With so many places to visit in the world, it’s hard to decide where to go first. That’s why you should start with Male, the capital of the Maldives and one of the most popular travel destinations in Asia. This exotic island city offers a wealth of history, culture, and adventure on its own, but also acts as a gateway to the rest of this beautiful archipelago nation. Whether you’re looking to relax on one of the island’s exquisite beaches or explore some of the finest underwater diving spots in the world, Male has something for everyone.
Artificial Beach
The artificial beach is a great place to take a break, especially if you are looking for some relaxation. The sand is soft and the water is warm so it’s perfect to lounge on. There are also many shops nearby where you can buy souvenirs or have a meal. In the evening, there are outdoor musical performances at the amphi theatre that are fun to watch. The artificial beach is one of my favorite places in Male because it’s so much fun! I love taking walks on the shore, buying souvenirs from stores, and watching the shows at night. I really enjoy spending time here with friends and family whenever I visit. It’s an excellent way to chill out after a long day exploring all that Male has to offer.
Sultan Park
The Sultan Park is a perfect place to relax with the family. It has a large children’s area, which offers activities like arts and crafts, soccer, cricket, basketball and slides. The park also contains an amphitheater that showcases cultural performances from all over the world. There are many restaurants nearby so you can stop by for lunch or dinner after your day in the park. What’s even better is that there are plenty of vendors who sell delicious snacks to enjoy while you watch the performances. You will have such a great time at the Sultan Park!
Sinamale Bridge
The Sinamale Bridge has a very good view of the ocean. It’s an excellent place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. The bridge is also lined with shrubbery that provides some shade on hot days. It’s a great place to come, take a seat, and chill out while enjoying one of Maldives’ most famous sunsets. Malé isn’t only about sandy beaches, tourist traps and busy streets. Away from these there are many hidden gems in this island city; among them is the Samadhi Memorial Park. Spread over an area of 300 acres it contains gardens, ponds, and pavilions designed in typical Indian architecture style with traditional fountains,
and carved-stone animals and deities – this park truly is a tranquil retreat from everything else in the city. Dinares Beach: Being close to central Malé means Dinares Beach suffers somewhat from being so popular with tourists (especially during high season). Still, it offers incredible snorkeling opportunities (good visibility), as well as plenty of space to walk along its long stretch.
Grand Friday Mosque
The Grand Friday Mosque is a beautiful mosque in the middle of Male. It’s located near one of the busiest streets in town and can be spotted from all over the city with its blue domes that stand out from all other buildings.
The best time to visit is during Jumu’ah prayers on Friday. There’s a huge crowd and it’s a great chance to interact with locals, who are always happy to talk to foreigners, especially if they speak Arabic!
The Grand Friday Mosque also offers free Arabic lessons at 2pm every day, so you can start learning right away!
National Museum
The National Museum of the Maldives is a great place to start your day in Male. Built by the current president, Abdullah Yameen, it opened its doors in 2011. The museum showcases the history of the country through dioramas, videos, pictures and models. It also has an interactive section where you can find out more about what life was like before tourism took over in 1992 as well as get up close with some artifacts from ancient times. The best part? It’s free! After visiting the museum, take a stroll around town and check out some of the most iconic sights like Hulhumale Mosque, Republic Square or Sultan Park- one of three natural pools on islands in the country. There are so many beautiful things to see that I couldn’t possibly cover them all here. But don’t worry- just explore on your own or ask any friendly local!
Male Local Market
The Male Local Market is a popular tourist attraction, but it is also the largest bazaar in Maldives. It’s open every day except Friday, which is the Muslim holy day. The marketplace sells everything from clothes to food to souvenirs, so it’s the perfect place to buy gifts or take your own pictures in front of the various storefronts. If you’re lucky you might get a chance to see one of the island country’s famous traditional dances while you’re there! You can even go to the beach after shopping if you want to enjoy some time with family and friends.
Victory Monument
Located in the heart of the city, the Victory Monument is a symbol of peace in Male. It commemorates the end of the WWII and commemorates those who died for their country. The Victory Monument stands as a tall monument depicting two hands reaching skyward with a palm leaf at each, framed by two standing sentinels. The monument is lit up every evening from sunset to sunrise making it visible from any part of Male. Visitors are free to climb to the top to see panoramic views over Male’s harbor.
