More than a third of the total population of the Maldives lives on the main island of Malé in the south of the North Malé Atoll with the capital of the same name.

Malé includes the sister islands of Villingili, Hulhulé and Hulhumalé; The Velana International Airport is located on the latter. The construction of the bridge between Malé and Hulhumalé was only completed in September 2018.

The most important hospitals, all secondary schools, authorities and the seat of government of the island state are located in Malé. The city is also the center for trade and commerce.

North of the capital is the Old Friday Mosque Hukuru Miskiiy. It is the oldest of the coral stone mosques in the Maldives and was built by Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar I in the mid-17th century. The Islamic Center, which opened in 1984, is worth seeing with its mosque, library and striking golden dome that characterizes Malé's cityscape.

Other attractions include Muliaage Palace with its wrought iron gate and Majeedhee Magu - a lively street with restaurants and shops.

A highlight is the offshore island of Crossroads, which can be reached by speedboat from Malé in 15 minutes. The marina impresses with many restaurants and shops, a leisure and cultural center and the Café del Mar Beach Club. The first Hard Rock Hotel in the Maldives opened here in September 2019.