--- title: "What to see in Malé, the capital of the Maldives". description: "You are in the Maldives and the same question always comes up.... Is it worth visiting Male, the capital of the Maldives? Many will tell you no, but I tell you that if you have the chance, do it now..." url: https://laindiaentusmanos.com/en/male/ date: 2024-03-09 modified: 2025-04-11 author: "Isabel" image: https://laindiaentusmanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/male-maldivas.jpg categories: ["Monuments"] tags: ["Maldives"]] type: post lang: en --- # What to see in Malé, the capital of Maldives You are in the Maldives and the same question always comes up... **Is it worth visiting Malé, the capital of the Maldives?** Many will tell you no, but I say if you have the chance, do it because you will see local life in its purest form. If you are one of those who prefer to stay in a resort and stay away from bustling places, then don't visit Malé...but I warn you that you will miss out on an experience in the capital of the Maldives. ## Malé, the capital of Maldives **Malé is the most populated island in the Maldives ** The island is only 5.7 square kilometers but has a population of 136,000, making it one of the most densely populated cities in the world. It is the administrative and commercial center where are the offices of many hotels and logistics centers as well as many businesses to supply all hotels, restaurants and other establishments. The city of Malé is chaotic... but nothing compared to its neighbor India. I take this opportunity to tell you that there are many flights from India to Malé and that a combined trip from India and Maldives is a perfect option 😊. Although it is not a particularly beautiful city, I confirm...it is not, it is the place where you can soak in the local culture and get into their day to day life and lifestyle. For that reason,** I always recommend visiting it since it is part of the history of the country** and where most things happen since in the islands everything is very very quiet. In the capital of Maldives there are plenty of restaurants, stores and cafes. The best way to move around the city of Malé is by motorcycle, and believe me it is full of two-wheeled vehicles :) ## What to see in Malé, Maldives - What to do in Malé If you are still not sure whether to visit Malé or not, here** I propose you a list of things to see in the capital of the Maldives** with my best intention to convince you to visit it! #### Fish market For me this visit is a must because in a country surrounded by water, **fish is their main local product**. Be prepared to see giant tuna and all kinds of fish laid out on slabs on the ground. The best time to come is in the afternoon when the fishermen arrive in the *Dhonis* (traditional boats) with their fresh goods and the auction begins. Truly, this is a unique activity in Malé but it is not suitable if you are sensitive to smells (especially the intense smell of fish). #### Malé local market This market is just in front of the fish market and **in its stalls you will find all kinds of exotic fruits**, many of them coming from (https://laindiaentusmanos.com/viajar-a-la-india/), Sri Lanka or Thailand as (https://laindiaentusmanos.com/viajar-a-las-maldivas/) is quite limited in terms of agricultural production...its most abundant products are fish and coconuts! There is a **local market area dedicated to dried and smoked fish** in several varieties and you can also find some typical sweets such as *Bondi*, made with coconut and sugar and rolled in a leaf like a cigar. An experience for all the senses! #### Hukuru Miskiiy - Old Friday Mosque On the small island of Malé there are many, many mosques but the **Ancient Friday Mosque** is the oldest mosque in the country and the only remaining building of the ancient and royalist capital. Its walls are made of coral carved with the utmost delicacy. In 2008 it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site as the only monument made of coral. Non-Muslim visitors are not always allowed in but you can try your luck between 9am and 5pm (remember to wear appropriate clothing). Next to the mosque there is a small cemetery where there are tombstones of some Sultans who marked the history of the country (tombstones marked in gold). #### Friday Grand Mosque This mosque is the largest in Malé and the Maldives. It was inaugurated in 1984 and was financed by several Muslim countries. #### Medhu Ziyaaraiy It is the tomb of the Moroccan scholar Abdul Barakat Yoosuf, **who introduced Islam to the Maldives in 1153. Legend has it that Abdul helped the Maldivian people get rid of a sea demon called Rannamari and because of this the king agreed to convert the Maldives and its people to Islam. Locals visit the tomb to thank Abdul for showing them the way and for enlightening their lives with Islam. #### Artificial Beach This is the only beach in the capital of Maldives and in the evenings **it is usually a very crowded place for the local population, they sit there with a coffee or Red Bull (very consumed drink in Maldives) to socialize and watch life go by. This beach is not Bikini Beach so if you want to swim it must be as the locals do with shorts and t-shirt... unless you have a nice burkini. #### Sultan Park and National Museum If we travel back in time, **this park was one of the gardens of the Sultan's palace.** It does not have the splendor of yesteryear but it is still a beautiful enclave in the capital of the Maldives. Sultan Park, like the man-made beach, is a favorite place for locals to hang out and socialize. **The National Museum was also part of the boundaries of the Sultan's Palace. In this museum you can relive the history of the Maldives and its different eras and conquerors. #### Tsunami Monument This monument is a tribute to the victims of the Tsunami of 2004 which took more than 100 lives and many missing. The monument is **made of metal spheres symbolizing the atolls of the Maldives** and **the ascending design replicates the rising sea level**. The rods represent each person who passed away and each has the name engraved on it. **This monument reminds us that the sea is the country's greatest ally but can also become its worst enemy. #### Hulhumale Island This island is annexed to the airport and in recent years has been developed as a residential area as Malé no longer gives for more and needed more land to build. It does not have much to see but you can walk around and see the differences between Hulhumale and Malé, the first being much quieter and more organized. Accommodation options in Hulhumale have proliferated quite a lot and many prefer to spend a night here before their return flight as it is closer to the airport and much more relaxed than the chaotic Malé. ## Flights to Male **Some of the airlines that fly to the Maldives include Turkish Airlines, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Iberia... I want to (https://laindiaentusmanos.com/vuelo-barato-a-india/) and read the (https://laindiaentusmanos.com/viajar-a-las-maldivas/#Consejos_para_viajar_barato_a_Maldivas_). ## Maldives Airport in Malé The Malé airport is called (https://www.maleairport.com/) and is located on the island of Hulhule. It is very small and is always crowded. All resorts and hotels have their booth or lounge and welcome travelers upon arrival. ## Getting to Malé from the airport You can take the public Ferry which takes about 15-20 min to Malé Island, another option is a cab to Malé via the Sinamale Bridge which opened in 2018. ## Hotels in Malé Although Malé is not a very touristy city, there are some travelers who decide to spend a night to discover the capital of Maldives before taking their return flight. In addition, there are many local travelers who visit the city of Male to make administrative formalities. Therefore, one of the most populated cities in the world per square meter, has many hotels. If you want **accommodation in Male**, I recommend (https://www.booking.com/hotel/mv/samann-grand.en.html?aid=8026088&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2), just 2 minutes from the artificial beach and the hotel (https://www.booking.com/hotel/mv/summer-beach.en.html?aid=8026088&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2) also the same area and with very good views. If you are looking for cheap accommodation in Male, (https://www.booking.com/hotel/mv/reef-guest-house.en.html?aid=8026088&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2) is one of the favorites in the capital of Maldives. ## Map of Malé I hope you are encouraged to visit **Male** and enjoy all there is to see in the capital of the Maldives. I'd love to hear about your experience when you return. I'll read you in comments :)