Top 7 Weirdest Shopping Malls Around The World

A shopping mall may not conjure the allure of a historic marketplace (like Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar) or the splendor of an iconic shopping street (Champs-Élysées) — but they have their own appeal, and they’re not all a dime a dozen. Many shopping malls in the world stand out because of their unique features and weird styles.

Top 7 Weirdest Shopping Malls In The World. Photo KnowInsiders

Top 7 Weirdest Shopping Malls In The World

1. Iluma Shopping Mall, Bugis, Singapore

Iluma breaks the mold with lots of weird features. Photo: wiki

Iluma, a landmark in Singapore's Bugis neighborhood, was constructed in 2009 and serves as a connector for the surrounding region, which is developing into an arts and entertainment hub.

The Oddness of It Because: Chris Thomas, a retail architectural specialist at DLR Group, says, "Malls are often defined by an enclosed shopping concourse filled with several small businesses, sometimes known as inline retail. Furthermore, it is mostly centered around department stores. The lack of an exterior is what makes malls problematic and what we're attempting to fix by taking a fresh look at them." Iluma deviates from the norm in this way.

A rectangular form, filled with a glowing red tint, is lighted on one side of the structure. The Iluma, on the other hand, features a curved exterior that is illuminated by a cutting-edge light and illumination display that often displays messages.

2. Mall of America, Bloomington, Minnesota

The Mall of America is home to as many attractions as stores—the "sound and light shows" for the shopping experience. Photo visit the USA

The Mall of America, one of the largest shopping centers in the country, spans over 4.3 miles of storefronts and is large enough to house seven Yankee Stadiums. There are 40 million annual shoppers at the mall.

Why Weird: Thomas describes the Mall of America's attractions as "sound and light shows" for the shopping experience due to their abundance and the mall's massive size. This type of entertainment is essential, but as Thomas puts it, "just as with any sort of architecture, you need a peak experience and you need to be followed by some quiet." The Mall of America avoids serenity in favor of nonstop action, what with its Nickelodeon Universe amusement park, aquarium, mini-golf course, and flying simulator. In comparison to a typical mall, this one is more like a theme park.

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3. Mall of the Emirates, Dubai

Mall of the Emirates. Photo welcome to the world

The Mall of the Emirates, which was opened in 2005, is a massive retail complex with over 500 stores and a number of other attractions.

Reasons Why It's Odd: As Thomas sees it, malls require "something that can kind of sustain the interest of people and keep them moving instead of simply wanting to come in and go to a store, come out, go." The Mall of the Emirates has an astounding size, but its major lure is the region's first indoor ski resort, Ski Dubai. The ski area has the first indoor black-diamond run along with four other slopes.

4. Morocco Mall in Casablanca, Morocco

Morocco Mall. Photo geoplast

The Morocco Mall houses approximately 600 brands on three levels and 10 hectares of shop area. Morocco Mall has the Guinness World Record for the biggest in-store shop façade. The giant mall has 150 retailers, movies, restaurants, and fountains. An ice rink, a 6D theater, a musical fountain, and a fantasy castle-themed amusement park where youngsters may ride carousels and toy cars or see horrifying dinosaur movies are all available.

Odd: The Morocco Mall's initial attraction is a cylindrical aquarium with approximately 3,000 fish, from little yellow goldfish to small sharks. Scuba diving in the tank for other consumers or a glass lift puts you near to the fish without getting wet.

READ MORE: Top 10 Largest & Best Shopping Malls in UK Today

5. West Edmonton Mall in Edmonton, Canada

West Edmonton Mall. Photo travel alberta

What's Strange about It: The largest shopping mall in North America is located in Alberta and is known as West Edmonton Mall (more than 800). A massive pirate ship, the largest indoor wave pool, and a subterranean aquarium with more than a hundred kinds of fish, sharks, reptiles, sea turtles, and other aquatic animals are among the surprises you could encounter.

With a Bourbon Street food court, a European fashion wing, and a Chinese-inspired East Asian market complete with noodle and bubble tea restaurants, the West Edmonton Mall brings the world to you.

6. Villaggio Mall in Doha, Qatar

Villaggio Mall

Despite being in Doha, the capital of Qatar, this shopping center transports visitors to a taste of Italy. Shops and restaurants flank the canals in this faux-Italian village built on a hill. Additionally, the Villaggio Mall has been built such that each section appears to be a distinct time of day, complete with a simulated sky.

Reasons to find it peculiar: Gondola rides and the Gondolania amusement park are available to shoppers. When you've had your fill of window shopping, walk to the section of the mall that features high-end stores styled like Milan's Piazza del Duomo.

7. The Grand Canal Shoppes, Las Vegas, USA

Grand Canal Shoppes. Photo tripadvisor

The Grand Canal Shoppes, which opened in 1999, is a popular tourist destination in Sin City. More than 160 businesses, from high-end boutiques to one-of-a-kind vendors like Houdini's Magic Shop, are interconnected by indoor rivers in this mall.

In addition to being next to the world-famous Venetian Hotel and Casino and The Palazzo, the Venetian-style retail center also features six art galleries and twelve world-class restaurants, including CUT by celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck, and attracts more than twenty million tourists annually.

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