Shopping

Shopping is the favorite activity for the locals especially in the evenings, when it is cooler. The Majeedhee Magu, which is the main road on the island, has along its sides various shops selling goods from the smallest commodities to virtually everything you could think of. The shops are well stocked with garments, perfumes and cosmetics, jewelry, watches or electronics, to name just a few. Many find it a pleasant experience to join the throngs of shoppers on the main shopping streets in the evenings. All shops are open until 11.00 in the night, except for prayer times, when they are closed for 15 minutes.

The Local Market

The “Local Market” is located on the Northern waterfront, a block away from the Male Fish Market. When compared to the frenzy of activity in the rest of the neighborhood, a peaceful atmosphere prevails on the block.

The market is divided into small stalls, with each stall selling local products from the atolls. Some of the produces on display are different kinds of local vegetables, fruits, yams and packets of sweetmeat, nuts and breadfruit chips. Bottles of pickles, home made sweets and banana bunches hang on coir ropes from ceiling beams.

The Majeedhee Magu

On the main road of the island is the “Majeedhee Magu”. Its sides are lined with shops selling products ranging from garments, handbags and cosmetics to electronic items. You can shop till 11.00 in the night with the shops closing only during prayer times in between.

The Chaandanee Magu, Male

A major commercial center, the “Chaandanee Magu” is mostly frequented by those wishing to buy imported products. A large number of imported products coming mostly from Singapore earned it the name the Singapore Bazaar.

The northern end of Chaandanee Magu is lined with souvenir shops. Some of the best products include the ‘Thudu Kuna’ – a Maldivian mat woven with local natural fibres in elegant geometric designs. Wooden miniature Dhonis are also famous.

Note : Export of items made of Turtle shell, coral and pearl oyster shell is prohibited.
Shopping Hours: Saturday-Thursday 8 am-11 pm.
Banking Hours: Sunday-Thursday 9 am-1 pm.