The 10 Best Shopping Spots in the World
- Ian
- Apr 10
- 8 min read
One of the first things I typically do when we travel is find a local mall at the destination where we are going. Usually when we arrive somewhere, it's often too early for us to check in so we're always needing a place where we can kill some time and maybe grab a bite to eat, and a mall is genuinely ideal for this. I remember when we first arrived in Rovaniemi Finland it was the depth of winter and I had just managed to get the rental car started in the cold and we were trying to find somewhere to go and fortunately nearby we happen to across this really cute little mall and spent a good four hours and they were just wandering looking at the different goods and stopped in at a nice little pizza spot. By the time we left there the house we had rented was ready to move in to, but we actually went back to that mall a couple of times during that trip.
I'm not much into shopping myself, but my family enjoys doing some shopping whenever we travel and I don't mind wandering around people watching while they shop. Plus, it's always nice to sit in one of the small cafés and just enjoy a coffee while the world goes by. I know some people based their travel on shopping and seek out places like Paris and Milan or Los Angeles that are known for their shopping scene.
For shopaholics and casual browsers alike, a great shopping experience isn’t just about the stores—it’s about the ambiance, the architecture, the culture, and the sheer variety of finds. Whether you're looking for luxury brands, local handicrafts, or unique boutiques, these 10 destinations offer some of the best shopping experiences in the world. Here you'll find a wide range of types of shopping complexes catering to a variety of interests and demographics. For those who might argue the Harrods in London should be on this list, I deliberately excluded it due to the recent controversy that has been in the news of late.
1. The Dubai Mall – Dubai, UAE
As one of the largest malls in the world, The Dubai Mall is a shopper’s paradise with over 1,200 stores, an indoor ice rink, a massive aquarium, and even an indoor ski hill. From designer brands like Chanel and Louis Vuitton to budget-friendly options, this mall has something for everyone.
Beyond shopping, visitors can enjoy numerous attractions, including the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, which houses thousands of marine animals, and KidZania, an interactive city for children. Head up to the roof to visit EKart Zabeel where you can zoom around the open air track in the electric go karts. The mall is also adjacent to the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, and the famous Dubai Fountain, making it a must-visit spot even for non-shoppers.
2. West Edmonton Mall – Edmonton, Canada
As North America’s largest shopping mall, West Edmonton Mall is more than just a shopping destination—it’s a full-blown entertainment hub. Home to over 800 stores, an indoor water park, an amusement park, an ice rink, and a mini-golf course, it offers an unparalleled shopping experience.
The mall’s attractions include the World Waterpark, featuring one of the largest indoor wave pools in the world, and Galaxyland, an indoor amusement park with thrilling rides. Visitors can also explore themed areas like Bourbon Street for dining and Europa Boulevard for luxury fashion. There used to be an awesome pub on Bourbon Street that had one of the best fish and chips I've ever had but sadly it is no longer there. Looking to visit Edmonton to check out the mall, there is even a hotel located in the mall called the Fantasyland hotel that offers a range of accommodations from luxury to various themed rooms like Roman, Polynesian, or even outer space. The sheer variety of activities ensures that visitors of all ages find something exciting. Given how harsh the Edmonton winters are it is not surprising that they created an entire microcosm where they can escape the weather and enjoy the day exploring indoors!
3. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II – Milan, Italy
Italy’s oldest active shopping mall is a stunning architectural masterpiece. Located next to the Duomo in Milan, the Galleria is home to luxury brands like Prada, Gucci, and Versace. Even if you're not planning to shop, the grandeur of the structure itself is worth a visit.
The soaring glass dome, elegant mosaic floors, and historic cafés make this shopping arcade feel like an open-air museum. Visitors can enjoy fine dining at historic restaurants such as Savini or sip espresso at Camparino in Galleria, a café with over a century of history. Whether you’re shopping for high fashion or just admiring the architecture, the Galleria is a must-see in Milan.
4. Mall of America – Minnesota, USA
Very much like West Edmonton Mall, the Mall of America is not just a shopping center but a full-fledged entertainment complex. It features some 500+ stores, an indoor amusement park, an aquarium, and mini-golf. Fashionistas can enjoy everything from high-end boutiques to major department stores, while families will love the countless attractions.
One of its main highlights is Nickelodeon Universe, a massive indoor theme park with roller coasters and other rides perfect for thrill-seekers. SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium allows visitors to walk through a 300-foot-long underwater tunnel surrounded by marine life. The sheer scale of this mall ensures there’s always something new to explore.
5. Isetan Shinjuku – Tokyo, Japan
For a true taste of Japanese luxury and style, Isetan Shinjuku is the place to go. This department store is famous for its high-quality fashion, food, and cosmetics. The basement food hall is a sensory delight, offering some of the best sushi, wagashi (Japanese sweets), and sake selections in the country.
The store also offers a unique shopping experience through its personal styling and shopping concierge services, ensuring customers find the perfect outfits. During seasonal events, the store showcases limited-edition products and exclusive collaborations with renowned designers, making it a hotspot for trendsetters in Tokyo.
6. Galeries Lafayette – Paris, France
A temple of Parisian fashion, Galeries Lafayette is an iconic department store known for its stunning Art Nouveau architecture and an incredible selection of designer goods. If the shopping doesn’t dazzle you, the breathtaking glass dome and rooftop terrace views of Paris certainly will.
Apart from high-end fashion, the store also offers gourmet food, home décor, and beauty products. The complex consists of three buildings with each catering to a different demographic. One is mostly for men's fashions, one other is for the food and home goods, and the main building called the Coupole (French for dome) which is pictured above is predominately women's fashions and accessories, and has a wellness center as well as several places to have a bite or a coffee. If you are looking for a cup of tea and a sweet pastry or a macaron I highly recommend the Ladurée Tea Room. Shoppers can attend fashion shows held inside the store, giving them a front-row seat to the latest trends. The rooftop terrace provides a stunning panoramic view of the city, making it a top attraction even for those not looking to shop.
7. Spice & Grand Bazaars – Istanbul, Turkey
At around 570 years old i.e. one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar is a labyrinth of over 4,000 shops selling everything from Turkish carpets to intricate jewelry. Haggling is expected, so be prepared to bargain your way to a great deal on unique souvenirs.
The atmosphere is as vibrant as the goods on display, with shopkeepers calling out to passersby and the scent of spices filling the air. Visitors can also find traditional Turkish delights, leather goods, and handcrafted ceramics. Exploring the bazaar is an experience in itself, offering a glimpse into Istanbul’s rich history and culture.
Just a short 10 minute walk will take you to the Spice Bazaar which is a smaller venue but equally thrilling. Here you can indeed find a lot of spices but I think the most common find are various treats like Lokum (Turkish delight) and baklava. If you are in Istanbul you should take in both due to their proximity to one another. When finished at the Bazaars, you can walk a short distance to the Eminönü ferry terminal and take the quick trip over to Taksim where there are hundreds of amazing restaurants. İstiklal Avenue in Taksim is also a highly visited shopping streets with a lot of lovely boutiques and some high end shopping destinations. You can access the street by taking the Tünel near the Karaköy ferry terminal. This is the world's second oldest subway and, at only 563m between the two stations, it is also the world's shortest.
8. Causeway Bay – Hong Kong
This bustling shopping district is packed with malls, boutiques, and department stores. Whether you're looking for designer goods at Times Square, budget-friendly fashion at Island Beverly Center, or rare finds at small street stalls, Causeway Bay has it all.
The energy of Causeway Bay is unmatched, with neon signs illuminating the streets and an endless flow of shoppers day and night. Beyond fashion, visitors can explore bustling food markets and tech stores selling the latest gadgets. The area is also home to some of Hong Kong’s trendiest restaurants and rooftop bars. Many of the stores are open even after midnight so with the abundance of nightlife and long shopping hours the area is a huge draw for the younger crowd.
9. Orchard Road – Singapore
Singapore’s premier shopping street, Orchard Road, is lined with high-end malls, flagship stores, and trendy boutiques. From ION Orchard’s luxury brands to the quirky finds at Design Orchard, this district is a dream for fashion lovers and tech enthusiasts alike.
Apart from retail therapy, Orchard Road is also known for its lively street performances, interactive art installations, and seasonal decorations that transform the area during Christmas and Lunar New Year. Many of the malls feature extensive dining options, from Michelin-starred restaurants to local hawker-style eateries.
10. Rodeo Drive – Los Angeles, USA
No list of top shopping destinations is complete without Rodeo Drive. This world-famous shopping street in Beverly Hills is synonymous with glamour, attracting celebrities and fashionistas looking for top-tier brands like Gucci, Dior, and Cartier. Even if you’re just window shopping, the experience is pure Hollywood luxury.
The palm-tree-lined streets and extravagant storefronts make for a picture-perfect stroll. Visitors might even spot a celebrity stepping out of a high-end boutique. Dining options include some of the most exclusive restaurants in LA, adding to the area’s luxurious atmosphere. Try out Mr. Chow for Beijing cuisine or perhaps Wolfgang Puck's Spago for a meal and a chance to spot the likes of Clooney, Hanks, Aniston, and others also dining in these popular spots.
Conclusion
Whether you love it or hate it shopping is an integral part of travel. Maybe you are looking for that perfect souvenir, or indulging in a high end fashion item, or perhaps even just grabbing groceries from the local market to cook at your rental home. It is a fun way to observe the locals, see what is popular, and explore some new foods.
You may love sprawling malls filled with entertainment or perhaps prefer historic markets with cultural treasures, but each of these shopping destinations provide more than just retail therapy. Each one offers a unique glimpse into the culture and lifestyle of its city, making them must-visit locations even if you don’t plan on making a purchase.
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