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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 urban areas 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
00:07:29

Hotels in Malé

Malé offers a range of hotel accommodation options for visitors to the Maldives capital. From boutique properties like Sala Boutique Hotel to established hotels such as JEN, Champa Central Hotel, Novina, and Kaani Lodge, there are choices available for different budgets and preferences. See all hotels →

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

Airports in Malé

Malé is served by ވެލާނާ ބައިނަލްއަޤުވާމީ ވައިގެ ބަނދަރު, the main international airport connecting the capital to destinations worldwide. The city also has access to Waterdrome for water-based air travel options. 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 range of cultural and historical attractions for visitors to explore. From the National Art Gallery and Maldivian Police Museum to the Maldives Philatelic Museum and the November 3rd Memorial, there are several interesting sites to discover in the capital. 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 cuisines. From established venues like Big Man in the House and The Oliver Garden to specialty spots such as Kotthu Hut, Glow Bite, and Salt, there are options to suit every palate in the capital 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

Malé offers several swimming pool facilities for residents and visitors. Popular options include the Recreation Pool and Main Pool, which provide recreational swimming opportunities in the capital. See all swimming pools →

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 with venues like The Club Insanity providing entertainment and dining options. As the capital of the Maldives, the city features various bars and clubs where visitors can experience local hospitality and international atmosphere. See all nightlife →

The Club Insanity
7.9 km from centre

Bars in Malé

Malé offers a variety of bars where visitors and locals can enjoy drinks and socialize. Notable establishments include Beirut Lounge and Champs Deck, which are popular venues in the capital. See all bars →

Cafes in Malé

Malé offers a variety of cafes where visitors and locals can enjoy refreshments and light meals. From Seagull Cafe House to Byte Bistro and Black Bean Cafe, the capital has several options for coffee, food, and casual dining 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 enthusiasts several options for retail and leisure. Centro Mall and Mega Mall are prominent shopping destinations in the capital, providing a variety of stores and dining experiences. See all shopping →

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

Nature & Wildlife in Malé

Malé offers several green spaces and parks where visitors can experience the natural environment of the Maldives capital. From Galolhu Park to Masveringe Park and Fini Park, these areas provide opportunities to enjoy outdoor settings within the city. See all nature & wildlife →

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 temperatures year-round. The city has two main seasons: a dry season and a wet monsoon season, with the monsoon bringing increased rainfall and humidity to the islands.

Interesting Facts About Malé — Weird & Wonderful

  • Malé is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, despite covering only 1.9 square kilometres.
  • The city is administratively spread across seven islands: a central island, an airport island, and five additional islands.
  • Malé is governed by the Malé City Council, which oversees the entire administrative and geographical area of the capital.

Frequently Asked Questions About Malé

What is the currency used in Malé?

The Maldives uses the Maldivian Rufiyaa as its currency.

What language is spoken in Malé?

Dhivehi is the official language spoken in Malé and throughout the Maldives.

How large is Malé?

Malé covers an area of 1.9 square kilometres (0.73 square miles), making it extremely compact and densely populated.

Where is Malé located geographically?

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

What is the population of Malé?

According to 2022 data, Malé has a population of 211,908 within its administrative area.

Map of Malé

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