Our Honest Kuala Lumpur Guide: What to See and What to Skip
Discover the best things to See in Kuala Lumpur: from iconic skyscrapers and cultural gems to vibrant street food scenes—in our ultimate travel guide to Malaysia’s bustling capital.
HOW MANY DAYS | 3 to 4
BEST TIME TO VISIT | December to March
WHERE TO STAY | Swiss Garden
TOP THINGS TO SEE | Batu Caves, Petronas Tower, Chinatown
HOW TO GET AROUND | Walk, MRT or Grab
Kuala Lumpur is a city that effortlessly blends the old and the new. You'll find historic temples nestled between modern skyscrapers, and bustling street food stalls just in front of luxury malls. During our time there, we explored the city's highlights and discovered what worked for us and what didn’t. In this guide, we share our honest impressions: what we loved, what we’d suggest to skip, and our recommendations for the best things to see in Kuala Lumpur to help you plan a smooth and enjoyable trip.
THE BEST THINGS TO SEE IN KUALA LUMPUR
Thean Hou Temple at Sunset
Thean Hou Temple is dedicated to Mazu, the Goddess of the Sea. It was built in the 1980s by the Hainanese community. Want to know more about Mazu? Read our article on visiting Chinese temples based on our experience in Taiwan.
Even though it is relatively new, this temple turned out to be one of our absolute highlights. At sunset, when the lanterns light up and the sky turns red, you get one of the most photogenic views of the city. The skyline of KL in the background makes it even more special. It's a stunning spot and absolutely worth seeing, though be prepared for crowds and a touristy atmosphere as everyone tries to get the perfect picture.
TIP | Bring socks, if walking barefoot in the temple hall is too much for you.
OPEN | 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Batu Caves
Batu Caves is one of the most famous sights around Kuala Lumpur and a must-see on most itineraries. It’s a series of caves set inside a huge limestone hill, with colorful temples and shrines built inside and around them. The highlight is the giant golden statue of Lord Murugan standing at the foot of the steep rainbow-colored staircase. Lord Murugan is a Hindu deity, also known as Kartikeya or Subramaniam. He is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and the brother of Lord Ganesha. Murugan is the God of war and victory and is especially important in South Indian and Tamil culture. It’s one of the tallest statues of a Hindu god in the world. The caves are an important pilgrimage site, especially during the Thaipusam festival, when thousands of devotees come to honor him.
Once you climb the 272 steps, you’ll reach the main cave with its high ceilings and Hindu shrines, which feels almost like an open-air temple inside the rock.
Expect it to be busy, especially during weekends or festivals, and you’ll likely see plenty of monkeys trying to grab food or drinks. The climb is not too hard but can be sweaty in the Malaysian heat, so bring some water. It’s both a cultural and visual experience, mixing impressive nature with vibrant colors and strong religious meaning.
TIP | Pack a light sarong to cover your knees and shoulders and some socks if you prefer not to be barefoot.
OPEN | 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
READ | Packing for Malaysia? Here’s What You Really Need
BOOK | Cultural and Nature Escape: Batu Caves, Waterfalls & Hot Springs Tour
Chinatown
Chinatown is one of the busiest and most colorful areas of the city. The heart of it is Petaling Street, where you’ll find endless market stalls selling everything from clothes and souvenirs to local snacks. It’s loud, crowded, and full of energy, which makes it fun to just wander around. Along the side streets, you’ll also see Chinese temples like Guan Di Temple, Sin Sze Si Ya Temple and Sri Mahamariamman Temple which are worth a quick visit for their details and atmosphere. If you’re hungry, Chinatown is great for food, from hawker stalls with noodles and satay to cafés mixing old-school charm with modern coffee culture. It’s a spot where you get a mix of culture, shopping, and food all in one place.
Don’t skip Kwai Chai Hong! It is a cute little lane filled with big, beautiful street art that show what Chinese heritage life in old Kuala Lumpur was like. It's a really popular spot, so you'll probably be sharing it with other visitors. The fun starts before you even get there, as you'll find lots of great street art on the surrounding roads too. It's a perfect place to take some great photos for your Instagram.
TIP | Step into REXKL, a former cinema transformed into a creative hub with a cool library and art spaces
BOOK | KL: Private Highlights Instagram Tour
EAT | The Hungry Tapir (vegan) or Merchant’s Lane
Skybars: Vertigo
We're always on the hunt for great cocktails and mocktails with a view. Honestly, the drinks here were good, but not the best we've had at a rooftop bar. That said, the view from Vertigo is absolutely outstanding. You get a full panorama of the Petronas Towers, Merdeka Tower, and the TRX Tower. Plus, it's nice and easy to get into without a strict fancy dress code.
BOOK | Reserve tickets for Vertigo at least a three days in advance through their website.
KL Bird Park
The KL Bird Park was a wonderful surprise! Honestly, our expectations were low. We thought it was just a children's park. But we were so wrong! The highlight was being so close to all these beautiful birds flying freely in the world’s largest aviary. We ended up having lunch at their Hornbill Restaurant & Cafe. Fair warning: the prices might feel steep, but the food is good. And you can’t beat the view; we were not lucky enough to watch hornbills right from our table, but it is a possibility.
OPEN | 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
ENTRANCE FEE | RM 90 | €18 | US$20 foreigner adult ticket
BOOK | Buy ticket cheaper through Trip.com one day ahead
KLCC Park
We absolutely think KLCC Park is a must-visit in Kuala Lumpur. It’s not just any green space, it’s a stunning 50-acre oasis right at the foot of the iconic Petronas Twin Towers. Designed by renowned Brazilian landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx, the park offers the perfect blend of nature and city scenery. We love how peaceful it feels despite being in the heart of the city, with its lush greenery, reflective pools, and shaded walking paths.
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NICE THINGS TO SEE IN KUALA LUMPUR
KL Butterfly Park
Is the KL Butterfly Park worth visiting? We wondered the same. While the entrance looks a little outdated, the inside feels like a hidden fairytale, a small labyrinth garden filled with butterflies. We truly enjoyed wandering through it. It's a wonderful green escape from the city bustle. However, we wouldn't rank it as an essential stop. If your schedule in KL is tight, you could skip it, but if you love hidden gems and nature, you might find it worth a quick visit.
OPEN | 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
ENTRANCE FEE | RM 30 | €6 | US$6 foreigner adult ticket
Jalan Alor Night Market
We love a good street food market. This spot is a nice blend of casual stalls and sit-down restaurants. It wasn't love at first bite for us, but it's still a great spot to sample a bunch of classic local dishes. Go with an empty stomach and see what you find!
BOOK | Kuala Lumpur’s Sambal Street Food Tour with 15+ Tastings
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Federal Territory Mosque
The Federal Territory Mosque (Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan) quickly became one of our favorite mosques in Kuala Lumpur. The building itself is stunning, with beautiful blue domes and peaceful courtyards, but what really makes the visit special is the guided tour. Joining it is obligatory, but don’t worry, it’s free and actually very interesting. The volunteers take their time to explain the architecture, the meaning behind the design, and also share insights about Islam in a super welcoming way. We left not only with great photos but also with a better understanding and appreciation of the culture, which made the whole experience feel much more personal.
OPEN | 10:00 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. different fridays
Perdana Botanical Gardens
For us, the Perdana Botanical Gardens are a good place for a walk, but not a must-see if your itinerary is tight. We think the park is nice and green, with pretty lakes and lots of space to relax. If you’re looking for a quiet place to unwind, enjoy a picnic, or spot a few monitor lizards basking in the sun, it’s a pleasant way to spend a relaxed morning or afternoon. We like that it's close to other attractions like the National Mosque or the Islamic Arts Museum, so it's easy to add to your day. It's the kind of spot that won't necessarily define your trip, but will pleasantly complement a day of sightseeing.
OPEN | 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia
If you find yourself with some extra time in Kuala Lumpur, we highly recommend a visit to the Islamic Arts Museum. It's not usually at the very top of every tourist list, but it's worth discovering. The collection is beautifully presented, with stunning calligraphy, intricate textiles, and fascinating exhibits from Islamic art all over the world. It’s educational, and a great way to spend a couple of hours away from the city heat.
OPEN | 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
ENTRANCE FEE | RM 20 | €4 | US$4 foreigner adult ticket
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THINGS WE WOULD SKIP
Petronas Towers Fountain Show
Let's save you some time: you can probably skip the fountain show. We waited for an hour, exhausted from the day, only to see this show. The show (a single song) was underwhelming. The real magic is simply seeing the towers lit up at night, which you can do without waiting. It wasn't the grand spectacle we hoped for. The park itself is wonderful for seeing the towers up close at night, so just enjoy that and move on.
WHEN | 8:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m. & 10:00 p.m.
Bukit Bintang Area
If you're wondering where to stay in Kuala Lumpur, Bukit Bintang area is often recommended and for good reason. It’s incredibly well-connected and makes sightseeing a breeze, with easy access to public transport and major attractions. That said, while it’s undeniably practical, we have to be honest: the neighborhood itself didn’t exactly wow us. You’ll find plenty of restaurants, food courts, and shopping malls, which are great for convenience, but it lacks a certain charm or unique character. It’s functional rather than fascinating, a good base for exploring, but to us not a destination in itself.
Central Market
We found the Central Market to feel more like a small indoor mall than a traditional market. The ground floor is clean, bright, and fully renovated, with orderly stalls selling handmade souvenirs, clothes, and snacks. It’s very geared toward tourists. But for us, the real charm was upstairs. The second floor has a much more authentic and dated feel; it’s not as polished, which actually made it more interesting to us. However, here you'll find vendors selling more mass produced and cheap-looking souvenirs. The food court upstairs is cheaper and offers more of a Hawker Stall feeling than the restaurants in the ground floor.
OPEN | 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
National Mosque (Masjid Negara)
You might be surprised to see the Masjid Negara in our “what we’d skip” list. It is without a doubt an impressive landmark, with its unique 16-pointed star roof representing Malaysia’s 13 states and 3 federal territories. Built in 1965 to commemorate independence, it stands out for its modern design instead of the traditional domes and can accommodate up to 15,000 worshippers.
The reason we wouldn’t call it a must-do is simply because Malaysia has so many incredible mosques, and in our opinion, some of the others left a stronger impression. That said, if Kuala Lumpur is your only stop, Masjid Negara is still worth visiting as an accessible introduction to Islamic architecture and culture.
TIP | Robes and headscarves are provided free of charge at the entrance if needed.
OPEN | 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
ENTRANCE FEE | Free
DAY TRIPS FROM KUALA LUMPUR
Visit the Old Town of Melaka
Yes, you can visit Malacca on a day trip. Its compact historic center lets you see key sights like the red Christ Church, Stadthuys, and lively Jonker Street in just a few hours.
But here’s our take: while a day trip is possible, we recommend staying until evening if you can. Why? Because at night, Malacca transforms. Lanterns and lights glow along the Malacca River, colorful trishaws roll through the streets, and historic sites like A Famosa become beautifully illuminated. That magical atmosphere is what made us truly fall in love with the city.
So, if you’re short on time, a day trip still offers a taste of Malacca’s culture and food. But if you can stay longer, you’ll experience its full charm. Want to know what we loved most about Malacca?
READ | The Ultimate Guide to Malacca | Why It’s Worth the Trip
Putra Jaya: A City Like No Other
If you're looking for a peaceful and visually striking escape from the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur, consider a day trip to Putrajaya. Malaysia’s beautifully planned administrative capital. Here, you’ll discover stunning modern architecture set against serene artificial lakes and lush greenery. From the magnificent pink-domed Putra Mosque and the grand Perdana Putra (Prime Minister’s office) to the elegant Seri Wawasan Bridge and colourful Taman Botani (Botanical Gardens), Putrajaya offers a unique blend of tranquility and grandeur. Whether you're into photography, architecture, or simply relaxing in a calm environment, this city has something special to offer. Curious about how to make the most of your visit?
READ| Putrajaya Day Trip: Is Malaysia’s Modern Capital Worth the Visit?
BOOK | Putrajaya Half Day Tour with Pink Mosque & River Cruise
WHERE TO STAY IN KUALA LUMPUR?
For first-time visitors, we recommend staying in Bukit Bintang or KLCC. These areas are centrally located, well-connected by public transport, and packed with dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Bukit Bintang is lively and perfect for those who love nightlife and street food, while KLCC offers iconic views of the Petronas Twin Towers and upscale mall access. If you prefer a more cultural and walkable vibe, Chinatown offers budget-friendly stays amid historic streets and local markets. Ready to book your stay? Here are some of our favorite accommodations in Kuala Lumpur:
BUDGET | We stayed at Swiss-Garden Hotel Bukit Bintang. The rooms are clean, modern, and surprisingly spacious. And you’ll love the location. We enjoyed having so many dining options right at our doorstep.
COMFORT | At the KLoe Hotel you’ll be waking up to their outstanding breakfast. It was a highlight every morning, and we couldn’t get enough of the stunning pools and breathtaking city views. If you’re into that sleek, modern industrial style and minimalism and plenty of natural light, this is your spot.
ESCAPE | Indulge at Pavilion Hotel Kuala Lumpur with pure luxury at this elegantly designed hotel, featuring a rejuvenating spa, serene sauna, and a breathtaking infinity pool with panoramic views. Daily breakfast is included, along with beautifully appointed rooms blending modern comfort and sophisticated style.
HOW TO GET TO KUALA LUMPUR?
For many travelers, Kuala Lumpur is the start or end of their Malaysia trip. The city is served by Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), one of the busiest in Southeast Asia with excellent global connections.
Getting into the city is straightforward. You can book a Grab, the local ride-hailing app, which takes around 45 minutes to an hour. If you prefer a faster and cheaper option, the KLIA Ekspres train brings you directly to KL Sentral in just 35 minutes.
KL Sentral is also the city’s main transport hub and the perfect starting point for onward journeys. From here, buses easily connect you to popular destinations like the Cameron Highlands (3–4 hours) or Ipoh (3 hours). See the bus schedule and reserve your tickets through 12go.asia here.
AIR | Find the best deals on flights to Kuala Lumpur with kiwi.com
HOW TO GET AROUND KUALA LUMPUR?
When getting around Kuala Lumpur, it’s best to plan extra time since traffic can get quite heavy. The historic core of Chinatown is very walkable, and exploring on foot is a great way to enjoy the vibrant street art and heritage buildings. For longer distances, the city has an affordable and reliable public transport network. The MRT and LRT trains connect most major areas, and the free GoKL buses are perfect for short trips around the center. If you prefer more flexibility, ride-hailing apps like Grab or InDrive are widely used and easy to book, though travel times can vary with traffic.
Ever been stuck without internet in a new city? Your maps won’t load, you can’t book a ride, and asking for directions feels impossible. That’s where an eSIM comes in handy. We’ve had the best experience with Saily, which offers great value and a reliable connection.
FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS
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3 to 4 days is ideal if you want to see most highlights and a day trip.
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Plan your visit during the dry season (December to February) to enjoy street art and outdoor markets comfortably. Early mornings or late afternoons are perfect for less crowded streets.
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From our experience, Kuala Lumpur felt safe. We didn’t have any problems with crime, though we stayed alert for pickpockets in busy spots. We mostly used Grab to get around, which made moving through the city super easy.
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The most widely spoken language in Kuala Lumpur is Malay, but English, Hokkien, and Mandarin are also commonly used.
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