I've been to 65 countries and hated 1 luxury tourist destination - it's inhospitable'

A seasoned traveller who has explored 65 countries has sparked debate on TikTok after naming his least favourite city in the world, and it's in one of the globe's most luxurious holiday destinations. TikTok content creator Drake Pooley, known for sharing travel rankings and tips with his thousands of followers, recently posted a video listing his bottom five cities to visit.

At the very top of his "worst" list was a surprising pick: Malé, the capital of the Maldives. "I hate to say it, because the Maldives are amazing," Pooley said. "It's amazing, I've been there twice, I love the islands. But the capital city is really not meant for foreigners."

While the Maldives is internationally renowned for its idyllic private islands, turquoise lagoons and luxury resorts, Pooley says Malé is a stark contrast to the tropical paradise most tourists imagine.

In his opinion, the city is overcrowded, chaotic and uncomfortable, especially for outsiders who aren't used to the densely urbanised environment.

"It's one of the most dense places in the world," he explained. "My friend was called evil by someone just standing in a grocery line. It really is just inhospitable to foreigners. Don't recommend it at all."

With over 250,000 residents crammed into just eight square kilometres, Malé is among the most densely populated cities on Earth.

The capital acts as a hub for domestic transport and government administration, but Pooley's comments suggest that it lacks the relaxed hospitality travellers expect when visiting the Maldives.

Although he was quick to praise the Maldivian islands themselves, Pooley insisted that the capital city should be avoided by tourists, especially those unprepared for its intensity.

His frank remarks have sparked a heated conversation online, with some viewers agreeing that Malé can feel "overwhelming" and "closed-off," while others defended the city's cultural significance and everyday authenticity.

Commenters were divided. "He's absolutely right, I couldn't wait to get back to the resort," wrote one user. But another replied: "You can't go to a functioning capital and expect it to be a spa. Malé is real life."