21 of the best · the Maldives, Indian Ocean
The National Museum and National Art Gallery in Malé, six coral-stone mosques on UNESCO’s Tentative List, a national hero’s home in the far north, a James Turrell Skyspace and island crafts.
Our 21 favourites, listed A–Z · Updated October 2026
Three of our favourites from this list, vetted by people who know and love the Maldives.
The nation’s story in stone and wood
The Maldives’ first museum, opened on 19 November 1952, with stone carvings, early Thaana panels and royal artefacts.
Malé, Republic of MaldivesExplore View on map
Malé’s oldest mosque
Malé’s oldest mosque, known for its intricate carvings and its place in the country’s history.
Malé, Republic of MaldivesExplore View on map
Malé’s history.
The back story
From the cowry trade and the coral-stone mosques to Thaana script and a 16th-century hero: the story behind Malé and the Maldives, and where to see it.
In Malé and the atolls.
The first regional museum
The Maldives’ first regional museum, in Thinadhoo City, telling the story of Huvadhoo Atoll’s history and culture.
Thinadhoo, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, Republic of MaldivesExplore View on map
Exhibitions of Maldivian painting
The capital’s national gallery, whose 2026 programme has included Colombo–Malé, a joint show of Sri Lankan and Maldivian painters.
Malé, Republic of MaldivesExplore View on map
The nation’s story in stone and wood
The Maldives’ first museum, opened on 19 November 1952, with stone carvings, early Thaana panels and royal artefacts.
Malé, Republic of MaldivesExplore View on map
Historic places.
A national hero’s home island
A government heritage centre on Utheemu honouring Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu, who ruled the Maldives from 1573 to 1585.
Utheemu, Haa Alif Atoll, Republic of MaldivesExplore View on map
Malé’s oldest mosque
Malé’s oldest mosque, known for its intricate carvings and its place in the country’s history.
Malé, Republic of MaldivesExplore View on map
A national hero’s childhood home
The childhood home of Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu, the 16th-century national hero, on Utheemu in the far north.
Utheemu, Haa Alif Atoll, Republic of MaldivesExplore View on map
On UNESCO’s Tentative List.
A coral-stone mosque from 1815
One of Malé’s two coral-stone mosques on UNESCO’s Tentative List, rebuilt in 1815 on the site of an older mosque.
Malé, Republic of MaldivesExplore View on map
The most complete coral-stone mosque
A coral-stone mosque built between 1692 and 1701, with a coral bathing tank, wells and a sundial.
Fenfushi, Alif Dhaal Atoll, Republic of MaldivesExplore View on map
The golden dome over Malé
The successor to Hukuru Miskiy, opened in 1984; it dominates Malé’s skyline and is the country’s biggest mosque.
Malé, Republic of MaldivesExplore View on map
Completed in December 1701
A coral-stone mosque completed on 16 December 1701, with an octagonal well that still gives sweet water.
Ihavandhoo, Haa Alif Atoll, Republic of MaldivesExplore View on map
Where the copper chronicles were kept
A coral-stone mosque from 1701, where the Isdhoo Loamaafaanu, the oldest historical writings found in the Maldives, were kept.
Isdhoo, Laamu Atoll, Republic of MaldivesExplore View on map
Fine calligraphy in Raa
A coral-stone mosque from around 1705 in Raa Atoll, known for its coral workmanship and interior calligraphy.
Meedhoo, Raa Atoll, Republic of MaldivesExplore View on map
On the islands.
A creative playground
A creative studio at The Marina at CROSSROADS, open 10am to 8pm daily, for painting and craft sessions.
CROSSROADS Maldives, South Malé Atoll, Republic of MaldivesExplore View on map
Art you can climb into
An island-wide collection of artworks and installations at JOALI Maldives, designed to be experienced, not just seen.
Muravandhoo Island, Raa Atoll, Republic of MaldivesExplore View on map
A room open to the sky
A minimalist Skyspace by American light artist James Turrell at Patina Maldives on the Fari Islands.
Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, North Malé Atoll, Republic of MaldivesExplore View on map
Paint with the resident artists
Kandima’s Art Studio, where resident artists run painting and craft classes beside the lakeside café.
Kandima Maldives, Dhaalu Atoll, Republic of MaldivesExplore View on map
Hands-on.
The heartbeat of island celebrations
Boduberu, the Maldives’ traditional drumming and dancing, heard at celebrations on local islands and at many resorts.
Addu’s history in one home
A family home in Addu turned into a collection of RAF relics, blacksmiths’ tools, dhoni models, stamps and postcards.
Addu City, Republic of MaldivesExplore View on map
A craft of traditional dress
Watch the making of kasabu boavalhu, an intricate design used on traditional Maldivian clothing, on Madaveli.
Madaveli, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, Republic of MaldivesExplore View on map
Hands-on Maldivian crafts
A Maldivian culture centre at CROSSROADS with a weekly programme of hands-on classes such as henna and palm-leaf weaving.
CROSSROADS Maldives, South Malé Atoll, Republic of MaldivesExplore View on map
Dress modestly in Malé and at mosques; shoulders and knees covered.
21 of the best Restaurants10 of the best Cafés
20 of the best Bars & Lounges7 of the best Nightlife & Beach Clubs
22 of the best Resorts & Hotels21 of the best Attractions & Excursions
15 of the best Spas, Gyms & Wellness20 of the best Hospitals & Clinics
10 of the best Places to Shop
12 of the best Luxury Lifestyle2 of the best Property17 of the best Getting Around