11 Best Things To Do in Kuala Lumpur and Complete Guide
Marvel at the iconic Petronas Towers, stand in the colonial core of the city, climb 272 steps to an impressive cave temple, shop around the world in the Central Market and eat the city’s best street food in Bukit Bintang. These are just some of the wonderful things to do in Kuala Lumpur. Read on to discover more!
Disclaimer:This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through these links we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting us! Click here to read our privacy policy.
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 if 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 flight options 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!
No time to read this post on the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur now? Save this post for later!
Contents
Best Things to do in Kuala Lumpur
Petronas Towers
I’ll kick off this guide to the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur with 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. The towers are 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:Â one of the top things to do in Kuala Lumpur at night is visit the Sky Bar at Traders Hotel. You’ll have an incredible view of the towers that look magnificent at night when lit up.
KLCC Park
KLCC Park is a little oasis specifically designed to provide some greenery to the area.
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 Petronas Tower views.Â
Menara Tower
Also known as the KL Tower, the Menara Tower was originally built to improve telecommunications quality in the country but has now become a significant landmark.Â
The tower is in the heart of Kuala Lumpur and the observation deck provides some of the best 360-degree views of the city.
Surrounding the tower is Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve; one of the oldest forest reserves in Malaysia. The Eco Park was created to preserve it. This is one of the best free activities in Kuala Lumpur and you’ll find walking trails, canopy bridges and maybe the odd monkey swinging through the trees!
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 where you’ll also notice the 95m tall flagpole.Â
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!Â
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 you’ll see a gigantic statue of Lord Murugan. Climb the 272 steps to the top where you’ll find a magnificent cave dotted with Hindu shrines.Â
As you climb the stairs, turn around and look behind you; the views back to the city are fairly spectacular!
After visiting the Batu Caves, have lunch at one of the restaurants at the bottom of the stairs. The food is delicious and given their location, they’re surprisingly well-priced!Â
The Batu Caves are one of the most popular things to do in Kuala Lumpur and for good reason. I’d recommend 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.
Powered by GetYourGuide
Our Top Tip: this is a religious site so cover your arms and legs.
Also, be careful of your belongings, there are hundreds of monkeys frolicking on the stairs. I saw people trying to wrestle with them for their food or water back. Don’t bother, you will not win!Â
Central Market
If you’re looking for one of the best places to visit in Kuala Lumpur for souvenirs to remind you of your trip, this is it!
What was once established as a wet market in 1888 has come a long way and in the early ’80s was revamped to a handicrafts outlet. This market is a brilliant reflection of the different cultures and influences present in Malaysia.
The market is split up into sections by race. This is for visitors to gain an insight into the cultural differences of the people that Malaysia is home to.
More than 350 vendors sell everything you could possibly think of; fridge magnets, accessories, jewellery, shoes, clothes, ornaments, antiques, toys, you name it!Â
It’s not just a retail experience. The Central Market has significant historical value and is the centre for Malaysian culture, art and craft. You can learn about the heritage and architecture of Malaysia through entertainment; fish spas, henna art, massage or having your fortune told. Art and cultural performances also take place here.
Our Top Tip: visit around lunch. There’s a large food court with numerous vendors selling a range of tasty treats.
Chinatown
Chinatown was one of my favourite places to visit in Kuala Lumpur. This district is so alive with frenetic energy and there’s so much going on you won’t know where to look first and it’s a treat to all the senses.
Head to Petaling Street to nab yourself a bargain at one of the many market stalls. Here, you’ll find knock-off designer sunglasses, belts, bags, perfume, shoes, clothes, anything you can think of!Â
Grab some street food, it’s everywhere! Noodle dishes, rice dishes, salted roast duck, sweet potato balls…my stomach’s rumbling just writing about it! If you fancy a sit down meal, there are plenty of restaurants around too. Look past the crumbling exteriors and inside you’ll find some of the best restaurants in the city.
Chinatown Kuala Lumpur feels a world away from other areas of the city so a visit here is a big must!!
Bukit Bintang; one of the best places to visit 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!
Come to Jalan Alor and join the locals to sample some of the most mouth-watering cuisine in the city. You’ll find plastic tables and stools spilling out of restaurants onto the side of roads lined with hawker stalls.Â
Vendors fanning skewers of meat, the air thick with smoke. The atmosphere is incredible, every sense is alert and you won’t know where to start when deciding what to eat. From barbecued meats, seafood, noodle dishes and desserts, this is the best food in Kuala Lumpur. So delicious and incredibly cheap; an absolute must-visit for foodies!Â
Once you’ve had your fill of food, 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.
Masjid Negara Mosque
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.Â
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. Robes and headscarves are provided at the entrance if you don’t meet these requirements.
Masjid Jamek Mosque
Masjid 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 the Masjid Negara Mosque was opened.Â
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 from the outside.Â
National Monument
The National Monument is a sculpture commemorating the 11,000 people who died during Malaysia’s struggle for freedom. This was principally against the Japanese in World War II and the Malayan Emergency between 1948 and 1960.
That rounds off my list of the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur; now I’ll share everything you need to know.
To Know Before You Visit Kuala Lumpur
How long to spend in Kuala Lumpur
I’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
I found Kuala Lumpur a very walkable city so wherever you stay you’ll never be far away.
I stayed in Chinatown which was a fantastic location. I didn’t use public transport at all to get around the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur and you can find a range of accommodation to suit all budgets. You’ll also find the city’s trendiest cafes, bars and restaurants in this bustling and up-and-coming area.
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.Â
KLCC is perfect for those wishing to be close to the Petronas Towers. This isn’t an ideal area if you’re a budget traveller as the accommodation tends to be more expensive. You’ll find many cafes, restaurants and pubs closeby.
How to get around Kuala Lumpur
I found Kuala Lumpur to be a very walkable city, except when I visited the Batu Caves. I planned where I visited on each of my 2 days in Kuala Lumpur depending on their location and the most I walked in one go was about 30 minutes. Walking is a great way to see the city and perhaps stumble on places you may not have seen on public transport.
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 are typically RM1.20 between two stations.
- Buses: Rapid KL is the largest bus service provider in Kuala Lumpur with well over 100 routes around the city. Prices depend on the distance and destination and vary between 1-5 MYR.
- Taxis: the fastest and most expensive way to get around Kuala Lumpur. Many refuse to use their meters, especially if it’s raining or there aren’t many taxi options so expect to be overcharged. The ride-hailing service Grab is widely used in Kuala Lumpur which I’d recommend over standard taxis.
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 4.65 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 6 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.
1 thought on “11 Best Things To Do in Kuala Lumpur and Complete Guide”
Great content! Super high-quality! Keep it up! 🙂