The world's major shopping malls have become much more than just places to shop. People spend the day there, sometimes even the evening, between restaurants, attractions, and relaxation zones. Some host adventure parks, others museums, an ice rink, or a ski slope in a desert climate. Each complex tells something about its era and city. In Dubai, galleries compete with futuristic architecture. In Bangkok, centers combine luxury, cuisine, and entertainment. In North America, the spaces are so large they resemble full little cities with internal streets and themed zones. From continent to continent, these sites attract millions of visitors seeking new experiences. This selection brings together the most impressive centers, offering total immersion through large-scale shopping, varied entertainment, and ever-evolving scenery.
Dongguan, China
The South China Mall in Dongguan is one of the largest shopping centers in the world, with a total area exceeding 660,000 square meters. This complex features seven themed zones that replicate various international cities and regions. The mall can accommodate over 2,300 shops and includes numerous restaurants, entertainment areas, and an indoor canal. Despite its enormous scale, the center remained largely vacant for years after its opening, though it has experienced increased activity in recent years with new tenants and visitors.
Beijing, China
The Golden Resources Mall spans six floors in the Haidian district and features over 1,000 shops spread across 557,000 square meters of retail space. This shopping center opened in 2004 and combines international brands with local stores. Visitors can find clothing, electronics, furniture, and household items, as well as numerous restaurants and entertainment options. The building's architecture is characterized by wide corridors and natural lighting throughout the complex. The Golden Resources Mall is close to several subway stations and has a parking lot capable of accommodating several thousand vehicles.
Bloomington, Minnesota, United States
The Mall of America spans 520,000 square meters and houses over five hundred stores with an indoor amusement park called Nickelodeon Universe, a large aquarium, numerous restaurants, and entertainment spaces for families. This shopping complex in Minnesota attracts millions of visitors each year who come to shop, dine, and enjoy recreational activities. The facility offers various themed sections and regular events that turn the visit into a full-day experience.
Edmonton, Canada
The West Edmonton Mall spans 490,000 square meters and combines over 800 stores with numerous recreational facilities. The shopping center houses the Galaxyland amusement park with 27 rides, the World Waterpark featuring a wave pool and water slides, and an NHL-sized ice skating rink. Visitors find themed areas such as Bourbon Street with restaurants and bars, a submarine, a miniature golf course, and a cinema. The Fantasyland Hotel offers 355 themed rooms. The complex employs over 23,000 staff members and welcomes approximately 30 million visitors annually.
Quezon City, Philippines
SM City North EDSA is one of the largest shopping malls in the Philippines, located in Quezon City within Metro Manila. The complex spans 482,000 square meters of retail space and houses many international and local shops, restaurants, and entertainment facilities. The amenities include multiple cinemas, an ice rink, and various recreational zones for families. This mall is a major commercial hub in the region and attracts thousands of visitors daily.
Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
The 1 Utama shopping center in Petaling Jaya covers more than 465,000 square meters and houses over 700 stores as well as numerous dining establishments and entertainment facilities. The complex features an indoor rainforest, an aquarium, and sports facilities. Visitors will find international fashion brands, local shops, and various service providers. It consists of two main buildings connected by walkways.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The Dubai Mall spans over 350,000 square meters of retail space and ranks among the largest shopping centers in the world. This complex houses more than 1,200 stores featuring international brands, a large aquarium with underwater tunnel, an Olympic-sized ice rink, and numerous restaurants with views of the Burj Khalifa. The facility also includes a multi-screen cinema, an indoor waterfall, and direct connections to hotels and office towers in the Downtown Dubai district.
Mandaluyong, Philippines
SM Megamall ranks among the largest shopping centers in Southeast Asia, spanning multiple buildings in the Mandaluyong business district. This complex houses over 900 stores across several floors, including international fashion brands, local boutiques, and electronics retailers. The center features an ice skating rink, numerous cinemas, and more than 400 restaurants serving Filipino and international cuisine. SM Megamall attracts thousands of daily visitors and serves as an important meeting point for locals and tourists.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Berjaya Times Square rises forty-eight stories above Kuala Lumpur's central district. This complex houses an indoor theme park with roller coasters alongside more than one thousand retail outlets. The facility provides family entertainment and shopping options featuring both local and international brands. Dining establishments and cafés complement the commercial spaces throughout this vertical shopping center.
Houston, Texas, United States
The Galleria in Houston spans multiple floors and combines over 400 stores with restaurants, two hotels, and an indoor ice skating rink. The center features international fashion brands, jewelers, and home furnishing stores. Visitors will also find art galleries and regular events throughout the year. The architecture with its glass ceilings allows natural light into the shopping areas. The building is located in the Uptown district and attracts thousands of visitors daily.
Greenhithe, United Kingdom
The Bluewater shopping centre is located in Kent, approximately 30 kilometres east of London. Opened in 1999, the centre spans three levels and houses over 300 stores, including international brands and British retailers. The architecture features high glass roofs that allow natural light into the shopping areas. The complex includes restaurants, cafés and a multiplex cinema with several screens. The site is surrounded by artificial lakes and landscaped outdoor areas that provide walking paths and seating areas. Bluewater offers parking facilities for thousands of vehicles and is accessible via the M25 motorway and public transport services.
Bangkok, Thailand
Siam Paragon is one of Bangkok's major shopping centres, bringing together international brands, restaurants, a cinema and a marine aquarium under one roof. The spaces are extensive, modern and designed to accommodate a constant flow of visitors. The centre is located in the business district and is directly accessible via the Siam BTS station.
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul Cevahir spans six floors and houses over three hundred shops featuring international and local brands. Visitors can explore numerous dining options, a multiplex cinema with several screens, and an indoor entertainment park designed for families. The architecture combines modern mall design with spacious areas and natural light provided by a glass roof structure.
Mexico City, Mexico
Centro Santa Fe spans multiple floors in western Mexico City, bringing together five hundred stores featuring national and international brands. This complex offers numerous restaurants with various culinary options and a large cinema with multiple screens. The spacious corridors and modern architecture allow comfortable navigation between different sections.
Bangkok, Thailand
CentralWorld spans seven floors in the heart of Bangkok, combining international brand stores, restaurants offering various cuisines, and entertainment facilities. The shopping complex features a large outdoor plaza that serves as a venue for concerts, festivals, and public gatherings. The premises include a cinema, an ice skating rink, and several art galleries. Its central location at the Ratchaprasong intersection provides direct access to the Skytrain station.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
This Dubai shopping center houses over 600 stores across multiple floors, including international fashion brands, electronics retailers, and luxury boutiques. Mall of the Emirates features numerous restaurants offering various cuisines from around the world. The complex provides several entertainment areas, including a multiplex cinema and a family entertainment zone. Ski Dubai, an indoor ski facility with real snow, allows winter sports activities year-round despite the warm outdoor climate.
Costa Mesa, United States
South Coast Plaza is located in Orange County and ranks among the highest-grossing shopping centers in the United States. This multi-level complex houses over two hundred and fifty stores, including numerous international luxury brands and well-known department stores. Visitors will find approximately thirty dining establishments and cafés, along with rotating art exhibitions displayed throughout the public spaces.
Honolulu, United States
The Ala Moana Center extends across multiple levels as an open-air shopping complex in the heart of Honolulu. This facility brings together three hundred and fifty stores ranging from international fashion brands to local boutiques. The restaurants provide ocean views and serve Hawaiian as well as international cuisine. The architecture takes advantage of the tropical climate with courtyards and natural ventilation. This center sits near the beach, allowing visitors to combine shopping with leisure activities.
Macau, China
Sands Cotai Central brings together a casino, several hotels and over six hundred shops under one roof. This complex is located in the Cotai district, known for its entertainment offerings. The shopping galleries extend across multiple floors and feature international brands alongside local merchants. The centre includes restaurants serving different cuisines and provides direct access to adjacent hotel establishments.
Jakarta, Indonesia
Grand Indonesia Shopping Town spans eight floors in central Jakarta and houses approximately five hundred retail outlets across various categories. The shopping complex features international fashion brands, local boutiques, and numerous dining establishments offering both Indonesian and international cuisine. Visitors can access entertainment facilities including cinemas and recreational spaces. The architecture combines contemporary glass facades with spacious interiors and natural lighting throughout the building.
Paris, France
The Galeries Lafayette are located in the 9th arrondissement of Paris and rank among the most recognized department stores in Europe. Founded in 1893, the building features an ornate Art Nouveau dome that rises 43 meters high, constructed from glass and steel. Across multiple floors, the store offers an extensive selection of fashion, accessories, cosmetics, and gourmet food. The rooftop terrace provides views over the Parisian rooftops, showcasing landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Opéra Garnier.
King of Prussia, United States
King of Prussia Mall ranks among the largest shopping centers in the United States. It spans two interconnected sections and houses over four hundred and fifty stores offering clothing, electronics, home goods, and luxury items. Numerous restaurants and an entertainment area with a cinema complement the retail offerings. The center is located near the Schuylkill River and accessible via Interstate 76.
Cairo, Egypt
Mall of Arabia in Sixth of October City sits west of Cairo and spans multiple floors with shops representing international and local brands. The complex houses fashion boutiques, electronics retailers, furniture stores, and dining options ranging from restaurants to fast-food chains. A multiplex cinema screens current releases. Families can access play areas designed for children of different ages. Parking facilities accommodate large numbers of vehicles, and the center connects to major roads for convenient access.
Warsaw, Poland
Zlote Tarasy is located in central Warsaw, directly adjacent to the main railway station. The shopping center features a distinctive curved glass roof that spans several thousand square meters and serves as the architectural centerpiece of the complex. Three floors house approximately two hundred stores representing international and Polish brands. The retail mix includes fashion, electronics, cosmetics, and home goods. The upper level contains numerous restaurants offering various cuisines, along with a modern multiplex cinema. Its central location makes Zlote Tarasy a major shopping and entertainment destination for residents and visitors to the Polish capital.
Jakarta, Indonesia
Le Mal Taman Anggrek (130,000 m²) spans several floors in the west of Jakarta, combining retail, entertainment, and dining under one roof. The center features an Olympic-sized ice rink inside, used for public skating and events. A modern multiplex cinema shows domestic and international films. Hundreds of shops occupy various levels, covering fashion, electronics, household items, and specialty products. Several restaurants and cafes complete the offerings for visitors wishing to spend the entire day there.
Aventura, United States
Aventura Mall covers more than 2.7 million square feet in northern Miami-Dade County. This shopping center brings together around three hundred stores featuring international and American brands, including several department stores. Visitors can browse extensive selections of fashion, electronics, home goods, and beauty products. The mall houses over fifty dining establishments and cafés offering various cuisines. Several contemporary art installations are displayed throughout the corridors and public spaces. A multiplex cinema with numerous screens complements the entertainment options available to shoppers.
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo Midtown is a mixed-use complex in the Roppongi district that combines retail stores, restaurants, the Suntory Museum of Art, the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, and the 248-meter-tall Midtown Tower. The center spans several interconnected buildings featuring retail spaces, dining options, and cultural facilities. The architecture combines glass and steel facades with green spaces, including the adjacent Hinokicho Park. Tokyo Midtown is located near subway stations and attracts numerous daily visitors who use the commercial and cultural offerings.
Isfahan, Iran
Isfahan City Center spans multiple floors and houses hundreds of shops featuring international and local brands. The complex includes a water park with slides and pools, along with leisure areas for families. Restaurants and cafés complement the retail offering. The center combines shopping, entertainment, and dining facilities under one roof.
Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
The Shops at Crystals is a shopping center within the CityCenter complex in Las Vegas, specializing in upscale brands. The building features a modern construction of glass and steel, housing international fashion houses, jewelers, and dining establishments. The architecture of the center creates light-filled spaces where stores are distributed across multiple levels. This location on the Las Vegas Strip caters to visitors seeking designer fashion and exclusive products.
Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne Central Shopping Centre combines history and modern retail in the heart of the Australian city. The complex preserves the historic Coop's Shot Tower from 1889 beneath a distinctive glass cone. This 50-metre tall brick structure once served as a munitions factory. The centre houses over 300 shops across multiple levels, from international fashion brands to local boutiques. The massive mechanical clock in the interior performs an animated show every hour. Restaurants and cafés are distributed throughout the building. A direct connection to Melbourne Central Station provides easy access via public transport.
Singapore
VivoCity spans multiple floors at Singapore's HarbourFront district and houses over 300 retail stores offering fashion, electronics, and home goods. The shopping centre features numerous dining establishments serving local and international cuisine, a multiplex cinema, and a rooftop terrace overlooking the harbour and offshore islands. Direct connectivity to HarbourFront MRT station and ferry terminals to Sentosa Island makes VivoCity a busy transit point for residents and visitors alike.
São Paulo, Brazil
Iguatemi São Paulo opened in 1966 and is recognized as one of Brazil's first modern shopping centers. This center spans 130,000 square meters and houses 330 stores and restaurants. The architecture combines elements from the 1960s with contemporary renovations. The center offers international fashion brands, local boutiques, electronics stores, and dining establishments. A multiplex cinema complements the facilities for visitors.
Moscow, Russia
GUM is a historic department store from the late 19th century located on the eastern side of Red Square. The building spans three floors with a distinctive glass roof structure covering three parallel passages. GUM combines retail stores of international and Russian brands with dining establishments. The architecture merges classical Russian design elements with functional commercial spaces across 35,000 square meters.
Seoul, South Korea
The Starfield COEX Mall is located in the Gangnam business district and extends mainly underground across multiple levels. This shopping complex covers more than 150,000 square meters of retail space with numerous stores, restaurants, and entertainment facilities. The center houses an aquarium, a multiplex cinema, and the Starfield Library with its tall bookshelves. The underground architecture connects the mall directly to Samseong subway station and the adjacent COEX convention center.
Amadora, Portugal
Dolce Vita Tejo spans 122,000 square meters of retail space and houses 280 stores across various categories. The shopping center features 5,000 parking spaces and is located in the Lisbon metropolitan area in Amadora. The complex offers numerous retail outlets, dining facilities, and services for visitors from the region.
Berlin, Germany
Kaufhaus des Westens, known as KaDeWe, opened in 1907 and spans 60,000 square meters of retail space across eight floors. This department store offers more than 380,000 items in various categories, from fashion to cosmetics and household goods. The top floor houses a gourmet food hall featuring international delicacies and several restaurants. The building is located in the Schöneberg district at Wittenbergplatz and attracts millions of visitors annually.
Manila, Philippines
The Mall of Asia is a shopping center located in Manila Bay that has been one of the largest retail complexes in Asia since its opening in 2006. The facility covers an area of 400,000 square meters and houses more than 600 stores featuring international and local brands. Beyond shopping opportunities, the center offers numerous restaurants serving Filipino and international cuisine, a multi-screen cinema, an ice skating rink, and an entertainment zone. The Mall of Asia also features a promenade along the bay that provides visitors with views of the sea.
Sapporo, Japan
Sapporo Factory is a shopping complex housed in a historic brewery building dating from 1876. The structure combines industrial architecture with modern retail facilities and contains over 160 shops across various categories. Visitors will find clothing stores, restaurants offering different cuisines, and a multiplex cinema. The former brewery building has been converted to provide multiple floors of retail space. The central atrium features a large open area used for events and gatherings. Sapporo Factory ranks among the major shopping destinations in Hokkaido's capital city.
Bogotá, Colombia
Centro Comercial Santafé spans 215,000 square meters and houses over 500 stores across three floors. The shopping center offers a wide selection of national and international brands, along with numerous dining options and entertainment facilities for visitors of all ages.
Bogotá, Colombia
Gran Estación spans three floors in Bogotá's business district, housing 374 stores across a total area of 126,000 square meters. This shopping center combines local and international brands with dining facilities and entertainment options. The architecture integrates modern elements with functional circulation spaces, providing visitors with direct connections to the city's transportation network.
Subang Jaya, Malaysia
Sunway Pyramid is a shopping center in Subang Jaya distinguished by its Egyptian-inspired architecture. The facade features a large pyramid and a monumental lion statue at the main entrance. The center houses hundreds of shops, restaurants and entertainment facilities across multiple levels. The interior design continues the Egyptian theme with decorative elements and hieroglyphics throughout the complex.
Fukuoka, Japan
Canal City Hakata is a multi-level shopping complex in Fukuoka that stands out for its distinctive architecture. The building houses around 250 stores, numerous restaurants, a hotel, several cinemas, and a theater. An artificial canal runs through the facility, where regular water shows and fountain displays take place. The various levels are connected by bridges and walkways, allowing visitors to move throughout the entire complex. This center combines retail opportunities with entertainment venues and dining establishments across approximately 234,000 square meters of space.
Saint Petersburg, Russia
Centre Nevsky is a major shopping complex located in the heart of Saint Petersburg. The mall spans several floors and houses numerous international fashion brands, electronics retailers, and dining establishments. It combines modern architecture with functional retail spaces, offering both local residents and visitors a central destination for shopping and dining. The convenient transport connections make it easily accessible from various parts of the city.
Vienna, Austria
Donauzentrum spans three floors in the Donaustadt district and features over 250 shops across various categories, including fashion boutiques, electronics stores, and sporting goods retailers. The shopping center includes numerous restaurants and cafés, as well as a multiplex cinema. Transportation connections are provided by the U1 metro line and several bus routes. Visitors will also find services such as banks, pharmacies, and hair salons. The center regularly organizes events and seasonal activities for families.
Krakow, Poland
Galeria Krakowska is located in the center of Krakow, adjacent to the main railway station. The shopping center spans 130000 square meters of retail space and houses 270 stores across various sectors. Visitors can find international fashion brands, electronics retailers, cosmetics shops, and numerous dining establishments. The modern architecture of the building combines functionality with contemporary design, offering convenient access for travelers and residents alike.
Oberhausen, Germany
CentrO opened in 1996 and covers a retail area of 125,000 square meters with over 200 stores. This complex is located in the New Centre Oberhausen and attracts millions of visitors from across the region annually. The centre combines retail with dining and entertainment facilities across multiple levels.
Berlin, Germany
The Europa-Center opened in 1965 and spans twenty floors in the heart of Berlin. The building houses one hundred retail shops, restaurants and offices. The architecture of the complex reflects the construction style of the 1960s and includes various services for visitors and tenants.
Toronto, Canada
First Canadian Place is a skyscraper complex in Toronto's financial district that combines office space with an underground shopping centre. The tower rises 298 metres and houses numerous corporate headquarters. The shopping area extends across multiple levels below street level, providing access to shops, restaurants and services. The complex connects directly to the PATH system, an extensive network of underground pedestrian walkways in downtown Toronto.
Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Mall Plovdiv spans multiple floors and houses a wide selection of international fashion brands, electronics stores, and dining establishments. This shopping center combines contemporary architecture with practical amenities including a multiplex cinema and ample parking facilities. Its central location in Bulgaria's second-largest city makes it a popular meeting point for locals and visitors alike. Beyond the well-known retail chains, shoppers will find local stores and a diverse food offering. The center features a food court with cuisines from around the world.
Belgrade, Serbia
Ušće Shopping Center stands in central Belgrade along the Sava River and spans six floors housing 130 shops. The building combines retail space with office facilities and provides access to international brands alongside local retailers. The central location makes this shopping center a major destination for residents and visitors to the Serbian capital.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Magna Plaza occupies a former 19th-century post office building in central Amsterdam. The neo-Gothic structure now houses retail stores, boutiques, and dining establishments across multiple floors. The architecture features arches, columns, and a central hall that draws visitors. The shopping center sits near Dam Square and the Royal Palace.
Las Vegas, United States
The Grand Canal Shoppes is located within the Venetian Resort in Las Vegas and spans over 500,000 square feet of retail space. This shopping complex features more than 160 stores and restaurants arranged along artificial canals that replicate Venetian waterways. Visitors can take gondola rides through the canals while gondoliers sing traditional Italian songs. The ceiling displays a painted sky with changing light conditions that simulate different times of day. The center combines retail offerings with dining options and entertainment in an environment that interprets Venetian architectural elements.
Shiraz, Iran
The Persian Gulf Complex is a large shopping centre in Shiraz that spans multiple floors and houses numerous retail stores, dining establishments, and entertainment facilities. Located in the southern city, this complex serves both local residents and visitors seeking modern shopping options. The architecture combines contemporary design elements with functional spaces for commerce and leisure activities.