Joanna James
The Maldives may not offer sophisticated shopping experiences like some other countries in the world, but it certainly is someplace worth remembering. Why not head over to the local street markets, or the vibrant boutiques to browse for mementos while experiencing the local culture!
Located at the heart of Male, the Maldivian capital city, Majeedhee Magu is a bustling street market where shopaholics from near and far can hunt for fancy trinkets to their hearts' content. This sprawling street market offers everything from handloom clothing and local jewellery to electronic goods and canned smoked fish. Among Arabian perfumes and local handcraft are the textile products, which includes the best of Maldivian clothing such as the libaas, a traditional Maldivian dress. Bargaining is key in this street to secure some amazing prices. The market is especially popular for its scintillating range of souvenirs that never fail to attract the tourists.
One of the premier shopping destinations in the Maldives, Male Local Market, is highly popular among the visitors of this country. It is a large market space where one can find a diverse array of products that are exclusively found within the island. Located on the Northern Waterfront, this market can be found just a block away from the Male fish market. It is divided into smaller stalls where each offers fresh and colourful produce that are grown in various islands of the Maldives. The products that are available at this market range from local vegetables and fruits to nuts, breadfruit chips, and home-made sweets.
One of the most famous shopping places for the residents of the Maldives, STO Trade Centre, offers everything that one would need to carry on with their daily lifestyle. It's a supermarket and a one-stop shopping centre that offers everything of which you can think. In another perspective, it's a place where the Maldivians revolve around for their survival. Visited by a myriad of locals and foreigners each day, STO Trade Centre has separate places for items such as packaged goods and groceries. In its second level, tourists can even look forward to buying some souvenirs to gift their loved ones back home.
After experiencing a memorable holiday at one of the Maldives villa resorts offered by properties such as Adaaran Select Meedhupparu, you may suddenly remember that you forgot to buy souvenirs for your friends and family on your way to Velana International Airport. Fret not – the airport itself offers a recently updated shopping area that would surely impress you with its fantastic shopping opportunities. At this airport, you can find an array of duty-free shops that offer everything from Maldivian souvenirs and cosmetics to liquor, tobacco, and confectionery items, which are more than enough for some last-minute shopping spree.
Founded by two sisters called Raniya and Raya Mansoor in 2015, the Oevaali Art Shop is practically a haven for art lovers. It features paintings, sculptures, and Maldivian souvenirs that are dedicated to enlightening the world about the fascinating culture and heritage of the Maldives. The Oevaali Art Shop is the place to be if you want to buy authentic Maldivian art and design. Although these products may be expensive due to their quality and authenticity, they make perfect gifts for your friends and family back home.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
