Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur (KL) is full of life, a city where you can spend easily a week exploring different things.
Right from iconic buildings, famous markets, parks, viewpoints, religious attractions, KL has it all. It’s also cheap and affordable for all tourists.
But what separates Kuala Lumpur from the rest of the world is its acceptance towards multi-culture. You could visit a Hindu temple, a mosque, a Buddhist temple, and a cathedral in a day.
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Blog Contents
11 must-visit places in Kuala Lumpur
1. Petronas towers
The Petronas twin towers are the symbol of Kuala Lumpur, 7th tallest building in the world at an astonishing height of 452m. It could even withstand a Hurricane.
Alain ‘Spiderman’ Robert a French Urban, climbed one of the towers (2009) using only his bare hands, minus any safety equipment. It took him under 2 hours.
Plenty of things happen inside like high-end shopping malls, the Petronas Science center, Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra.
It truly meets your expectations and is easily the #1 must-visit place in Kuala Lumpur. Click hundreds of pictures, but still, you won’t be satisfied.
To climb the tower and reach the observation deck you need to pay an entrance fee.
Fee: 80 RM (Malaysian Ringgit) and 1 € ~ 4,9 RM, 1 US $ ~ 4.15 RM
2. KLCC Park and fountain show
Walkthrough the Petronas twin towers, just behind you find the massive 50-acre KLCC Park. Right in the middle of the bustling city, KLCC park hosts a huge playground with a central pool, a nice location to take a quick break.
But do come back at night, the dancing fountain show along with music is a treat to watch and will keep you entertained for hours.
3. Chinatown
Also known as the Petaling street market, the Chinatown is lined with shops, restaurants, clothing and accessory stores, street food, fruit stalls, souvenirs.
The quality is low and roadside vendors sell most kinds of stuff. So be ready to display your bargain skills.
Certainly the busiest spot in the whole city, the Chinatown brings colors to your Kuala Lumpur trip and a must-visit spot.
4. Sri Maha Mariamman Temple
You can see the influence of South India largely in Kuala Lumpur, the Hindu temples are the proofs. Adjacent to the Petaling market, the intrinsic detailed Sri Maha Mariamman temple dome welcomes you.
Founded in 1873, it’s the oldest temple in KL. The temple is colorful, well maintained, and has a brilliant architecture inside. Entrance: free
Travel Tip: Women must cover their shoulders and knee while visiting any Hindu or Buddist temple in the world.
5. Sultan Abdul Samad Building
Originally served as the colonial British Secretariat, the Sultan Abdul building is attractive both during the day and at night.
It follows the Moorish style architecture with a 41 m high clock tower at the center. The building also has a 100 m high flagpole denoting the independence from the British rule.
Entry is denied but the walk surrounding the premises is free.
6. Dataran Merdeka
Just opposite to the Sultan Abdul Samad is the Merdeka Square, a large stretch of green square signifies the country’s independence. The one-stop spot to see all the iconic buildings of KL. Relax at the square in the evenings and witness the sun go below the horizon.
7. Kuala Lumpur city gallery
Want to know a bit about Kuala Lumpur’s history? Then visit the KL city gallery, adjacent to the Merdeka square. The gallery shows a pictorial representation of KL (ground floor).
The second floor has many 3D models of the city’s important landmarks. The gallery has a fun element mixed with history.
Don’t forget to visit the City model show, a massive 12*15 m room representing the city’s past, present, and future through a light and sound ride.
Entrance fee: 5 RM
Just outside the gallery is the famous Instagram sculpture ‘I love KL’
8. Central night market
It is shopping heaven for souvenirs, artwork, paintings, clothes, wallets, and antique collections. The prices are on the higher side, unlike the Chinatown. The air-conditioned market has endless shops to make your legs tired.
If you want to buy something unique from KL, then the central night market is your answer.
9. Batu caves
A series of caves and temples on a limestone hill. The caves are famous for the 43m tall Lord Murugan statue (Hindu god). The statue is the second largest Hindu deity in the world.
Be there during the Thaipusam (end of January), an annual Hindu festival to witness a traditional Hindu culture.
10. Thean Hou Temple
On the first look, you will say, ‘Wow, the temple looks stunning’.
The Thean Hou is a Buddhist temple constructed in 1894. Sitting on top of a hill, lit magnificently, the temple is dedicated to Goddess Tian Hou, who is said to protect the fishermen.
Inside the ambiance is calm and beautiful. The worshippers enter silently, pray, sit for a while, and leave. Climb the staircase to see the jaw-dropping KL city view.
Thean Hou temple is yet another must-visit place in Kuala Lumpur. Entry: free
Tip: The temple is not reachable by public transport. So better use Grab, a taxi app similar to Uber.
11. Selfie Museum
For any modern-day selfie addict, photographers, someone who loves posing, this museum is a must-visit. It allows you to pass through several rooms, about 9 in total.
Each room has a separate theme with beautiful colors, shapes, structures, eye-catching backgrounds.
Kids will definitely have a fun time. In one of the rooms, they offer complimentary Baskin robbins ice cream.
Contrary to the name, the museum is not suited for selfies. Actually you need someone to click your picture. So the best thing to do is to take your partner along. The museum’s name ‘Selfie’ is to just attract tourists.
Entrance fee: 45 RM, tickets available online too (only 20 RM).
What you can expect?
Kuala Lumpur is a city where you must spend at least a week. But if you are on a budget, then try these 11 must-visit places on a 3-day trip. Whether you are religious or not, you must visit Kuala Lumpur’s multicultural attractions.
The city is clean, tourist-friendly, easy to move around in public transport supported by affordable taxis. You should include KL in your modern-day must visit capital cities in the world.
Overall experience: 
out of 5
Time of visit: April 2019
” People don’t take trips, trips take people.” – John Steinbeck