Malé is the capital city of the Maldives. It is densely crowded unlike the other parts of the island country. It has a very casual-conservative vibe to it with cosmopolitan dining options sprawled out here and there, along with small shops, new and old office buildings along the narrow streets. If you want to drink in Malé, you have got to stay in a resort or a hotel, as alcohol is mostly served in private, unless of course, you want to spend your time like a local for a day or two and live amidst them. There are quite a few places to visit for entertainment purposes. You can definitely go swimming, but save flaunting your bikini for the private pools in the resort, as the culture here is quite conservative. Enjoy some great sea fish dishes and a range of watersport activities, visit historical spots and take guided tours to the less explored parts of the city. For a list of the things to do in Malé, Maldives, keep reading this article.
1. View the magnificent Tsunami Monument
The Tsunami Monument is dedicated to the people who lost their lives in the massive tsunami that took place in 2004, off the west coast of northern Sumatra. The monument indeed is lovely, and the surrounding is known as one of the best surfing places. It is a great place to visit with the family to admire and gauge the monument up close and also spend some good time engaging in fun activities around the area. When history is interesting to you, it can very well be a form of entertainment for you.
Tsunami Monument
Address: Thin Ruh Park, Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Malé, Maldives
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
2. Shop at Majeedhee Magu Road
Majeedhee Magu Road is a street market in the center of the city. You will find everything here, starting from accessories, snacks and clothes to electronic goods and appliances. You have got to bargain to the fullest to get the best deals. Near and around Majeedhee Magu Road, there are several popular cafes, such as Caf- Asiana, which serves delicious food amidst great ambiance. Buy to your heart’s content without worrying about the expense, as you can bargain here to your heart’s content as well. Make the best of your shopping experience at Majeedhee Magu Road. Some of the things you can purchase from here are local cosmetics, local jewelry, dried fish and chips and canned smoked fish.
Majeedhee Magu Road
Address: Majedhee Magu Road, Male, Maldives
Opening hours: 9am - 11pm (daily)
3. Enjoy yourself with your children at Rasrani Bageechaa
Rasrani Bageechaa is what Sultan’s Park was renamed in the year 2017. It was built on the demolished grounds of a 16th-century Royal Palace. This is an extremely vibrant place as the likes of any entertainment parks in Dubai. There are several playgrounds that Rasrani Bageechaa flanks, which are sure to appeal to children. The biggest park in Male is proud to comprise about 18,000 trees, none of which had been tampered with during the development of the park. It includes, among other exciting facilities, a treehouse, known as Rasrani view, a classroom, conference rooms, a fountain, a green tunnel to view the old royal site’s greenery and an art deck providing a view of the whole park.
Rasrani Bageechaa
Address: Rasrani Bageecha, Male’ City, Maldives
Website: Rasrani Bageechaa
Opening hours: 6am - 8:30pm (daily)
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4. Learn about the history of the Maldives at the National Museum
The National Museum in Male was gifted to the Maldivians by the Chinese. It embodies a rich source of history of the Maldives. Several relics from the Buddhist to the Islamic era, including weaponry, household wares and Arabic- and Thaana-engraved wood craftwork adorns the shelves of the Museum. It also consists of various pieces of antique technology and the modern period, such as the first gramophone of the country and lacquer work items, which the Maldives is known for. The 6-meter (20-foot) long skeleton of a very scarce species of whale typifies the more unconventional and strange collection that the Museum boasts.
National Museum
Address: Chaandhanee Magu, Malé, Maldives
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 10am - 4pm
5. Go on a whale submarine tour
The Whale Submarine tour involves a 45-minute expedition of 100 feet (30 meters) beneath the ocean. The submarine dive site is at about a 15-minute distance from Male, and a complimentary boat will usually pick you up from either the airport or from Male city. The submarine cruises very slowly through the waters for you to catch a good glimpse of the coral reef, manta rays and the reef sharks if you’re lucky. The submarine has a fish feeding system to attract fishes for you to watch. Shoal of beautiful fishes swimming towards you in crystal clear water is a sight to behold. Make sure you click enough pictures and videos to boast about your experience to your friends back home.
Whale submarine tour Maldives
Address: Laccadive Sea, Maldives
Website: Whale submarine tour Maldives
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 10am - 2pm; Fri: 1pm - 4pm (closed on Sat)
6. Visit the palace of the former president - Theemuge
Theemuge, situated opposite the Hukuru Miskiiy, has been occupied by four presidents of the Maldivian republic until now. It is a grand sight to catch. However, you are not allowed to get in. You can admire it from outside. It used to be the former presidential abode, which is now the supreme court. It is representative of the architecture of the colonial era and gets its name from some of the Muslim rulers of the Maldives, displaying the grandeur that it embodies.
Theemuge
Address: Orchid Magu, Malé 20208, Maldives
Website: Theemuge
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 8:30am - 2pm (closed on Fri & Sat)
7. Enjoy solitary bliss at the Artificial Beach
Get away from the humdrum of the downtown Male city to enjoy solitary bliss at the man-made beach. The Artificial Beach is made out of breakwater tetrapods. It’s a great place to enjoy a long swim, a stroll by the beach during sunset or a glass of wine in seclusion at one of the stunning beach shacks. There are often live music performers you will find in these shacks to accompany you while you dig into some great seafood, inclusive of prawns and crabs and yummy cocktails. the natural beaches are usually overcrowded. So, give yourself a break from the crowd and experience a peaceful time for yourself.
Artificial Beach
Address: Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Male 20082
Website: Artificial Beach
8. Pay your respects at the old mosque of Hukuru Miskiiy
This mosque was built in the year 1656. The mosque is embellished with a script from the Quran inscribed on its walls. It also shows off intricate designs, reflecting the talent of the artists during the rule of the Sultans. Its fantastic work of art draws people from all around the world. However, a non-Muslim needs to get permission from the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, to enter the mosque. On some occasions, you may be allowed in if you are conservatively dressed and it is not the time for prayers.
Hukuru Miskiiy
Address: Mosque in Malé, Maldives
Website: Hukuru Miskiiy
9. Buy a shoal of fresh fish at the Malé Fish Market
To the west of Republic Square is the famous Malé Fish Market. Located at a commercial area, the market gets flocked with fish lovers especially during the hours between dawn and noon. The locals are very attracted to the Tuna that is sold here. The fish market, even though it gets very crowded, is kept clean, which keeps bringing back customers and continues to be a favorite of the locals. Cooking fresh fish with equally fresh and flavourful herbs is an intense form of joy in itself, especially for the lovers of fish. Cut down on the expense incurred from eating at expensive restaurants outside and whip up an amazing meal at home for yourself.
Malé Fish Market
Address: 188 Ibrahim Hassan Didi Magu, Malé 20188, Maldives
Website: Malé Fish Market
Opening hours: 7am - 8pm (daily)
10. Sign up for a tour with Secret Paradise Maldives Tours
Secret Paradise tour operators provide tours of all kinds from underwater trips to sustainable tours. They make sure that their tours are informative so that tourists can take something back from them. You will have intimate experiences like sharing a meal with a local family, exchanging stories with locals and traveling by public ferry. All in all, you will live the life of a Maldivian. Your experience will be nothing less and nothing more than what is akin to the daily lives of a local of the Maldives.
Secret Paradise
Address: Huvandhumaa Hingun, 23052, Maldives
Website: Secret Paradise
Opening hours: Sat - Thu: 9am - 5:30pm (closed on Fri)
11. Visit another artificial beach - Rasfannu
Rasfannu is another artificial beach in the Maldives. The beach is surrounded by breakwater tetrapods preventing the large waves from encroaching, however, the space amidst the breakwaters makes way for the seawater to enter, forming a natural swimming pool. Rasfannu Beach offers recreational activities like swimming, fishing and jogging tracks among other things.
Rasfannu
Address: Laccadive Sea, Maldives
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
12. Hang out on Republic Square (Sagareyy Park)
Popular among youngsters is the lush green Republic Square along the waterfront. It hosts, on its grounds, the largest flag of the country, which is definitely a sight to catch. Situated close to some of the most prominent buildings such as the Islamic Centre and the new headquarters of the police, it makes for a nice place to spend some time with close ones and overlook the notable buildings.
Republic Square
Address: Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Malé, Maldives
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
13. Taste authentic Thai food at Sala Thai
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The owner of this restaurant is German, but the food served is authentic Thai cuisine. The food is quite reasonably priced and the portions are huge. You’re going to taste mouth-watering Thai curries with absolutely the perfect amount of spice. Also, the seating arrangement is great. There is seating space upstairs as well, with enough space to occupy large groups. So, feel free to come with family and friends to enjoy a hearty meal of the delicious Mussaman curry. You also get gluten-free noodles here. Amazing, isn’t it?
Sala Thai
Address: Buruneege Hithaffinivaa Magu, Malé, Maldives
Website: Sala Thai
Opening hours: Thu - Sat: 12pm - 12am; Fri: 5pm - 11:30pm
14. Visit the historic tomb of Medhu Ziyaaraiy
The tomb of Medhu Ziyaaraiy is iconic because it is the tomb of the traveler and the scholar who introduced Islam to the Maldives - Abdul Barakat Yoosuf Al Barbary. Apparently, he was the man who saved the nation from an evil named Rannamaari by citing the Quran, which inspired the king to convert to Islam. Several people regularly visit the tomb to pay homage to the scholar for bringing Islam to the Maldives.
Medhu Ziyaaraiy
Address: Medhuziyaarai Magu, Malé, Maldives
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
15. Enjoy exotic treatment at Sheri Salon & Spa
Sheri Salon & Spa, located at a 10-minute distance from the airport, offers a range of treatments and services that can be availed. The service is very professional and of great quality. The team is very friendly. The prices paid for the treatments are quite reasonable too. They almost always have a good discount on their services, to suit the budget of their customers, but the quality of service is always first class.
Sheri Salon & Spa
Address: G. Nirolhu Magu Male, Maldives 20088
Website: Sheri Salon & Spa
16. Watch a game at the Maldives National Football Stadium
The Maldives National Football Stadium, also known as the Rasmee Dhandu Stadium, is mainly used by the Dhivehi League for football matches and also for international football matches. The stadium has a seating capacity for 11000 spectators and had recently been renovated to house a media box, which played its role in the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup. You must buy tickets to a football match held in this stadium, for an experience to cherish.
National Football Stadium
Address: Majeedhee Magu Rd, Malé, Maldives
Website: National Football Stadium
17. Enjoy coffee and jazz music at Jazz Café
The theme of this café has drawn obvious inspiration from the African-American music genre. The café has a fancy decoration with a variety of ice cream exhibited in a wooden display and all the furniture is of dark wood, including the floor. There is an open space upstairs, which allows a view of the Boduthakurufaanu. The cafe hosts open-mic nights when diners can join the live musicians in singing a line or two. It is a cozy place to sip on your coffee with some soothing music playing on the background.
Jazz Café
Address: Haveeree Hingun, Male 20282
Website: Jazz Café
Opening hours: Sat - Thu: 8am - 12am; Fri: 2pm - 12am
18. Read a book at the National Library
The famous Art Gallery established by the government in 1999 houses the National Library, displaying regular exhibits of local and international works of art, including photography, painting and conceptual artwork. The library was established in 1945 by Ameer Mohamed Amin DIdi (the head of the department of education at that time) and renamed to National Library in the year 1982 by President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. The library holds books in all languages, along with certain special collections, including paper cuttings, manuscripts, reports and journals.
National Library and the Art Gallery
Address: Malé 20131, Maldives
Website: National Library and the Art Gallery
Opening hours: Sun - Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Fri)
19. Stroll through the beautiful Sultan Park
Sultan Park, known for its lush greenery and calm atmosphere, was built on the grounds of the Royal Palace that had been demolished. It is one of the most well-known attractions in Male. Tourists flock the park all year round. The park embraces and represents the rich history of the Maldives. A part of the wing of the demolished palace remained and was rebuilt into the National Museum, whereas the rest of the land gave way to the beautiful park. It is a lovely place to discover and explore. There is a lot to see and a lot of things to learn about the Maldives’ history from this historical park.
Sultan Park
Address: Park in Malé, Maldives
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
20. Go on a snorkeling tour and sunset cruise (from USD 160.0)
An exciting group tour involving sandbank snorkeling, a sunset dolphin cruise, swimming and sunbathing - the quintessential Maldives tour. You will be accompanied by a guide and provided with the necessary equipment for snorkeling in two spots. Snorkeling is a wonderful experience. You will see beautiful marine creatures and the reef up close. The picturesque scenery will appear like a photograph to your eyes. A sunset cruise follows the snorkeling activity, which gives you a chance to spy on dolphins.
Sandbank Snorkeling and Sunset Cruise
Duration: 4 hours
21. Go on a thrilling snorkeling safari (from USD 100.0)
The snorkeling trip will allow you to visit the three popular snorkeling spots in the Maldives. This trip offers you ways to explore the underwater through these awesome forms of adventure sports, just like several other such trips. So, you travel on a speed boat and swim underwater with the marine life in three different locations, enjoying the breathtaking scenery engulfing you. You will also receive valuable lessons on the activity from informed guides.
3 Point Snorkeling Safari
Duration: 3 hours
22. Explore the Maldives as a local (from USD 33.0)
There is more to the Maldives than just its vast white sand beaches and its watersport activities. It is also rich in the cultural and historical front. So, this tour allows you to explore the less-explored parts of the country as a local would know and see it. This half-day tour is rather going to render a very non-touristy feel. You will visit local cafes and markets and also meet local artists and discuss art with them on a one-on-one basis.
Private Half-Day Local Experience of Malé【English/日本語】
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
23. Experience a boat dive activity (from USD 162.0)
The dive trips usually begin at 8:20 am from Malé city jetty. The boat then goes on to pick up other passengers and diving equipment from Hulhumalé before heading out to the diving sites. The diving spots are selected based on the experience level of the divers, the money spent and the weather. Prior requests can be made regarding the use of specific diving equipment and diving sites.
2- Tank Daily Boat Dive
Duration: 4 hours
Experience the charms of Malé
The list above is an extensive itinerary of the best ways you can spend time in Malé, Maldives. Choose your kind of activities and indulge in them alone or with your loved ones, for a memorable travel experience. Take plenty of photographs of the places that are less explored and yet amazing spots to tour. Journal your experiences and share it with others for them to be able to experience the same. With our comprehensive list above, you should be able to fully experience the charms of this fascinating city in the Maldives.
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