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Malé

Malé is the capital and most populous city of the Maldives, located on the southern edge of North Malé Atoll in the Indian Ocean. This vibrant island city serves as the cultural, political, and economic hub of the island nation.

Photo: Shahee Ilyas (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Quick facts

Population
Currency
Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR)
Language
Maldivian
Timezone
+05 (UTC+5)
Local time now
15:19:29

Hotels in Malé

We're still gathering hotels listings for Malé — check back soon.

Airports in Malé

Malé is served by ވެލާނާ ބައިނަލްއަޤުވާމީ ވައިގެ ބަނދަރު, the primary international airport connecting the Maldivian capital to the rest of the world. The city also features Waterdrome, providing additional transport connectivity for visitors and residents. See all airports →

ވެލާނާ ބައިނަލްއަޤުވާމީ ވައިގެ ބަނދަރު
3.0 km from centre
Waterdrome
3.7 km from centre

Car Hire in Malé

We're still gathering car hire listings for Malé — check back soon.

Things to Do in Malé

Malé offers visitors a rich cultural experience with attractions including the National Art Gallery, Maldivian Police Museum, and Maldives Philatelic Museum. History enthusiasts can visit the November 3rd Memorial, while those seeking spiritual experiences will find ޤައުމީ ދާރުލްއާސާރު among the city's notable sites. See all things to do →

November 3rd Memorial
25 m from centre
National Art Gallery
65 m from centre
Maldivian Police Museum
76 m from centre
Maldives Philatelic Museum
85 m from centre
ޤައުމީ ދާރުލްއާސާރު
99 m from centre
Medhu Ziyaaraiy
216 m from centre

Restaurants in Malé

Malé offers a diverse selection of restaurants catering to every palate. From casual eateries like Kotthu Hut and Big Man in the House to more refined dining experiences at establishments such as Salt and Azur, the capital serves both local specialties and international dishes. The Oliver Garden rounds out the dining landscape, providing visitors and locals alike with varied culinary options throughout the city. See all restaurants →

Big Man in the House
96 m from centre
The Oliver Garden
101 m from centre
Kotthu Hut
148 m from centre

Swimming Pools in Malé

We're still gathering swimming pools listings for Malé — check back soon.

Spas in Malé

We're still gathering spas listings for Malé — check back soon.

Nightlife in Malé

Malé offers a vibrant nightlife scene with venues like The Club Insanity providing entertainment for visitors and locals alike. Experience the capital's evening atmosphere through its diverse selection of bars and clubs. See all nightlife →

The Club Insanity
7.9 km from centre

Bars in Malé

We're still gathering bars listings for Malé — check back soon.

Cafes in Malé

Malé offers a variety of cafes where visitors and locals can enjoy refreshments and meals. From Seagull Cafe House to Byte Bistro, Black Bean Cafe, Diet No Morw, and Cafe Seppia, the capital's cafe scene provides diverse options for dining and relaxation throughout the city. See all cafes →

Seagull Cafe House
92 m from centre
Byte Bistro
sandwich;coffee_shop;breakfast · 136 m from centre
Black Bean Cafe
138 m from centre

Shopping in Malé

Malé offers shopping experiences at Centro Mall and Mega Mall, where visitors can find a variety of retail and dining options. These shopping destinations provide convenient access to local and international brands in the heart of the capital. See all shopping →

Centro Mall
5.5 km from centre
Mega Mall
5.8 km from centre

Nature & Wildlife in Malé

We're still gathering nature & wildlife listings for Malé — check back soon.

Climate snapshot

Malé experiences a tropical climate with warm weather throughout the year. The city has distinct wet and dry seasons, with monsoon rains bringing increased precipitation during certain months, while other periods offer drier conditions ideal for travel.

Interesting Facts About Malé — Weird & Wonderful

  • Malé is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, with 211,908 residents in its 8.30 square kilometre administrative area.
  • The city consists of a central island, an airport island, and five other islands all administered by the Malé City Council.
  • Malé's geographically compact size of just 3.20 square miles makes it one of the world's smallest capital cities by area.

Frequently Asked Questions About Malé

What currency is used in Malé?

The Maldivian Rufiyaa is the official currency of the Maldives and is used throughout Malé.

What language do people speak in Malé?

Dhivehi is the official language spoken in Malé, though English is widely understood in tourist areas and businesses.

What is the timezone in Malé?

Malé operates on Indian/Maldives time (UTC+5).

How densely populated is Malé?

Malé is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, with over 211,000 people living within just 8.30 square kilometres.

What region is Malé located in?

Malé is geographically located on the southern edge of North Malé Atoll in the Maldives.

Map of Malé

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