Shopping · Maldives
Shopping in Maldives
Shopping streets, markets and souvenirs worth the suitcase space.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Alexey Potov - Noblige, CC BY-SA 2.5
Quick answer
Shopping is limited outside Malé and resort boutiques. Malé's markets and souvenir streets are the place to find lacquerware, woven mats and Maldive fish; avoid coral and shell products, which cannot be exported. Best souvenirs: Lacquerware, Thundu kunaa mats and Maldive fish.
Key facts
- Shopping areas
- 3
- Markets
- 2
- Top souvenir
- Lacquerware
Where to shop
Majeedhee Magu, Malé
Malé's main shopping street, running across the island, with clothing, electronics and everyday goods.
Chaandhanee Magu, Malé
A street of souvenir shops selling lacquerware, wooden dhoni models, T-shirts and crafts.
Resort boutiques
Resort shops sell swimwear, sarongs and local crafts at high prices; buy essentials before you leave Malé.
Markets
Malé local market
Stalls of coconuts, chillies, betel leaves, smoked fish and home-made snacks next to the fish market.
Malé fish market
The capital's working fish market, busiest when tuna boats return in the afternoon.
What to buy
Lacquerware
Hand-turned wooden boxes and vases decorated with red, yellow and black lacquer, traditionally made on Thulhaadhoo in Baa Atoll.
Thundu kunaa mats
Fine woven reed mats from the southern atolls, with geometric natural-dye patterns.
Maldive fish
Smoked, dried tuna used in Maldivian cooking; it keeps well and is sold in Malé's market.
Dhoni models
Wooden models of the traditional Maldivian sailing boat, sold in Malé's souvenir shops.
Streets and markets worth a wander
Market · Malé
Malé fish market
On Boduthakurufaanu Magu facing the harbour, fishermen unload skipjack and yellowfin tuna from their dhonis and cut them on tiled counters in the afternoon.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Food
- Photo spot
Food and drink to take home
Edible souvenirs travel best when they are dry or sealed: consider Roshi, Hedhikaa, Kulhi boakibaa and Bondibaiy. Served at almost every local meal and at resort Maldivian breakfasts. Check your home country's rules on bringing food and drink back.
Shopping by neighbourhood
| Area | Price level | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Malé | $$ | Dense, compact capital of mosques, markets and motorbikes |
| Hulhumalé | $$ | Reclaimed island next to the airport with a long public beach and transit hotels |
| North Malé Atoll | $$$$ | Resorts within a short speedboat ride of the airport, plus the surf island of Thulusdhoo |
| Maafushi | $ | The original local-island guesthouse hub in South Malé Atoll |
| Ari Atoll | $$$$ | Whale sharks, manta points and large resorts west of Malé |
| Baa Atoll | $$$$ | UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and home of Hanifaru Bay's manta gatherings |
Paying and bargaining
Prices are in MVR. A 10% service charge is added to most bills. Many guests also leave a cash tip in US dollars for room attendants, butlers, dive guides and boat crews at the end of a stay.
- Many shops and cafés close briefly for each of the five daily prayers and on Friday around midday.
When to shop
Shops and markets are quietest in May–June and September–October; the busiest months are December–February.
- December: Christmas and New Year peak
Staying near the shops
Questions travellers ask
+What should I buy in Maldives?
Lacquerware, Thundu kunaa mats, Maldive fish and Dhoni models.
+Where is the best shopping in Maldives?
Majeedhee Magu, Malé: Malé's main shopping street, running across the island, with clothing, electronics and everyday goods.
+What are the best markets in Maldives?
Malé local market and Malé fish market.