Learn More About Maldivian Life

Departs Morning & Afternoon

Culture & History Tour

Explore History, Culture, & Architecture in the Capital of the Maldives

Discover the hidden gems of Male city! Our half-day walking tour of Male will give you an insider’s view of our vibrant city. Our knowledgeable & experienced local guides will take you to the best spots and provide you with local insights and anecdotes that you can’t find in a guidebook.

Explore historical landmarks, wander through bustling local markets, and savor delicious local snacks. Take a leisurely break at a local café, where you can chat with your guide about their culture and customs. It’s the perfect way to start your Maldives holiday and become acquainted with this captivating destination.

Trip Details

Trip Details

Price

  • USD 55 per person

Departure time

  • Saturday – Thursday 09:00 – 13:00
  • Daily 14:00 – 18:00

Meeting point

  • Jetty 5, Male (opposite the Bank of Ceylon).
  • Collection from the airport, hotels in Malé, Hulhumale or the cruise tender jetty available upon request and is offered free of charge.

We are only able to collect from private resort islands in North and South Male Atolls. Permission must be gained from the resort to enable us to use their private jetty. Not all resorts will allow this service so please do confirm with the resort prior to booking. Charges for return transfer will be based on the distance the resort is located from Male.


Duration

  • 4 hours

Group size

  • Maximum 8 persons

Included

  • Entry to Sultan Park ( depending on opening times)
  • Light refreshment
  • Services of a Secret Paradise guide
  • Local tax (10% service charge and 16% GST)

Not included

  • Personal expenditure eg souvenirs and snacks

What to bring

  • Refillable water bottle, sun glasses, sun hat, insect repellent, camera, money for personal expenditure.

Your Impact

  • Support local businesses, from markets to cafes, helping to sustain the livelihoods of residents and support the local economy.
  • Through interactions with local communities help preserve traditional customs, crafts, and cuisines.
  • Engaging with local guides fosters mutual understanding and respect, promoting cultural preservation and appreciation.
  • Walking tours are eco-friendly, minimizing your carbon footprint.

Carbon Footprint

10Kg of CO₂e – average carbon emission per person
Find our more about our Carbon Management here


About your guide

One of our experienced and professionally trained local tour guides will accompany you for the duration of the activity. All our guides hold First Aid and Lifeguard qualifications and have completed Travelife Online Sustainable Tourism Certification.

Meet the team

Highlights

Explore the Maldivian capital with a comprehensive walking tour.

Get an insider’s view of the history and culture of the Maldives.

Visit key sites as well as off-the-beaten-track points of interest.

Let your senses revel in the tastes, sights, and smells at the local markets.

Enjoy refreshment at a local cafe.

What to Expect

Your tour starts with an overview of Malé and the harbor area, a very important aspect of any island nation. Passing by the oldest school in the city, learn about the education system and why the Maldives has a 98% literacy rate. Visit Hukuru Miskiiy – Old Friday Mosque and the tomb of Abu-al-Barakaath and learn why the Maldives converted to Islam and how the Islamic faith underpins everyday life.

Stop for a refreshing cup of traditional black tea at a local cafe, a popular spot for locals. Find out the importance of betal nuts and try them for yourself!. Stopping at the November 3rd Memorial, hear the story of how 8 brave military servicemen died in the protection of their country from a terrorist attack in 1988. Wander through Sultan Park, a reference to the time the Maldives was governed by a sultanat now developed into a peaceful oasis in the middle of the city.

Walking back towards the harbor area, pass by the Grand Friday Mosque and the Islamic Centre, Malé’s famous architectural landmark, and onto Jumhooree Maiden – Independence Square. From here, learn the meaning of the Maldives national flag and pick out key government buildings.

Heading west along the harbor, visit the bustling fish market and the local market, where the sights, sounds, and smells will fill your senses. Chat with the local stallholders and taste tropical produce and homemade sweets.

The tour finishes at the top of one of the city’s tallest buildings, providing a great backdrop to your final tour photo image!

Be prepared. Discover our favourite coffee shops in Male here

Hear From Our Previous Guests


See Our Other Tours


A guide shows guests a beach forest
A family hold up coconuts in the market
Two people climb a beautiful tree