Things to do in Male

Male is filled with culture and history, all clustered together on a tiny island. Its Islamic heritage is at the forefront with beautiful buildings such as the Grand Friday Mosque and Islamic Centre, and those looking to soak up some Maldivian culture will want to plan for a visit to the National Art Gallery, Maldivian National Museum, and Independence Square.

Male's markets are a popular attraction in their own right, and range from the colourful stalls of the vegetable and firewood markets to the bustle of the famous fish market. There are few natural attractions in Male, though a small artificial beach on the east coast of the island offers surprisingly good surfing. The Whale Submarine is a popular Male attraction for those too timid to scuba dive, with a 40-minute underwater ride showcasing the marine life of the Indian Ocean.