Male

Overview

Covering barely eight square kilometres yet holding nearly half the national population, Malé is among the most crowded capitals in the world. Its old streets are narrow, houses painted in vivid blue, yellow and green, and the fish market is busiest at dawn as tuna is unloaded and cut. The 17th-century Hukuru Miskiy and the National Museum add a layer of history.

History

Long a royal seat and trading centre, it was enlarged by extensive land reclamation in the late 20th century.

Highlights

• •The dawn fish market
• •The coral stone carvings of Hukuru Miskiy
• •The colourful streets
• •The National Museum

Practical tips

• •This is a conservative Islamic society — dress modestly
• •The city is small; half a day covers it

Practical information

Best time

Year-round

Tickets

The fish market is free; the museum about USD 5

Opening hours

Fish market busiest at dawn; museum 9:00-17:00

Local food

Maldivian fish curry, gulha, coconut rice

Getting around

About 15 minutes by ferry or speedboat from the airport.

Visa

Visa-free for stays up to 30 days with a valid passport and proof of accommodation.

…