Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – 60 Things To Do (2024)

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Kuala Lumpur is one cool capital city – from twin towers to temples, street art to sky bars, there are so many things to do in Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysia’s most magnificent city-scape, Kuala Lumpur is crammed with tourist attractions and colourful neighbourhoods like Chinatown, Little India, KLCC and Bukit Bintang.

By day, explore Kuala Lumpur’s shopping malls or public parks, or explore KL at night to enjoy evening encounters like Jalan Alor night market or the bars of Changkat Bukit Bintang.

From beautiful Batu Caves to Genting Highlands (the city in the clouds), there is so much to discover on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur too.

From street food to fireflies, theme-parks to top tours, here is our ultimate guide to the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur in 2024:

You might like – Our ultimate 2 week Malaysia itinerary guide >

SKIP TO THE THINGS TO DO IN KUALA LUMPUR LIST >

Table of Contents

How to get around Kuala Lumpur / public transport

There are lots of ways to get around Kuala Lumpur – the public transport system is very efficient and inexpensive and includes the LRT, Metro, public bus and Monorail.

The Go City KL bus routes also connects major parts of the city like Chinatown, KLCC and Bukit Bintang – whilst it used to be free to all, foreigners will now be charged a 1 MYR fare from 1 January 2024.

Taxis in KL are also very expensive – there are several popular Malaysian ‘e-hailing’ apps including Grab Taxi.

Kuala Lumpur Airport to City Centre

How best to get from KLIA / Kuala Lumpur Airport to the city and the hotels in downtown Kuala Lumpur?

There are numerous ways to get to Kuala Lumpur city from the airport, from express train to bus or taxi – and some options cost as little as 10 MYR one-way (£1.70 / $2.15 USD / 2 Euros).

Find out more with our Kuala Lumpur Airport to the City transport guide >

Kuala Lumpur hotels and recommended accommodation

There are lots of good hotels in Kuala Lumpur, with something to suit all budgets. Our recommended hotels in Kuala Lumpur include:

Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur ($$$)
Treat yo self – this epic 5* KL hotel is just a 15 minute walk from the centre of Bukit Bintang. Close to KL’s best shopping mall, the Pavilion, Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur is a luxury hotel with an incredible pool. Check rates and availability for Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur >

Sleeping Lion Suites ($$)
Our new favourite hotel in Kuala Lumpur! We’ve stayed at the Sleeping Lion Suites on several occasions as not only is it a brand new hotel (opened 2023), it also has the most epic rooftop pool in KL! Check rates and availability for Sleeping Lion Suites >

citizenM Kuala Lumpur Bukit Bintang ($$)
citizenM Kuala Lumpur is a technologically advanced hotel with room functions controlled by a tablet. A 4* KL hotel in the heart of the action, rooms are cosy and compact with beautiful communal areas. Check rates and availability for citizenM Kuala Lumpur Bukit Bintang >

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 >

Mingle Hostel KL ($)
Chinatown hostel located in a renovated 1920s clubhouse with up-cycled furniture, free breakfast, rooftop bar and on-site café. Check rates and availability for Chinatown Hostel by Mingle >

Check out these other Kuala Lumpur hotels on Booking.com >

Kuala Lumpur – 60 things to do in 2024:

1. Saloma Bridge

Saloma Bridge is ‘lit’ – especially at night! Kuala Lumpur’s newest free night-time attraction, Saloma Bridge is located in KLCC and is an iconic structure that connects the historic Kampung Baru district with the newer skyscrapers and city scape of ‘modern’ KL.

Illuminated each night in bright colours (and often themed in special shades to coincide with public holidays or events), Saloma Bridge is a social media sensation and epic evening activity in Kuala Lumpur (just a 5 minute walk from the Petronas Towers).

Also known as Pintasan Saloma and Kuala Lumpur’s most ‘dazzling attraction’, here is our guide to visiting Saloma Bridge in Kuala Lumpur >

2. Batu Caves

A cavalcade of colours (and monkeys!), Batu Caves is the most famous cave temple in Malaysia.

Batu Caves is one of the biggest Hindu temples and shrines outside of India and visited by tens of thousands of worshippers and locals every day.

Walk up the bright rainbow colour-steps to the caves at the top and see several shrines etched out into the cliff walls – it is spectacular (albeit very very busy).

Entrance is free to Batu Caves but dress respectfully and modestly – also be aware that monkeys are everywhere and many idiots…sorry… tourists try to feed them making their behaviour erratic.

Batu Caves is a short train or taxi ride from Kuala Lumpur city centre.

If at all possible and you are visiting Kuala Lumpur in February, make sure to go to Batu Caves for the annual Thaipusam Hindu pilgrimage and celebrations. We attended Thaipusam at Batu Caves and it was a privilege to see such a spectacle; see more pictures here >

Check out this private half-day Batu Caves and Cultural tour in Kuala Lumpur >

3. Jalan Alor Night Market

One of Kuala Lumpur’s best things to do at night, Jalan Alor is KL’s most famous daily night market (Pasar Malam Taman Connaught night market is bigger but only opens on Wednesday nights).

There is no shortage of good food in Kuala Lumpur but if you fancy a respite from all the shopping mall restaurants or basement food courts, take a trip to Jalan Alor, in the heart of Bukit Bintang.

The making of an epic epicurean evening, Jalan Alor (or Jlan Alor) is a fine foodie place to nibble on street food, or sit down in an outdoor restaurant and watch the crowds whilst chowing down on cheap eats (possibly accompanied with buckets of Tiger beer).

Read our guide to visiting Jalan Alor, KL’s famous night market in Bukit Bintang >

4. The Exchange / TRX mall

Kuala Lumpur’s newest shopping mall as of January 2024, The Exchange TRX shopping mall opened to great fanfare in December 2023 and is one of KL’s classiest, luxury places to shop.

Just a 5 minute walk downhill from the Pavilion area of Bukit Bintang, the Exchange TRX has luxury brands like Gucci, Prada and Louis Vuitton and popular fashion stores like Uniqlo, Ecco and Footlocker.

Even if you aren’t into shopping, go just to see what all the fuss is about plus explore the Exchange TRX rooftop gardens – they offer spectacular views of Bukit Bintang and the Golden Triangle plus lots of play areas for kids and garden spaces for adults.

You might like – Kuala Lumpur’s best shopping malls and shopping districts >

5. Changkat Bukit Bintang

KL’s nightlife capital and most lively bars and restaurants can all be found in Changkat Bukit Bintang.

A huge tree lined street packed with bars, pubs and restaurants, Changkat Bukit Bintang is the epicentre for epic nightlife in Kuala Lumpur, plus has masses of massage parlours.

A short walk from Jalan Alor night market, Changkat Bukit Bintang is open until very late, with happy hours galore and a popular place for expats and tourists to watch live sports.

One of the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur at night, from mojitos to massages, sports bars to beer prices, read our guide to visiting Changkat Bukit Bintang in Kuala Lumpur >

Try this – Top Kuala Lumpur Night Tours with Viator >

6. Petronas Towers

Kuala Lumpur’s iconic twin towers must be the most photographed building in Kuala Lumpur at night – 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 (open until 9pm most nights). This is definitely the best way to see Kuala Lumpur at night and it’s cityscape from up high.

We have been to the Petronas Towers observation deck and would recommend it (but try to go on a clear day).

The Petronas Towers look great by day but even better by night – just be prepared to fight the crowds to get a good spot. There are also 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.

Alternatively, skip the Line and get your Petronas Twin Towers Ticket With Free Hotel Delivery here >

You might like – Things to do in KLCC, Kuala Lumpur >

7. KL Forest Eco Park

One of Kuala Lumpur’s best things to do, KL Eco Forest Park is the only rainforest left in downtown Kuala Lumpur, home to incredible flora and fauna plus wonderful wildlife.

Formerly known as Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve, KL Eco Forest Park has 10 hectares of woodland, rainforest and paths and provides some incredible views of the KL cityscape (especially from the rope bridges amongst the lush tree foliage and canopy).

It was ‘gazetted’ as a forest reserve in 1906 and is one of the oldest rainforests in Malaysia.

KL Eco Forest Park Update – there have been several landslides in KL Eco Forest Park in recent years so some restoration may still be taking place.

Read our guide to visiting KL Forest Eco Park here >

8. Genting Highlands

An easy day trip from Kuala Lumpur and located around 6,000 feet above sea level, there are lots of things to do in Genting Highlands, the city within the clouds.

With incredible views and a wide array of indoor and outdoor attractions, Genting Highlands is popular with families, tourists and gamblers (as it is home to some of Malaysia’s biggest theme parks and casinos).

Arrive in style by cable car or shop ‘til you drop at the Genting Premium Outlets. From tranquil temples to the world’s largest hotel, check out our things to do in Genting Highlands guide >

9. The River of Life

One of Kuala Lumpur’s newest attractions, the ‘River of Life’ is free to visit and located very close to Merdeka Square and Kuala Lumpur Chinatown.

An attempt to regenerate the area with colourful street art and light shows, the River of Life is both a street-art hotspot in KL plus a waterfront attraction.

Look for the mist emanating from the water or incredible illustrations on the surrounding building walls (it looks particularly epic at night).

Check out our River of Life guide, Kuala Lumpur’s ‘mist ‘see attraction >

10. Brickfields / Little India

Easily one of KL’s most colourful neighbourhoods with bright garlands, flamboyant fabric shops and marvellous murals, Brickfields and Kuala Lumpur’s Little India are within walking distance of KL Sentral station.

From street food markets to numerous incredible Indian food restaurants (including many dedicated vegetarian eateries), Brickfields and Little India are bustling and beautiful places to walk around.

Also be sure to check out the Brickfields Little India Heritage Walk which takes in all the historic buildings, statues and heritage homes (free – self guided).

Try this – Sambal Streets Kuala Lumpur Food Tour >

11. Symphony Lake @ KLCC Suria

If you are visiting KLCC Park 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, two musical fountains spring into life every half hour from 7:30pm onwards until 10pm daily.

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 or some KLCC Suria mall shopping.

Check out this Symphony Lake and ‘River of Life’ night tour >

12. Kuala Lumpur Chinatown Petaling Street

One of the busiest shopping districts in Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown’s Petaling Street is a bustling hive of food stalls, market stalls and restaurants.

Petaling Street is fantastic for shopping, including lots of ‘counterfeit’ goods at low prices – stall holders are generally assertive (but not aggressive) and will invite you to browse their stalls.

It is marked by two huge Chinese entrance gates at either end of the street and we’d estimate there are over 250 stalls, shops and restaurants along this one stretch.

If you don’t like crowds, best to avoid at night as some of the stalls can be very close together.

Check out our 20+ things to do Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown >

13. Graffiti Alley

Located close to Jalan Alor and Changkat Bukit Bintang, Graffiti Alley consists of several streets and alleyways swathed in street art.

The street is literally covered in cool creative paintings in bright colours (plus one street has fluorescent neon clouds hanging over it).

If Graffiti Alley sounds up your ‘street’, it is probably best to visit it in the daytime before going to Jalan Alor night market as the area is dimly lit in places and feels a little sketchy at night.

Some of the art is a bit rubbish and many of the streets back out onto restaurant rear entrances so there is quite a bit of garbage and grime.

You might like – Guide to Penang’s street art in Georgetown >

14. Central Market / Pasar Seni

Built in the 1880s and with a rather grand art deco entrance painted in baby blue and white, Central Market in Chinatown has seen it all over the years.

Likely the most visited attraction and popular thing to do in Chinatown, Central Market started life as a wet market but now has over 100 arts and crafts and souvenir stalls.

Spread over two levels, Central Market is a nice way to browse lots of shops and is enclosed so it is a good place to shop in KL when it’s raining. There is also an eclectic events schedule including live music, pop-up shops and cultural shows.

You might like – Things to do in Ipoh, Malaysia >

15. Traders SkyBar

For the best Kuala Lumpur at nig h t views, head on up to the 33rd floor of the Traders hotel, to check out the SkyBar.

This is an epic Kuala Lumpur rooftop bar with a huge swimming pool in the middle, so don’t have too many cocktails unless you are planning a bar (front) crawl.

Traders SkyBar has sensational sunset views and of the Petronas Towers lit up at night.

There are a few 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.

Kuala Lumpur’s SkyBar also has a daily happy hour at dusk – ‘Soul Set Happy Hour’ (from 5pm to 7pm).

Try this – Kuala Lumpur Local Street Food Private Walking Tour by Night >

16. Tapak Urban Street Dining (KLCC Food Trucks)

One of our favourite night-time street food spots in KL, we’d recommend taking a five minute walk down the road from KLCC Park to Tapak Urban Street Dining, an outdoor plaza of tasty food trucks that has incredible night-time views of the Petronas Towers all lit up.

KL’s night-time food truck depot, Tapak Urban Street Dining has around 30 or so food trucks and is open 7 nights a week from 5pm to midnight.

Food here varies from traditional Malaysian and Indian / Chinese cuisine to international fare like pasta and sushi (we munched on mounds of mac and cheese for 12 MYR).

Live entertainment often occurs at night and there is a double-decker vape bus too!

You might like – Things to do in Melaka, Malaysia >

17. Kuala Lumpur National Mosque

One of the most beautiful buildings to visit in Kuala Lumpur, the National Mosque opened in 1965 and is now KL’s most popular place of Islamic worship (the main hall can hold up to 15,000 worshippers).

Inside, you’ll find beautiful garden and water features and a small museum; look up at the incredible 16 pointed star roof – it is easy to spot as there is a 70 metre high minaret looking out over the city.

The National Mosque in Kuala Lumpur is free to visit and open to non-worshippers from 9am to 1pm Monday to Friday and reopened 2pm to 5pm (Friday’s times are sometimes a little different).

Tourists and non-worshippers are allowed to visit the Masjid James Sultan mosque; gowns are available to borrow and shoes must be taken off.

You might like – Guide to using free KLIA / KLIA2 shuttle >

18. Marinis on 57 Rooftop Bar

For an up-close vantage point of the Petronas Towers accompanied by a cocktail, head on up to Marinis on 57 Rooftop Bar and Italian restaurant.

From champagne to cognac, single malts to mojitos, Marinis on 57 is a KL rooftop bar with real ‘altitude’ – come for the drinks served with antipasto, stay for the views.

And unlike SkyBar at Traders, you don’t have to worry about falling into a swimming pool!

Try this – Discover The Best of Kuala Lumpur by Night tour >

19. Pavilion & Pavilion Elite Malls

For a little glitz and glamour, head to Pavilion Mall – Bukit Bintang’s premier shopping mall.

As soon as you arrive, you are greeted by a cool teacup fountain and inside, hundreds of shops and restaurants await.

As well as big brands like Burberry, Prada and Ray Ban, there are several specialists sections in Pavilion mall including Tokyo Street on level 6 (complete with Japanese torii gates and cherry blossom trees) plus Gourmet Emporium and the Dining Loft.

The Pavilion also host regular pop-up events and musical performances. On one occasion we visited, we bumped into a crowd who’d come to see the famous Asian band The Wynners do an impromptu performance outside.

You might like – Things to do in Langkawi, Malaysia >

20. 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 KL’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 overlooking the lakes and fountains.

21. Kwai Chai Hong, Kuala Lumpur Chinatown

Chinatown’s most colourful area with vivid street art and brightly painted walls, Kwai Chai Hong street art avenue is Kuala Lumpur at its best.

Once a dreary side-street and cut-through from Chinatown, Kwai Chai Hong has been transformed into a multicoloured mecca with lots of incredible photo opportunities. It is also a very popular place for newly wedded couples to have photographs taken.

One of Kwai Chai Hong’s side alleys has an array of murals and historic objects like one of KL’s oldest lamp-posts or a table made of plastic plates.

Tucked away inside is a couple of hipster bars too so you could combine marvellous murals with mojitos. Cheers!

Try this – Kuala Lumpur Night Bicycle Tour >

22. KLCC Suria

Combine a KL at night trip to see the Petronas Towers lit up with a KLCC Suria mall shopping session.

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.

If you are missing home comforts or want some night-time snacks for your hotel room, 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.

23. KL Tower

For awesome views of Kuala Lumpur, head up to KL Tower. It opened in 1997 and at a height of 420m, is the seventh tallest freestanding tower in the world (with the Skytree in Tokyo currently taking the crown as of 2024).

The KL Tower lift is quite the speedy spectacle travelling around 300 metres upwards to the observation deck in less than 1 minute.

There are many things to do at the tower, including an aquarium, an upside down house and a 360 degree revolving restaurant.

KL Tower is open until 10pm every evening, 7 days a week – book your discounted KL Tower ticket with Klook >

Alternatively, book a Kuala Lumpur evening tour with KL Tower tickets >

You might like – Guide to visiting KL Tower and KL Eco Forest Park >

24. 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.

Many night time food tours go via tasting sessions in Kampung Baru.

Translated as ‘New Village’, Kampung Baru consists of many traditional wooden houses on stilts plus it has an awesome array of restaurants, buffets and street food stalls at night.

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.

We visited Kampung Baru as part of a Chef’s Tour – read about our food tour to KL’s Kampung Baru here >

25. Bunn Choon Chinatown

Located on Kwai Chai Hong, you may well get a sense of deja vu when you visit Bunn Choon even if you haven’t been before – given its bright yellow exterior and red lanterns outside, it often features on Instagram.

Indeed walking on by Bunn Choon, you face a gamut of selfie takers and professional photographers.

Still, who cares when the Bunn Choon restaurant serves up such delicious cantonese cuisine and specialises in egg-cellent egg tarts – many people even say Bunn Choon is the best egg tart in Kuala Lumpur (no yolk – sorry not sorry).

Bunn Choon is open for egg tarts and more Tuesdays to Sundays from 7:30am

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Try this – KL street food tours with Get Your Guide >

26. Thean Hou Temple

One of the most beautiful temples we visited in Kuala Lumpur (if not Malaysia), Thean Hou Temple is a short taxi ride from downtown KL perched on a hillside offering magnificent views.

A relatively new several storey shrine and temple dedicated to the Chinese sea deity Mazu, Thean Hou Temple is often adorned with red lanterns and is a very pretty and peaceful spot.

Thean Hou Temple is free to visit and is open from 8am to 8pm daily.

Check out more KL temples in our Kuala Lumpur Chinatown guide >

27. Lot 10 Hutong Food Court

Located in the basement of the eponymous shopping mall, Lot 10 Hutong Food Court is a themed street food market that is all about Malaysian Chinese heritage dishes.

Many famous food stalls and hawker stalls from all over Malaysia from Penang to Ipoh have been recreated here.

Many rate it as one of the best food courts in Kuala Lumpur but it is a little more on the expensive side (and quite dark inside) and aimed at tourists.

Dishes include hakka noodles, hon kee porridge and roast duck. Lot 10 Hutong Food Court is open Monday to Sunday: 10am to 10pm.

You might like – Things to do in Georgetown, Penang >

28. LaLaport Bukit Bintang City Centre Gourmet Street

Billed as a ‘Japanese lifestyle mall’, we actually rate LaLaport Bukit Bintang City Centre as one of the best malls in Kuala Lumpur.

Similar to the Exchange TRX mall, LaLaport Bukit Bintang City Centre also has a nice rooftop garden, Japanese food court plus a beautiful art deco style cinema.

Whilst there, also check out the LED stairs and the excellent outdoor Gourmet Street which has lots of super cheap lunchtime specials.

You might like – Things to do in Cameron Highlands, Malaysia >

29. Go KL City Bus – Kuala Lumpur Tourist Shuttle

One of the best ways to get around Kuala Lumpur is to jump aboard the Go KL City Bus. There are dozens of stops all over the city including Bukit Bintang / Pavilions on the green line (known as GO KL 01 route from 1 January 2024).

The GOKL city bus service now offers several bus routes that connect the busy areas of Chinatown, KLCC, Bukit Bintang and more.

The GO KL bus used to be free to tourists but now charges a 1 MYR fare to foreigners (which is still very cheap) as of 1 January 2024.

Try this – Cameron Highlands Day Trip from KL >

30. Berjaya Times Square / Indoor Kuala Lumpur Theme Park

A short walk from the Pavilion area of Bukit Bintang, the Berjaya Times Square mall has seen better days (it feels in need of some TLC).

It is however famous for having the largest indoor theme park in Malaysia plus has over 1,000 shops and kiosks to explore.

In fact, this is a great place to go to in KL with kids as not only do they have the Berjaya Times Square Theme Park but they also have other fun children’s activities like an indoor electric car track on level 6, a new go-karting track in the basement plus attractions like VR games and a spooky haunted house.

With hundreds of independent shops, kiosks and food stalls, this is a classic KL shopping mall if you want to escape the crowds of Bukit Bintang and browse lots of cheap and cut price bargain stalls, combined with a few well known brands.

The food court and restaurant area on the ground floor is also really good with plenty of choice.

Berjaya Times Square / Indoor Kuala Lumpur Theme Park

Try this – Kuala Lumpur Half Day City Tour >

31. Things to do in Kuala Lumpur at Night

Whilst KL is nice by day, KL at night is even better! Do some evening shopping at KLCC Suria combined with Saloma Bridge and the Petronas Towers.

Alternatively head to the nightlife area of Changkat Bukit Bintang and around the Bukit Bintang main malls (most KL malls stay open until 10pm).

The best way to see KLCC and KL at night is on an evening tour like these:

You might like – best things to do in Kuala Lumpur at night >

32. REXKL

Chinatown’s cool art complex is a must visit and a nice mix of the old and new – REXKL is a quirky shopping center, food court and arts workshop housed in a former 1940’s cinema.

It is open until 10pm Monday to Thursday and until midnight on Friday through Sunday.

Winning several design and conservation awards, the historic REX cinema is now a thriving cultural hub full of bars, vintage stores and pop up art exhibitions.

A perfect example of how a historic building can be retained yet reinvented, popular food joints in the ground floor basement include Phil’s Pizza and Ticklish Ribs.

Try this – Kuala Lumpur: Street Market Exploration & Shopping Tour >

33. Go on a Kuala Lumpur Food Tour

If you adore Malaysian cuisine or just want to try new dishes for the first time, we’d recommend taking a Kuala Lumpur food tasting tour.

We’ve done a Kuala Lumpur Chef’s Tour that we’d highly recommend, which took in several culinary parts of KL including Chow Kit market and the Kampung Baru neighbourhood.

Alternative Kuala Lumpur food tours include:

34. Kuala Selangor Fireflies – Night tour from Kuala Lumpur

A night tour and round-trip from Kuala Lumpur, there are several different tours to Kuala Selangor to watch thousands of fireflies that flash across the night sky and along the Selangor River.

Kuala Selangor is a small coastal village northwest of Kuala Lumpur, famous for its nocturnal, natural light show.

Along the way, see the Sri Shakti Temple, Altingsburg Lighthouse (amazing views of the Melaka Straits) and the Bukit Melawati Hillfort

35. Merdeka Square

Merdeka Square is a famous Kuala Lumpur landmark where Malaysia’s independence was announced in the 1950s (meaning it is also known as Independence Square).

The Malaysian flag was raised here for the very first time in 1957 to signify the end of British rule (and replace the Union Jack flag that had previously flown there).

Full of colonial charm including black and white tudor style buildings plus a cricket green, it also has a huge flagpole (check out how big the Malaysia national flag is here!).

Merdeka Square is often used as an events space and meeting place, such as the main venue for the annual KL running marathon.

36. Chinatown Hawker Centres and Street Food

Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur is well known for its street food (and not just on Petaling Street) – there are several hawker centres in and around the area to enjoy local food, you won’t go hungry in Chinatown!

Popular hawker centre dishes in Chinatown sell dishes such as curry laksa, curried brinjal (aubergine), Hokkien noodles, chee cheong fun, claypot chicken rice and char kway teow noodles.

Hawker centres are dotted all around Chinatown and some of the more popular ones are Tang City or international food courts like the one on the ground floor of REXKL.

You might like – Guide to the best Penang dishes to try in Malaysia >

37. Bukit Bintang Crossing

The epicentre of the area and main intersection where cars, bikes and the LRT / Monorail zoom on by, Bukit Bintang Crossing is quite the sight when you visit Kuala Lumpur at night.

Huge billboards, looming LED signs and crowns make this feel like a mini version of New York’s Time Square or Oxford Circus in London).

The traffic lights at Bukit Bintang Crossing also change very quickly (you have less than 20 seconds to navigate the road and the crowds) and the traffic generally doesn’t wait after that – so definitely zip across to the other side before any errant mopeds get in your way.

38. Chow Kit Market

Chow Kit is Malaysia’s largest wet market and features on many Kuala Lumpur food tours including a Chef’s Tour (read about our experiences here).

Here as well as local meat and fish stall, you can sample some delicious and zingy local fruits such as mangosteen and Longan (from the same family as the lychee and the rambutan). Just remember that some hotels ban mangosteen as it can easily stain the bed-sheets!

Chow Kit is also a great place to sit down, people watch and enjoy a dish of cooling cendol.

The dish they mainly serve is Cendol Durian, which is a bowl of shaved ice, coconut milk, jelly noodles and palm sugar. This particular dish is very famous and many people eat it as a way to cool down in the sweltering Malaysian heat.

You might like – Melaka’s best coffee shops and cafes >

39. Book Xcess Chinatown

Housed in the REXKL building, the Chinatown branch of Book Xcess must be the most beautiful bookshop in Malaysia (and is open until 10pm at night).

Located on the top-floor, the colourful bookshelves sit amongst the old cinema walls and screen (alas the cinema no longer functions so no late screenings here!)

Browse the shelves or buy a book, this is a nice, relaxed thing to do in Kuala Lumpur.

40. Kuala Lumpur’s Mini Stonehenge

Yes, you read that right, there is indeed a mini Stonehenge in Kuala Lumpur. Outside the National Planetarium is a scaled down stone recreation of one of the UK’s most mysterious landmarks.

Weird and wonderful if not slightly baffling, KL’s slight Stonehenge replica is free to visit (there is even a small viewing deck atop one of the stones that you can climb up on).

41. Genting Premium Outlets

Malaysia’s shopping mall in the sky, Genting Highlands Premium Outlets is one of the best shopping centres in Kuala Lumpur in a very unique setting.

With around 150 designer outlet stores and big brands like Nike, Adidas and Tommy Hilfiger at big discounts, it is also one of the best things to do in Genting Highlands and easily combined with a day-trip to Genting World or the new Genting Skyworlds Theme Park.

Popular with both locals and overseas tourists and attracting over 20 million shoppers annually, here is our ultimate guide to visiting Genting Highlands Premium Outlets near Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia >

42. Sri Mahamariamman Temple

Kuala Lumpur Chinatown’s most famous and colourful temple, Sri Mahamariamman Temple was built in the 19th century and is the oldest Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur.

The highlight is the incredible ‘Raja Gopuram’ roof covered with incredible carvings of Hindu Gods and which can be seen from all over Chinatown with a facade of carved Hindu gods.

The Sri Mahamariamman Temple is free to visit. If you wish to enter the Sri Mahamariamman Temple, please remember to dress modestly and take off your shoes at the entrance.

43. Cooler Lumpur by Night Vespa Food Tour by ‘Vespalicious’

Vroom vroom around Kuala Lumpur at night on a Vespa scooter small group tour run by local operators Vespalicious.

For all your night-time foodie favourites, this Vespa tour takes in tasty spots like KL Pudu Wai Sek Kai hawker centre to try delicious Chinese food, plus Kampung Baru Night Market and Brickfields Little India.

The tour finishes at Kwai Chai Hong, a cool night spot in Chinatown packed full of street-art and bars.

44. Kuala Lumpur City of Lights Tour

Ride in a double-decker bus at night around Kuala Lumpur’s most iconic landmarks including KL Tower, Chinatown and the Petronas Towers.

Included on the KL night time hop on hop off bus tour is audio commentary plus stops at the National Palace and the historic site of Dataran Merdeka.

The KL City of Light night-time bus tour lasts 2 hours and departs nightly at 8pm.

45. Pasar Malam Taman Connaught

Kuala Lumpur’s biggest night-market, Pasar Malam Taman Connaught is open every Wednesday night from 5pm to 1am.

A thriving hawker street market (one of Malaysia’s biggest), Pasar Malam Taman Connaught has over 500 stalls selling street-food, souvenirs, plants and more. There is even a small section where you can play carnival style fairground games and win prizes!

From durian to dragonfruit, satay skewers to stinky tofu, there is something to satisfy all tastes and budgets at the once a week Pasar Malam Taman Connaught night market.

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46. Sultan Abdul Samad Jamek Mosque

Sultan Abdul Samad Jamek Mosque dates back to the 1900s and is one of the mosques in Kuala Lumpur – it was once the most popular mosque in KL for worship until the National Mosque opened in 1965 (which is also free to visit).

Located on the confluence where the Klang and Gombak rivers meet, the mosque is easily combined with the River of Life and you can often hear the call to prayer.

The mosque has an iconic shape with three shiny domes and a several brick tower minarets meaning you can see it from all over KL’s Chinatown.

Tourists and non-worshippers are allowed to visit the Masjid James Sultan mosque; gowns are available to borrow and shoes must be taken off.

You might like – Things to do in Langkawi, Malaysia >

47. The Commons KL

Just one block away from the craziness of Jalan Alor, the Commons KL is a food hub and restaurant space that has several upmarkets bars and food outlets (plus a cigar lounge) with local and international food.

The Commons KL is a great place to eat if it is raining (given the huge roof covering). We also found there are some great lunch deals to be had.

We ate one day at Friendly Fire restaurant and enjoyed a delicious chicken salad and smoked duck pasta for 18.90 RM each.

Try this – Full day tour to Ipoh from Kuala Lumpur >

48. Restoran Mon Chinese Beef Roti

A rather good roti recommendation, Restoran Mon Chinese Beef Roti is a newly opened open-air roti restaurant and kiosk by Jalan Alor night market.

This Chinese style beef roti was one of the best and most flavourful rotis we’ve tried in Kuala Lumpur. Beef rotis at Restoran Mon Chinese beef roti are just 6 MYR, whilst chicken rotis are 5 MYR.

January 2024 update – Restoran Mon Chinese roti stall has apparently gone viral on social media (in a good way) so expect long queues to get your roti (but it is so worth it!).

Try this – the Top 10 KL tours and excursions with Viator >

49. The National Museum of Malaysia / Muzium Negara

Easily combined with Perdana Botanical Gardens (the building backs onto the park), Muzium Negara has several huge galleries that chronicle Malaysian history, plus there is a huge outdoor area packed full of vintage vehicles including a huge stream train.

Admission to the Muzium Negara costs just 5 MYR for foreigners (although you can visit the outdoor exhibits for free). The National Museum of Malaysia is open daily from 9pm to 5pm.

Try this – From Kuala Lumpur: Crab Island Tour with Seafood Lunch >

50. Perdana Botanical Gardens

A nice way to escape the hustle and bustle of Kuala Lumpur city (and one of the best free things to do in Kuala Lumpur), Perdana Botanical Gardens is the largest public garden in the city and a popular picnic spot in the summer months.

10 times bigger than KL Eco Forest Park and with numerous lakeside walkways, cafes and pleasant seating spots.

Also look out for a man-made waterfall in the centre plus the KLCC Bird Park and huge colourful canopy covering the main square.

51. 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.

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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 KLCC ticket with Klook >

52. I heart KL sign / Kuala Lumpur City Gallery

Yes, it might be a bit of a tourist cliche, but there is a huge (and fun) ‘I heart KL’ sign next to the KL City Gallery – one of KL’s most popular photo spots, expect to queue to pose with the sign during busy periods.

If silly signs aren’t your thing, check out the free displays in Kuala Lumpur City Gallery including a miniature version of KL’s city and iconic landmarks, or enjoy sweet treats at the award winning ARCH Cafe inside (their stained glass windows and KL lightbulb sign on the ceiling are superb too).

Try this – The Best of Kuala Lumpur at Night Tour >

53. Go to a Concert in KLCC

Head to the Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS (concert hall) at night to listen to orchestras, big bands and touring musicians.

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Malaysia’s biggest classical music concert hall, Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS is located within the KLCC Suria complex and opened in 1998 with almost 1,000 seats.

International artists that have played here include Harry Connick Jr and Diane Krall – check out the current events and listings for the concert hall here >

54. Colmar Tropicale Bukit Bukit Tinggi and Japanese Village Day Trip

Heard about the French Malaysian village hidden in the rainforests? Berjaya Hills’ Colmar Tropicale is modelled after an actual 16th century French village of the same name and is a little slice of France in Malaysia – c’est tres jolie!

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An easy day-trip from Kuala Lumpur and combined with a trip to a recreated Japanese Village is a fun day out for all ages (albeit a little surreal).

Whilst there, explore the gorgeous green Botanical Garden and have fun petting gentle (often giant) rabbits at the Rabbit Park.

Try this – Colmar Bukit Tinggi and Japanese Village Day Tour from Kuala Lumpur >

55. Plaza Low Yat

Billed as the biggest IT / technology mall in Malaysia, Plaza Low Yat is THE place to go in Kuala Lumpur for new electrical equipment or to find replacement phone chargers, power packs or any other traveller techy needs.

All the big electrical brands are represented here from DJI (this is the best place in KL for drones) to HP, Acer and Lenevo.

Plaza Low Fat also has a small food court in the basement plus fast food joints on the outer edges – so a great place to debug your BenQ before having banana leaf rice or a Burger King.

56. Merdeka 118 Tower

Easily seen from all over Chinatown, Merdeka 118 is set to be the largest skyscraper in Malaysia and the second tallest building in the world (thanks to a weird extra bit they’ve added to the top).

Merdeka 118 is still under construction at the time of writing (January 2024) but it is set to be one of biggest shopping destinations and malls in Kuala Lumpur plus will have an epic observation deck and viewing platform.

Try this – KL Hop-on Hop-off Bus Pass Day Sightseeing/Night Tour >

57. Kuala Lumpur at Christmas

Kuala Lumpur at Christmas is a magical place – as Christmas is a national holiday in Malaysia, epic Christmas events in Kuala Lumpur are embraced, especially in the Kuala Lumpur malls in Bukit Bintang and KLCC.

Along with Pavilion shopping mall’s sensational Christmas decorations, one of the best Kuala Lumpur Christmas displays and events is the magical Christmas village at Suria KLCC, plus Malaysia’s largest artificial Christmas tree on the concourse outside.

Here’s ho-ho-ho hoping you get to experience a magical Christmas KLCC one day.

Check out our guide to Kuala Lumpur’s best Christmas lights and Christmas markets / events >

58. The Starhill mall

A sleek and shiny shopping mall with loads of luxury retailers, this is the Bukit Bintang mall you go to for Cuban cigars or chic shoes.

Elegant and epic, The Starhill’s flagship tenants include Davidoff, Louis Vuitton, Patek Philippe, Rolex and Tom Ford.

The Starhill also serves as the closest mall for the guests of the JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur or Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur hotels as Starhill is built beneath them.

Recently, Taiwan’s famous Eslite Bookstore opened their flagship Malaysian store here (which also has lots of English language books).

You might like – Guide to Melaka’s famous Jonker Street Night Market >

59. Sultan Abdul Samad Building

As you walk along the River of Life on the left hand river bank by the observation deck and Makan Buzz, the last building you’ll pass before hitting Merdeka Square is the Sultan Abdul Samad Building.

This is a former Government building built in the 1890s, once home to the British colonial administration.

Look up at the charming clock-tower at the Sultan Abdul Samad Building – the 40 metre clock tower rang out for the first ever time to mark Queen Victoria’s Jubilee Parade 1897 and continues to regularly chime to this day.

Our final Kuala Lumpur thing to do

60. 24 Hour Shopping in Kuala Lumpur – Convenience Stores

One of Malaysia’s biggest convenience store chains, there are now around 2,500 7-Eleven stores in Malaysia including several in Bukit Bintang (most of which are open 24 hours).

So if you are in need of late night snacks or toiletries after the malls are closed (generally at 10pm), head to the orange and green shops! In the more popular areas of KL at night, the 7-Eleven and KK-Mart stores are open 24/7.