If you’re having a lazy day at home and you crave human interaction, malls are the best option. Malls aren’t just plain, huge buildings anymore. They are the hub of commercialization and architectural wonders.
You can satisfy your shopping needs and cool off at a cinema, have fun with your friends at the ice rink, or lick on your favorite ice cream.
1. Dubai Mall
The Guinness World Record for the biggest mall in the world goes to Dubai Mall, situated in Downtown Dubai, UAE. It has a total area of 12 million square feet and began functioning long ago.
It has an Olympic-sized ice rink, an aquarium, and 22 movie screens. However, the gross leasable area is just 3.77 million sq. ft. The Dubai Mall also holds the Guinness World Record for the largest shopping mall aquarium, holding 10 million liters of water.
2. New South China Mall
New South China Mall, Dongguan, China, is one of the biggest malls in the world. The mall remained mostly vacant after its completion in 2005, and hence, it’s known for its ghost town features and is a dead mall. It has a gross leasable area of about 7.1 million square feet.
The title of the Dead Mall falls on it due to its terrible location. Dongguan’s residents consist mostly of migrant workers, and this, along with the lack of proper public transportation, adds to the title. The team carefully curated each zone, each zone representing different countries and various important landmarks. These include a replica of the Arc de Triomphe.
3. Mall Of Istanbul
The biggest mall in Turkey, the Mall of Istanbul, hosts many luxury apartments, shops, restaurants, and entertainment experiences. Its beautiful architecture and total retail space of over some million sq. ft. make it easily the best mall in Istanbul. The mall is easily accessible by car, taxi, or public transport.
The mall is a vast four-story building with plenty of green spaces and natural light. The best thing about the Mall of Istanbul is its commitment to sustainability. The unique building design reflects Istanbul’s culture. You will be mesmerized by the beauty of the fountain and waterfall, which add to the beauty of this Turkish building.
4. Golden Resources Mall, China
Located outside the heart of Beijing, the Golden Resources Mall, nicknamed the “Great Mall of China,” was once the world’s largest shopping mall. Due to its location and the pricing of the commodities, ordinary Chinese could not afford such a ‘luxury’; hence, the shoppers were small in number. The mall is easily accessible by the Beijing Subway.
However, as the Chinese middle class grew, a forceful influx of shoppers filled the Golden Resources Mall, making it crowded on weekends. This led to establishing the mall’s second phase right across the street. The mall has a colorful, fun exterior, many international brands, and many food options. The free parking is a plus. The mall also hosts plenty of entertainment facilities.
5. Central Plaza WestGate, Thailand
Situated in the Nonthaburi province of Thailand, Central Plaza Westgate is one of the most awestruck malls in the world. It is also a shopping wonderland that can be considered the Avengers of malls in Thailand, hence the name “Super Regional Mall.”
You can find plenty of global brands and over 210 restaurants in this mall in the suburbs of Bangkok. They do have an amazing theatre and bowling alley. Since the mall is opposite a bustling market, you might find a rush.
6. Central World, Bangkok
The Central World Mall in Bangkok is also one of the world’s biggest and most beautiful malls. Bangkok is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the world, and in such a fast-paced city, the eight-story CentralWorld Mall rose. The mall hosts about 500 stores, 100 food spots, and 15 cinemas. The specialty is finding a kid’s zone, a gigantic cooking school, and a karaoke center inside this beauty.
It was attacked by anti-government protestors, but after the repair work, the mall is in working condition. The mall frequently hosts cultural shows, such as fashion, concerts, and festivals.
7. ICONSIAM, Thailand
Another beautiful mall in Bangkok is the ICONSIAM Mall. This mall is not a mere commercial space but a luxury experience. In addition to its location on the banks of the Chao Phraya, the mall has a river museum and an indoor floating market.
The River Park gives a stunning view of the river. Each plant here is carefully selected to exhibit the Thai culture. Do not miss the multimedia water and light show if you’re here. It also hosts a luxury wing called the ICONLUXE. You might find yourself spending your money at this door of luxury.
This mall is the best place for souvenirs like herbal body care products, aromatherapy products, hand-woven textiles, and more. If you’re an art lover, you might find yourself in heaven here, as the mall’s art collection includes works from more than 100 international and local artists.
8. S.M. City North EDSA, Philippines
S M City North EDSA is another mall from the SM Supermall chain. It also has an entertainment-based dinosaur land alongside luxurious goods. Kids will love this place, even though it’s a bit expensive. It is the first SM Supermall in the country and was formerly the largest mall. The mall has a sky garden, perfect for evening walks with your loved ones. It is located in Quezon City, Metro Manila.
Public transport, like bus service, is easily accessible from here.
9. Forum Istanbul, Turkey
Forum Istanbul is a must-visit mall in the world. In addition to the hunks of businesses like Ikea and H&M, the mall is also home to many sports stores and technology zones. It has plenty of specially tailored playgrounds and a sand castle.
Forum Istanbul is the central hub of growth and commercialization in Turkey. The mall is located just 25 minutes from the Atatürk Airport and attracts international visitors too.
10. West Edmonton Mall, Canada
West Edmonton Mall is one of the best malls in Edmonton and the world. The mall hosts a massive indoor amusement park and a water park. It’s pretty amazing, isn’t it? Hold on because it also holds a mini-golf course and a bowling alley. Even though the Mall of America is the biggest mall, West Edmonton might surpass it in several ways.
The mall has over 800 stores, two hotels, and many restaurants.
The mall holds a record for the world’s largest indoor lake, largest indoor wave pool, tallest indoor permanent bungee tower, and many more. Now, you know why West Edmonton Mall is a masterpiece.
Malls are the focal point of commercialization and growth in an economy. They boast of convenience and accessibility to shoppers and provide entertainment to non-shoppers. They are the epitome of the shopping experience. Such vast malls are changing the world one mall at a time by reducing the gap between shoppers and retailers.
Last Updated on May 9, 2024 by Annanya Chakraborty
