The Maldives may not exactly be known as a shopping mecca, after all, most people head there to indulge in a little relaxation as opposed to hitting the racks. However, there are some cute boutiques, malls, traditional bazaars, and bustling markets to choose from.
These places offer somewhere to buy everything from traditional handicrafts, vibrant sarongs, beautiful stone-set jewelry, designer clothes, cosmetics, perfumes, and even some good old duty-free bargains to take with you back home.
Majeedhee Magu – One-Stop Shopping Destination
Situated in the heart of the city at Majedhee Magu Road, Man, Maldives, Majedhee Magu is a sprawling street market in the Maldives that offers a confectionary range of varied goods. From garments, accessories to electronic goods, everything is readily available.
Bargaining is very important when you make any purchase, and you can score some amazing deals when you choose to buy several items from the same seller and then knock the price down.
Make it light and fun, good bargaining should always be pleasant for both you and the person selling. You may have to rummage through some tat to find the gems here, but they're awesome great finds to be had in this sprawling street market.
Bargaining is hard work, so after you finish you can always check out the dining options the area like Cafe Asiana which serves up traditional Maldivian favorites.
Do not settle a cost for anything, bargaining is very important while shopping in the Maldives. There are some amazing dining options like Café Asiana where you can have delicious Maldivian cuisine. It opens between 9 am and 11 pm. Things that you can purchase from Majedhee Magu include local cosmetics, local jewelry, dried fish chips, and canned smoked fish.
Male Local Market- To taste the flavors of Maldives
Shopping in the Maldives is all about the grand flea of Male Local Market. Located at the north waterfront, it is the most prevalent street market in the Maldives.
Top picks for travelers from all across; the bazaartempts to splash your money on regional handicrafts as well as present items. Are you trying to find some lip-smacking Maldivian food? Hit the kiosks here, as well as they will certainly not disappoint you.
Le Cute- To pamper yourself to appeal
If you're a shopaholic, a few of the best things to shop in the Maldives are done in store for you here. A fancy shop dealing with health care products and cosmetics, we bet the perfumes are one of the most sold-out good here.
Get glued to the beauty products available in Le Cute below in the Maldives. Just how around picking fragrances and later fusing your room with the rich aromas, which are affordable even for a tertiary student as yourself. The best times are: 9:30 am– 11:00 pm and also 4:00 pm– 6:00 pm and 8 pm -11:00 pm on Fridays.
Island Bazaar – An elegant European style boutique
The shopping experience at Island Market will always be distinct as this classy and posh boutique not only sells stylish lifestyle products but also promotes the intricate handicrafts of local artisans.
Be it a cushion, a shoulder bag, or a hand-made refrigerator magnet, the styles are lovely and also inimitable. This is among the very best areas to go shopping in the Maldives if you wish to gift something unique as well as classy to your close to and dear ones.
The best times to visit are between 10:00 am – 6:00 pm as well as 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm on Fridays, to purchase an affordable European style.
Centro Mall- To lavish on high-end labels
Some might not be all about food and fashion but instead are drawn to a rather lavish touch that falls outside the streets of the Maldives. If luxury brands, happening dines as well as game zones are your way to splurge, then head to Centro Mall in Hulhumale.
Hosting over 30 brand outlets and flagship stores, splendid salons and spa-like Manhattan Fish Market, it is undeniably a lavish place to go for shopping amidst the ocean. The preferable time to visit is between 7:00 am – 12:00 midnight.
Dive Shop and Water World
The Dive Shop and Water World are two of the best shops to buy the latest diving equipment in the Maldives. Both the shops are located quite close to each other, selling authentic products of noted brands and are thus quite famous.
If you have diving high on your mind, given the crystal-clear waters of the island, these are the places you should not skip a visit to.
Male International Airport
The International Airport is a decent place to do a little shopping before you get on your plane. There are a few places to choose from including a dedicated liquor and tobacco store that stocks some pretty rare and fancy drinks that you add to your liquor collection.
They say that one of their bestsellers is a rare 50 years old Balvenie single malt scotch whiskey, but there are also wines, champagnes, and other spirits to choose from.
There are perfume and the cosmetic area within the duty-free Store which stocks all the major brands including Dior, Chanel, YSL, Lancome, Elizabeth Arden, Body Shop, and many more. Here, you can sample scents and shop for things like lipstick, mascara, and body lotions.
Wander over to the souvenir section of the duty - free shopping area you will find beautiful batik sarongs, as well as crafted wooden items, hand-painted t-shirts, and mini dhoni boats that make lovely souvenirs.
Just be prepared for higher prices. If you're more of a bargain hunter when shopping, they may want to check out the affordable markets and bazaars where you can knock down the prices a little.
Centro Mall
If you are looking for big-name designers and ultra-lux items, then the Centro Mall is for you. This a large shopping zone than contains a big variety of brand-name outlet stores – making it arguably one of the classiest places to ‘shop til you drop’ in the Maldives.
As well as beautiful clothing items, you'll also find a selection of home appliance stores, a full-service salon, a spa, and even several incredible dining options such as the much-loved Manhattan Fish Market restaurant. A great thing about shopping here is the opening hours. It is open between 7 am and midnight every day.
"I enjoy shopping and I found it affordable but some of the clothes are definitely not of the highest quality." - Hassan from Turkey
