The capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, is one of the most beautiful travel destinations in Southeast Asia. It does not sound too surprising, after all, there are plenty of things to do and see here.
You're looking for fun activities, unusual things to do, and epic places to visit in Kuala Lumpur? Search no more! Here are 59 Best & Unmissable Things To Do In Kuala Lumpur, a perfect balance between hidden gems majestic landmarks, and vibrant nightlife.
With its rich history, diverse culture, great food, and affordable luxury, Kuala Lumpur is a must-visit destination. Whether you’re coming for a weekend getaway or planning a staycation, and you are looking for fun activities to do, I’ve put together a list of unmissable things to do, depending on how long your trip is.
Get ready to discover Kuala Lumpur, this cultural melting pot in Asia.
While you are crossing things off this list when planning out your next holiday, use Expedia’s Price Tracking tool to check the best flight prices for your 2023 trips!
Moreover, I suggest using an Airalo eSim card. This app is incredibly useful for when you are going to travel. They have eSIM cards for seemingly every country on Earth and offer a lot of flexibility, which makes it the perfect way to avoid extra Roaming costs!
With all this being said, be prepared for a great vacation in a beautiful city with traditions, culture, and a large variety of delicious cuisines.
Iconic Sights in Kuala Lumpur
Boasting gleaming skyscrapers, a beautiful mix of modern and colonial architecture, a myriad of natural attractions, and vibrant nightlife, Kuala Lumpur has something in store for everyone. No wonder the number of tourists visiting the Malaysian capital has increased significantly in recent years.
Stare in wonder at Petronas Towers
Of course, I am starting my list with the most iconic landmark in the city, Kuala Lumpur’s symbol, Petronas Towers! The world-famous twin buildings are a must-visit while in KL.
See the views from Kuala Lumpur Tower, Menara
Believe it or not, Menara KL Tower, also known as the place with the most beautiful views of the city is around 100m taller than the Petronas Towers. Completely made of glass the Sky Box is the coolest spot you want to visit. Just imagine the view and the endless photo opportunities!
Visit Thean Hou Temple
One of the oldest Chinese temples not only in Malaysia but in this entire part of the world is Thean Hou Temple, also known as the Temple of the Goddess of Heaven. The architecture, red roof, hundreds of hanging Chinese lanterns, and intricate carvings painted in endless colors makes this place spectacular. So if you only visit one temple in KL, Thean Hou should be!
Soak in the Atmosphere at Merdeka Square
Merdeka Square is the central plaza of Kuala Lumpur where Malaysian independence was actually declared. Every Independence Day, the locals enjoy festivities and celebrations, but it’s also a popular point of interest for travelers as many must-see sites and buildings are located close by.
Be amazed by the architecture of Dataran Merdeka
Right next to the Merdeka Square, is the quintessentially beautiful Sultan Abdul Samad Building, a striking historic structure and one of the most iconic sights in this city. Definitely, you must visit Kuala Lumpur’s very own ‘Big Ben” tower clock.
Marvel at the Sri Mahamariammam Temple
Sri Mahamariamman Temple, dating from the 19th century, is the oldest Hindu temple around. Perfectly exemplifying the cultural diversity of Malaysia’s capital, Sri Mahamariamman Temple is the best place to visit if you want to learn more about the numerous religions that this place encompasses.
Visit the centenary Sultan Abdul Samad Jamek Mosque
Located at the intersection of two rivers, Klang and Gombak you’ll find Jamek Mosque, one of the most important mosques in the country. It has beautiful architecture and its setting is simply amazing!
See the National Mosque Malaysia
Malaysia’s National Mosque, otherwise known as Masjid Negara is a bustling place, which attracts hundreds of tourists because of its striking architecture. Just remember to dress appropriately!
Hidden Gems in Kuala Lumpur
Most tourists are interested in the city’s main attractions, but if you are looking for a different experience while escaping the crowds, exploring some hidden gems in Kuala Lumpur behind the facade of modern architecture is a great thing to do.
Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Mosque
The awe-inspiring Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Mosque is one of the most spectacular hidden gems in Kuala Lumpur. Not only the largest mosque in Malaysia but also the second-largest in all of South East Asia, this majestic structure is worth your trip.
Putra Mosque
Another beautiful hidden gem in KL is the Putra Mosque located in Putrajaya it’s likely to be one of the most modern and unique mosques in the world due to its unmistakable pink granite exterior.
Astaka Morocco
Still, looking for hidden gems in Kuala Lumpur? Then head straight to Astaka Morocco and discover this beautiful complex built to symbolize the unity of Malaysia and Morocco.
Wilayah Mosque
Wilayah Mosque is another less-known and pretty mosque in Kuala Lumpur. Hosted in one of the most striking buildings in the city, is a great place to explore and learn more about the local culture, so I definitely recommend this experience!
Admire the stunning Blue Mosque
Travel 20 minutes outside of Kuala Lumpur to Selangor, to find Masjid Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, also known as Masjid Biru. The blue and silver checkered dome and its four minarets are simply spectacular to see and don’t leave without taking a photo in front of the stunning stained-glass windows.
Traditions and Culture in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is a melting pot of different ethnic backgrounds, with evidence of this in all facets of the city so definitely experience some cultural tours.
Stroll Through the Islamic Arts Museum
If you are looking for a great place to explore local culture and you’re near, the Perdana Botanical Gardens, then definitely visit Islamic Arts Museum.
Visit Kuala Lumpur’s oldest village
Kampung Baru is supposedly the oldest traditional Malay village in Kuala Lumpur and a place where you can find traditional Malay apparel, jewelry, handicrafts, and of course, mouth-watering Malay dishes. The village is also one of the last oases of traditional rural life in Kuala Lumpur, and one of the last places where you can see traditional timber homes, surrounded by banana and coconut trees, perfect proof of Kuala Lumpur’s contrast between new and old.
A quick history lesson at a tribal village
If you’re looking for a traditional Malay local vibe that features an authentic experience, Pulau Carey is one of the best places to visit in Kuala Lumpur. The island has been home to the Mah Meri tribe for centuries and today, it has become a place where people can come and see cultural shows and explore the brilliant open-air museum.
Explore Rumah Penghulu, the oldest traditional house
If you look at it at first glance, you might not notice anything special about this building, especially when comparing it with the city’s modern architectural treasure. But you’re probably unaware that the Rumah Penghulu is one of the capital’s oldest remaining traditional Malaysian houses. Despite its appearance, this home is one of the last and best-preserved examples of Malaysian vernacular architecture.
Sin Sze Si Ya Temple
Definitely, another great place to visit is Sin Sze Si Ya Temple, the oldest Taoist temple in Kuala Lumpur. This beautiful place is located in Chinatown, near Petaling Street.
Dive into history at Muzium Negara
National Museum is a great place to visit and get an overview of Malaysian traditions and culture. The museum houses four galleries where you can see musical instruments, weapons, paintings, ceramics, textiles, and illustrations of different cultural events and festivals.
Day Trips from Kuala Lumpur
You can take snaps at the Petronas Towers, go shopping in Bukit Bintang and visit many other famous sights but while these attractions are part and parcel of what makes the city so wonderful, sometimes you just want something less touristic. Somewhere you can escape the crowds and discover something new so if you can tear yourself away, there are some wonderful day trips from Kuala Lumpur you can enjoy!
Climb 272 steps at the Batu Caves
The Batu Caves are actually a Hindu Temple built inside a cave and it is said to be around 400 years old. You should definitely pay a visit to this place and while you’re here, I highly suggest checking out the Dark Cave as well and of course, climbing all 272 steps.
Visit Malacca
Although Malacca is located about 150 km south of Kuala Lumpur, you can reach it in under 2 hours by car. I know, it’s a long trip but is really worth it. Malacca is a UNESCO heritage site due to its importance in the spice trades and colonial Malaysia so definitely add this place to your KL bucket list of things to do.
Make a trip to Taman Negara, a nature enthusiast’s delight
Taman Negara, a 130 Million-year-old virgin rainforest it’s a truly beautiful place to visit and one of the best day trips from Kuala Lumpur. In fact, if you have time, I suggest you overnight here!
Escape big city life and head to Genting Highlands
A day trip to the Genting Highlands is an excellent choice if you are looking for unique things to do in Kuala Lumpur. Located approximately one hour outside of the city, this place is a great location to find an abundance of things to do, including casinos and theme park rides. while the surrounding countryside provides several hiking and nature opportunities.
A charming fishing village that will take your breath away
If you’re looking for a peaceful location surrounded by beautiful nature, an endless stretch of lush-green paddy fields, and amazing seafood, Sekinchan is a great choice. Located roughly one hour away from Kuala Lumpur’s center, Sekinchan is one of the most picturesque fishing villages in Malaysia and a spectacular colorful sample of maritime life.
Breath in the Berenbum Rainforest
A visit to Kuala Lumpur is not complete without exploring some dark green rainforests and the Berembun is the perfect place for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city and reconnecting with nature.
Visit an incredible pink mosque at Putrajaya Putrajaya,
Take a day trip to Putrajaya and explore the former marshland that’s now home to a modernized city. The natural environment is made up of wetlands, so the area is ultra lush. While here, you must see the world-famous glowing-pink exteriors of Putra Mosque.
Try white river rafting at Kampar River
If you are looking for a bit of adventure, rafting your way down the Kampar River with an adrenaline-inducing river is definitely a great thing to do.
Shopping in Kuala Lumpur
If you have checked any of my previous posts you already know my opinion about shopping. So once again I am making use of my motto again: No holiday without shopping! At least a bit! Whether you want to buy souvenirs, gifts, or some handmade crafts, shopping is an essential part of your trip.
Explore some shopping famous spots in KL
One of the most famous shopping spots in KL is certainly Bukit Bintang. With countless stalls, great prices, souvenirs, and anything from electronics to clothes, accessories, luxury shops, and local brands, this is a perfect place to enjoy some shopping while exploring the city.
Find affordable goods and delicious street food on Petaling Street
In the heart of Chinatown, you’ll find Petaling Street featuring its glorious street market. While shopping here, don’t miss the dumpling soup at a local street vendor!
Shop for local souvenirs at the iconic Central Market
Located right near Petaling Street, the Central Market has been around since 1888. Although is not overly large, it’s the perfect-sized indoor market to spend an hour or so meandering the little shops and carts found across the two levels.
Shop ‘til you drop at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
The award-winning Pavilion Kuala Lumpur Mall features over 700 retail stores where you’ll find everything you need under the sun. But unlike the local markets, this is the place to find boutique shops and brand-name outlets.
Food and Sweets in Kuala Lumpur
The local cuisine is the best way to notice its melting pot of different ethnic backgrounds, with evidence of this in all facets of the city, from the street food in varying districts like Chinatown and Little India to spectacular dishes in world-class restaurants. Kuala Lumpur is a culinary extravaganza and definitely heaven for foodies!
Sample Local Street Food at Jalan Alor
Malay Cuisine is one of the most diverse and exciting cuisines in all of Asia. Eating Malaysian street food is an affordable way to sample all of the delicious flavors involved in Malay cooking and Jalan Alor is the best place in town.
Maust taste Nasi Lemak!
If you do nothing else on this list, just make sure you taste Nasi Lemak. The official dish of Malaysia, Nasi Lemak is a fragrant white rice cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaf, widely used in Southeast Asia for flavoring dishes. Affordable and tasty the Nasi Lemak is really the true taste of Malaysia.
Drink lots and lots of tea
Although was created by the Indian migrants who came to work and live in Malaysia, the tarik quickly become a national favorite and is today one of the most popular drinks in Southeast Asia.
Savor the cultures on a food tour
The beautiful thing about taking a food tour is you really get a sense of diversity and the cuisine around in the shortest time. From curries to dim sum, there’s an assortment of foods and dishes to try.
Improve your chef skills with a local cooking class
Kuala Lumpur celebrates a plethora of cultures, and the same can be said about the food. Taste the traditional flavors of Malaysia is one great option, but taking home with you the cooking secrets it’s totally a different story. So enjoy a cooking class where you’ll learn to recreate delicious Malaysian dishes.
Relax in Kuala Lumpur
Even though Kuala Lumpur is a bustling city, is surrounded by lush trees and natural rainforests where you can enjoy peaceful moments among all its greenery. Escape the hustle at one of the many parks, like the Perdana Botanical Garden.
Enjoy a Drink from a Helipad
Sunset drinks at the Heli Lounge Bar are an absolute must! Everything about this helipad-turned-rooftop bar is designed to inflict the wow factor. Is really one of the most unique things to do in Kuala Lumpur.
Stroll around the KLCC Park
This green landscaped park is located right behind the Petronas Towers and it’s a great place to relax, unwind and get a great view of the towers from afar.
Take in the River of Life
If you are anywhere near Masjid Jamek you must explore what now is called the River of Life. This beautiful location, which forms the heart of Kuala Lumpur, has been well-landscaped with delightful bridges and some pretty cool steam displays. And the best Instagramable pics are made from the bridge along Leboh Pasar Besar.
Chill in the Perdana Botanical Gardens
The Perdana Botanical Gardens are absolutely one of the most delightful public spaces here. Amazing to relax, they are the perfect spot if you want some fresh air and take a stroll.
Relax in Kuala Lumpur's Eco Forest
From sweeping jungle to concrete jungle, the KL Eco-Forest Park is the only area of protected rainforest left in the city. The park boasts a good number of walking trails, including canopy walkways amid the treetops. This is one of the more epic things to do in Kuala Lumpur.
Swim in a pool with a view
No matter what time, month, or season you visit, Kuala Lumpur is hot. This is a fact! But some of the best infinity pools in the world make it easy. Taking a dip while staring at the city skyline is a pretty good way to beat the heat.
Top Fun Activities in Kuala Lumpur
And now moving on to some fun activities to do in the city. I told you there was a lot to do in Kuala Lumpur, didn’t I?! Whether you’re looking for something laid-back like workshops and interactive exhibitions, or for more thrilling challenges, there’s surely something for you to enjoy.
Hiking in Kuala Lumpur
One of the most active things to do in Kuala Lumpur is explore the surrounding nature and hiking opportunities. It turns out there are numerous hiking trails around the outskirts of the city.
Explore Kuala Lumpur on an Electric Scooter
Neuron e-scooters are changing the game in a select few South-East Asian cities. And the most recent to jump on the bandwagon is Kuala Lumpur. All you have to do is download the neuron app, upload some credit, and use the app to find a scooter in the city. Call us childish, but whizzing around the parks and streets of KL on an electric scooter was awesome! If you’re looking for unique things to do in Kuala Lumpur, this is a winner.
KLCC Aquaria
KLCC Aquaria is one of the largest and most popular oceanariums in Asia. With an approximately 90-meter-long underwater tunnel where various spectacular sea creatures can be spotted, this is definitely a great fun activity to do while in Kuala Lumpur
Splash at Sunway Lagoon water park
Sunway Lagoon is one of the largest and most popular theme parks in Southeast Asia! Home to 90 attractions spread around six zones: Nickelodeon Lost Lagoon, Water Park, Amusement Park, Wildlife Park, Scream Park, and Extreme Park, is a great location to spend your day outside the bustling city life.
Cross the highest two-story bridge in the world
In a city full of skyscrapers, head 88 floors above ground level to the tallest twin towers in the world, and take in the sweeping views of Kuala Lumpur below. While here cross the famous Skybridge which connects the two towers on levels 41 and 42.
Feel like royalty at the National Palace, Istana Negara
Still a fun vibe experience but with different views. Head to National Palace and explore the palace gardens, hallways, and Istana Negara, now converted into the Royal Museum. Plenty of city tours include a stop-off at the National Palace to visit the museum and check out the palace’s different rooms.
Visit the city via a hop-on hop-off bus tour
If you are looking for an affordable yet fun way to explore the city, consider a hop-on-hop-off city tour on a double-decker bus! Drive comfortably through the streets and take in the local scenes and sights.
Get your foot in France at Bukit Tinggi
Although seeing France is not one of the main reasons to visit Kuala Lumpur, Bukit Tinggi, otherwise known as Berjaya Hills is a must if you’ve never visited a themed village before. Explore Colmar Tropicale and the manmade resort town built to replicate a village somewhere in the French countryside. And don’t leave before checking out the Japanese Gardens as well.
Take a hot air balloon ride
What dreamier way to explore a city than taking a hot air balloon ride? You’ll see the various landscapes and districts surrounding Kuala Lumpur from a whole different view, crossing spectacular green scenes below.
Fly above water with Flyboard
While there may be no ocean in Kuala Lumpur, who said you can’t still enjoy epic water activities and sports? Flyboarding is a great option and definitely a fun experience.
Enjoy traditional arts at a Pusaka show
What is it? Is a cultural show and a fun activity where you’ll get to experience traditional performing arts like you’ve never seen before.
Things to Do at Night in Kuala Lumpur
Enjoy sunset hour at a stylish rooftop bar, shop the local markets, scout the city’s crazy-cool street art scene or revel in the views from its most-famed skyscrapers, like the Petronas Twin Towers! If you want to make the most out of your holiday, be sure to include the following night experiences on your itinerary.
Dinner in the Sky
Dinner in the Sky is one of the greatest ways to enjoy a unique dining experience. Step into, the ‘restaurant’ which is hoisted 50m above the ground. From the sky, you get an unbeatable view of the city as you try the delicious local food.
Firefly Boat Ride
The Firefly boat rides in KL take place on the Selangor River, where you can witness the natural phenomenon of magical fireflies. If you are one of those seeking nature escapes, this experience in Kuala Lumpur might excite you.
Dinner in the 1920s’?
Dating back to the 1920s’, the Coliseum Café & Grill is one of the oldest restaurants in the city and the coolest remnants of the old colonial charm. The place preserved its interior throughout the years which will give you a glimpse into the past of Kuala Lumpur under British Rule.
Witness the light spectacle at Lake Symphony
If you’ve ever visited Kuala Lumpur before, you definitely saw how lit up at night the city is. Is named ‘Garden City of Lights’ for a reason! At Lake Symphony is pretty much the same, just swap buildings for fountains. Here you can enjoy a water-light show and the display showcases over 150 one-of-a-kind animations in light form, accompanied by musical sounds.
Put on your fancy clothes for the Golden Triangle
Golden Triangle covers the area of Jalan Imbi, Jalan Sultan Ismail, and Jalan Raja Chulan streets. The place is filled with world-class restaurants, café, and the best clubs in town. So put your make-up on, a comfortable dress and your dancing shoes and hit the nightclubs.
Party the night away at the best rooftop bars
With so many skyscrapers in the city, it makes total sense that the rooftop bar options are endless. Kuala Lumpur nightlife is pretty vibrant and one of the most popular activities here is going to a sky-high rooftop bar.
