Shopping in the Maldives: Where to go shopping

The capital of the Maldives, Malé, is the main and almost the only place for shopping in the Maldives. The country boasts over 1,000 islands, but they are very small, often just a few hundred meters in diameter. The largest are local islands inhabited by residents. For instance, Malé covers just 6.8 square kilometers. The capital features markets and several shopping centers. Below, we’ll highlight the most interesting places.

Some private islands, which serve as hotel resorts, have their own boutiques selling branded goods. One of the most popular in the Maldives is Nala Boutique at Kurumba Maldives. However, resorts typically have only one store, leaving little room for avid shoppers to explore.

Kurumba Maldives

Buying Souvenirs in the Maldives

Souvenir shopping in the Maldives is mainly concentrated in Malé. In the capital, souvenirs are significantly cheaper than in the limited-selection shops at private resorts. The main streets in Malé for exciting souvenir shopping include:

• Orchid Magu
• Fareedhee Magu
• Faamudheyri Magu

Depositphotos

Opening Hours of Shops in the Maldives

Most shops in the Maldives are open daily from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM. You may encounter 15-20 minute breaks several times a day due to prayer times. On Fridays, schedules may differ slightly, with many shops opening only from 2:00 PM or 3:00 PM.

Depositphotos

Brand-Name Stores in the Maldives

Malé has only a few boutiques where you can purchase branded goods without the risk of counterfeits. In the northern part of Chaandhanee Magu, you’ll find two such stores: Reefside and Evince. On Majedhee Magu, look for the signs of Sonee Sports and Le Cute, a store offering elite cosmetics and perfumes. Other local islands have virtually no boutiques.

Depositphotos

Shopping in Malé

If you have a few spare hours in the capital of the Maldives, you should have enough time to explore the main attractions, dine at one of Malé’s many restaurants, and browse the shopping arcades. One of the top shopping spots in Malé is the Singapore Market, or Chandhanee Magu Street. Here, you’ll find clothing and electronics stores, as well as food markets and souvenir shops.

Depositphotos

Malé Market

The Malé Market is a vibrant hub for shopping, catering to all tastes and budgets. Located in the northern part of the city along the waterfront on Male Higun Street, it’s bustling at any time of day. A favorite among locals and tourists alike, the market is filled with stalls offering souvenirs, fruits, vegetables, handicrafts, and snacks. Among the variety of goods, don’t miss exotic pickles, fresh coconut milk, and coconut oil.

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

Majedhee Magu

A street market in the heart of the capital, Majedhee Magu features stalls selling clothing, accessories, and electronics. Souvenirs, of course, are ubiquitous.

Shopping Hours: 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

STO Shopping Center

On Orchid Magu, you can visit the STO Shopping Center. The first floor offers a wide range of industrial goods, while the second and third floors are dedicated to souvenir stalls.

Visiting Hours: 8:30 AM to 10:00 PM.

Island Bazaar

On Fareedhee Magu, don’t miss the stylish Island Bazaar boutique. Popular among tourists seeking unique Maldivian souvenirs, the store offers everything from household items and handmade accessories to modern artworks by local artisans.

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Fridays from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

Chaandhanee Magu

A highly popular shopping destination in the Maldives, Chaandhanee Magu is known locally as the Singapore Bazaar. Historically, most imported goods came from Singapore, and while the range has since expanded, the name stuck. The street offers an abundance of various goods.

When to Visit: 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

Oevaali Art Shop

Located at H. Gaathu Giri, Bodufungandu Magu, this exclusive art shop in Malé is worth seeking out. The boutique offers unique souvenirs, including art pieces and handicrafts by local artisans.

Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Duty Free

Shopping is a great way to pass the time at Malé’s airport. The duty-free section allows you to fill your suitcases one last time. It’s an excellent alternative for souvenir shopping if you’ve run out of time during your trip. Many travelers praise the good selection of goods in Malé’s Duty Free shops.

Depositphotos

Which Maldives Resorts Have Shops?

Shops are scarce on Maldives resort islands. Typically, you’ll find a single store with a limited selection of clothing and souvenirs. Grocery stores, pharmacies, and similar amenities are absent on private islands. Below, we’ve highlighted some of the most interesting resorts with boutiques or souvenir shops.

Kurumba Maldives

Located a 10-minute speedboat ride from Malé, Kurumba is the Maldives’ first resort island. It features Nala Boutique, where you can purchase clothing—from swimwear to light evening dresses—as well as hats, shoes, local jewelry, quality bags, handicrafts, and various Maldivian souvenirs. The selection is impressive, especially for gifts.

Kurumba Maldives

Anantara Veli Maldives

Anantara Veli Maldives, a 30-minute speedboat ride from Malé, is a five-star adults-only resort with just 67 beach and water villas. While there’s no shop on the island, the nearby Anantara Dhigu Maldives has a boutique offering clothing, exclusive handmade souvenirs, and beach accessories. A short pontoon ferry connects the two islands. We recommend staying at the romantic Anantara Veli and visiting Anantara Dhigu as needed.

Anantara Veli Maldives

Crossroads Maldives

Crossroads Maldives is a modern resort complex uniting nine islands, three spas, 14 restaurants, four shared pools, four bars, and three resorts: Saii Lagoon Maldives, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, and SO/ Maldives. Booking a villa at one of these resorts grants access to the entire complex’s infrastructure, including its boutiques and shops:

• Mini-market with food and other items
• Clothing boutique
• Surf shop
• Ocean-Marina boutique shop
• Cigar house
• Woodcraft shop
• Souvenir corner
• Cosmetics store

Crossroads is one of the few places in the Maldives with multiple stores, a rarity for resorts. Its modern, unconventional approach to leisure sets it apart from other Maldivian resorts. The hotels are just a 15-minute speedboat ride from Malé—a significant advantage.

Crossroads Maldives

Reethi Beach Resort

Reethi Beach Resort, a four-star property located 25 minutes by seaplane from Malé, offers excellent value for money, especially as it’s situated on the stunning Baa Atoll. Home to the Hanifaru Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this atoll boasts vibrant underwater lagoons. The island’s Sandy Toes boutique sells summer clothing, souvenirs, cosmetics, and beach accessories.

NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, part of the Marriott network, is one of the most luxurious and expensive hotels in the Maldives. Located on Dhaalu Atoll, a 45-minute seaplane ride from Malé, it offers beach and water villas, some multi-story, all with private pools and spacious areas. The hotel’s boutique, spread across two floors connected by a spiral staircase, sells designer clothing and accessories. The staircase leads to a third-floor observation tower.

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

Dreamland - The Unique SEA & LAKE Resort, SPA

Dreamland - The Unique SEA & LAKE Resort is a distinctive Maldivian resort, thanks to its rare freshwater lake. A biotope pool is designed next to the lake. Located on Baa Atoll, about 30 minutes by seaplane from Malé, this four-star hotel offers beach and water villas, multiple restaurants, and entertainment. The island’s boutique sells cosmetics, clothing, souvenirs, diving gear, and snacks.

Dreamland - The Unique SEA & LAKE Resort, SPA