MV
Malé
The Maldives’ tiny, crowded capital, with coral-stone mosques and a busy fish market
The Maldives’ tiny, crowded capital, with coral-stone mosques and a busy fish market
Hukuru Miskiy, completed in 1658, is built of finely carved coral stone and surrounded by old tombstones.
Visits inside may require permission; ask locally.
Photo: Zairon, CC BY-SA 4.0
The golden-domed mosque of the Islamic Centre, opened in 1984, dominates the skyline. Visitors are usually admitted outside prayer times.
Dress modestly; women should cover their hair.
Photo: Zairon, CC BY-SA 4.0
On the northern waterfront, fishermen unload tuna from their boats in the afternoon. The local produce market is next door.
Photo: Buiobuione, CC BY-SA 4.0
Opened in 2018, the bridge links Malé with the airport island of Hulhulé and Hulhumalé.
Photo: Panda 51, CC BY-SA 4.0
Try mas huni (tuna, coconut and onion, eaten with flatbread at breakfast), garudhiya (fish soup) and hedhikaa, savoury snacks served in tea shops.
Local cafés are cheap; there is no alcohol in Malé.
Velana International Airport is on the neighbouring island of Hulhulé, about 10–15 minutes away by taxi over the bridge or by ferry.
Malé is small enough to walk; taxis are inexpensive.
The Maldives uses the rufiyaa (MVR); US dollars are widely accepted. Prices in Malé are far lower than at resorts.
Prices are approximate and may exclude taxes; check current rates.
A walking tour.
Visit the Old Friday Mosque and Grand Friday Mosque, Sultan Park and the National Museum, then the fish and produce markets, ending at the Artificial Beach.
Cover shoulders and knees; swimwear is for beaches only.
Alcohol is not available in Malé.
Many shops close for Friday prayers.
During Ramadan, eat and drink discreetly in public by day.
Quick answers for planning time in Malé.
Yes, for a half-day look at Maldivian life between flights or resort stays.
No, alcohol is only served on resort islands.
By taxi over the bridge or by ferry, in about 10–15 minutes.
About two square kilometres.
December to April, the drier season.
Planning a wider trip? Our Maldives travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.