This post may contain affiliate links to tours and hotels. These help us earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.
Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) is home to superb shopping malls like KLCC Suria, the gleaming Petronas Towers and high-rise skyscrapers, making KLCC a sleek and shiny cityscape.
A mega-metropolis and millionaire’s playground, you don’t have to have a lot of money to enjoy KLCC as it has lots of free things to do and attractions like Saloma Bridge or the nightly Lake Symphony show.
From rooftop bars to concerts, street food trucks to twin towers, here is our guide to KLCC’s best things to do in 2024:
You might like – Things to do in KL’s Chinatown >
Table of Contents
How to get to KLCC and KLCC Suria, Kuala Lumpur
KLCCis easy to reach by MRT train (Metro), LRT train (light rapid transit), Monorail, bus or taxi.
MRT
The closest MRT stations to the main part of KLCC is either Persiaran KLCC station or Conlay station. Both are around a 8 to 10 minute walk to Petronas Towers and KLCC Suria.
LRT
The LRT goes to KLCC via the Kelana Jaya line. Alight at KLCC LRT station which is located next to Petronas Towers.
Monorail
The KL Monorail station closest to KLCC is Raja Chulan station – around a 20 minute walk to Petronas Towers and KLCC Suria.
Bus
The Go City KL bus (green route / route 1) connects KLCC with busy areas like Bukit Bintang and Chinatown – whilst it used to be free to all, foreigners will now be charged a 1 MYR fare from 1 January 2024.
If you are travelling to KLCC from KL Airport, check out our guide KLIA airport to the city guide >
You might like – Things to do in Genting Highlands, an easy day trip from KL >
KLCC hotels and recommended accommodation
Traders Hotel, Kuala Lumpur ($$$)
Luxury hotel with amazing views of the Petronas Towers. Facilities include a rooftop pool with a poolside bar, spa, fitness center, two restaurants and a free shuttle buggy to Suria KLCC mall. Check rates and availability for Traders Hotel >
Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur ($$$)
Stylish hotel with suites and serviced apartments overlooking KLCC Park. Facilities include an infinity outdoor pool with poolside cabanas and daybeds, tennis courts and 7 onsite restaurants. Check rates and availability for Mandarin Oriental >
Impiana KLCC Hotel ($$)
Popular hotel located a 10 minute walk from Petronas Towers. Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, bar and 4 onsite restaurants. Check rates and availability for Impiana KLCC Hotel >
You might like – 60 things to do in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia >
KLCC (Kuala Lumpur City Centre)- Things to do and activities
1. Saloma Bridge
KLCC is lit! And none more so than at Saloma Bridge, Kuala Lumpur’s newest free tourist attraction that has become a hit on social media because of ever changing colours and bright lights.
Located in KLCC and a 5 minute walk to KLCC Suria, Saloma Bridge is an iconic structure that connects the historic Kampung Baru district with the newer skyscrapers and city scape of ‘modern’ Kuala Lumpur.
Illuminated each night in bright hues (and often themed in special shades to coincide with public holidays or events), Saloma Bridge in Kuala Lumpur is a much visit next time you are in Malaysia.
Also known as Pintasan Saloma and Kuala Lumpur’s most ‘dazzling’ attraction’, check out our guide to visiting Saloma Bridge in KLCC >
You might like – Guide to Jalan Alor Night Market in Kuala Lumpur >
2. KLCC Petronas Towers
Kuala Lumpur’s iconic twin towers must be the most photographed towers in the whole of Malaysia – opened in 1996, these are the tallest twin towers in the world with 88 storeys.
The Petronas Towers can be viewed for free from the KLCC Park / fountains below or get up close with a visit to the viewing platform on the 86th floor – this is definitely the best way to see KLCC from up high and its iconic cityscape.
The Petronas Towers look great by day but even better by night – just be prepared to fight the crowds to get a good spot (and there are lots of photographer ‘touts’ out at night who offer to take your picture with the towers for a small fee.
Book your Petronas Tower Tickets here with Get Your Guide or Klook.
Try this – Kuala Lumpur Night Tours >
3. KLCC Symphony Lake
If you are visiting KLCC by night, be sure to head on over to the KLCC Symphony Lake afterwards for the free nightly fountain performance, set against a beautiful backdrop of the lit up Petronas Towers.
One of the best free things to do in Kuala Lumpur at night, two musical fountains spring into life every half hour from 7:30pm onwards until 10pm daily.
We’ve read online that the shows on the half hour are lights only but when we visited KLCC and Symphony Lake in October 2023, the 9:30pm display we saw had both lights and music.
A little bit of ‘Las Vegas’ in KL, the KLCC Symphony Lake could be classed as a little kitsch / dated but is fine to combine with a night time trip to see Petronas Towers lit up or some KLCC Suria mall shopping.
You might like – Ultimate 2 week Malaysia itinerary >
4. KLCC Suria
Easily one of the best shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur, KLCC Suria has six storeys of shopping from luxury goods to food courts plus top attractions like KLCC Aquarium.
KLCC Suria is a sublime way to shop (and a great KL rainy day activity) with over 350 stores including flagship brands such as Coach, Chanel, Gucci and Prada (there are also more affordable options like McDonalds and Nandos!)
If you are missing home comforts, KLCC Suria is also home to several International supermarkets like Isetan from Japan or a Marks and Spencer (M&S) food store from the UK.
You might like – Things to do in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur >
5. Tapak Urban Street Dining (KLCC Food Trucks)
Pretty much every traveller to Kuala Lumpur heads to KLCC park or the front lawn and fountain area to view the Petronas Towers.
However, we’d recommend taking a five minute walk down the road to Tapak Urban Street Dining, an outdoor plaza of tasty food trucks that all have incredible views of the towers (especially at night when lit up).
KLCC’s food truck depot, Tapak Urban Street Dining has around 30 or so food trucks (plus a vape shop on a double decker bus!).
Food here varies from traditional Malaysian and Indian / Chinese cuisine to international fare like pizzas and sushi.
The alfresco atmosphere here is cool and convivial and there are lots of tables and chairs to enjoy plus a bar – brews with views have never been so good.
When we last visited Tapak Urban Street Dining, there was also live music from a guitarist and singer so head to KLCC and make a night of it.
You might like – Things to do in Ipoh, Malaysia >
6. KLCC Park
Located just behind KLCC Suria mall and home to a couple of lakes and the Symphony fountain show, KLCC Park is a pleasant place to potter around and enjoy the beautifully manicured lawns and the shade of historic trees.
As well as a children’s water park and some rather cool artwork and sculptures, KLCC is generally a nice place to escape the hustle and bustle of Kuala Lumpur’s busy road network.
KLCC Park is free to visit and is a gorgeous green gem, with over 50 acres to discover – better still, grab some takeaway food from KLCC Suria and have a picnic in KLCC overlooking the lakes and fountains.
You might like – Things to do in Melaka, Malaysia >
7. Avenue K Mall
A small but smart shopping centre just across the road from Petronas Towers and KLCC Suria, Avenue K mall is a tiny but trendy boutique mall that has lots of big brands like H&M, Leica, Sephora and Cotton On plus oodles of restaurants.
On the second floor of Avenue K, there is a dedicated food court called Food City (formerly Taste Enclave) which has around 15 different food stalls and kiosks.
Like shopping? Check out our guide to KL’s shopping mall in the sky, Genting Premium Outlets >
Try this – Cooler Lumpur by Night Vespa Food Tour by Vespalicious >
8. Aquaria KLCC
An awesome aquarium located underneath KLCC Suria, the Aquaria KLCC is the underwater home to thousands of species of fish, sea life and other wonderful water and land based creatures.
As well as the epic 100-metre glass walkway, there are several themed zones to explore like Jewels of the Jungle, the Touch Zone and the Evolution Zone.
Feeding time happens regularly – one of the highlights at Aquaria KLCC has to be seeing the cute otters fed fish at 11.15am and 4:30pm daily – alas there are no mermaids!
The Aquaria KLCC is open daily from 10am – 8pm.
Get your discounted Aquaria ticket with Klook >
You might like – 50+ things to buy in Malaysia 7-Eleven >
9. Petrosains The Discovery Centre
A fun museum suitable for both kids and adults, Petrosains The Discovery Centre is on the fourth floor of the KLCC Suria centre and aims to bring science and outer space to life in an interesting way.
Including a dozen or so interactive exhibits, one of the biggest draws is the ‘Dark Ride’ where you can explore Malaysia’s natural highlights without leaving your seat; the ride takes you from the lobby to the main exhibition space in an immersive way.
Petrosains The Discovery Centre is open from 9:30am to 5:30pm daily (until 6:30pm on Sundays) – admission fees apply.
Rooftop Bars in KLCC
There are lots of good rooftop bars in Kuala Lumpur – two of the best rooftop bars are both within easy walking distance of KLCC Park and we would highly recommend (fun to ‘research’ to for this article):
10. Marinis on 57 Rooftop Bar
For an up-close view of the Petronas Towers accompanied by a cocktail, head on up to Marinis on 57 Rooftop Bar.
From champagne to cognac, single malts to mojitos, Marinis on 57 is a KL rooftop bar with real ‘altitude’ – come for the drinks, stay for the views.
Draft beer and soft drinks are also available. Draft beers start from around 35MYR, cocktails start from 42 MYR and mojitos cost 35 MYR. All prices correct as of January 2024.
Try this – Kuala Lumpur Local Street Food Private Walking Tour by Night >
11. Traders SkyBar
And now for something a little different – Traders SkyBar is an indoor Kuala Lumpur rooftop bar with a huge swimming pool in the middle (so don’t have too many cocktails – or bring a towel just in case).
Traders SkyBar is something else although it can get busy. There are a few seats and booths that have unspoilt views of the Petronas Towers but they get taken very quickly (especially in the run-up to sunset) so go to Traders SkyBar early or reserve a table in advance if you want to get a good view all night long.
Located on the 33rd floor of the Traders hotel, Kuala Lumpur’s SkyBar also has a daily happy hour – ‘Soul Set Happy Hour’ (from 5pm to 7pm).
Happy hour prices start from 25 MYR for a half pint of Tiger beer or 35 MYR for cocktails. Food offerings like baos, tempura or prawns are available too.
You might like – Things to do in Melaka, Malaysia >
12. Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS
For a ‘klassy’ Kuala Lumpur night out, head to the Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS (concert hall) to listen to orchestras, big bands and touring musicians.
Malaysia’s first dedicated classical music concert hall, Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS is located within the KLCC Suria complex and was opened in 1998 with almost 1,000 seats.
International artists that have played here include Diane Krall and Harry Connick Jr – check out the current events and listings for the concert hall here >
The dress code for Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS is smart casual with no sports or beach wear allowed (so certainly no Crocs with your Chopin!).
You might like – Guide to visiting KL Tower and KL Forest Eco Park >
13. Kampung Baru
Located at the northern end of Saloma bridge, Kampung Baru is one of Kuala Lumpur’s oldest neighbourhoods that is now well known as one of the best foodie destinations in Kuala Lumpur.
Translated as ‘New Village’, Kampung Baru consists of many traditional wooden houses on stilts plus a huge array of restaurants and street food stalls (make sure you try a Ramly burger!).
Try local dishes like Nasi Kerabu, Satay Pedang and grilled seafood – just follow your noise or look for long lines of eager and hungry locals.
Walking from KLCC Suria, Kampung Baru is great to combine with Saloma Bridge as you can walk over the bridge, take some snaps then enjoy a delicious dinner or lovely lunch in one of Kampung Baru’s numerous restaurants ot street food.
We visited Kampung Baru as part of a Chef’s Tour – read about our food tour to KL’s Kampung Baru here >
Try this – Kuala Lumpur by Night: Sightseeing, Markets and Food >
14. KLCC at Night
Whilst KLCC is nice by day, it is even better at night. Combine Saloma Bridge, the Petronas Towers and the Lake Symphony or do some evening shopping at KLCC Suria or Avenue Mall (malls generally close at 10pm in Kuala Lumpur).
The best way to see KLCC and Kuala Lumpur at night is on an evening tour like these:
- Top Kuala Lumpur Night Tours with Viator >
- Kuala Lumpur: Evening Tour with Kuala Lumpur Tower Tickets >
- Kuala Lumpur City of Lights Tour with Hop-on Hop-off Bus >
You might like – Kuala Lumpur at Night – top things to do >
15. Bacha Coffee
Perhaps the biggest queue we saw in KLCC was for the KLCC Suria Bacha Coffee shop – like seriously long queues.
Bacha Coffee is a popular brunch, lunch and dinner spot with an outdoor terrace that looks out towards KLCC Park and the symphony fountains.
Bacha Coffee began life in the early 1900s in the Marrakech medina of Marrakech and is famed for its freshly ground coffee (which some say is the strongest coffee in KL).
You might like – Things to do in Cameron Highlands, Malaysia >
Our final KLCC thing to do in 2024
16. KLCC at Christmas
Kuala Lumpur at Christmas is a magical place and none more so than KLCC.
As Christmas is a national holiday in Malaysia, epic Christmas events in Kuala Lumpur are embraced, especially in KLCC Suria and KLCC Park.
Along with Pavilion shopping mall, one of the best Kuala Lumpur Christmas displays and events is the magical Christmas village at Suria KLCC mall. You can also find Malaysia’s largest artificial Christmas tree on the concourse outside.
Most recently in Christmas 2023, the mall hosted a Christmas Gingerbread Village which had a gingerbread post office at Centre Court (crumbs), a gingerbread man augmented reality chase plus a festive photo booth (perfect for a Santa selfie!).
Read more in our KL’s best Christmas lights guide >
Other Malaysia blog posts you might like
- Things to do in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Jalan Alor food street guide in Kuala Lumpur
- Saloma Bridge in Kuala Lumpur
- Best shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur
- Changkat Bukit Bintang Nightlife in Kuala Lumpur
- Kuala Lumpur at Night – top things to do
- Malaysia 7-Eleven Stores – 50+ Things you can buy
- Kuala Lumpur to Melaka by bus guide
- Top things to do in Langkawi, Malaysia
- Things to do in Georgetown Penang, Malaysia
- The perfect 2 week Malaysia itinerary and travel guide
- Cameron Highlands attractions: the ultimate travel guide
- Top things to do in Melaka, Malaysia
- Jonker Street Night Market Melaka / Malacca guide
- Penang Street Food Guide
- Georgetown’s street art in Penang – ultimate guide
Did you enjoy our Kuala Lumpur blog post? Let us know in the comments or by sharing it on social media.
You can follow CK Travels on:
Instagram
Facebook
TikTok
YouTube
Pinterest
No Comments