Top 10 Biggest Malls in the World

Shopping malls are comparatively new conception in the business world. It has become an inexorable part in modern urban society and an outcome of consumerism. It may not sound so much attractive to the naturalists but shopping malls are now also considered as amusement park and entertainment hub.

Although the shopping malls were first introduced in Europe and America, it had become very popular in other countries. In fact most of the biggest mall in the world is in Asia.

10 Biggest Malls in the World:

Based on their gross leasable area, here are our top 10 biggest malls in the world

10. Siam Paragon

Biggest Malls in the World, Siam Paragon
Siam Paragon | image credit – Wikimedia/Mark Fischer

As one of the biggest shopping malls in Asia, Siam Paragon has drawn international attention since its opening on December 9, 2005. Located in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, this mall includes a variety of specialty stores, restaurants, and a multiplex movie theater, the Sea Life Ocean World aquarium which is the largest aquarium in South East Asia and the Thai Art Gallery and an exhibition hall. About 15 billion baht or 450 million US$ was spent to build this one of the biggest malls in the world.

Since its opening, it has become a place of rendezvous for the elite groups of Thailand and rich people. This is one of the famous shopping centers of Thailand. It also has a karaoke center and large bowling alley. Almost all the international brands are available in this one of the largest mall in the world including Gucci, Chanel, Balenciaga, Valentino, Kenzo, Hermès, Bottega Veneta, Giorgio Armani, Jimmy Choo, Chloé, Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry and Salvatore Ferragamo.

9. Berjaya Times Square

Berjaya Times Square, largest mall in the world
Berjaya Times Square | image credit – Wikimedia/Moh xui

Berjaya Times Square is one of the biggest malls in the world. It is a twin tower complex. It has a shopping center and two five star hotels. Located in in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, it opened its door in October 2003 by the 4th Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato Sri Dr Mahathir bin Mohammad.

It is the ninth largest building in the world. With 7.5 million square feet (700,000 m²) of built up floor area, it  consists of  business office’s and leisure center with over 1000 retail shops, a shopping mall, 1200 luxury service suites, 65 food outlets and entertainment attractions such as GSC MAXX (formerly IMAX) 2D and 3D theatre and Berjaya Times Square Theme Park.

8. Istanbul Cevahir

Istanbul Cevahir, biggest shopping mall in the world
Istanbul Cevahir | image credit – Flickr/Christine und Hagen Graf

For many years, Istanbul Cevahir was the largest shopping mall in Europe. It is one of the biggest malls in the world. It is located on the European side of Istanbul in Turkey. Opened on 2005, it is one of the most exclusive places for shopping in Europe. It has a total floor area of 4,521,000 sq ft and a gross leasable area of 1,184,000 sq ft for restaurants and shops.

This one of the biggest shopping malls in the world has 343 shops, 14 exclusive restaurants and 34 fast food restaurants. There are plenty of entertainment hubs in this giant shopping mall; 12 cinemas, a small roller coaster, a large stage for events and other entertainment facilities.

Also Read: Top 10 best European cities to travel

7. SM Megamall

SM Megamall, largest mall in the world
SM Megamall | image credit – Wikipedia/RioHondo

SM Megamall is the largest shopping mall in Philippines. Opened in 1991, this mall draws daily foot traffic of 800,000 people with a maximum capacity of 4 million people. It is currently the 10th biggest mall in the world. This famous shopping center has two main buildings; building A and building B. Building A features Toy Kingdom, Food Court, the SM Cinemas and other anchor tenants.

Building B features the Cyber zone, SM Department Store, SM Supermarket and other anchor tenants. In addition to the main building, there are Mega Atrium, Building C and Mega Fashion Hall (Mega D). Building C and Mega Fashion Hall (Mega D) are the recent addition to S M Megamall. After its new addition, it surpassed SM Mall of Asia by 2,000 square meters. It is the place where you can feel relaxed for shopping.

6. West Edmonton Mall

West Edmonton Mall, biggest shopping mall in the world
West Edmonton Mall | image credit – Wikimedia/Daniel Case

Until 2004, West Edmonton Mall was the biggest mall in the world. It is still the largest shopping mall in North America. Since its opening on 1981, it has been expanded three times. The major attractions of the former world biggest mall are Galaxyland, World Waterpark, Sea Life Caverns / Sea Lions Rock, Mayfield Toyota Ice Palace, Professor WEM’s Adventure Golf, Movie theaters, Ed’s Recreation Centre and so on. Galaxyland, which is formerly known as Fantasyland, lost its original name during a court battle with Disney.

After Ferrari World, It is the largest indoor amusement park in the world. World Waterpark is also second largest indoor waterpark in the world. Sea Life Caverns is also worth to watch. Other notable attractions are Fantasyland Hotel, Large-scale replica of the Santa María, Dinner Theater, Nightclub Empire Ballroom, SET Nightclub. It is one of the shopping malls where you must go for fun.

Also Read: Top 10 family vacation spots around the world

5. Dubai Mall

Dubai Mall, world biggest mall
Dubai Mall | image credit – Wikimedia/Donaldytong

It may be not the biggest mall in the world but if you ask for the quality, this is the place you are looking for. It is part of the Burj Khalifa complex, the tallest man-made structure.  It is not just a famous shopping center; it is also a gathering place of world’s richest people. It also has a 250-room luxury hotel, 22 cinema screens and 120 cafes and restaurants. It is a five time award winning shopping malls.

The main attractions of the Dubai Mall are Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, Dubai Ice Rink, SEGA Republic, KidZania and Reel Cinemas. You can actually feel the marvel of marine life in Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. There is a diverse collection of marine animals with more than 300 species including sharks and rays that are worthy to watch. It is a place where you can enjoy all day long.

4. SM Mall of Asia

SM Mall of Asia, famous shopping centers
SM Mall of Asia | image credit – Wikimedia/Ramon FVelasquez

This one of the biggest malls in the world is also belongs to Asia. Opened in 2006, SM Mall of Asia is located in Bay City, Pasay, Philippines. It is a trip worthy place in your visit to Philippines. One of the main appeals is an IMAX theater with one of the world’s biggest 3D screens. Other appealing attractions are first Olympic-sized ice skating rink which is the biggest of its kind in Southeast Asia. It is used both for recreational and competitive purposes.

The open-air music hall which faces the sea is also a spectacular place to visit. There are also many interesting entertainment events that you can join. It has a Ferris wheel which has 36 air-conditioned gondolas and can carry 216 passengers. This is not only one of the biggest shopping mall in the world but one of the best places to visit.

3. CentralWorld

CentralWorld, largest mall in the world
CentralWorld | image credit – Wikimedia/Imtaiki

Opened in 1990, CentralWorld is the sixth largest mall in the world. Located in Bangkok, it is one of the best shopping mall in the world. It undergoes three years of design and renovation in 2006 and gets its current splendid shape. The great advantage of this one of this biggest shopping mall in the world is its targeted customers are middle class. It was briefly closed due to severe arson damage when troops dislodged protesters from the area during the 2010 Thailand political protests. It also faced a bombing attack.

This eight storied mall has more than 500 shops and 100 restaurants. It is one of the busiest shopping mall in the world and a frequent place to go for the tourists. Political turmoil and an ongoing economic downturn is a hindrance to the projected goal to this one of the world biggest mall.

2. Golden Resources Mall

Golden Resources Mall, biggest shopping mall in the world
Golden Resources Mall | image credit – Wikimedia/Frank Yu

Golden Resources Mall is one of the biggest malls in the world and earned its nickname great mall of China for its enormous size. It holds the position of the biggest mall in the world from 2004 to 2005. It is a central place between West 3rd-Ring Road and West 4th-Ring Road. You can buy everything from cars to diapers here. Although the developer primarily estimated that the mall would have 50,000 shoppers a day but the practical number was far smaller.

The main reason is its excessive price and is inaccessibility to foreign consumers because of its tough location outside the heart of the city. Many remarkable brands like Ralph Lauren, Papa John’s Pizza, and Chanel regard this largest mall in the world as non-profitable and maintain it for advertising and future business.

1. New South China Mall

New South China Mall, world biggest mall
New South China Mall | image credit – Wikimedia/David290

Based on gross leasable area, New South China Mall is the biggest mall in the world. It may be the largest mall in the world but it is not as attractive as it sounds. It remains largely vacant as it failed to attract too many international brands. After extensive renovations and remodeling of the facility, it manages to attract some tenants but still it is far from its goal. It is the second biggest shopping mall in the world in terms of area.

The total area of the shopping center is 892,000 square meters (9,600,000 sq ft). The most attractive feature of this biggest mall in the world is its seven zones modeled on international cities including a replica of the Arc de Triomphe and a canal with gondolas. Still over 99% of the stores are vacant and known as the ghost mall in the world.

Leave a Comment