8 Most Over-the-Top Malls in the World

Most malls pretty much serve just one purpose: shopping (ok, and maybe picking up a Cinnabon). But these megamalls around the globe, from Minnesota to Dubai, are cultural and entertainment destinations for activities including skiing (yes, skiing), golfing, dining, swimming with sharks, and more.

Whether you're looking for something fun to do with the family this winter, or looking for any excuse to treat yourself to a shopping spree, making a purchase is only part of the fun.
By  Kristin Tice Studeman


Wafi Mall, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Inspired by ancient Egypt, Wafi Mall is worth visiting just to lay your eyes on it. It's lined with intricate mosaics, more than 30 pyramid-shaped restaurants, and a 14th century-style souk featuring a medley of Arabian vendors. Wafi is home to over 350 shops, like Balmain, M Missoni, By Malene Birger, and Roberto Cavalli, plus entertainment options like mini golf and a spa, the souk is where you should spend the majority of your time.

You can pick up treasures made by local craftsmen and then head to the Pyramids to get a taste for the regional cuisine.



Istanbul Cevahir, Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul Cevahir, the biggest mall in Europe, is six floors of 200-plus shops, dining, and entertainment. Take the train to Sisli Metro Station and you'll find it right across the street. Inside, you can shop plenty of brands you are familiar with, conveniently all situated in one spot. Think: M.A.C., Reebok, Nike, and more. It’s a great place to pick up necessary basics while on the road traveling.

We suggest skipping the overcrowded food court and catching a film at the shopping center’s movie theater instead.



Dubai Mall, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The world’s largest shopping mall is also home to the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa, which stands at 2,716 feet tall. Make sure to take the elevator up to visit the observation deck (the highest observation deck on the globe), where you can take in sweeping views of the city. Pro tip: Buy your ticket in advance and then print it at a kiosk inside the mall to avoid interminable lines. Also, don’t leave without stopping by the aquarium, where you can see more than 33,000 living sharks, rays, and more on display in one of the world’s biggest tanks. If you are feeling adventurous, there’s even a shark dive package.

Shoppers will be in heaven with more than 1,200 stores to pick from, while gastronomes will be impressed with the assortment of restaurants by top chefs like Mario Batali and Danny Meyer, but the gold and diamond souks are one of the more unique options and they are definitely worth spending some time in.

Given that the mall is a shopper’s paradise, it attracts some sizable crowds that can make the parking lot a nightmare. Instead, take the Dubai Metro to Burj Kjalifa Station and then the bus ride from there to the mall. If you prefer to drive, make sure to download the app or Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), where you can click to find the best parking spot available and save your parking location on the app once you’re there.



Mall of America, Bloomington, Minn., USA

Just how big is America’s largest mall? A whopping 258 Statues of Liberty, or seven Yankee Stadiums, could fit inside. While the sheer size of the Mall of America (5.6 million square feet and growing—it’s being expanded) is enough to impress the over 40 million people who visit it each year, it’s the non-shopping attractions that make it over-the-top. The Nickelodeon Universe, with seven acres of 28 rides, stands as the country’s largest indoor theme park. If you’re looking to get your adrenaline going, head to the Fairly Odd rollercoaster or Avatar Airbender for hairpin turns and plummeting drops.

Avoid the parking lot madness altogether by taking the light rail directly from the airport or downtown Minneapolis. That way, you won't have to spend hours trying to find your car or getting out of the lot after a full day of rides, mini golf, and shopping.



Ngee Ann City, Singapore

Opened back in 1993, this 1.75 million-square-foot shopping center at the heart of Singapore’s Orchard Road has more than 130 high-end stores (Dior, Cartier, Hugo Boss, etc.) and 30 food and beverage spots (from Indonesian to Thai cuisine) to choose from. But Books Kinokuniya, Southeast Asia’s largest bookstore—and Japanese retail giant Takashimaya—remains its star attractions. Kinokuniya is known for its wide range of rare, valuable books, as well as its collection of Japanese tomes and manga. Takashimaya has a fitness center, pharmacy, hair salon, and more. The real draw at Takashimaya is the food court in the basement, where you can find everything from freshly cooked mochi on sticks to finger food like takopachi to Harrod’s teas.

Avoid going here on the weekends, especially during the lunch hour, because the crowds can be overwhelming and you likely won’t find a seat. Instead, go on a weekday morning so you can take your time and sample all of these delights stress-free.



Central World, Bangkok, Thailand

Central World, one of Southeast Asia’s most expansive malls, is part of Bangkok’s impressive collection of megamalls alongside Siam Paragon and Gaysorn Plaza. Escape the heat and spend the day here taking in seven floors of 50-plus eateries, 500 retail shops, 21 movie theaters, and more. Take a break from shopping and head to the seventh floor for Shibuya Honey Toast at After You Dessert Café (be prepared for a line).

When you head back to the shops, be wary of high prices. This is not the place to barter, so if that’s more your style, try the local weekend markets instead.



Ala Moana Shopping Center, Oahu, Hawaii

Ala Moana was already the world’s largest outdoor shopping center and now it’s even more gargantuan thanks to the recent addition of a Bloomingdale’s (which opened last November) and 30 other stores like Coach, Tory Burch, and Zara (with even more labels slated to join them there in 2016). It’s not just major brands at this 50-acre complex situated five minutes by bus from Waikiki, the shopping center also has plenty of only-in-Hawaii stores worth checking out as well. Visit Philip Rickard Factory Showroom to score one-of-a-kind Hawaiian heirloom jewelry, or take in the ocean breeze as you stroll to Splash! Hawaii to pick up a new suit for the beach.

If you are there on a Friday, make sure to catch the firework show and then head to Shirokiya’s Yataimura food court and beer garden for some ramen and a pitcher of Asahi (Japanese brews are their focus). Always be prepared for rain here—it’s Hawaii, after all, but if you didn't bring your umbrella, just look at it as another reason to shop!



West Edmonton Mall, Alberta, Canada

With over 800 stores situated along themed streets (like Bourbon Street, for example), nine major attractions (including an indoor water park with the world’s largest indoor wave pool, a massive amusement park, ice skating rink, etc.), 100 spots to eat, and two hotels, West Edmonton Mall still holds the top spot as North America’s biggest shopping complex. Make sure to stop by Europa Boulevard for the luxury labels like Burberry and Prada (and many more to come by 2018), and Canadian retailer Simons for a medley of top brands from around the globe. We suggest skipping the water park—a lot of the best rides are often not running and the water temps can be quite chilly.