A Heart-Stirring Trip to the Maldives Capital, Malé! 5 Recommended Sightseeing Spots

The Maldives is an island nation floating in the Indian Ocean, and Malé is its capital. Malé Island, where the city is located, is urbanized and home to a large number of residents. It is known worldwide for having an extremely high population density. Surrounded by blue seas and coral reefs, the Maldives enjoys immense popularity as a tourist destination, and thanks to its beautiful scenery, it is also a favorite honeymoon destination. This time, we’ll introduce recommended sightseeing spots in the Maldives capital, Malé.

1. Artificial Beach

First on our list is Artificial Beach. When you think of the Maldives, the blue sea is a must. Artificial Beach is a man-made beach, well-maintained and very comfortable to spend time at. The orange parasols stand out beautifully against the blue sea and white sand, giving you a full resort feeling. There’s also a barbecue area, and nearby cafés allow for a leisurely sightseeing experience. Another charm is its convenient access from Velana International Airport.

2. National Museum

Located inside Sultan Park, the National Museum was originally part of a palace, and its exterior alone is worth seeing. Inside, you’ll find displays of clothing and chairs used by sultans, giving you a sense of Maldivian history. The highlight of the museum is the “moon rock,” a precious exhibit brought back by Apollo 11 after landing on the moon. Alongside the Maldives’ natural beauty, why not also learn about its national history?

3. Hukuru Miskiiy

Hukuru Miskiiy, built in 1656, is a mosque known as the oldest building in the Maldives. Its white coral exterior is impressive. Although you cannot enter inside, the solemn atmosphere can be felt even from outside. Within its grounds are the graves of successive kings and nobles. The mosque is surrounded by many blooming flowers, adding vibrant color to the site.

4. Chandhanee Magu

If you want to buy souvenirs in Malé, this is the place to go! Chandhanee Magu is a bustling main street lined with souvenir shops. Here you’ll find a wide variety of souvenirs, including handicrafts made from seashells, T-shirts, and tea. One of the joys of sightseeing here is bargaining with the friendly shopkeepers while choosing your souvenirs. Enjoy the lively city atmosphere as you shop for the perfect keepsakes.

5. Fish Market

The Fish Market, directly connected to the port, opens every morning. As expected of an island nation, the sight of numerous types of fish lined up is truly impressive! Even if you don’t buy anything, just looking around is exciting. Nearby, there’s also a local market selling fruits and vegetables, where you can find plenty of tropical produce such as coconuts and bananas. Be sure to stop by there as well.

◎ Summary

How did you like our list of 5 recommended sightseeing spots in Malé, the capital of the Maldives? While the Maldives has a strong image as a resort destination, it also offers spots where you can learn about its history, making it a rich sightseeing experience. In the urbanized Malé Island, you can enjoy a more local atmosphere, which is part of its charm. Surrounded by blue seas, spend a wonderful time in Malé, Maldives.