Male City, Maldives: The Heart of a Dreamy Island Nation
When we think of the Maldives, we imagine turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and luxurious resorts. At the core of this island paradise lies its vibrant capital, Male City. Despite its small size, Male City is the heartbeat of the Maldives, where modernity meets tradition. If you’re planning a trip to the Maldives, a visit to Male City is a must. Let’s explore its beauty, history, attractions, and essential travel information.
Introduction to Male City
History of Male City
Male was once known as the “Island of Kings” and served as the royal capital during the Sultanate period. After the Maldives became a republic in 1968, the city began to modernize rapidly. Today, Male City is a bustling metropolis filled with high-rise buildings, busy streets, and vibrant tourist attractions.
Top Tourist Attractions
1. Grand Friday Mosque The Grand Friday Mosque, built in 1984, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Male City. With its stunning golden dome and modern architectural style, it can accommodate over 5,000 worshippers at a time.
2. Maldives National Museum To learn about Maldivian history and culture, visit the National Museum. The museum houses ancient artifacts, traditional attire, royal possessions, and historical relics from different eras of Maldivian history.
3. Male Fish Market If you want to experience the local lifestyle, the Male Fish Market is the perfect place to visit. Here, you can see locals trading fresh tuna, reef fish, and various other seafood items.
4. Artificial Beach While Male City is primarily a bustling urban area, the Artificial Beach provides a peaceful escape. It’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists to relax, swim, and enjoy the coastal breeze
5. Hulhumale Island Just a short speedboat ride from Male, Hulhumale Island is a must-see destination. It is a man-made island known for its beautiful beaches and modern infrastructure.
Taste of Male City:Local Cuisine
Maldivian cuisine is heavily influenced by fish, coconut, and rice. In Male City, you’ll find many restaurants serving delicious local dishes. Some must-try items include:
• Garudhiya: A flavorful fish soup made with tuna
• Mas Huni: A mix of tuna, coconut, and onions, served with roshi (flatbread)
• Boakibaa: A traditional fish cake
• Snacks & Tea: Maldivian tea paired with short eats like bajiya and gulha
How to Get to Male City Male City is easily accessible via Velana International Airport (VIA), which serves as the main international gateway to the Maldives. From the airport, you can reach Male City within 10–15 minutes by speedboat or ferry.
Where to Stay in Male City
Male City doesn’t have large resorts like the private island resorts in the Maldives, but there are several quality hotels available for tourists. Here are the top 10 hotels in Male City:
1. Hotel Jen Malé, Maldives by Shangri-La • Location: Ameer Ahmed Magu, Male 20096 • Highlights: Rooftop swimming pool, modern rooms, and international-standard service • Visit Website
2. The Somerset Hotel • Location: Keneree Magu, Male 20191 • Highlights: Centrally located, comfortable environment, free airport pickup • Visit Website
3. Maagiri Hotel • Location: Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Male • Highlights: Sea view, modern amenities, restaurant, and fitness center
4. Samann Grand • Location: Roashanee Magu, Male • Highlights: Stunning sea view, contemporary interior design, and cozy rooms
5. Tourist Inn Hotel • Location: Maaveyo Goalhi, Male • Highlights: Clean and budget-friendly, ideal for tourists
6. Manhattan Business Hotel • Location: Falhumathee Magu, Male • Highlights: Perfect for business travelers, with modern conference facilities
7. Champa Central Hotel • Location: Rahdhebai Magu, Male • Highlights: Centrally located, suitable for both families and business visitors
8. Mookai Hotel • Location: Meheli Goalhi, Male • Highlights: Rooftop swimming pool, gym, and sauna access
9. The Beehive Hotel • Location: H. Feyrugasdhoshuge, Male • Highlights: Comfortable rooms, restaurant, and airport transfer services
10. SKY Beach Hotel (Hulhumale) • Location: Hulhumale (close to Male City) • Highlights: Located by the beach, offering a beautiful seaside experience.
If you prefer a quieter stay near the city, Hulhumale Island offers beautiful seaside hotels.
Shopping in Male City
Male City has several vibrant markets where you can buy souvenirs and local goods. Don’t miss:
• Male Local Market: Perfect for handcrafted items and Maldivian snacks
• Sultan Park Market: Great for buying shell crafts, wooden souvenirs, and local spices.
Travel Tips for Visiting Male City
• Currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR), though USD is widely accepted
• Dress Code: As a Muslim-majority country, modest attire is recommended in public areas.
• Best Time to Visit: November to April (dry season) is ideal for exploring Male and nearby islands