10 Best Things To Do In Malé For A Non-Cliché Maldivian Getaway!

Maldives’ thriving and bustling capital is a quirky city that offers the chance to witness the real ‘Maldivian’ way of life and interact with its locals. There are so many things to do in Malé to get a glimpse of the culture and traditions of the country that you’d definitely have the time of your life there. Surrounded by turquoise waters & built in a grid pattern, this densely populated island is a great place for wandering and exploring the lively markets, restaurants & cafes, pretty mosques, and museums. So, before you hit the tranquil island resorts in the Maldives, make sure you stop by at Malé & witness its beauty like a local for a couple of days.

10 Things To Do In Malé, The Vibrant Capital Of Maldives

While the city of Malé beholds experiences galore for its tourists and people, here’s a list of the best 10 for making your holiday in the Maldives absolutely unique!

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

Image Source

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.

Location: Ibrahimee Magu, Corner of Medhuziyaarai Magu, Malé
Timings: 9AM – 11:30AM, 1PM – 3PM, 4PM – 5PM (All days except Thursday &
Friday); 9AM – 11:30AM, 1PM – 3PM (Thursday); 2PM- 3PM and 4PM – 5PM (Friday)

Maldives Holiday Packages On TravelTriangle

Experience the best of Maldives with its snorkeling trips, coral islands, fishing tours, and sandy beaches. Holiday Packages at the Best Rate. Get customized deals from expert agents on TravelTriangle. Book Now!

2. Discover historical treasures at the National Museum

Image Source

Spread across three floors & housed inside the lovely Sultan Park, this well-laid out and informative museum with Quran engravings on the wall allows a better understanding of the country’s history. The first floor displays weaponry as well as religious and household artifacts giving an insight into Maldives’ medieval history, while the second floor exhibits the modern era. One of the best things to do in Malé for history enthusiasts, the museum will take you on a journey through the Buddhist era and the Islamic period through the memorabilia such as stones, antique treasures, and more.

Location: Chaandhanee Magu, Malé, Maldives
Timings: 10AM – 4PM (Saturday to Thursday)
Entry Fee: MVR 100 for adults and MVR 20 for children

3. Enjoy a break from the hustle & bustle at Artificial Beach

Image Source

When you’re wondering what to do in Malé for a quick respite from the hustle-bustle of the city, heading to this small man-made beach on the East side of the island is a great idea. Frequented by the locals and expats, it’s one of the best beaches in Maldives for a swim in the crystal clear azure water and for relaxing on the fine white sands. With two restaurants, a few benches, a nice breeze, and view, it’s a chilled out place to spend a few hours. Though, one must bear in mind that it’s not a bikini beach and the swimwear restrictions must be adhered to.

Timings: Open for 24 hours

4. Visit the Hukuru Miskiiy (Old Friday Mosque)

Image Source

Of all the top 10 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.

Location: Medhuziyaarai Magu, Malé, Maldives
Timings: Best time to visit in the morning before noon prayer begins.

5. Find the finest catch at the Malé Fish Market

Image Source

Nothing beats a visit to the local market to feel the pulse of the city, interact with the locals, and understand their way of life. One of the most fun things to do in Malé city is heading to the local Fish Market abuzz with activities. Considered the soul of Malé, it is a fascinating place to watch an assortment of fresh fish from the adjacent harbor including yellow-fin tunas and huge octopuses.

Location: 188 Ibrahim Hassan Didi Magu, Malé 20188, Maldives
Timings: 7AM – 8PM

Planning your holiday in Maldives but confused about what to do? These Maldives travel stories help you find your best trip ever!

Real travel stories. Real stays. Handy tips to help you make the right choice.

6. Pay homage at the Tsunami Monument

Image Source

Close to the Artificial Beach, this lovely memorial for the 2004 Tsunami victims is a tranquil place. With its interesting design and structure, the spiraling monument is also a solemn reminder of the power of nature over our lives. One of the most soul-soothing things to do in Malé is to gaze at the beautiful view around & beyond, and spend a few quiet moments here. You can also stroll around for a few good photographs and breathtaking sunset vistas.

Location: Thin Ruh Park, Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Malé, Maldives

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

Image Source

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.

Location: Opposite the Islamic Centre on Medhuziyaaraiy Magu, Malé
Entry Fee: MVR 75 per person (weekdays) and MVR 100 per person (weekends)

8. Embark on an underwater adventure with Whale Submarine Maldives

Image Source

Arguably one of the most interesting things to do in Malé with kids, this is one experience you must not miss out on when visiting the capital city. The 45-minute tour aboard a submarine takes you on an exciting underwater ride to explore the wonders of the deep sea. At a depth of 100-feet in the Indian Ocean, you can witness a beautiful coral reef teeming with colorful fishes like the common lionfish, yellow boxfish, and blue or yellow striped snappers, and many more.

Location: 4th Floor, H.Sakeena Manzil, Malé 20001
Timings: 8:30AM, 10AM, 1:30 PM, and 3PM
Entry Fee: 1,59 MVR per person

9. Pick up souvenirs and local handicrafts at Majeedhee Magu

Image Source

Spanning the entire length of Malé, this main shopping street has an interesting array of retail stores that are sure to delight seasoned Shopaholics. Once you’ve visited the tourist hot spots and explored the pristine islands around, one of the best things to do in Malé before you fly off is buy some souvenirs and trinkets to take back home. This one-stop shopping destination offers a range of ethnic adornments, garments, handcrafted souvenirs, aromas, and even dried fish chips!

Timings: 9AM – 11PM

10. Relish some delectable delights at Sala Thai

Image Source

One of the best things to do in Malé after a hectic sightseeing tour and shopping would be to dig into some authentic & freshly-cooked Thai delights. One of the most popular restaurants in the city, Sala Thai offers the perfect ambiance, great quality, and flavorful food. There is an option for garden seating too, where you can relax with your loved ones.

Location: Buruneege Hithaffinivaa Magu, Malé, Maldives
Timings: 12PM – 12AM (Saturday to Thursday); 5PM – 11:30 PM (Friday)

If you’re stuck at the island paradise’s airport for more than 7-8 hours and tired of the things to do in Malé Airport, it’s always a good idea to venture into the city and visit these attractions. So, don’t miss the chance and make your holiday in Maldives with TravelTriangle one-of-its-kind!

Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

Frequently Asked Questions about Things to Do in Malé

Where is Male located?

Male is located in the Maldives. In fact, it is the national capital of the Maldives and is a beautiful place to explore. Being one of the major tourist attractions in Maldives, Male offers several intriguing attractions that you can visit during your tour.

What can I do in Male?

There are many interesting things to do in Male that will keep you hooked and will have you coming back. Some of the many things to do in Male are letting the beauty of the Grand Friday Mosque take over you, visiting the Hukuru Miskiiy and trying water sports.

Is it safe to visit Male during covid times?

Yes, it is perfectly safe to visit Male, as it has a relatively low number of covid cases. But don’t take our word for it: check up on the latest travel advisory, Covid-19 measures, and the number of cases before your departure. It is safer to undertake solo travel or with a small group of people to somewhere that is not overly crowded at the moment.

Can you consume alcohol in Male?

If you are a tourist, not a Muslim and above eighteen then you can purchase and consume alcohol in Male. However, alcohol is banned for the local population as the Maldives is an Islamic country. But almost all the resorts have the license to serve it and they do.

Is it safe to visit Male?

Yes, it is safe to visit Male and stay in some exclusive resorts. However, the FCO has warned the tourists and urged them to avoid the rallies and said that the islands on the periphery are safe.

What can I shop for in Male?

Home decor made out of seashells, pickles, miniatures of boats, and packaged sweetmeat are some of the many things you can shop for in Male. Male also includes several stores that offer packages of seafood that you can purchase during your visit.

What is the best time to visit Male?

The best time to visit Male is November to April when the island cools down making it comfortable for travelers. It is convenient to explore the place during these months and the weather adds on to the experience.

What should I wear in Male?

In Male, unlike other places what you should wear differs as per the resort you are staying at. Some have a no jeans policy while there are others which have a no sportswear policy. Men are expected to dress nicely and expected to wear smart casuals.