Top 12 Largest Shopping Malls on earth

Located in the heart of Bangkok, Siam Paragon stands as a premier shopping destination and the second-largest mall in Thailand, surpassed only by CentralWorld.

This expansive mall is home to an extensive selection of specialty shops and dining options.

Beyond retail, Siam Paragon offers a rich array of entertainment and cultural venues, including a state-of-the-art multiplex cinema, the captivating Siam Ocean World aquarium, and the esteemed Thai Art Gallery.

For music and arts enthusiasts, there's an elegant opera concert hall. Additionally, visitors can enjoy recreational activities at the spacious bowling alley and karaoke center, making it a comprehensive hub for shopping, entertainment, and cultural exploration.

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Kuala Lumpur, Berjaya Times Square stands as an architectural marvel, featuring a dual-tower complex that not only encompasses a bustling shopping center but also houses two luxurious five-star hotels. This iconic structure, known for its grandeur, covers an impressive total built-up area of 7.5 million square feet (approximately 700,000 square meters), earning it the distinction of being the fifth-largest building in the world as of its last assessment.

Unveiled in 2003, Berjaya Times Square has become a landmark of modern Malaysian architecture and a hub of retail and entertainment. The shopping center within the complex spans 3.44 million square feet (around 320,000 square meters) dedicated solely to retail, making it a paradise for shoppers with over 1,000 retail outlets. Food enthusiasts have the opportunity to indulge in a wide array of cuisines across 65 food establishments.

For entertainment, the mall is unparalleled, hosting Asia’s largest indoor theme park, Cosmo’s World, which offers an array of thrilling rides and attractions for all ages. A unique feature of the mall is Malaysia’s first IMAX 2D & 3D theater located on the 10th floor, providing moviegoers with an immersive cinematic experience. Additionally, Berjaya Times Square's significance is heightened by its inclusion of business offices, a leisure center, and residential units, all within its towering structure, making it a comprehensive destination for shopping, entertainment, and luxury living in Malaysia.

Opened in 2005 and located on Istanbul's European side, Istanbul Cevahir is not only Turkey's but also Europe's sprawling shopping paradise. This architectural marvel extends over six floors, with more than 5 million square feet of space dedicated to a blend of local and international retail experiences, positioning it as a cornerstone in the organized retail sector of Turkey.

Istanbul Cevahir houses an impressive lineup of over 343 retail outlets, featuring a mix of well-known brands such as Decathlon, Zara, LC Waikiki, and Marks & Spencer, alongside a diverse selection of dining options that includes 34 fast-food outlets and 14 upscale restaurants. This makes it a vibrant destination for both shopping aficionados and culinary explorers.

Apart from its vast retail offerings, the mall is a hub of entertainment and leisure, boasting facilities such as a large event stage, 12 cinema screens that cater to film enthusiasts, and an array of entertainment options including a bowling alley, an indoor roller coaster, and more. This comprehensive array of amenities ensures that Istanbul Cevahir stands as a significant cultural and social landmark in Istanbul, offering something for every visitor.

Since its inception in 1991, SM Megamall, situated in the bustling heart of Mandaluyong, Metro Manila, has grown to become a pivotal shopping and entertainment hub in the Philippines. Spanning an impressive 474,000 square meters (about 5.1 million square feet), it stands as the third-largest mall in the nation and ranks as the thirteenth worldwide, showcasing a blend of local and international retail experiences.

This colossal mall is a daily destination for approximately 800,000 visitors, featuring a layout that includes five buildings designed to accommodate up to 4 million individuals. The complex is distinguished by its two primary buildings: Building A, which is home to cinemas, a bowling alley, food courts, and the beloved Toy Kingdom; and Building B, where a wide array of retail shops is located. A bridgeway filled with various eateries seamlessly connects these two sections, enhancing the mall's overall convenience and accessibility.

Currently undergoing an ambitious renovation and expansion project, SM Megamall is poised to secure its status as the largest mall in the Philippines. The enhancement will further enrich its already diverse offering of 968 shops and over 200 dining options, which include a skating rink and an arcade, making it an all-encompassing destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, the West Edmonton Mall held the title of the world's largest shopping mall from its opening on September 15, 1981, until 2004. Today, it remains the largest mall in the Americas, with a sprawling complex that offers a plethora of shopping and entertainment options. Its impressive size encompasses a gross floor area of 5.3 million square feet (approximately 493,000 m2) and a leasable area of 3.77 million square feet (around 350,000 m2), making it a landmark of retail and leisure.

The mall is renowned for housing the world's most extensive indoor amusement park and the globe's largest indoor waterpark, alongside the Ice Palace—a compact replica of an NHL-sized ice rink. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a diverse range of attractions including an 18-hole miniature golf course, a cinema complex, and a bowling alley, ensuring a rich variety of activities for all ages.

Throughout its development from 1981 to 1999, the West Edmonton Mall expanded in four phases, introducing more than 800 stores, two hotels, and over 100 places to dine, complemented by nine distinct attractions. It boasts a parking capacity for more than 20,000 vehicles and welcomes over 32 million guests yearly. The mall's innovative color-coded system aids in navigation, correlating with the phases of its construction to enhance the shopping experience for visitors, making it a city within a city and a premier destination for both local and international tourists.

Situated within the grandeur of the Burj Khalifa complex, the tallest human-made structure globally, The Dubai Mall epitomizes the pinnacle of shopping and entertainment experiences. Spanning an expansive 12 million square feet, akin to the combined size of over 50 soccer fields, it stands as the most massive mall in the world by total area. Although its leasable space aligns closely with that of the West Edmonton Mall, The Dubai Mall distinguishes itself with unparalleled offerings.

Since its launch in 2008, this architectural marvel has attracted visitors worldwide, featuring more than 1,200 retail outlets. The mall's vast array of attractions includes one of the world's largest aquariums, an Olympic-sized ice rink, a cutting-edge SEGA game center with 3D bowling, and a luxurious five-star hotel. Cinema enthusiasts can enjoy a selection of 22 screens, while gourmets have a choice of 120 restaurants and cafes. Additionally, The Dubai Mall is home to the globe's largest candy store, adding to its record-setting features.

Beyond its impressive scale, The Dubai Mall is celebrated for its innovative design and strategic planning, offering direct access to the Burj Khalifa. With attractions like a virtual reality park and an indoor theme park, it has set a benchmark for luxury, entertainment, and shopping, making it a central hub for both leisure and extravagance.

Inaugurated in 2006, the SM Mall of Asia, situated in the bustling region of Metro Manila, Philippines, presents a vast shopping and entertainment complex. This architectural marvel is comprised of four separate buildings, seamlessly linked by pedestrian walkways, ensuring easy navigation throughout its expansive grounds. To further enhance the shopping experience, the mall offers a 20-seater tram service, allowing visitors to explore its extensive offerings comfortably.

Among its standout features, the mall boasts an IMAX theater equipped with one of the largest 3D screens globally, offering moviegoers an unparalleled cinematic experience. Additionally, the SM Mall of Asia is home to an Olympic-sized ice skating rink, a versatile venue that caters to both leisurely skating and more competitive endeavors, including figure skating and ice hockey, marking it as a prime destination for sports enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

Launched in 1990, CentralWorld in Bangkok distinguishes itself as Thailand's most extensive shopping mall, spanning eight floors. It has strategically positioned itself to appeal to the middle-class demographic, contrasting with the more upscale Siam Paragon.

On May 19 of this year, amidst political turmoil, CentralWorld suffered significant damage when it became a target of anti-government protests, leading to a fire that persisted for two days. This unfortunate event led to the collapse of the Zen department store, a significant part of the complex.

Despite the extensive damage, a determined effort to restore and reopen the mall was undertaken. After several months of intensive repairs and reconstruction, CentralWorld made a comeback on September 28, welcoming patrons back with 80% of its retail spaces operational.

This rapid recovery showcases the resilience and determination of the community and the mall's management, ensuring it continues to serve as a key shopping destination in Bangkok.

The Golden Resources Mall, opening its doors in 2004 in Beijing, China, briefly held the title of the world's largest shopping mall until 2005, overshadowing the Mall of America by 1.5 times with its expansive 6 million square feet spread over six floors. Initially, the mall's developers anticipated a bustling daily foot traffic of 50,000 shoppers. However, the reality in its early years fell short of expectations, with visitor numbers as low as 20 per hour in 2004. This shortfall was attributed to several factors, including the high pricing of items, which were often out of reach for the average Chinese consumer, and the mall's remote location, which made it less accessible to international visitors.

Despite these initial challenges, a significant turning point came in 2012 with the opening of a Beijing Subway station nearby, greatly improving access to the mall. Over the years, the region witnessed an increase in population and the rise of a more affluent middle class. By 2022, these developments transformed the Golden Resources Mall into a bustling hub of activity, particularly on weekends, reflecting a remarkable turnaround from its quieter beginnings.

See this link for a Golden Resources Mall Photo Overview.

The New South China Mall, situated in Dongguan, China, holds the title of the world's most extensive mall by gross leasable area, offering a staggering 6.46 million square feet of retail space that could house up to 2,300 stores. Since its inauguration in 2005, the mall has been designed to dazzle, featuring seven distinct zones inspired by international cities, complete with a replica of the Arc de Triomphe and a canal adorned with gondolas, alongside an indoor-outdoor roller coaster for adventurous visitors.

Despite its ambitious design and attractions, the mall has struggled to attract tenants and customers alike, leading to over 99% of its retail spaces lying vacant for years, earning it the moniker of the world's largest "ghost mall." Initially, the only signs of life were near its entrances, where a few Western fast-food franchises managed to draw some foot traffic.

However, the narrative began to shift by 2020, thanks to comprehensive renovation and rebranding efforts that have significantly revitalized the mall's appeal. These initiatives have successfully increased its occupancy rate to 91%, transforming the once-desolate spaces into bustling retail and entertainment zones, signaling a remarkable turnaround from its earlier days.

See this link for a New South China Mall Photo Overview.

Starfield COEX Mall, previously known as COEX Mall, is an iconic underground shopping paradise nestled in Samseongdong, Seoul, South Korea. This expansive facility covers a total area of approximately 154,000 square meters, with a remarkable 144,000 square meters designated as its single, sprawling underground floor, making it the largest underground shopping mall in the world by gross leasable area. The mall is a vibrant hub of activity, hosting over 250 business units that cater to a wide range of preferences and needs.

Visitors to Starfield COEX Mall are treated to an array of amenities and attractions, including two large food courts with diverse culinary options, a MegaBox cinema complex for film aficionados, the captivating COEX Aquarium, and an extensive bookstore for literature and knowledge seekers. These features, alongside the mall's impressive gross leasable area, have solidified its position as a premier shopping and entertainment destination in Seoul, attracting a steady stream of both local residents and international tourists to its underground marvel.

Currently, the Iran Mall stands as the largest mall in the world when considering its total ground coverage. In its initial phase alone, it spans an impressive 14.5 million square feet (approximately 1.35 million square meters), with a gross leasable area of 3.23 million square feet (about 300,000 square meters). This monumental structure goes beyond the traditional concept of a shopping center by incorporating a lush oasis of gardens, a diverse array of cultural artifacts, and an expansive library spread across three floors. This library is a treasure trove of knowledge, boasting a collection of over 45,000 volumes that include books, manuscripts, and precious historical documents.

Moreover, the Iran Mall pays tribute to the rich heritage of Persian civilization through statues that honor three pivotal figures in Persian history, enriching the mall's cultural ambiance. This blend of retail, cultural, and educational spaces makes the Iran Mall not just a shopping destination but a holistic cultural and recreational venue, setting a new benchmark for mall developments globally.

See this link for a Iran Mall Picture Overview.