If you think shopping malls have nothing to offer but the usual high street shops, you’re in for a shock! These spectacular shopping malls have everything from indoor theme parks to sky-high bridges.
The notion that malls are just for shopping has gone out the window, and these amazing malls prove it. Uniquely themed, these malls blend impressive architecture with entertainment, shopping, and dining experiences.
There’s so much to do and see at each you might forget you were there to shop in the first place.
These malls around the world are even breaking Guiness World Records!
10. Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
Designed for high-end shoppers, the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore is an integrated resort with a hotel, mall, and much more. The building looks like three pillars holding up a boat! It’s on the boat-like rooftop where the largest rooftop infinity pool in the world is.
It has over 170 luxury brands. Whether you’re looking for everyday essentials or hoping to find a one-off handcrafted piece, this is the place to come.
Looking for some guidance? Then find one of the personal shopping concierges who will help you navigate the many brands and find what you’re looking for.
Shopping aside, this lavish mall is also popular because of the canal that runs through it. You can take a ride on one of the Venetian-style gondolas in between shopping.
For the best dining experience, head to one of the waterfront restaurants in the mall and enjoy a decadent meal with a view.
9. Mall of America, Bloomington
Offering a mix of shopping and incredible entertainment, the Mall of America in Bloomington isn’t just for those looking to go on a shopping spree.
Amongst the 500 shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues there is also the Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park. If you’re traveling as a family it’s a great place to stop, one of you can shop whilst the other keeps the kids busy on the fairground rides!
Another highlight? The massive Lego creations in the Lego Store.
Bear in mind the mall is massive. Spread over four vast floors, it’s worth getting your bearings before you go in, or you could be in there for days!
8. Markthal, Rotterdam
This unique market hall in Rotterdam mixes impressive architecture with a food court and shopping mall. Built in 2014 in the city center, the shopping area is nestled beneath a giant arch that doubles up as housing.
The interior roof of the arch is lit up in bright colors and patterns, giving the mall a surreal atmosphere. Below the arch, there are quaint stalls selling Dutch treats and souvenirs. It’s a great place to get some gifts to take home for friends and family.
Save your appetite before coming, there are more than 100 food stalls with street food options from all over the world. Don’t forget to try a Dutch stroopwafel for dessert!
7. Lotte World Mall, Seoul
Perhaps the most impressive modern mall, the Lotte World Mall has a tower that is 555 meters (1,820 feet) high! Remarkably, it’s the tallest building in Korea and the 5th tallest in the world.
This cutting-edge mall is a modern shopping heaven. It has a glass exterior and has 3 Guiness World Records to its name. One of them because it houses the highest glass-floor observation deck!
For panoramic views of Seoul head straight there, then walk across the Sky Bridge that is suspended 541 meters (1,775 feet) above ground. It has cafes you can stop at for a coffee with a view before you start shopping.
6. Harrods, London
Famously fancy, Harrods is a shopping mall designed for shoppers looking for a splash of luxury. Founded in 1824 by Charles Henry Harood, the shop is something of a classic.
Did you know Harrods opened the first escalator in the UK in 1898? At the time rumors were spread that riding an escalator could have all sorts of effects on your body and mind. To calm people’s nerves, shoppers were offered brandy when they got off the escalator.
The best time to visit Harrods is at Christmas when the shop is brought to life with festive decorations.
5. Grand Canal Shoppes, Las Vegas
The Grand Canal Shoppes is a shopping mall with a twist. Step inside this Venetian-inspired mall and prepare to be transported to Southern Italy. The cobbled streets, blue-sky-painted ceilings, and charming Italian-style houses make it hard to believe you’re in the US at all.
The most spectacular area of the mall is the Venice-inspired, miniature version of the Grand Canal. Ride along the serene quarter-mile long river in a gondola and enjoy the live street performances that take place there in the evenings.
With so much going on, you might forget you came here to shop altogether!
4. West Edmonton Mall
West Edmonton Mall feels more like a small city than a shopping center. There are so many shops, entertainment centers, and food courts that the mall takes up a whole 48 city blocks. You might want to get hold of a map so you don’t get lost!
You might want to consider giving yourself a few days to explore this mall. You could start off at the Worlds Waterpark which offers indoor surfing. Next, zoom around the Japanese-styled Mayfield Toyota Ice Palace for a few hours.
Don’t forget to leave enough time to go to Galaxyland, the largest American indoor amusement park. It’ll be a miracle if you have any time for shopping with so much entertainment on offer.
3. Iconsiam, Bangkok
With over 7,000 shops for every shopper and budget, the Iconsiam mall is one of Bangkok’s biggest tourist attractions.
If you head to the ground floor you’ll find it’s built in a traditional Thai architectural style, and even has a gorgeous floating market. A mix of food stalls, shops, and show areas dominate the ground floor.
Celebrating a special occasion? Then book a table at one of the mall’s 3 Michelin Star restaurants to celebrate! Head to IconLuxe, an area of the mall with the most luxurious shops as well as the world’s largest glass wall.
2. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan, Italy
Even if you aren’t a shopper, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is worth a visit. Known as Milan’s drawing room, the mall is housed inside an elegant 19th-century arcade.
Built between 1865 and 1877 the mall is between two of the main attractions in the city, the Duomo and Teatro alla Scala.
In a city known for its fashion, browse the Prada and Gucci stores in the mall. Then stop for a coffee at one of the city’s oldest cafes founded in 1867, Cafe Biffi. Be sure to look for the mosaics under the central dome that illustrate intricate coats of arms and animals.
1. Dubai Mall
Right below the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, you’ll find the state of the art Dubai Mall. Dubai is world-famous for its shopping malls so this one has gone above and beyond to capture potential shopper’s attention.
From high-street classics like H&M and Zara to high-end stores like Dior, the Dubai Mall caters to all tastes. For the most luxurious shops wander to the glass-domed Fashion Avenue.
Looking for some entertainment in-between shopping? The mall’s aquarium, ice rink, and cinema should keep you busy enough. When you get hungry, wander to Dubai Mall’s very own Chinatown to grab a bite to eat.
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