The Wanderlist: Best Shopping Destinations
Shopping hubs are all over the world, but these spectacular ones set themselves apart with luxury, history or sheer size.
The Dubai Mall, UAE
With over 1,300 stores spread over 5.9 million square feet, the Dubai Mall is the largest in the world. This tourist attraction sees over 80 million annual visitors. In addition to shopping, the mall is home to the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and an Olympic-sized ice rink. Among its many precincts are Fashion Avenue, home to premium brands and luxury dining, and the Village, an open-air, tree-lined faux street scene.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Italy
Built over 150 years ago, it houses Milan’s best shopping centre. Storefronts decorated with beautiful plaster, stone and concrete fixtures stretch up to a glass-and-iron domed ceiling. The Highline Galleria, a 250-metre suspended path, allows visitors to traverse the rooftop and touch the glass dome.
Covent Garden, England
Sure, it may be touristy, but a stroll through the Covent Garden's grand 19th-century building is a quintessential London experience. Covent Garden also houses Apple Market, where independent vendors sell antiques or art depending on the day of the week. Jewellery and eclectic wares can be found in the East Colonnade Market.
Chatuchak Market, Thailand
Spread over 35 acres and featuring thousands of stalls, Chatuchak Market (“JJ Market” to locals) is one of the world’s largest. It can be crowded, hot and confusing, but there are incredible bargains to be had. The market is divided into over 20 numbered sections, each dedicated to a certain type of good, like clothing or household items. A map helps but the sections tend to spill over into one another, so your best bet is to wander and see what you discover.
Ala Moana Center, Hawaii
With art installations, fountains and palm trees, this outdoor shopping mall is a breath of fresh air. The largest open-air mall in the world, the Ala Moana Center in Honolulu features the usual retailers along with local stores. For a cultural Hawaiian experience, the centre showcases live Hawaiian music daily. In the Ewa Wing, Hula with Aloha offers Hawaiian activities including lei making, and lessons from hula masters.
