HistoryHukuru Miskiy (Old Friday Mosque)
Medhuziyaaraiy Magu, Malé
Built from carved coral stone in 1658, it is the oldest mosque in Malé.
Read morePhoto: Zairon, CC BY-SA 4.0
Explore Malé City
Discover the heart of the Maldives
Malé City
Discover the busy capital of the Maldives and the islands around it. Explore Malé's landmarks and lively streets, enjoy the beach at Hulhumalé, and slow down on quiet, green Vilimalé.
Discover the capital
A whole country's capital on one small island
Malé fits the government, the main harbour, markets, mosques, parks and hundreds of shops and cafés onto one compact island. It is easy to explore on foot, and every street ends at the sea.
Maaveli Hotel is at H. Coil on Majeedhee Magu in Henveiru, one of the city's main shopping streets, a short walk from the Artificial Beach and the eastern seafront.
Explore nearby
Three islands, three moods
Malé, Hulhumalé and Vilimalé are close together. A bridge links Malé with the airport island and Hulhumalé, and a short ferry takes you west to Vilimalé.
Photo: Saaremees, CC BY-SA 4.0 Hulhumalé
Wide streets, a long public beach and cafés by the sea, across the Sinamalé Bridge.
Discover Hulhumalé
Photo: Adam Jones, CC BY-SA 2.0 Vilimalé
A green, quiet island a short ferry ride west of Malé.
Discover VilimaléPhoto: Zairon, CC BY-SA 4.0 Attractions
Historic mosques, museums, markets and beaches worth your time.
See the attractionsThings to see and do
Start with these
Most of Malé's sights are within a 20-minute walk of each other, so you can see several in a morning.
History
LandmarkGrand Friday Mosque
Islamic Centre, Malé
Its golden dome is the most recognisable sight on the Malé skyline.
Read morePhoto: Zairon, CC BY-SA 4.0
ParkSultan Park and the National Museum
Medhuziyaaraiy Magu, Malé
Shady gardens on the grounds of the old royal palace, with the country's history in the museum.
Read morePhoto: Zairon, CC BY-SA 4.0
MarketFish Market
Northern waterfront, Malé
Watch the day's tuna come in from the boats, with fruit and vegetable stalls next door.
Read morePhoto: Buiobuione, CC BY-SA 4.0
BeachArtificial Beach
Henveiru, near the hotel
The city's seaside meeting place, busiest in the evenings and at weekends.
Read morePhoto: David Stanley, CC BY 2.0
Shopping
Majeedhee Magu
Right outside the hotel
One of Malé's longest and busiest streets, lined with shops, cafés and small businesses.
Practical information
Before you head out
Malé is a working city with a strong local culture. A few simple habits make your visit easier.
Getting around
Walking is the easiest way to see Malé. Taxis are easy to find, and public buses and ferries link Malé with Hulhumalé, the airport and Vilimalé.
What to wear
Cover your shoulders and knees in the city, and wear modest swimwear at local beaches.
Prayer times
Many shops and cafés close for a short time at each of the five daily prayers. Friday mornings are quiet.
No alcohol
Alcohol is not sold in Malé or on other local islands. Bringing it into the country is not allowed.
Weather
Warm all year. December to April is usually drier, and May to November brings more rain and wind.
Photography
Ask before photographing people, and do not photograph worshippers inside mosques.
For public bus and ferry times, see Raajje Transport Link (RTL). For more on visiting the Maldives, see Visit Maldives.
Explore more
Your base for Malé
Stay at Maaveli Hotel and have the capital on your doorstep, with Hulhumalé and Vilimalé a short trip away.
Photo credits. Aerial view of Malé City, the capital of the Maldives, surrounded by the sea: Shahee Ilyas, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Malé City seen from the water, with the golden dome of the Grand Friday Mosque: xiquinhosilva, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Hulhumalé beach, with white sand, palm trees and turquoise water: Saaremees, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. A quiet beach on Vilimalé: Adam Jones, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Hukuru Miskiy, the Old Friday Mosque, built from coral stone: Zairon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. The Islamic Centre and Grand Friday Mosque in Malé: Zairon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Paths and tropical trees in Sultan Park, Malé: Zairon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Fresh tuna laid out at the Malé fish market: Buiobuione, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. The Artificial Beach on the eastern seafront of Malé: David Stanley, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Other photos: Unsplash.
