Whether you’re into cool entertainment, a one-stop-shop for everything you could possibly need, or you want some fabulous eats, these shopping malls are on top of the world. If you’re in the area, make sure you visit one of these elite and interesting places.
1. Mall of America – Minnesota, United States
The Mall of America isn’t just a shopping center; it’s a destination. By the numbers, there are more than 520 stores, 50 restaurants, more than 30 specialty food stores, 14 movie screens, a park, an aquarium, and other unique attractions like the LEGO Imagination Center. It makes Travel Channel’s list of “Best Shopping Malls in the US,” and the mall is so large, it warrants its own Visitor’s Guide.
2. West Edmonton Mall – Alberta, Canada
The West Edmonton Mall bills itself as “the greatest indoor show on earth,” and it’s easy to see why it’s among the world’s best shopping malls. With over 800 stores, over 100 restaurants, an amusement park with roller coasters, a water park, a skating rink, themed attractions, and hotels, you can spend your entire vacation within its walls. While a calendar of events for most malls includes the occasional boat show or holiday display, shoppers at the West Edmonton Mall can enjoy everything from educational displays to dance parties. The Travel Channel touts its waterpark as one of the best in the world, and it’s the largest mall in North America.
3. Dubai Mall – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Featuring an aquarium and underwater zoo, 1,200 retail stores, a haunted house, and a virtual reality park (to name a few features), the Dubai Mall claims the not only the honor of being the most visited lifestyle destination on earth, but also the honor of being the best shopping experience in Dubai. Expect a lot of entertainment, gourmet food, and high-end stores at this extravagant destination.
4. Ala Moana – Honolulu, Hawaii
The Ala Moana Shopping Center, located in Honolulu, Hawaii, boasts a variety of unique features. It is the largest open-air mall and adding to the ambiance are swaying palm trees and that beautiful Hawaiian sun. Creating a Hawaiian experience seems to be part of its charm as it offers a variety of events including daily classes, Hula shows, live Hawaiian music, and more. While you’re there, also make sure to check out the Art Walk – a multi-million dollar collection of art. Fox News named it one of the most ‘insane’ malls in the world for its stunning beauty.
5. Siam Paragon – Bankok, Thailand
Winner of three prestigious awards in retail, design, and marketing, Siam Paragon is nothing short of amazing. The mall boasts a wide variety of restaurants and stores, in addition to an opera hall, a movie theater, a luxury hotel, a bowling alley, an art gallery, and the Siam Ocean World Aquarium. Trip Advisor rates it with a certificate of excellence, and reviewers largely praise the wide variety of food.
6. Mall of the Emirates – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
If you really don’t want to shop on your trip to the mall, Mall of the Emirates is lavish and interesting. It has your typical fair of shops with familiar names and a lot of food to choose from. However, the mall is also home to a giant arcade, a live theatre, and an indoor ski slope. Business Insider rates it as one of the coolest shopping malls in the world and considering all there is to do there, you will too.
7. Villagio Mall – Doha, Quatar
It’s hard not to think Villagio Mall is the coolest mall you’ve ever seen, and in fact, Business Insider rates it as one of the most incredible in the world. While this mall does boast somewhat typical amenities – an ice rink, movie theatres and of course, shopping – it is truly unique for its ambiance. In the center part of the mall sits a canal that is used to transport shoppers to and fro by gondola. In addition, the ceilings are lit in such a way so as to give the impression that it is sunrise, midday, or nighttime – depending on what part of the mall you are in.
8. Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele – Milan, Italy
If antique and period art is your thing, the Galleria Vittoria Emmanuele is a not-to-be-missed stop on your itinerary. Topped with barrel vaulted ceilings and glass domes, this architectural masterpiece has interesting and significant history, such that many reviewers advise taking a tour with any company (found on site.) Thought of as one of the world’s best shopping destinations, it is definitely known mostly for its ornate architecture, brand name stores, and historical significance.
9. Berjaya Times Square – Kuala Lampur, Malaysia
Rated a top mall for its size, amenities, and unique layout, the Berjaya Times Square is full of all the things you’d expect from a major shopping mall. There is an amusement park, a musical staircase that actually plays notes, and just about any other amenity you could want. Berjaya Times Square also hosts a variety of events from movie promos to races, and a variety of Asian eateries to please any palette.
10. The Galleria – Houston, Texas
The Galleria’s claim to fame is the massive number of unique amenities it provides. In addition to the traditional cinemas and the occasional ice skating rink, the mall also is home to two swimming pools, a children’s play area that is state-of-the-art, and other perks like two tailoring shops and seven beauty parlors. Forbes ranks it as one of the best in the world for its mix of upscale and casual dining and shopping, as well as the fact it draws millions in tourists every year.
