Best Things To Do In Malé – Maldives Travel

Malé Maldives is the capital and most populous city in the Republic of Maldives. Some of our clients that visited Maldives actually extended a day to take a visit to Malé island. Together with our clients that have been to Malé, we bring you the top 7 best things to do in Malé Island. We will run through some Malé Maldives hotels although we recommend you to stay at Hullamale instead.

With a population of 133,412 and an area of 5.8 square kilometers, it is also one of the most densely populated cities in the world. The city is geographically located at the southern edge of North Malé Atoll. Administratively, the city consists of a central island, an airport island, and two other islands governed by the Malé City Council.

7 Best Things To Do In Malé

1 Visit the Markets

While an excursion to the local market is must on the bucket list of any traveler, the fish and fruit markets in Malé will give you an understanding of life on atolls that is difficult to obtain elsewhere in the Maldives.

Located a stone’s throw from Jumhooree Maidan, the fish market is the vibrant heart of the Maldivian fishing industry, from which the country depended for centuries before the advent of tourism. Outside, you can see fishermen returning from the sea and carrying their catch across the busy street (most often tuna), which will then be weighed and sold.

2 Historical Attractions of Paradise

The place of kings and sultans for nearly 900 years, Male has many stories on this theme. On arrival, from the airport you can take a stroll along the Boduthakurufaanu Magu – named after the winner over the Portuguese in the 16th century, and then through Sultan Park to Jumhooree Maidan (republic square), that marks the Sultanate’s finale in 1968.

From here, you are not far from the national museum, the Friday mosque of the 17th century Hukuru Miskiiy, and Muleeaage is a colorful presidential residence.

Official guides are registered with the Ministry of Tourism, or can be recommended by your hotel or guest house. The city of contrasts, and even more exciting for an exciting excursion, the Maldivians are proud of their history and always strive to share facts with guests.

3. Enjoy Local Food

Maldives is envious of the whole world thanks to the abundance of marine life and white sandy beaches with fringed palm trees, but not these resources have helped to achieve the country’s culinary grandeur. Isolated in tropical seas, Maldivian cuisine for most of its history had to rely on the creative marriage of coconut and tuna. However, these restrictions have resulted in at least one dish that can be found and tried anywhere.

Mashuni roshi consists of from tuna, coconut, and chili peppers in combination, which may not be to everyone’s liking – but works great. An appetizing dish eaten with roshi (thin bread like chapati) and a bonus in the form of fried eggs is the best way to start the day in the Maldives. Available almost everywhere, the ‘kada’ cafe in central Malé cooks different types of this culinary treasure and is also very cheap.

Between four and six o’clock, Malé stands still for a ‘hedhika’ – a snack – which combines a creative buffet of snacks, where you will find tuna, coconuts, potatoes, and eggs.

4. Atoll Transfers

If you really want to get a real sense of life on the islands, find out before the force and life of the ocean. As the capital – and the official entry point to the Maldives – Malé remains the transport hub for everything that comes to the city by air or sea.

With 12 airports, the Maldives quickly expanded access to atolls, but there is also a national network of public ferries, which are traditionally enjoyed by islanders to get to and from the capital. Traveling by ferry to remote atolls can take days, but central atolls can be reached within a few hours.

5. Get entranced by the elegance of the Grand Friday Mosque

The biggest and most important mosque in the country, the Grand Friday Mosque is an excellent example of simple yet striking architecture. Built using a pure white marble, embellished with nothing but the majestic golden dome, this mosque is elegant & unique and offers a splendid view of the sea. A visit to the mosque should be amongst the first things to do in Malé in your itinerary.

6. Visit the Hukuru Miskiiy (Old Friday Mosque)

Of all the top 7 things to do in Malé, Maldives, a visit to the city’s oldest mosque and most historic building is a must. Built in 1658, the Hukuru Miskiiy was added to UNESCO’s tentative cultural list owing to its unique architecture. Built using coral and timber, the exquisite & elaborately carved wooden panels and fine lacquer work inside the mosque is quite fascinating. And the Quranic verses carved into corals are a unique feature of this beautiful house of worship.

7. Catch a breath of fresh air at the lush Rasrani Bageecha

Earlier known as Sultan Park, the city’s very own green oasis is a great place to escape the hustle-bustle and relax amidst lily ponds and large shady trees. This calm and quiet garden has a lovely fountain with changing colors and shooting patterns, as well as a kids play area for some unadulterated fun.