Capital City - Places of Interest
Male', The Capital City
Male’, the capital of the Maldives, serves as the main gateway for visitors arriving at Velana International Airport. Despite its small size – about 2km long and 1km wide – Male’ offers various services typical of any capital city. Although many visitors bypass Male’ and head straight to their resort islands, some opt for transit hotels in Male’ or Hulhumale. Hulhumale, an artificial reclamation island, is larger than Male’ and can be explored in just over an hour on foot. Even though visitors often head directly to their resorts, many take day trips organized by the resorts to explore Male’. Despite its small size and dense population of around 70,000, Male’ offers essential services such as a post office, internet access, bookshops, travel agents, and numerous eateries.
Points of Interest
Male' features several points of interest, including the grand Islamic center and mosque. The Hukuru Miskiiy mosque, dating back to the 1650s, is the oldest mosque in Male'. Additionally, the National Museum showcases artifacts once owned by the Sultans, while Muleeaage, initially built as a palace, is now used as the presidential residence.
Shopping and Dining
Chandanee Magu and Orchid Magu in Male' host numerous souvenir shops and cafes. Tea shops are popular and offer affordable snacks and drinks. Restaurants in Male' serve a variety of cuisines, including Italian, Thai, Indian, Mediterranean, and Chinese. Most hotels have their own in-house restaurants.
Food Culture
Male' boasts numerous eateries serving international cuisine. Tea shops are prevalent, offering both small snacks and larger, more filling dishes known as "long eats." In summary, Male', Maldives, may be small, but it offers a glimpse into Maldivian culture, history, and cuisine, making it worth a visit for those looking to explore beyond the resort islands.
Entertainment
While Male' isn't known for its nightlife, it offers some entertainment options. Cinemas like Schwach and Olympus on Majeedee Magu provide indoor entertainment, while New Harbor occasionally hosts outdoor concerts.
Exploring Male' and Hulhumale
Discovering Male’ and Hulhumale Urban hubs amidst the Maldivian paradise. Explore local life and essential services in these vibrant island cities.
Islamic Centre-Mosque
Islamic Centre-Mosque The Islamic Centre acts as a major tourist attraction of Malé, because of its location near the main jetty of Malé and due to the beautiful architecture of the mosque. The magnificent golden dome of the mosque is
Hukuru Miskiiy-Grand Friday Mosque
Hukuru Miskiiy-Grand Friday Mosque Built in 1658 AD, by the then Sultan of the Maldives, the Friday Mosque is a unique example of meticulous coral stone architecture and detailed lacquer work. Built within a span of two years, the Male’
Mulee-Aage- Presidential Residence
Mulee-Aage- Presidential Residence Mulee Aage Palace is located in front of the Friday Mosque in Male. It is a prominent historical attraction and its unique design reflects on the creativity and imagination of its architects. The enormous iron gates in
Medhu Ziyaarai-Tomb of Abul Barakath Al Yusuf Al Barubari
Medhu Ziyaarai-Tomb of Abul Barakath Al Yusuf Al Barubari Medhu Ziyaarath, located opposite the Hukuru Miskiiy is the shrine of Al-Hafiz Abu Barakaath Yusuf al Barbari, From North Africa-Morocco-Maghrebi According to the people of Maldives, he was the one responsible
Ali Rasgefaanu Ziyaarai-Tomb of Ali Rasgefaanu
Ali Rasgefaanu Ziyaarai-Tomb of Ali Rasgefaanu The darkest chapter of Maldives history began when the Portuguese martyred King Ali (VI) (Alias: Ali Rasggefaanu) and ruthlessly ruled the Maldives for 15 years. The cruelty of the Portuguese domination from 1558 to
Mohamed Thakurufaanu Ziyaarai-Tomb of Mohamed Thakurufaanu
Mohamed Thakurufaanu Ziyaarai-Tomb of Mohamed Thakurufaanu Mohamed Thakurufaanu Al-azam is the most celebrated hero in the history of Maldives. After saving the Maldives from the Portuguese conquerors, Mohamed Thakurufaanu ruled the Maldives as king from 1573 to 1585 AD.
Sultan Park & National Museum
Sultan Park & National Museum National museum in Maldives is one of the main tourist attraction destinations of the country. Located in the Sultan Park, which was a part of the Sultan’s palace, it is basically a conversion of the
Jumhooree Maidan
Jumhooree Maidan Located along the northern waterfront in Male, Jumhooree Maidan in Maldives was set up in the year 1989. More commonly known as the republic square of Maldives, the Jumhooree Maidan with its green grass and lush vegetation
Artificial Beach & Rasfannu Beach
Artificial Beach & Rasfannu Beach Though, there are a number of beautiful white sandy beaches in Maldives, but its capital city, where all the commercial activities are carried out, is unfortunately not blessed with beaches. For people in Male, there
Fish Market & Local Market
Fish Market & Local Market One of the popular tourist places in Maldives is the Male Fish Market. The fish market provides the tourists with an excellent opportunity to absorb the local culture, and to intermingle with the Maldivians. This
Central Park -Hulhumale
Central Park -Hulhumale The Hulhumale Central Park is a park located in the central region of Hulhumale Island. It has ample greenery and a clean environment which serves to be a significant factor for relaxation in Hulhumale, Though the place
