Top 10 Biggest & Best Shopping Malls in the Philippines
 |
| Illustrated picture. Photo: Mixi |
Malls are there for shopping purposes but the malls in the Philippines are more than that—they’re part of most Filipino’s lifestyle. The malls don’t just boast great shopping finds but also have their unique features.
From malls with a view to malls with themed parks, malls in the Philippines are surely great venues for celebrations, after-work errands, and sometimes, for wedding proposals.
The List of 10 Biggest Shopping malls in the Philippines
1. SM City North EDSA
2. SM Megamall
3. SM Seaside City Cebu
4. SM Mall of Asia
5. SM City Cebu
6. SM Aura Premier
7. Glorietta
8. Venice Grand Canal Mall
9. Robinsons Place Manila
10. Robinsons Galleria
Which are the Biggest Shopping malls in the Philippines?
1. SM City North EDSA
 |
| Photo: Stockvault |
Gross Floor Area: 498,000 m2
SM North EDSA is SM Prime’s first mall, and was constructed in 1983 on a 16-hectare land previously owned by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). Launched in 1985, the Quezon City mall started out with a 125,000 sqm gross floor area, had three floors, and contained only SM’s fifth department store and the brand’s first supermarket. Thirty years since it first opened its doors, SM North EDSA is now the largest mall in the Philippines with a total retail floor area of 498,000 sqm containing over a thousand stores and restaurants, and the third largest in the world. And with the construction of 5,760 solar panels on its rooftops, SM North is also the largest solar-powered mall in the world.
Said to be the first to introduce “malling” as a Filipino past time, SM North has seen a lot of expansions and redevelopments, cementing its position as one of the pioneers of the “one-stop-shop” concept. A carpark named Annex 1 was unveiled in 1988, followed by the introduction of a retail building named Annex 2 in 1989. Annex 3, also known as “The Block,” was opened in 2006, and a reconstructed Annex 2 was launched two years later. These were eventually succeeded by The North Link (Annex 4), which primarily caters to business process outsourcing (BPO) companies; Sky Garden, an open area hosting several restaurants and an event venue; the Warehouse, part of which serves as valet parking; the five-tower condo development Grass Residences, and SM Cyber West Avenue.
2. SM Megamall
 |
| Photo: Directions, Routes, Maps, Shortcuts in Metro Manila |
Gross Floor Area: 474,000 m2
Opened in 1991, SM Megamall in Mandaluyong started out with just over 330,000 sqm of gross floor area and held the honor of being the largest mall in the Philippines for 17 years. It was eventually dethroned with the development of SM Mall of Asia and the expansion of SM North EDSA, but Megamall will always be recognized for having the first ice skating rink as well as one of the first trade halls in the country.
Megamall has seen multiple expansions over the years, namely the construction of Mega Atrium in 2008 and the rise of Building C in 2012. In 2014, it reclaimed its title as the country’s largest mall when it expanded its total gross leasable area to about 474,000 sqm with the inauguration of Mega Fashion Hall in 2014, increasing the mall’s collection of stores and dining options to over 1,000 offerings. The 101,000sqm, five-level addition houses a slew of international fashion brands and restaurants; as well as an upscale food court, an IMAX theater, and an Olympic-sided ice skating rink. But SM City North EDSA’s 2015 expansion again toppled Megamall from its pedestal as the Philippines’ largest mall, but has managed to secure its place as the fourth largest internationally.
3. SM Seaside City Cebu
 |
| Photo: Inside Retail Asia |
Gross Floor Area: 470,490 m2
Launched in November 2015, SM Seaside City Cebu is currently the largest mall in the Philippines outside the National Capital Region and the eighth largest worldwide, with a retail floor plan of 470,000 sqm and a collection of over 400 shopping and dining options. One of its most notable features is the Seaside Tower, a 148-meter-high tower that will be composed of a viewing deck and several restaurants. As part of its recreational offerings, the mall also has an Olympic-sized ice skating rink, a 16-lane bowling alley, and a 350-seat large screen cinema.
SM Seaside City Cebu serves as the centerpiece of the 30-hectare SM Seaside Complex, where SM Prime is also planning to build an indoor events venue to be called Seaside City Arena, an SMX Convention Center, and an oceanarium to be named Cebu Ocean Park.
 Top 10 Largest Shopping Malls in the World Today Due to the increase in population, there is huge growth in supermarkets, malls, and other entertainment sources. Check out the 10 largest shopping malls in ... |
4. SM Mall of Asia
 |
| Photo: Acersteel |
Gross Floor Area: 406,962 m2
The largest shopping mall upon its completion in 2006 and currently the third in the country, SM Mall of Asia boasts more than 1,000 shops, 360 dining establishments, and parking slots for about 8,000 cars. The mall itself also an Olympic-sized skating rink, an IMAX theater, and two supermarkets.
No doubt, one of the most unique malls around because of its open-air halls, this 406,961-sqm retail wonder is situated within a massive complex that houses its own concert grounds, a convention center, BPO offices, residential condos, and a theme park.
5. SM City Cebu
 |
| Photo: Everything Cebu |
Gross Floor Area: 273,804 m2
Better known as SM Cebu, this is the fourth mall of SM Prime Holdings. Having been through some major development, the 162,000 sqm initial size of the floor area went up to 269,000 in 2007. With the construction of the Northwing new building, the number of shopping and dining outlets has also gone up to almost 700.
6. SM Aura Premier
 |
| Photo: Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat |
Gross Floor Area: 251,094 m2
Built as an upscale shopping mall in Metro Manila, SM Aura Premier has the size of 251,000 sqm. Consisting of some high-end stores, restaurants, and bars, the mall connected with the 29 storey SM Aura Office Tower is a convenient place to spend leisure time. Complying with global green standards in terms of efficient use of energy and sustainability, this mall does represent the definition of its name: elegance.
7. Glorietta
 |
| Photo: Ayala Malls |
Gross Floor Area: 250,000 m2
What was initially planned to be a part Makati Commercial Center has been transformed into a 250,000 sqm shopping mall. Starting its operation in 1992, the mall was then divided into three sections: Glorietta 1, 2 and 3. The mall has been through some changes since then: the addition of Glorietta 4 in 1998 and the stand-alone building of Glorietta 5 away from the other four sections.
Managed by Ayala Malls, this mall provides a complete package of leisure entertainment: cinema, theme park, entertainment hub, etc.
8. Greenbelt Mall
 |
| Photo: The Urban Developer |
Gross Floor Area: 250,000 m2
Consisting of five buildings, this mall began its operation in 250,000 sqm floor area in 1989. In 2002, the initial place, however, was reconstructed into the so-called Greenbelt 1, 2, and 3. In two years’ time, Greenbelt 4 was open and three years after that, Greenbelt 5 was launched. Nowadays Greenbelt Mall is dominated by prominent brands and restaurants, although fast food counters and supply stores can still be found in Greenbelt 1. Completing the shopping complex is a park in its open space area.
9. Robinsons Place Manila
 |
| Photo: TripAdvisor |
Gross Floor Area: 240,000 m2
Also known to patrons as Robinsons Ermita due to its location, Robinsons Place Manila is the largest Robinsons Mall, with a retail floor area of 240,000 sqm. The seven-level mall initially housed over 330 shops, restaurants, and entertainment facilities, but the development of the Padre Faura Wing in 2000 and the Midtown Wing in 2008 added to its retail and dining options, surpassing Robinsons Galleria in floor space.
10. Robinsons Galleria
 |
| Photo: Lifescapes International |
Gross Floor Area: 216,000 m2
Found at the corner of EDSA and Ortigas Avenue, the 216,000 sqm Robinsons Galleria was launched in 1990 as the first Robinsons mall. Prior to the construction of the mall, the land on which it stands was owned by SSS until 1987, when business tycoon John Gokongwei bought much of the land. Years later, Robinsons Galleria is now part of a mixed-use complex that includes the Galleria Corporate Center, the Holiday Inn Manila, the Galleria Regency, and the EDSA Shrine.
These four SM malls are some of the world’s largestFlagship malls by SM are called Supermalls for their vast floor area that can accommodate an extensive list of tenants and extremely high foot traffic, so much so that they are recognized as some of the biggest shopping malls, not just in the country, but also across the globe. These four malls are considered a few of the biggest in the world: SM City North Edsa, SM Megamall, SM Seaside City cebu, and SM Mall of Asia. |
For more interesting news of KnowInsiders, check out right below!
 Top 10 Largest & Beautiful Pyramids In The World Many countries across the world are recognizable due to their unique architecture and distinguishable skylines. Let's scroll down to explore our top 10 largest and ... |
 Top 10 Largest & Best Shopping Malls in Canada Canadians love to shop and we don’t let the cold weather slow us down. Check out the list of 10 largest shopping malls in Canada ... |
 Top 10 Largest & Best Shopping Malls in Australia Today Australia is one of the best countries in the world for shopping lovers. Australia has a large number of modern shopping malls. Check out the ... |
