15 Largest Malls In The World Where You Spend Your Last Weekend
In many western countries, shopping malls are a dime a dozen. The stores may vary, but most of them offer very similar experiences for shoppers. Take a look at the rest of the world, and you’ll see a vast array of shopping destinations offering everything from roller coasters, to museums, to five-star restaurants and hotels. If you’re ready, grab your passport and take a look at our list of the 15 largest malls in the world.
15. Bashundhara City
Dhaka, Bangladesh - 17,763 sq m
Starting off our list at #15, Bashundhara City, a mall located in Dhaka, Bangladesh, opened in 2004 and is spread over eight floors with over 17,000 square meters of shopping space. This huge mall contains a cinema, a theme park, and an ice rink. With over 2,300 stores, this mall truly has something for everyone. After a long shopping session, take a lunch break at one of 100 restaurants in the eighth-floor food court. Guests can also get a workout in at the underground gymnasium or relax in peace in the rooftop garden. Bashundhara City sees up to 50,000 individual visitors on a normal day, and up to 100,000 during events, making it a must-see location in South Asia.
14. Jamuna Future Park
Dhaka, Bangladesh - 150,000 sq m
Jamuna Future Park in Dhaka, Bangladesh, opened in 2013 after over ten years of construction. The Jamuna Future Park is much more than just a shopping mall; it’s a travel destination for the entire family. The mall, which is spread over seven floors situated on 13 acres of land, features a bowling alley with karaoke, a skating rink, and a children’s theme park. The mall also hosts various forms of entertainment, like fashion shows, costume competitions, and music performances. There’s even a movie theater and adult swimming pools to round out the list of things to do. If you’re just looking to do some shopping, the Jamuna Future Park is home to plenty of clothing stores to suit any taste.
13. Albrook Mall
Panama City, Panama - 380,000 sq m
Albrook Mall in Panama City, Panama, holds the title of the only mall outside of Asia to make the list of the largest malls in the world. Located on a former United States Air Force base, the Albrook Mall opened in 2002 and is still going strong with around 700 stores and restaurants. The mall welcomes up to 50,000 visitors a day, 25% of which are foreigners, making this a must-see tourist location. The cinema shows both Spanish movies and international blockbusters alike. Stores range from well-known staples like Zara and Forever 21, to luxury locations like Swarovski and Guess, to specialty stores like Nike and Perfumes Factory. The Albrook Mall also features a huge food court with favorites like Subway, Johnny Rockets, and Cinnabon.
12. Sunway Pyramid
Subang Jaya, Malaysia - 396,000 sq m
The Sunway Pyramid mall in Bandar Sunway, Malaysia, has provided customers a unique place for shopping since 1997. The front of the building features an enormous Egyptian lion sculpture that welcomes guests into the mall. Having undergone two renovations in its lifetime, the Sunway Pyramid features over 900 stores spread over four shopping “districts.” Visitors will find stores offering an array of products, including fashion items, jewelry, books, home decor, electronics, and more. The mall also features an IT center within its 396,000 square meters of shopping space. As you’re roaming the Sunway Pyramid’s five floors of retail therapy, be sure to admire the expansive and colorful Orange Atrium and Blue Atrium, two large domes that balance out the building’s structure.
11. Siam Paragon
Bangkok, Thailand - 400,000 sq m
Siam Paragon opened in 2005 as one of the largest malls in Thailand, covering 400,000 square meters of retail space over 10 floors. Over half of the mall is dominated by the enormous Paragon Department Store; the rest of the area is filled with smaller retail and specialty shops. Guests can catch a movie at the 15-screen movie theater, play a friendly match at the bowling alley, or take a stroll through the Thai Art Gallery. Siam Paragon is also home to Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World, the largest aquarium in South East Asia. The Kempinski Hotel Siam and the Royal Paragon Hall round out the mall’s features, making it a destination for fun, family, and business alike.
10. SM Mall of Asia
Pasay, Philippines - 406,962 sq m
The SM Mall of Asia opened in 2006 and has been going strong ever since. The 406,962-square-meter property sees up to 200,000 visitors a day, making it one of the most popular locations on our list. The SM Mall of Asia, also known as the SM MOA, is contained within four buildings connected by walkways: one for shopping and dining, one for entertainment events, and two for parking. The SM MOA is home to the Philippines’ first IMAX theater, as well as a standard movie theater and a stage for live music events. Guests can take a spin on the Olympic-sized skating rink or sign up for figure skating and ice hockey lessons. The SM By the Bay Amusement Park can be found just outside the mall along the coastline.
9. Istanbul Cevahir Mall
Istanbul, Turkey - 420,000 sq m
Making it into the top 10, the Istanbul Cevahir Mall in Istanbul, Turkey, has 343 shops and nearly 50 restaurants. This mall allowed Turkish citizens access to many international brands for the first time while still providing them with plenty of local, well-known retail locations. International stores include Adidas, Nine West, Topshop, Zara, and Debenhams. Mall guests can eat at a variety of locations, such as KFC, Pizza Hut, and Starbucks. Those looking for entertainment can enjoy a ride on the roller coaster, a challenge at the bowling alley, or a private showing at the cinema. The Istanbul Cevahir Mall also holds the distinction of being home to the second-largest clock in the world, which can be seen on the glass roof.
8. Persian Gulf Complex
Shiraz, Iran - 450,000 sq m
Since 2011, the Persian Gulf Complex in Shiraz, Iran, has been a mecca for shopping. This mall offers upwards of 2,500 individual locations for visitors to shop, spread over 450,000 square meters, distinguishing it as the mall with the highest number of individual shops on our list. In addition to its retail offerings, the Persian Gulf Complex also has two amusement parks, a video game center, and a billiard hall. Guests can also visit the Carrefour Hypermarket, a cross between a department store and a grocery store. The mall has a parking capacity of 5,500 cars across four floors. The Burj Fars International Hotel is also located on the property, where guests can take advantage of a tennis court, pool, and convention center.
7. 1 Utama
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - 465,000 sq m
Not only is 1 Utama sitting at #7 on our list of the largest malls in the world, but it holds another distinction, as well. This mall is home to Secret Garden, Southeast Asia’s largest rooftop garden. When you’re not perusing the 700+ stores and restaurants, stretch your legs at one of the mall’s four recreational centers. Visitors can swing away at the batting cages, practice their form at the diving academy, tackle obstacles at the rock climbing center, or get kicking at the futsal court. Kids will also have a blast at the colorful and fun Starship Galactica play land, complete with star-blasters and a jungle gym. Much more than just a shopping destination, 1 Utama provides fun for the entire family.
6. Isfahan City Center
Isfahan, Iran - 465,000 sq m
As the largest shopping mall in Iran, the Isfahan City Center makes #6 on our worldwide list. Offering a diverse range of over 750 stores, guests are sure to find exactly what they’re looking for. Stores include Abercrombie, H&M, Swarovski, Zara, Lacoste, and many more. Guests with a sweet tooth can stop by the Nutella Bar for a mouth-watering treat. Those in need of some relaxation can stop by one of the massage centers or salons for a welcome break. The mall also hosts a wide variety of restaurants, from coffee shops and breakfast joints to restaurants serving international cuisine as well as traditional favorites. The Isfahan City Center is also home to an International Financial Center and a World Trade Center, making it a hub of activity.
5. SM Megamall
Mandaluyong, Philippines - 474,000 sq m
The SM Megamall in Mandaluyong, Philippines, is definitely one for the books. This mall features a huge 12-screen cinema, enormous department stores, and plenty of name brand shops like Guess, Clinique, Lacoste, Speedo, and Aeropostale. The SM Megamall is very active on social media, with Facebook and Instagram accounts that post regularly about sales and events. If you need a break from shopping, check out their art galleries, fitness centers, and bookstores. If you’re hungry, take your pick from a huge variety of restaurants, whether you’re in the mood for a sit-down meal or just a quick bite. You’ll even find a skating rink and bowling alley at the SM department store to make your visit to the SM Megamall an all-day event!
4. SM City North EDSA
Quezon City, Philippines - 498,000 sq m
Just edging out its #5 sister mall, the SM City North EDSA finds itself high on the list as the #4 largest shopping center on the planet. As one of our more senior contenders, the SM City North EDSA has been going strong since 1985. The facility has grown exponentially over the years, now offering over 500 shops and 300 dining locations. Guests in search of some outdoor relaxation will find comfort and amazement in the Sky Garden, a park full of waterfalls, rivers, and beautiful flora to delight any visitor. Within the Sky Garden, the Sky Dome serves as an event venue that seats 1,500 people. For those who never want to leave, a 43-floor condominium structure is set to be open by mid-2018.
3. Central World
Bangkok, Thailand - 550,000 sq m
After first opening in 2001, CentralWorld in Bangkok, Thailand, was expanded to 550,000 square meters in 2006, bringing it to #3 on our list of the largest malls in the world. CentralWorld is home to nearly 500 stores, ranging from fashion, to furniture, to health and beauty. Thailand Knowledge Park, one of the mall’s largest features, includes a library and a 4D movie theater for patrons to enjoy. Guests can hang their hat at Centara Grand’s flagship 5-star hotel or pray at one of two Hindu shrines (dedicated to Trimurti and Ganesha) located within the mall facility. Bangkok also holds its yearly New Year's Eve Countdown Party in the CentralWorld Square, attracting an increasing number of visitors every year.
2. Golden Resources Mall
Beijing, China - 560,000 sq m
The Golden Resources Mall in Beijing, China, has earned its spot on our list by containing 560,000 square meters of space spread over six floors. This mall held the number one spot for being the largest mall in the world before being pushed out by another location in 2005. Also referred to as the Great Mall of China, the Golden Resources Mall features well-known luxury brands like Chanel and Ralph Lauren. After a rocky start, the mall is now a bustling hub for locals and tourists alike. Visitors can relax at the cinema, watch the kids play at the imaginative playground, or shop around while enjoying a treat. The mall is home to plenty of familiar restaurants, like KFC, Starbucks, and Papa John’s.
1. New South China Mall
Dongguan, China - 892,000 sq m
Topping off our list of the largest malls in the world is the New South China Mall, located in Dongguan, China. This gargantuan shopping center, which was first built in 2005, is definitely one for the record books. The New South China Mall boasts the largest leasable square footage of any other mall in the world, rounding out at over 892,000 square meters. Don’t get too excited for tons of retail opportunity, though; the building is not currently filled to capacity with stores and restaurants. However, after being virtually abandoned for a decade, the mall underwent a relaunch in 2015 which involved a huge modernization of the building. Even with limited shopping available, the New South China Mall is still worth a visit.
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