Largest Shopping Malls in Europe (2026 Ranking by Size)
Published: 4 Jun 2026
Europe’s largest shopping malls are more than just places to shop. Many function as full-scale entertainment destinations, featuring hundreds of stores, restaurants, cinemas, family attractions, and leisure facilities under one roof. From the sprawling retail halls of London to massive shopping complexes in Moscow and Madrid, these malls attract millions of visitors each year.
In this ranking, we’ve compared the largest shopping malls in Europe based on gross leasable area (GLA), the industry standard used to measure retail space available to tenants. Whether you’re planning a shopping-focused trip or simply curious about Europe’s biggest retail destinations, these are the malls that stand out for both their size and visitor experience.
Quick Facts About Europe’s Largest Shopping Malls
- Largest mall in Europe: Westfield London (UK) — ~240,000 sq m
- Oldest mall in this ranking: MetroCentre — opened 1986
- Second oldest major mega mall: Westfield Shopping City Süd (Austria) — opened 1976 (expanded over time)
- Most dominant country: United Kingdom (multiple entries in top 10)
- Largest mall in Eastern Europe: Aviapark (Russia) — ~230,000 sq m
- Largest mall in Southern Europe: Marineda City (Spain) — ~176,000 sq m
- Largest mall in Northern Europe: Westfield Mall of Scandinavia (Sweden)
- Ranking method: Gross Leasable Area (GLA) only (retail space, excluding parking)
Top 10 Largest Shopping Malls in Europe by Gross Leasable Area
Below is a ranking of the largest shopping malls in Europe based on total gross leasable area (GLA).
| Rank | Shopping Mall | Country | GLA (sq m) | Opened |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Westfield London | UK | 240,000 | 2008 |
| 2 | Aviapark | Russia | 230,000 | 2014 |
| 3 | Westgate Shopping City | Croatia | 226,000 | 2009 |
| 4 | MEGA Belaya Dacha | Russia | 225,000 | 2006 |
| 5 | Trafford Centre | UK | 207,000 | 1998 |
| 6 | Westfield SCS | Austria | 192,000 | 1976 |
| 7 | MetroCentre | UK | 190,000 | 1986 |
| 8 | Westend City Center | Hungary | 186,000 | 1999 |
| 9 | Marineda City | Spain | 176,000 | 2011 |
| 10 | Bluewater | UK | 169,000 | 1999 |
Figures are based on the most widely cited gross leasable area (GLA) estimates from mall operators and public records. Some values may vary slightly depending on measurement updates.
Now, let’s take a closer look at each of these shopping malls, starting with the largest in Europe
1. Westfield London, United Kingdom
Westfield London holds the top position as the largest shopping mall in Europe, located in the White City area of west London. The site was originally redeveloped from a historic exhibition ground and officially opened in 2008, marking a major transformation of the area into a modern retail and lifestyle hub.
Following a major expansion completed in 2018, the mall grew to approximately 240,000 square meters of gross leasable area (GLA), securing its place at the top of Europe’s shopping mall rankings. Today, it stands as one of the most important retail destinations in the United Kingdom, attracting millions of visitors each year.
Inside, Westfield London features more than 450 stores, ranging from high-street fashion brands to luxury labels and flagship outlets. The mall also offers a wide selection of dining options, entertainment venues, and leisure facilities, making it more than just a shopping center. Its strong transport connections and central location further enhance its appeal for both tourists and local shoppers.
Quick Facts
- Location: London, United Kingdom
- Opened: 2008
- Expanded: 2018
- Gross Leasable Area: ~240,000 sq m
- Stores: 450+
- Known For: Largest shopping mall in Europe, luxury and flagship retail mix
2. Aviapark, Russia
Aviapark is one of Europe’s most impressive modern shopping complexes and ranks second in this list of the largest shopping malls in Europe. Located in Moscow, it opened in 2014 and quickly became a major retail and entertainment landmark for the city.
Covering approximately 230,000 square meters of gross leasable area (GLA), Aviapark stands out not only for its size but also for its striking interior design. One of its most famous features is a massive cylindrical aquarium, which rises through several floors and creates a unique visual centerpiece inside the mall.
The mall hosts more than 500 retail stores, making it one of the most retail-dense shopping destinations in Europe. Visitors can find international fashion brands, electronics outlets, restaurants, and entertainment zones all under one roof. Its modern layout and wide selection of attractions make it a popular destination for both shopping and leisure in Moscow.
Quick Facts
- Location: Moscow, Russia
- Opened: 2014
- Gross Leasable Area: ~230,000 sq m
- Stores: 500+
- Known For: Huge aquarium centerpiece and modern retail experience
3. Westgate Shopping City, Croatia
Westgate Shopping City is one of the largest shopping malls in Europe by gross leasable area and a major retail landmark in Croatia. Located near Zagreb in the town of Zaprešić, it opened in 2009 as a large-scale retail and leisure development designed to serve both local shoppers and visitors from across the region.
With around 226,000 square meters of gross leasable area (GLA), Westgate Shopping City offers a wide mix of retail stores, dining outlets, and entertainment facilities. The mall was developed as a modern shopping destination with a focus on accessibility and convenience, attracting visitors from both Croatia and neighboring countries.
Inside, the mall features a combination of international fashion brands, local retailers, restaurants, and family-oriented entertainment spaces. While not as heavily tourist-driven as some other malls on this list, it remains an important regional shopping hub due to its size and wide retail selection.
Quick Facts
- Location: Zaprešić (near Zagreb), Croatia
- Opened: 2009
- Gross Leasable Area: ~226,000 sq m
- Known For: One of the largest malls in Central Europe
- Focus: Regional shopping and leisure destination
4. MEGA Belaya Dacha, Russia
MEGA Belaya Dacha is one of the largest and most visited shopping malls in Europe, located in the Moscow region. Opened in 2006, it was developed as part of the MEGA retail network and has since become a key shopping destination for residents of the wider Moscow metropolitan area.
Covering approximately 225,000 square meters of gross leasable area (GLA), MEGA Belaya Dacha offers a vast mix of international retail chains, department stores, supermarkets, and lifestyle brands. The mall is designed as a large-scale suburban shopping complex, making it especially popular for full-day family visits.
Beyond shopping, the mall includes a wide range of dining options, entertainment zones, and leisure spaces. Its layout is built around convenience, with large parking capacity and easy road access, which makes it a major retail hub for both everyday shopping and weekend leisure trips.
Quick Facts
- Location: Moscow Oblast, Russia
- Opened: 2006
- Gross Leasable Area: ~225,000 sq m
- Known For: One of Europe’s largest suburban retail complexes
- Focus: Family shopping, dining, and entertainment
5. Trafford Centre, United Kingdom
Trafford Centre is one of the most iconic shopping destinations in the United Kingdom and ranks among the largest shopping malls in Europe. Located in Greater Manchester, it opened in 1998 and quickly became a major retail and leisure hub for the northwest of England.
Covering around 207,000 square meters of gross leasable area (GLA), the Trafford Centre is known for its grand architecture and themed interior design, which sets it apart from many modern retail complexes. It combines retail, dining, and entertainment in a single destination, making it a popular attraction for both shoppers and tourists.
The mall features hundreds of stores ranging from high-street fashion brands to premium retailers, along with a large food court, restaurants, and entertainment facilities including a cinema and leisure attractions. Its strong regional accessibility and landmark status make it one of the most visited shopping centers in the UK.
Quick Facts
- Location: Manchester, United Kingdom
- Opened: 1998
- Gross Leasable Area: ~207,000 sq m
- Known For: Themed architecture and large-scale retail experience
- Stores: 280+
6. Westfield Shopping City Süd, Austria
Westfield Shopping City Süd is one of the largest shopping malls in Europe and a major retail destination located just outside Vienna. Opened in 1976, it is also one of the oldest mega malls on this list, but it has grown significantly over the years through multiple expansions and modern upgrades.
Today, the mall covers approximately 192,000 square meters of gross leasable area (GLA), making it one of the largest shopping complexes in Central Europe. Its long development history has helped it evolve into a fully integrated shopping and leisure destination, serving both local residents and international visitors traveling to Vienna.
Westfield Shopping City Süd features a wide selection of international fashion brands, department stores, electronics retailers, and dining options. The mall also includes entertainment facilities such as cinemas and family activity zones, making it a popular all-day destination. Its strong transport links and proximity to Vienna contribute to its high visitor numbers throughout the year.
Quick Facts
- Location: Vösendorf (near Vienna), Austria
- Opened: 1976
- Gross Leasable Area: ~192,000 sq m
- Known For: One of the largest and oldest shopping malls in Europe
- Features: Fashion stores, dining, cinema, entertainment zones
7. MetroCentre, United Kingdom
MetroCentre is one of the largest shopping malls in the United Kingdom and a major retail landmark in the northeast of England. Opened in 1986, it was once considered one of the biggest shopping centres in Europe and remains an important regional shopping and leisure destination.
Covering approximately 190,000 square meters of gross leasable area (GLA), MetroCentre features a wide mix of high-street fashion brands, department stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. Despite newer mega malls emerging across Europe, it continues to attract millions of visitors annually due to its strong retail mix and established reputation.
The complex is divided into distinct themed areas, making it easier for visitors to navigate its large indoor space. It also includes cinemas, dining zones, and leisure facilities, making it a full-day destination for shopping and entertainment.
Quick Facts
- Location: Gateshead, United Kingdom
- Opened: 1986
- Gross Leasable Area: ~190,000 sq m
- Known For: One of the largest and most established malls in the UK
- Features: Fashion retail, dining, cinemas, entertainment zones
8. Westend City Center, Hungary
Westend City Center is one of the largest and most important shopping malls in Central Europe, located in the heart of Budapest. Opened in 1999, it was developed on a former railway yard and quickly became a major urban retail and leisure hub for both locals and tourists.
Covering approximately 186,000 square meters of gross leasable area (GLA), Westend City Center offers a large mix of international fashion brands, electronics stores, restaurants, and entertainment facilities. Its central location near Nyugati Railway Station makes it one of the most accessible shopping destinations in the city.
The mall is known for its modern architecture, large indoor spaces, and rooftop garden, which provides a unique green escape in the middle of Budapest. Alongside shopping, it also includes cinemas and leisure areas, making it a popular all-day destination.
Quick Facts
- Location: Budapest, Hungary
- Opened: 1999
- Gross Leasable Area: ~186,000 sq m
- Known For: Central urban mega mall with rooftop garden
- Features: Fashion stores, dining, cinemas, entertainment zones
9. Marineda City, Spain
Marineda City is one of the largest shopping malls in Spain and a major retail and leisure destination in the Galicia region. Opened in 2011, it was designed as a modern commercial complex combining shopping, entertainment, and services in one large integrated space.
Covering approximately 176,000 square meters of gross leasable area (GLA), Marineda City features a wide range of international and Spanish retail brands, department stores, and outlet-style shops. Its scale and variety make it one of the most important shopping centers in northern Spain.
Beyond shopping, the mall includes restaurants, cinemas, a hotel, and entertainment areas, making it a full lifestyle destination. Its modern design and wide service offering attract both local residents and visitors from across the region.
Quick Facts
- Location: A Coruña, Spain
- Opened: 2011
- Gross Leasable Area: ~176,000 sq m
- Known For: Large modern retail and entertainment complex in Spain
- Features: Shopping, dining, cinema, hotel, leisure zones
10. Bluewater Shopping Centre, United Kingdom
Bluewater Shopping Centre is one of the most popular shopping destinations in the United Kingdom and completes the list of the largest shopping malls in Europe. Opened in 1999, it was built in a former chalk quarry and designed as a modern retail and leisure complex surrounded by landscaped lakes and parkland.
Covering approximately 169,000 square meters of gross leasable area (GLA), Bluewater offers a wide mix of high-street fashion brands, lifestyle stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. Its unique open, airy design and natural surroundings set it apart from many traditional enclosed malls.
The center features hundreds of stores along with cinemas, dining areas, and leisure facilities, making it a full-day destination for shopping and entertainment. Its strong accessibility from London also makes it a major retail hub for both local visitors and international tourists.
Quick Facts
- Location: Greenhithe, United Kingdom
- Opened: 1999
- Gross Leasable Area: ~169,000 sq m
- Known For: Scenic lakeside design and modern retail experience
- Features: Fashion retail, dining, cinemas, leisure attractions
Explore More
If you enjoyed this ranking, you may also like:
- Largest Shopping Malls in the World
- Largest Shopping Malls in the United States
- Largest Shopping Malls in Asia
FAQs About the Largest Shopping Malls in Europe
Westfield London is the largest shopping mall in Europe, with approximately 240,000 square meters of gross leasable area.
The United Kingdom has the highest number of malls in this ranking, including Westfield London, Trafford Centre, MetroCentre, and Bluewater.
Aviapark in Moscow, Russia, is the second largest shopping mall in Europe, offering around 230,000 square meters of retail space.
Most rankings use Gross Leasable Area (GLA), which measures the retail space available to tenants and excludes parking areas and service facilities.
Aviapark in Moscow is the largest shopping mall in Eastern Europe.
Marineda City in A Coruña, Spain, is the largest shopping mall in Southern Europe.
References & Sources
Data in this article is based on official mall websites and publicly available gross leasable area (GLA) figures.
- Westfield London
- Aviapark Moscow
- Bluewater Shopping Centre
- Trafford Centre
- Marineda City
- Westfield Shopping City Süd
