Maldives is a famous island country in Asia. It is a popular tourist destination worldwide due to its tranquil natural beauty. It is home to some of the most beautiful islands one can visit. But what also makes it very attractive for tourists is its shopping malls and local markets like Island Bazaar, Centro Mall, and STO Trade Centre. These shopping spots have something to offer for every age group. Kids and adults enjoy it equally. This place is truly heaven for shopping enthusiasts.
In this article about shopping in Maldives: 12 places for the shopaholic in you, you will definitely learn about some of the top-notch spots in Maldives for the best shopping experience. Here we go!
Top 12 Shopping Destinations in Maldives
The Male Local Market
Male is well-known for its street shopping, which is popular with both residents and visitors. The male local market is the largest regional market of the city. You can buy local arts and crafts items, fresh fruits and vegetables, stalls of local pickles and spices, and whatnot.
Visitors to Maldives must explore this place and buy gifts for their family members. You can buy clothes, jewelery, household items, and toys from different stalls and shops.
Le Cute
If you're seeking the most excellent spot to buy cosmetics in Maldives, go no further than Le Cute. It is located in Male on Majedhee Magu Road, a prominent location. If you are a visitor searching for the most significant places to shop in the Maldives, you must visit Le Cute.
The store is also well-known for its homeware, clothes, handicrafts, and jewellery collections, embodying the Maldives' serene and friendly vibe. If you are a tourist looking for the best places to shop in Maldives, you should definitely visit Le Cute.
Island Bazaar
For tourists who are skincare enthusiasts, this place is for them. If you want to buy luxury skin products that will pamper you and your spouse, then look no further than Island Bazaar. This famous European-style spot is based in Male, and visitors can go there from 10:00 am to 6 pm.
This boutique offers a luxury lifestyle brand that respects Maldivian culture. The place is a must-visit to buy some of the best items of local Maldivian culture.
Luxury Shopping at Centro Mall Maldives
Centro Mall is an excellent choice for world-class brand shopping. This shopping centre, located near the dock, serves as the Maldives' central core. You can get branded household appliances at substantially lower prices.
The mall also has various cafés, banks, and flagship retailers. There is also a supermarket within the mall. If you're planning a vacation to the Maldives, this location should not be.
Majedhee Magu
Majedhee Maju is a very famous street bazaar in the Maldives. It is one of the largest markets there. You can buy clothes, toys, handicrafts and decoration items from this place as it is a local market so the rates are not fixed.
This market is usually open from 9 am to 11 am, so you can visit at a time that is convenient for you.
Nala Boutique
This shopping spot is a favourite point for tourists who want to buy beach clothes or similar accessories. The place offers traditional and local Maldivian dresses with a modern touch.
It is situated in Kurumba and should be noticed. If you are anywhere near this place, remember to go and check out the elegant clothes there.
STO Trade Centre
This trade center in Orchid Magu, Male, provides an appropriate shopping experience in the Maldives. The first floor has all the household items, handicrafts, electronic gadgets and appliances.
The second and third floors have souvenir kiosks. STO Trade Centre is a busy superstore and is one of the best shopping spots in Maldives. It is visited by many locals and tourists daily.
Chaandhanee Magu
It is one of the most well-known shopping spots in the Maldives. The most famous item of this place is Thudu Kona, a traditional mat. Since most imports come from Singapore, the locals call it the “Singapore Bazaar.” The bazaar is open from 9 am to 11 pm for the visitors.
Angolo Souvenir Shop
There are many souvenir shops there, but the Angolo souvenir shop is considered the best souvenir shop in Maldives. This shop is located on Maafushi, off the island of Mahe. This small shop has a lot of unique and artsy souvenirs that reflect the Maldivian culture. The people who run this shop are amicable and courteous.
The shop is open from 10 am -9 pm. If you purchase anything from here, you will be allowed to try the banana coconut souvenirs. You can buy quirky keychains and bags, shirts and refrigerator magnets, and tea, which is the best.
Oevaali Art Shop
This shop was established in 2015 by two girls, Raniya and Raya Mansoor, to bring awareness of Maldivian culture and heritage through art & design. This art shop offers a variety of paintings, sculptures, and many other Maldivian souvenirs. Oevaali is a leading brand in local lifestyle & art.
Their products are 100% handmade. Although the prices are a bit high due to its history, popularity and quality, the art & craft that you can buy from Oevaali will be worth it and will make great gifts for your loved ones.
Resort Store Shopping
If you have missed the chance to buy gifts for your loved ones or want something at the last minute, you can visit your resort’s shopping store. Almost every resort in Maldives has a gifts section.
This might be a bit expensive in comparison to local markets, but if you have got the money, you can buy whatever you want from these resort shops.
Male Airport Shopping Spree
If you are about to leave Maldives and havent bought any gifts for your friends and family, dont worry. After reaching the airport and clearing the customs and immigration, start shopping.
Male International Airport’s duty-free section is one of Maldives’ best shopping spots. Last-minute shopping at the airport is what most travelers do.
Conclusion
In the article “shopping in Maldives: 12 places for the shopaholic in you,” we hope you have learned about the all-inclusive shopping destinations in Maldives. To conclude, we can say that if you are in Maldives or about to visit, dont forget to shop for your loved ones.
The Maldives offers some of the best shopping experiences through local markets and malls. You can buy handicrafts, local goods, cosmetics, traditional Maldivian jewelery, local foods and clothes and many more.
So what are you waiting for? Go and explore these markets and enjoy them to the fullest!