All around the world, malls have become much more than merely places to shop. The malls of today are more akin to entertainment hubs, with some offering so much to do, that you could spend an entire day (or more) exploring it all. From amusement parks to ice skating rinks and even an entire indoor beach, exciting attractions have turned modern malls into full-on experiences. Here are six spectacular malls around the world worth checking out during your travels.
Mall of America – United States
The Mall of America is the US’ largest mall. Located in Bloomington, Minnesota, it spans over a massive 2.8 million square feet and is home to more than 500 stores. The mall also has a seven-acre indoor amusement park, an aquarium, mini golf facilities, a comedy club, numerous nightclubs and even a wedding chapel. With so much on offer, the mall appeals to all kinds of travelers, from luxury lovers to families traveling with children.
Dubai Mall – United Arab Emirates
The Emirati city of Dubai is synonymous with luxury and opulence. Its malls are no exception, though Dubai Mall stands out as the most extravagant. The shopper’s paradise contains over 1,200 stores, including every high-end designer fashion brand you can name. Foodies will find more than 200 food and beverage outlets. The mall even has its own Hawker Chan, the Michelin-starred Singaporean street food restaurant. Other unique attractions include an indoor waterfall, the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, go-kart racing, VR gaming facilities, a haunted house and an Olympic-sized ice rink. Visitors can also stop by the Souk Dome, where they can see the 155 million-year-old Dubai Dino.
Galleria Vittorio – Emmanuele, Italy
No list of incredible malls would be complete without Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele. An architectural masterpiece, it is undoubtedly one of the world’s most beautiful malls. It is also the oldest active shopping gallery in all of Italy and contains some of Milan’s oldest stores and eateries. Situated in one of the world’s fashion capitals, lovers of luxury clothing and accessories will be spoiled for choice with designer brands to choose from. Though it connects the iconic Piazza del Duomo with the Piazza della Scala, the Galleria is indeed one stunning landmark you don’t want to miss.
Berjaya Times Square – Malaysia
Berjaya Times Square is a shopping haven spread across 7.5 million square feet in Malaysia’s capital city, Kuala Lumpur. This colossal shopping mall comprises an extensive retail space with over 1,000 shops and stores. A luxury hotel, a theme park with a roller coaster, and condominiums also make up the complex, as well as a cineplex featuring the largest IMAX theater in Asia. The mall’s vendors include international brands along with local brands, making for a truly unique shopping experience.
West Edmonton Mall – Canada
One of North America’s biggest malls, the West Edmonton Mall is a must-visit when in Alberta, Canada. The entertainment paradise has memorable attractions that include an indoor beach, water park, pirate ship and both ice and roller skating rinks. It truly has something for everyone. Its more than 800 stores across every category offer ample opportunity to shop ‘til you drop. Having so much packed under one roof, it’s easy to see why the West Edmonton Mall attracts millions of visitors from around the world each year.
Lotte World Mall – South Korea
The bustling city of Seoul is where you’ll find the Lotte World Mall. Popular among tourists and locals alike, the mall is known for its stunning architecture and vast array of shopping and entertainment options. With a whopping 1.1 million square meters of retail space, the mall has a movie theater complex, an aquarium, an amusement park, a bowling alley, a sports center and a swimming pool. It also has its own indoor ice rink as well as the Lotte World Folk Museum and an entire concert performance hall.