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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. This compact island city is one of the most densely populated in the world, serving as the cultural and administrative heart of the nation.

Quick facts

Population
—
Currency
Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR)
Language
Maldivian
Timezone
+05 (UTC+5)
Local time now
21:44:49

Hotels in Malé

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Novina
155 m from centre
4 ★
JEN
316 m from centre
Sala Boutique Hotel
346 m from centre

Airports in Malé

Malé's main airport, ވެލާނާ ބައިނަލްއަޤުވާމީ ވައިގެ ބަނދަރު, connects the Maldives capital to destinations worldwide. Waterdrome provides additional air transport services for the region. 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 a variety of cultural and historic attractions for visitors to explore. From the National Art Gallery and museums dedicated to Maldivian heritage to significant memorials like the November 3rd Memorial, there are plenty of ways to experience the capital's rich history and artistic offerings. 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 dining scene with restaurants catering to various tastes and preferences. Whether you're looking for local cuisine or international fare, establishments such as Big Man in the House, The Oliver Garden, Kotthu Hut, Glow Bite, and Salt provide dining options throughout the capital. 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

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Recreation Pool
5.4 km from centre
Main Pool
5.4 km from centre

Spas in Malé

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

Nightlife in Malé

Malé offers a vibrant nightlife scene for visitors and locals alike. Experience the energy of venues such as The Club Insanity, where you can enjoy entertainment and music in the heart of the capital city. See all nightlife →

The Club Insanity
7.9 km from centre

Bars in Malé

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Cafes in Malé

Malé's cafe scene offers a variety of spots to relax with a coffee or light meal. From Seagull Cafe House and Byte Bistro to Black Bean Cafe and Cafe Seppia, you'll find welcoming venues throughout the capital. 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 a variety of shopping options, with Centro Mall and Mega Mall serving as the main retail destinations in the capital. From international brands to local shops selling traditional crafts and souvenirs, these malls provide convenient access to goods and products for residents and visitors alike. See all shopping →

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

Nature & Wildlife in Malé

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Galolhu Park
410 m from centre
rehendhi maizaan
497 m from centre
Masveringe Park
548 m from centre
Maaveyo Maixan
596 m from centre
Fini Park
694 m from centre
Dhanaal Park
893 m from centre

Climate snapshot

Malé experiences a tropical climate with warm weather year-round. The city has two distinct seasons: the dry season and the monsoon season, with humidity and rainfall varying throughout the year.

Interesting Facts About Malé — Weird & Wonderful

  • Malé is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, with 211,908 residents in 2022 across just 8.30 square kilometres.
  • The city is administratively spread across seven islands: a central island, an airport island, and five other islands.
  • Malé occupies the southern edge of North Malé Atoll, making it a unique geographic setting among world capitals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Malé

What currency is used in Malé?

The Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) is the official currency used in Malé and throughout the Maldives.

What language is spoken in Malé?

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

How populated is Malé?

Malé had a population of 211,908 in 2022 within its administrative area, making it one of the most densely populated cities globally.

What region is Malé located in?

Malé is located in Asia and sits on the southern edge of North Malé Atoll in the Maldives.

What islands make up Malé?

Malé administratively consists of a central island, an airport island, and five other islands, all governed by the Malé City Council.

Map of Malé

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