Top things to do in Male on your next Maldives holiday

For a real taste of local life, head to the heart of the city, home to the city’s fish market, one of Male’s liveliest attractions. It is a very popular market, especially during the early hours of the morning, when it is packed with locals and the atmosphere is at its most dynamic. At dawn, local fishermen arrive in their small bokkuraa boats to sell their fresh catches, so if you go early, you can experience the hustle and bustle of daily trade firsthand, watching the fish being cleaned and prepared. Among the offerings are mackerel and various fish typical of the area's reefs. A visit here gives real insight into the importance of fishing in the Maldives. 

Just step directly across the street and you will find the local Male market, a place where the country’s culinary culture can be felt. It's a vibrant area filled with exotic fruits and vegetables, as well as a diverse range of spices and nuts. It's the ideal place if you want to take a piece of Maldivian culture home with you or try local snacks like bondi (coconut sticks). You'll also find traditional island-style handcrafted products: textiles, wooden objects, and jewellery, perfect for souvenirs. 

Although the Maldives are known for their impressive wildlife and even more spectacular beaches, Male itself lacks natural beaches. This may seem strange, considering it's an island, but the artificial beach offers a pleasant space to relax by the sea, cool off, and enjoy the views. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and join locals who gather here to enjoy a quieter atmosphere. It also features playgrounds and safe swimming areas. However, keep in mind that, due to Islamic religious regulations, bikini swimming is not permitted and more modest swimwear is required to comply with local dress codes. 

Another way to escape the buzz of Male’s activities is to head to Sultan Park, perfect for relaxing in the shade of its tall tropical trees. Since the National Museum is also located here, take the opportunity to explore the history of the Maldives through its collection of historical artefacts and artwork. 

The collection comprises objects from the ancient Buddhist era, as well as pieces from the transition to Islam, ranging from royal costumes to ancient weapons and sculptures dedicated to worship. The Maldives is proud of its heritage and culture and this museum is one of the top things to do in Male for those wanting to gain a deeper understanding of the evolution of Maldivian society and its connection to the Islamic world.

Another Male place of interest is the tsunami monument, located in the southwest of the island. This structure was built as a tribute to the victims of the 2004 tsunami, which caused unprecedented destruction and left deep scars in the Maldives. The monument is composed of several pillars that symbolise the islands' resilience and recovery from tragedy. The metal balls within the pillars represent the deceased victims, in a design that evokes both grief and hope, highlighting the islands' vulnerability to natural disasters and their resilient spirit. 

When exploring the things to do in Male, a trip to the Grand Friday Mosque is a must. With its imposing golden dome, it is undoubtedly the most majestic Islamic symbol in Malé. Built in 1984, this mosque can accommodate up to 5,000 people and is visible from several points in the city. 

On the other hand, the Old Friday Mosque is an iconic historical feature of the city’s skyline with its carved, coral stone walls and intricate details dating back to the 17th century. This older mosque bears witness to the Maldives' deep Islamic heritage and stands out as one of the most beautiful and well-preserved examples of local architecture. In 2008, it was tentatively added to the list of UNESCO Heritage Sites. Both mosques are sanctuaries of respect and spirituality, so be sure to follow the dress and behaviour rules when visiting them.

Since most international flights to the Maldives arrive in the morning, instead of directly transferring to your resort, spend a day or even a night in Male. However, if you want to explore Malé's sights and explore the capital on your own, it's best to familiarise yourself with some practical matters and cultural peculiarities before your trip to avoid any cultural faux pas and get the most out of your visit. Since the Maldives is an Islamic country, you must observe certain cultural rules and dress codes, especially in the capital, where locals and tourists mingle. Here are some important points to keep in mind:

To respect the local customs and beliefs, both men and women should cover their shoulders and knees when visiting religious sites and enjoying Male sightseeing around the city. While swimsuits and light clothing are acceptable on the resort islands, a more conservative style is recommended in the city.

The official language of the Maldives is Dhivehi, but in tourist areas, most locals speak English. The national currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR), although many shops accept US dollars. However, it's a good idea to carry some cash in the local currency for small purchases or at markets. You can use your stay in Malé to withdraw and exchange money (remember, this is one of the few places where you can do this on your Maldives trip).

Malé is a safe city, but as in any place with large crowds, a certain amount of caution should be exercised. Physical contact in public or a very loud voice may also be considered inappropriate during your stay in Male.

If you plan to spend the night in Male and are looking for accommodation, you can opt for one of the best hotels the capital has to offer, such as the Barceló Nasandhura Male, a true haven of tranquillity and luxury strategically located in front of the Henveiru ferry terminal and just 10 minutes by car from Velana International Airport. 

Looking for a tasty bite to eat? The Barceló Nasandhura Malé hotel is also the place to sample some of the country's best dishes, thanks to the culinary experience offered by its restaurants. If some relaxation and tranquillity are what you are after, the hotel offers a shisha bar, a luxurious spa, and a magnificent pool; the first and only oceanfront pool in Malé. So, if you are looking for a luxurious place to rest your head while exploring the things to do in Male, this is one of the best hotels in Male.