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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 world's most densely populated urban areas, 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
02:02:25

Hotels in Malé

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

Airports in Malé

Malé's primary airport, ވެލާނާ ބައިނަލްއަޤުވާމީ ވައިގެ ބަނދަރު, serves as the main international gateway to the Maldives. The city is also home to Waterdrome, providing additional transportation options for visitors arriving in the capital. 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 cultural attractions for visitors seeking to understand the Maldives' heritage and history. From the National Art Gallery and Maldivian Police Museum to the November 3rd Memorial, the capital city provides insight into local art, governance, and important historical events. 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 dining experiences, with restaurants ranging from casual spots like Kotthu Hut and Glow Bite to more upscale venues such as The Oliver Garden and Salt. Whether you're looking for local cuisine or international flavors, the city's restaurant scene caters to various tastes and preferences. 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 for visitors and locals alike. From clubs like The Club Insanity to bars throughout the capital, there are plenty of options for evening entertainment in this tropical island city. 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 locals and visitors can enjoy coffee and casual dining. Popular options include Seagull Cafe House, Byte Bistro, Black Bean Cafe, Diet No Morw, and Cafe Seppia, each offering its own unique atmosphere in the heart of the Maldivian 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 modern shopping experiences at Centro Mall and Mega Mall, where visitors can find a range 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 temperatures year-round. The city has two monsoon seasons that influence rainfall patterns throughout the year, with the northeast monsoon typically bringing drier conditions while the southwest monsoon brings increased precipitation.

Interesting Facts About Malé — Weird & Wonderful

  • Malé is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, with a population of 211,908 compressed into just 8.30 square kilometres.
  • The city is geographically confined to the southern edge of North Malé Atoll and consists of a central island, an airport island, and five other islands.
  • Malé's administrative area is coterminous with its geographical area, making it a uniquely compact capital city.

Frequently Asked Questions About Malé

What currency is used in Malé?

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

What language do people speak in Malé?

Dhivehi is the official language of the Maldives and is widely spoken in Malé, though English is commonly used in tourism and business sectors.

How densely populated is Malé?

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

What region is Malé located in?

Malé is located on the southern edge of North Malé Atoll in the Maldives, an island nation in Asia.

How is Malé administratively organized?

Malé 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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