Joanna James
The Maldives is certainly not a shopping hub, but there are several great places to grab those souvenirs to bring home with you for friends, family, and yourself.
Shopping in the Maldives can be an exciting experience once you visit the local market in Male. Found near the waterfront, it is a large market and the most famous street market in the Maldives. A favourite place for its residents, this bazaar attracts many foreign visitors as well. There are a large number of stalls with local handicrafts, souvenirs, and gift items, and many vendors trading local treats like sweetmeats, pickles, and coconut milk products. It is open from 8 am to 11 pm daily.
Located in the centre of Male, the street market known as Majeedhee Magu is well-known for its apparel, accessories, electronic items, local jewellery, and dried and canned fish products. Bargaining is acceptable, and it is typical not to accept the first price quoted by the vendors. You can also find some fancy dining options nearby, such as Cafe Asiana, serving all kinds of delectable Maldivian cuisine.
If you fancy beauty products, such as perfumes, head to Le Cute, a well-known shop on Majedhee Magu Road, selling cosmetics and the like. It is a fashionable shop filled with cosmetics, health care items, toiletries, herbal products and more. It is open from 9:30 am to 11 pm and on Fridays from 4 pm to 6 pm and 8 pm to 11 pm.
The first floor of the STO Trade Centre sells household items, while the next two floors have plenty of souvenir counters and shops with local handicrafts, mementoes, and electronics. It is visited by locals and travellers daily and is a busy shopping store. It is open from 8:30 am to 10 pm on most days and is located in Orchid Magu in Male.
Island Bazar is an elegant boutique store selling fashionable lifestyle products and elaborate arts and crafts made by local artisans. Cushions, shoulder bags, scarves, sarongs, jewellery, macramé works, and handmade fridge magnets are among the most tasteful items available. If you want to buy something elegant and trendy for loved ones back home, don't forget to stop by Island Bazar! It is open from 10 am to 6 pm, from Monday to Thursday and on Fridays, from 4 pm to 6 pm. The likes of Hard Rock Hotel Maldives can be an option to look out for accommodation at the Male atolls.
Once you've had your fill of resort activities in Maldives, visit Centro Mall, which is located in Hulhumale. This mall has over 30 branded shops, flagship stores, spas, salons, and great dining options. It is open every day from 7 am to 12 pm. The island is a great place to base your stay with many family-friendly Maldives resorts available.
Chaandhanee Magu is located in North Male Atoll. Here, shoppers can encounter some excellent displays of regional handicrafts like Thudu Kona (fibre mats) and wooden miniature boats alongside imported goods from Singapore. Thus, locals fondly call Chaandhanee Magu the Singapore Bazaar! It is open from 9 am to 11 pm daily.
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