Discover the culture, history and beauty around Malé
Attractions
Explore the places that make Malé and its islands special: historic mosques and museums, busy markets, quiet parks and the sea that is never far away.
Each place below tells you where it is, why it is worth a visit and anything you should know before you go.
Places to visit
17 places
History & cultureSultan Park, Malé
The country's main collection of royal objects, old manuscripts and pre-Islamic artefacts, set in the grounds of the former palace.
Why go: The clearest introduction to Maldivian history in one place.
Opening days and ticket prices change, and it is usually closed on Fridays. Check before you go.
History & cultureMedhuziyaaraiy Magu, Malé
Built in 1658 from carved coral stone, with fine woodwork and calligraphy inside and an old cemetery around it. The minaret was added in 1675.
Why go: Some of the finest traditional coral-stone craftsmanship in the country.
Non-Muslim visitors need permission to go inside. Ask at the Islamic Centre, dress modestly and visit outside prayer times.
History & cultureMedhuziyaaraiy Magu, Malé
One of the largest mosques in Malé, opened in 1984. Its golden dome is the landmark you will see from the water.
Why go: An important religious landmark and the symbol of the city skyline.
Dress modestly, remove your shoes and visit outside prayer times. Ask at the entrance before going in.
History & cultureNorthern waterfront, Malé
A large open square by the harbour, with the national flag flying above it.
Why go: The civic heart of the capital, with sea views and space to breathe.
A good place to start a walking tour of the old centre.
Medhuziyaaraiy Magu, Malé
An elegant early 20th-century building that serves as the official residence of the President of the Maldives.
Why go: A handsome example of early 20th-century architecture in old Malé.
It is not open to the public. View it from the street and respect any security rules.
Parks & beachesMedhuziyaaraiy Magu, Malé
A shady garden on the grounds of the former royal palace, around the National Museum.
Why go: A cool, green break from the busy streets.
Entry to the park is free. It may be closed for maintenance or events.
Parks & beachesHenveiru, near Maaveli Hotel
A small man-made beach on the eastern seafront where locals meet, especially in the evenings and at weekends.
Why go: The closest beach to the hotel and a lively place to watch city life.
Wear modest swimwear. Swimming conditions vary with the sea.
Western seafront, Maafannu, Malé
A larger artificial beach on the west side of Malé, with places to sit and swim. It has recently been renovated.
Why go: Sunsets over the sea, right in the city.
Check it is open before you go, as parts close for maintenance at times.
Parks & beachesCentral Hulhumalé
A large green park with paths, a pond and play areas.
Why go: Space, greenery and a relaxed evening atmosphere.
Combine it with an afternoon on Hulhumalé beach.
Markets & shoppingNorthern waterfront, Malé
Fishermen bring in tuna and reef fish and prepare it on the spot. It is busiest when the boats come back in.
Why go: An authentic, everyday side of Malé that most visitors never see.
Floors can be wet and slippery. Ask before photographing people.
Next to the Fish Market, Malé
Stalls of fruit, vegetables, dried fish, chillies and local snacks.
Why go: Taste and see what Maldivians cook at home.
Small notes in local currency (rufiyaa) are useful here.
Right outside Maaveli Hotel
One of Malé's longest and busiest streets, lined with shops, cafés and small businesses.
Why go: Everyday shopping, a short walk from your room.
Many shops close briefly at prayer times.
Chaandhanee Magu and the waterfront
Small shops sell souvenirs, crafts and gifts, especially around Chaandhanee Magu and near the harbour.
Why go: Easy, last-minute gifts to take home.
Do not buy coral, turtle shell or other protected marine products.
Scenic placesEastern shore of Hulhumalé
A long, wide beach of white sand and shallow, clear water.
Why go: The best beach within easy reach of Malé.
This is a local beach: modest swimwear is expected.
Scenic placesVilimalé
A small, quiet beach on Vilimalé, a short ferry ride west of Malé.
Why go: Calm water and a slower pace.
Take your rubbish with you.
Scenic placesBetween Malé and the airport island
The bridge that links Malé with the airport island and Hulhumalé, opened in 2018.
Why go: A striking modern landmark over the sea.
Best seen from the eastern seafront in the evening, or as you cross by bus or taxi.
Scenic placesBoduthakurufaanu Magu, Malé
The road around the edge of the island, with harbours, boats and sea views.
Why go: Boats coming and going and the breeze off the sea.
Lovely for an evening walk when it is cooler.
Visitor information
Malé is a Muslim city and people's home. These simple habits will be noticed and appreciated.
Go outside prayer times, remove your shoes and ask before entering. Non-Muslims need permission to enter Hukuru Miskiy.
Cover your shoulders and knees. Women may be asked to cover their hair inside mosques.
Ask before photographing people. Do not photograph worshippers, and respect signs at government buildings.
City and local-island beaches are public: wear modest swimwear and take your rubbish with you.
It is hot and humid all year. Visit outdoor sights early or late in the day and carry water.
Hours change on Fridays, public holidays and during Ramadan. Check before you go, or ask at reception.
For official visitor information, see Visit Maldives.
Explore nearby
Photo: xiquinhosilva, CC BY 4.0 The capital: mosques, markets, parks and the busy waterfront, right outside the hotel.
Explore Malé
Photo: Saaremees, CC BY-SA 4.0 Wide streets, a long public beach and cafés by the sea, across the Sinamalé Bridge.
Discover HulhumaléPhoto: Adam Jones, CC BY-SA 2.0 A green, quiet island a short ferry ride west of Malé.
Discover VilimaléPhoto credits. The Islamic Centre and Grand Friday Mosque in Malé: Zairon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. A royal seat on display inside the National Museum in Malé: Zairon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Hukuru Miskiy, the Old Friday Mosque, built from coral stone: Zairon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Republic Square in Malé, with the national flag flying: Sergei Gussev, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Paths and tropical trees in Sultan Park, Malé: Zairon, 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. A coconut palm heavy with fruit in Hulhumalé: 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 long beach on the eastern shore of Hulhumalé: goldpicasa, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. A quiet beach on Vilimalé: Adam Jones, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Aerial view of the Sinamalé Bridge linking Malé with the airport island: Panda 51, CC BY-SA 4.0, 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. Other photos: Unsplash.
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