12 Best Things To Do in Kuala Lumpur and Complete Guide
Marvel at the iconic Petronas Towers, discover impressive street art, climb 272 brightly-coloured stairs to a spectacular cave temple, shop around the world in the Central Market, see Kuala Lumpur from above, stroll through ancient rainforest and eat endless street food in Bukit Bintang. These are just some of the wonderful things to do in Kuala Lumpur. Read on to discover more!
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Malaysia; a captivating melting pot of culture and race which is reflected in the country’s languages, customs, festivals, cuisines and religions. There’s no better place to start experiencing this wonderful multiculturalism than its vibrant capital city, Kuala Lumpur.
Kuala Lumpur is one of the most diverse cities in South East Asia. It’s a beautiful blend of Malay, Chinese, Indian and many more cultures which is evident throughout the city in its cuisine and architecture.
The city is also a fascinating blend of old and new. You’ll stumble upon historical temples, bustling markets, mosques and colonial landmarks rubbing shoulders with huge shopping malls, lavish hotels and glitzy skyscrapers.
Definitely spend at least 2 days in Kuala Lumpur when you’re visiting Malaysia. It will probably be your entry and/or exit point so tag on a couple of nights to see what the city has to offer. You’ll no doubt find a side to it that you love.
With many direct flights linking the city to each corner of the world, Kuala Lumpur is also great for a layover on your way to places such as Vietnam, Bali or Australia.
In this guide, we’ll share the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur as well as everything you need to know including areas to stay in Kuala Lumpur, how to get around, the best time to visit Kuala Lumpur and so much more. Continue reading to make sure you get the most from your visit!
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Contents
Best Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur
Marvel at the Petronas Towers
Kicking off this guide to the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur is the Petronas Towers; the city’s most iconic symbol.
Standing at 452m, the Petronas Towers are the world’s tallest twin towers and dominate the city skyline. They’re joined by a double-decker sky bridge on the 41st and 42nd floors and on floor 86 you’ll find the observation deck (which is closed on Mondays).
Our Top Tip: one of the top things to do in Kuala Lumpur at night is to visit the Sky Bar at Traders Hotel. You’ll have an incredible view of the towers that look magnificent at night when lit up.
Relax in KLCC Park
KLCC Park is an urban oasis providing greenery to Kuala Lumpur’s bustling business district.
Fountains, benches, sculptures and grassy areas make this park one of the most relaxing and free activities in Kuala Lumpur if you need a break from the hustle and bustle.
Our Top Tip: from certain areas, you’ll be rewarded with some of the best views of the Petronas Towers.
Enjoy the View From the KL Tower
One of the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur for incredible views across the city is to head up to the Sky Deck at KL Tower.
Standing at 300 metres, the Sky Deck provides spectacular panoramic views over Kuala Lumpur and out to the mountains in the distance. You may even be able to spot the Batu Caves!
KL Tower is right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur and sits in the tranquil KL Forest Eco Park (see below).
Explore KL Forest Eco Park; one of the most peaceful places to visit in Malaysia
Surrounding KL Tower is one of the oldest forest reserves in Malaysia and the only remaining tropical rainforest in central Kuala Lumpur.
KL Forest Eco Park is known as the city’s green lungs and is home to flora and fauna unique to Malaysia’s tropical rainforest. There are several walking trails under the shade of the lush greenery and even a canopy walkway hoisted up amongst the trees offering fantastic views across the park.
Exploring KL Forest Eco Park is one of the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur. You may even spot a monkey or two swinging through the trees!
Batu Caves; one of the best things to see in Kuala Lumpur
Just north of Kuala Lumpur are the Batu Caves; a series of impressive cave temples set in towering limestone hills. These are without a doubt one of the top places to visit in Kuala Lumpur.
These cave temples are dedicated to Lord Murugan and are one of the most important Hindu shrines outside of India. They’re also the focal point for the Hindu festival of Thaipusam in Malaysia.
Standing guard at the bottom of the stairs is a gigantic statue of Lord Murugan. Climb the 272 multi-coloured stairs to the top where you’ll find a magnificent cave dotted with Hindu shrines.
As you climb the stairs, turn around and look behind you; the views back to the city are fairly spectacular!
The Batu Caves are one of the most popular things to do in Kuala Lumpur and for good reason. We’d recommend booking a tour with Get Your Guide who have a variety of options depending on the inclusions or any other places you’d like to visit.
Browse the options below or head to the Get Your Guide website for more options.
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Our Top Tip: this is a religious site so cover your arms and legs and be respectful.
Also, there are hundreds of monkeys so be careful with your belongings. Keep water bottles and food out of their sight and you’ll be fine. We saw people trying to wrestle the monkeys for their stuff back, you will not win!
Have a Drink at a Rooftop Bar; best things to do in Kuala Lumpur at Night
One of the absolute best things to do in Kuala Lumpur at night is to soak up the atmosphere of a rooftop bar with a drink in hand.
Kuala Lumpur is a city full of rooftop bars and many of them have incredible views of the Petronas Towers, which, let’s be honest is what we all want to look at.
Our favourite rooftop bar in Kuala Lumpur is Vertigo. Located on the 59th floor of the Banyan Tree, Vertigo is the tallest hotel rooftop bar in Kuala Lumpur and offers some of the best views across the city. The stylish bar serves high-quality and delicious cocktails, Southeast Asian-inspired tapas and DJ tunes to dance the night away to.
Shop for Souvenirs at Central Market
If you’re looking for one of the best places to visit in Kuala Lumpur for souvenirs, this is it!
Established as a wet market in 1888, the Central Market has come a long way and is much more than just a retail experience. It holds significant historical value and is a centre for Malaysian culture, arts and crafts. The market is a wonderful reflection of the different cultures and influences present in Malaysia.
Browse hundreds of market stalls selling everything from locally-made handicrafts, textiles and jewellery to clothes, shoes and toys among so much more. There’s also a floor with various food vendors selling tasty snacks and meals.
With there being a big emphasis on art, there are several art museums, galleries and Art Lane where you’ll find 10 studios featuring works by local artists.
Explore Vibrant Chinatown; best things to do in Kuala Lumpur
What was once run-down and looking rather derelict, Chinatown is now one of the best places to visit in Kuala Lumpur. Energetic and colourful with the smells of delicious food wafting through the streets, Chinatown is addictive and will have you coming back again and again.
Head to Petaling Street to nab yourself a bargain at one of the many market stalls. You’ll find knock-off designer sunglasses, belts, bags, perfume, shoes, clothes, you name it!
Grab some street food, it’s everywhere! Noodles, rice dishes, salted roast duck, sweet potato balls, dumplings, the list is endless. There’s also dozens of sit-down restaurants ranging from cheap basic eateries to high-end full-on dining experiences.
Look past the crumbling exteriors of the heritage shophouses and inside you’ll find some of Kuala Lumpur’s best restaurants, quirky speakeasies, cosy cafes, boutique hotels and stylish bars.
Chinatown is also where you’ll find Kuala Lumpur’s best street art. Not nearly as many murals as Penang; Southeast Asia’s street art capital, however, there are a couple of areas you should visit for some creative and fun street art:
- Kwai Chai Hong Street – this alley is home to the best street art in the city. The walls are covered in colourful murals portraying life in KL from the 1960s. Some are even interactive and make for great photos.
- Jalan Petaling – most people know this street for the market, however, keep your eyes peeled for murals, particularly off the side streets and above businesses.
Exploring Chinatown was without a doubt one of our favourite things to do in Kuala Lumpur.
Discover Bukit Bintang; one of the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur at night
Bukit Bintang is the shopping and entertainment district of Kuala Lumpur. From huge shopping malls to the city’s best street food this area is one of the best places to visit in Kuala Lumpur.
Looking for some retail therapy? Check out Berjaya Times Square. This 48-storey twin tower is an extraordinary entertainment venue. With over 1,000 retail stores, 65 food outlets, a bowling alley, a cinema, an archery range and the largest indoor theme park in Asia, it’ll keep anyone of any age amused for days!
One of the very best things to do in Kuala Lumpur at night is stroll along Jalan Alor; the most famous road in Kuala Lumpur for food. It’s the heart of local cuisine in the city so arrive hungry!
Head to Jalan Alor and join the locals filling up on some of the most mouth-watering food in the city. Plastic tables and stools spill out of restaurants onto the side of roads lined with hawker stalls. The atmosphere is buzzing and every sense is alert.
Vendors fanning skewers of meat, the air thick with smoke. Grilled chicken wings, seafood, noodles, satay, char kway teow, desserts, the list is endless. This is some of the best street food in Kuala Lumpur; so delicious and incredibly cheap; an absolute must-visit for foodies!
Once you’re full, head to Changkat Bukit Bintang, the city’s hotspot for a night out. Pub crawl your way through the unique pre-war colonial buildings until the early hours of the morning.
Visit Merdeka Square
Probably the second most iconic symbol of Kuala Lumpur after the Petronas Towers is Merdeka Square. This is hugely symbolic for Malaysia as it’s where the country proclaimed its independence on August 31st 1957.
Merdeka Square is the colonial core of Kuala Lumpur and where you’ll find several historical landmarks. In the centre, you’ll see a very large, perfectly mown lawn and a 95m tall flagpole.
Merdeka Square (Independence Square) hosts various events throughout the year from rock concerts to the Independence Day parade. For a glimpse into the more traditional side of the city, visiting Merdeka Square is one of the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur!
Visit Masjid Negara
Masjid Negara is Malaysia’s National Mosque. The main dome is shaped like a star and has 18 points which represent the 13 states of Malaysia and the 5 pillars of Islam.
The mosque is spread across 13 acres and can accommodate up to 15,000 people.
Non-Muslim visitors are only permitted to visit the mosque during set hours so check these before you go. Men aren’t allowed to wear shorts and women must cover their head, legs and arms. Hooded robes are provided for everyone at the entrance.
Sultan Abdul Samad Jamek Mosque
Sultan Abdul Samad Jamek Mosque was built in 1909 and is the oldest mosque in Kuala Lumpur. It’s a beautiful example of Moorish and Islamic architecture and was the main place of worship until Masjid Negara opened.
This is one of the best places to visit in Kuala Lumpur to learn more about Islam. It’s open to the public every day except Friday but you must visit outside of prayer times. Remember to dress appropriately.
Our Top Tip: wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off as you’ll be going in and out of prayer halls.
That rounds off our list of the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur. Continue reading for everything else you need to know for your visit.
To Know Before You Visit Kuala Lumpur
How long to spend in Kuala Lumpur
We’d recommend a minimum of 2 days in Kuala Lumpur, 3 if time allows. This gives you a good amount of time to explore the different areas at a leisurely pace and really get a feel for this cosmopolitan city.
Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is a very walkable city so wherever you stay you’ll never be far away from anywhere.
Chinatown is a great location and where I stayed on my first visit. The majority of the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur are within walking distance so public transport is rarely needed. You can find a range of accommodation to suit all budgets and tastes, and some of the city’s best restaurants, bars, and cafes are a stone’s throw away.
Bukit Bintang is one of the most popular areas to stay in Kuala Lumpur. It’s right in the heart of the action with tons of entertainment, hotels and restaurants on your doorstep and the famous food market street Jalan Alor. Again, you’ll find a range of accommodation options.
KLCC is a great area and where we stayed on our honeymoon. We stayed at The Hotel Stripes near ‘The Row’ which we felt was a bit of a hidden gem. Here, are pre-1940s shophouses now home to independent businesses such as retail shops, cafes, wine and live music bars and more. The streets around the hotel were also covered in street art and restaurants were local and authentic.
How to get around Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is a very walkable city and other than visiting the Batu Caves, you can mostly walk. Walking is a great way to see the city and perhaps stumble upon some hidden gems you weren’t expecting.
If you would like to use public transport to get around the best activities in Kuala Lumpur, the city has a comprehensive and reliable system of the metro, buses and taxis.
- Metro: the Light Rail Transit (LRT) is made up of three routes; Rapid KL, KTM Komuter and the KL Monorail which provide transport across the city. The monorail serves the centre while Rapid KL and KTM Komuter go to the outskirts. Tickets can be purchased from vending machines or cashiers. You can also get a Touch ‘N Go prepaid card which is swiped at the gates to the stations. Fares start from around RM1.20.
- Buses: You have two options when it comes to bus services. The one recommended for visitors is Go KL City Bus which provides free and convenient transport around the major tourist areas. A map of the full network can be found here. There’s also Rapid KL which is the largest bus service provider in Kuala Lumpur with well over 100 routes. Prices depend on the distance and destination and vary between 1-5 MYR. Schedules are rather erratic though so if you can take the free bus then do so.
- Taxis: the fastest way to get around Kuala Lumpur is by taxi. We’d recommend using Grab over flagging a taxi down as you can see what you’ll be charged before getting in whereas taxis are notorious for refusing to use their meters and overcharging. Grab taxis are very reasonably priced and we used them quite a lot.
Alternatively, for a unique way to get around Kuala Lumpur and explore the city’s hidden alleyways connecting the new and old of the city, book a bike tour.
The best time to visit Kuala Lumpur
Although Malaysia can be affected by rain throughout the year, the best time to visit Kuala Lumpur is generally July and August followed by January and February when it sees the least rain. The temperature and humidity levels are similar all year round.
Currency in Malaysia
The currency used is Malaysian Ringgit. At the time of writing 1 USD is 4.41 MYR.
What plug socket do I need?
The sockets used in Malaysia are type G; the same as in the UK.
Do I need a visa?
UK citizens do not need a visa to visit Malaysia for stays up to 90 days. For any other nationalities, check your entry requirements to Malaysia here.
Malaysia has so much more to offer as well as its buzzing and multicultural capital city. Head to our 7 beautiful places to visit in Malaysia post to learn about Malaysia’s incredible scenery, food, cultures, beaches and so much more. If you’re looking for a multi-city trip, Kuala Lumpur is paired fantastically with Singapore.
I hope you’ve found this guide to the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur useful. If you have any questions or want to say hi then leave a comment below and make sure to follow us on Instagram to stay updated with us in real time.
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