A large statue of Ramses looks down at you from the extravagant courtyard entrance. Everything about the mall isn’t Egyptian, though. There are several themed areas like Bourbon Street and Chinatown, to name a few, making you feel like you’re in New Orleans and China.
Furthermore, the shopping complex has 861,113 sq ft (80,000 sm) of gross leasable area. It boasts a theme park, restaurants, a luxury hotel, a petting zoo, and numerous retail shops. While it’s not the largest mall in the city of Dubai, it sure has everything for everyone!
GUM Kitai-Gorod, Moscow
8
GUM is what the main department stores in many cities of Russia are called. Almost 800,000 sq (73,000 sm), the GUM in Kitai-Gorod of Moscow, the capital city of Russia, is the most famous in the city not only for shopping but also for the rich history behind it. Facing the Red Square and only a minute’s walk away from it, the imposing structure built as part of the Upper Trading Rows was once taken over to be used as office spaces by Stalin till it was renovated and reopened in 1953. Most of the 150 stores feature high-fashion brand names familiar in the west.
Some of the mall’s biggest attractions include a cinema, a huge outdoor skating rink near Red Square, and a multi-purpose demonstration hall used for various events. For the best experience, you may want to visit the mall at night. That’s because it’s usually decorated with lights, highlighting the beautiful facade of the building.
Berjaya Times Square, Kuala Lumpur
9
Another option that’s named one of the largest shopping malls in the world is the Berjaya Times Square. Located in Malaysia’s capital city, three floors of the mall are demarcated exclusively for technology products, but this shopping complex has much more to offer. With around 7.5 million sq (695,995 sm) of gross leasable area, the mall features 1,000 retail shops, 2 amusement parks, a bowling alley, and a food court. Apart from that, it also features a monthly footfall of over 2.5 million people.
Perhaps the mall’s biggest attraction is the “1st Avenue”, which is designed to resemble New York’s Fifth Avenue. It even has a replica subway station! The mall is pretty accessible too. It’s only 15 minutes away from KL Sentral Station. Not to mention, the mall is connected to the Imbi Station of the Kuala Lumpur Monorail by a footbridge.
Fondaco dei Tedeschi, Venice
10
This isn’t exactly your idea of a mega mall but situated in one of the most beautiful places in the world, this historic trading hall dating back to 1228 will definitely grab your attention. The 72,335 sq ft (6,272 sm) shopping complex has preserved the original architectural details and has three floors of galleries with pennants in Renaissance style marking out the different departments that stock over 300 luxury brands. If you love to shop for branded goods, you’ll love this mall. The ground floor is the best place to find authentic Venetian treasures and crafts, making it one of the best places in the city of Venice for genuine souvenirs.
The best part of the Fondaco is the rooftop balcony from where you can possibly get one of the best views of the city. Speaking of which, it’s also only a minute’s walk away from the Rialto Bridge. It’s one of the oldest bridges spanning the Grand Canal in Venice, so make sure to check it out too!
Galeries Lafayette, Paris
11
Established in 1912 and considered by some as one of the best malls in the world, this historic upmarket store located on Boulevard Haussman is a must-visit venue. Set in the capital city of France, it offers more than 750,000 sq ft (69,677 sm) of shopping and dining. It’s in the Opera District, so you can reach it easily by public transport from central Paris. Better yet, there’s also an on-site parking garage for those who are driving themselves.
Three buildings combine to bring you the best of luxury goods and a wide range of other brands to suit all budgets. The store has a remarkable dome and a panoramic view of Paris which makes it a go-to destination for tourists. A weekly fashion show is also hosted by the store for visitors. If you love to shop and enjoy fashion, you’ll never want to leave this place!
The Venetian, Grand Canal Shoppes, Las Vegas
12
In a city like Las Vegas, a mall with gondolas and a replica of St. Mark’s square should not come as a big surprise. Located just adjacent to the Venetian Hotel and Casino and the Palazzo, the 875,000 sq ft (81,290 sm) mall is a good place to take a break from the gambling tables. Boasting more than 160 stores with countless luxury brands, this is a premier destination for luxury shopping. But instead of trudging from one store to the next, why not ride the gondola? You can leisurely browse the stores till you decide which one to stop at.
Part of the charm of shopping at The Grand Canal Shoppes is the ‘Streetmosphere’, where performers and entertainers are seen throughout the walkways. Best of all, the mall is only steps away from the Las Vegas Strip!
Dubai Mall, Dubai
13
Found in the center of downtown Dubai, the Dubai Mall is a must-see. Over 80 million people walk through its doors every single year, and you should also be a part of them! Besides 1,200 stores and 120 restaurants, some of the other notable attractions of this shopping complex are the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. It houses about 33,000 sea creatures, and Kidzania, the children’s entertainment area. Fun fact: with a total internal floor area of 5.9 million sq ft (548,128 sm), this mall is claimed to be the biggest shopping mall in the world!
As the world’s largest shopping mall, it also features a zoo and water fountains. A mini airport for kids is another big draw as children can fly make-believe planes here. Next time you visit the city of Dubai, make sure to spend your time at this mall!
Ala Moana, Honolulu, Hawaii
14
Sunny Hawaii is home to the world’s largest open-air shopping mall, which has a total retail floor area of 2.4 million sq ft (220,000 sm). Only minutes away from Waikiki, it’s also one of the biggest draws for tourists to the state. One can indulge in the gastronomic delights of typical Hawaiian cuisine at any of the restaurants and kiosks serving traditional fare. Ranked one of the largest malls in the world and the biggest in the city, a weekly farmer’s market, and a daily hula show are some of the other attractions of this mall. You can also find tropical gardens and koi ponds surrounding the merchants in this open-air shopping oasis.
With 4 department stores, more than 350 shops, and 1 of the largest food courts, it is definitely a destination worth visiting. Planning to visit? Make sure to stay at one of the 11 Best Hotels In Honolulu.
The Galleria, Houston, Texas
15
While The Galleria isn’t the world’s largest shopping mall, it is one of Houston’s biggest tourist attractions. Set in the Uptown District of Houston, it attracts over 26 million visitors a year. Many come here to experience the dynamic and fine shopping environment that only the mall uniquely offers. Spread over 2.4 million square feet (222,967 sm) and with 400 stores and restaurants, the mall attracts people in droves.
Amenities like a full-size ice rink, two swimming pools, and a state-of-the-art children’s play area are just some of the things that the mall has to offer. Best of all, the shopping complex also consists of two high-rise Westin hotels. If you spend your nights at one of those hotels, the mall will be just a stone’s throw away, and so are some of the area’s most exciting attractions! Finally, it’s also close to the main highway. So, if you hate Houston traffic, this mall is for you!
What is the largest mall in the world?
The world’s largest mall is Dubai Mall. The mall is so big that you might need a map! Equivalent to more than 50 soccer fields, it’s home to thousands of stores, a five-star hotel, 120 eateries, and more. Oh, this world’s biggest mall is also the gateway to the Burj Khalifa!
What is the most famous mall?
The answer to this question will always be subjective. But in the US, the most popular mall is the Mall of America! It manages to attract over 40 million visitors, making it more famous than Magic Kingdom and Walt Disney World!
What is the most luxurious mall?
Aside from being the biggest, we think it’s safe to say that Dubai Mall is also the most luxurious. With over a thousand luxury stores from the most luxurious brands in the world, this is the perfect place to splurge!
