[UPDATED IN SEPTEMBER 2024]

Kuala Lumpur, the bustling capital of Malaysia, iroofs a vibrant, cosmopolitan city. It offers a mix of modern skyscrapers, lush parks, and rich cultural landmarks.

If you’re looking for a dynamic city that’s easy on the wallet, Kuala Lumpur is the perfect destination. With a blend of tradition and modernity, there’s something for every traveller to enjoy 😉!

And of course, you will also find the most important part to prepare for your trip: what to see in Kuala Lumpur. So, keep reading to better plan your trip to Kuala Lumpur.

Some spots are a bit further from the centre (e.g. Batu Caves), but Grab (Southeast Asia’s version of Uber) makes it easier to get around.

Do you only have 2 days to visit Kuala Lumpur? Don’t worry! Even though this is a 3 day itinerary, in the end, I’ll share tips on how to spend 2 days in Kuala Lumpur.

With 3 days available, you’ll get to add some places to the itinerary. And you’ll also ensure that you visit Kuala Lumpur at a more relaxed pace.

However, you need to pay some attention to the rainy season. For example, March, April, October and November are the rainiest months of the year in Kuala Lumpur.

Therefore, some of the best months to visit Kuala Lumpur are February and June to August.

Anyway, I’d like to remind you that you can always find a bit of rain in Kuala Lumpur throughout the year. For those wondering what to pack for Kuala Lumpur, I highly recommend a waterproof jacket like this one from Decathlon.

When arriving in Malaysia, the process is quite simple. You might be asked a few questions, such as your origin, where you’re going next, how long you plan to stay, and where you’ll be staying.

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION:  I strongly suggest you check out the latest information here. This is also where you can check the rules that apply to different passport holders.

Pickpocketing can happen in crowded places like markets or public transport, so be mindful of your valuables.

There are two airports in Kuala Lumpur – Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB). KLIA is the most used.

The first (and also fastest) option is by plane since the flight takes about 1 hour. Several airlines offer this route, such as AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, Scoot, and Singapore Airlines, among others. It’s often easy to find tickets at excellent prices.

The second option is to travel from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur by bus. The journey takes a bit longer (about 5 hours). Plus, you’ll always need to stop on either side of the border between these two countries. I recommend that you buy your bus tickets directly on 12goAsia website.

The best option available is to travel to Kuala Lumpur from Malacca by bus. Again, I recommend booking your tickets on 12goAsia. There are several operators (for example, I travelled with Super Nice Express). The journey takes about 2 hours and is quite cheap (my ticket didn’t even cost 3€).

💡 EXTRA TIP: If you buy your tickets online, you get a 10% discount. Tickets purchased online are valid for 1 month. I suggest you check the most up-to-date information here.

Then, when you get off at KL Sentral just take the metro that will take you closer to the city centre. For example, it takes about 10 minutes to reach the area near the Petronas Tower.

Like the train option, you’ll also need to take the metro to a more central part of the city.

To make purchases with a currency other than the one I usually use (Euro), I always use the Revolut card, which has many advantages. One of the biggest advantages of the Revolut card while travelling is the fact it does not charge extra fees for using a different currency.

Wondering how to stay connected in Kuala Lumpur? I recommend purchasing an eSIM from Celcom for affordable and reliable mobile data. You can easily top-up at any 7-Eleven. You can also choose a roaming mobile data plan, which works seamlessly across many Southeast Asian countries.

For example, this e-SIM Roaming Mobile Data Plan can be purchased even before you arrive in Malaysia and the options are quite cheap.

You can choose the option that suits you best. Just keep in mind the duration of your trip and where you plan to go since most of the plans include a mobile data plan that also works in other countries.

For convenience, Grab is also quite popular, offering cheap and easy door-to-door travel. Walking is also feasible in pedestrian-friendly areas like Bukit Bintang and KLCC, making it simple to explore central attractions on foot.

For those who prefer a ‘home away from home,’ I recommend Wyndham Suites KLCC (previously 8 Kia Peng Suites). It offers spacious flats complete with a kitchen and washing machine, perfect for longer stays or families.

At Wyndham Suites KLCC you can find fully equipped flats for longer stays. Apart from being very spacious, the flats have a kitchen, washing machine, living room, TV and much more. Besides, Wyndham Suites KLCC also offers a gym service.

This is also an excellent option for those who will stay in the city for just a few nights. Especially because the view from some of the rooms is simply unforgettable 🥰.

The location is very central, and the reception offers a shuttle service to some points of interest in the city.

Wyndham Suites KLCC also has an infinity pool with views of the city and a buffet breakfast service.

📌HOW TO USE THE MAP: Click on the top left corner to access the various layers of the map. You can select the layers you’re interested in and also find out more about each point of interest by clicking on it in the left-hand sidebar or on the pin on the map. Add the map to your Google Maps by clicking on the star next to the title. To access the map, simply go to Google Maps ‘Saved’ and click on ‘Maps’!

Once one of the best hidden gems of Kuala Lumpur, it’s now one of Kuala Lumpur’s most Instagrammable spots. So, if you want to have the place to yourselves, I suggest visiting relatively early.

On the one hand, there is the Petaling Street Market. This is an open-air market where you can buy everything from souvenirs to clothes and accessories, for example. Along this street, you can also find some restaurants!

And then there is also Central Market – a closed market with more handmade products. The market is open every day from 10 am to 8 pm. More information here.

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: Entry to the Jamek Mosque is free. The mosque can be visited every day except Friday and during prayer times. Remember to wear appropriate clothing to visit the Jamek Mosque!

If you want to learn more about Malaysia’s history, be sure to check out the National History Museum, which is located near the square.

It is also near this square that we find one of the most beautiful buildings in Kuala Lumpur – Sultan Abdul Samad. The building dates back to the 19th century and was originally home to the offices of the British colonial administration. Today, it is a Malaysian governmental building.

And crossing the Sultan Abdul Samad building, we come across the River of Life project. It is here that two rivers (the Klang River and the Gombak River) meet. The River of Life project was created to revitalize this area. Actually, the River of Life is one of the places to visit in Kuala Lumpur at night since there is a light and water show 🥰.

Honestly, I thought the views over Kuala Lumpur would be more interesting. Anyway, if you have some time to spare, I see no reason not to include this place in your list of things to see in Kuala Lumpur.

💡 EXTRA TIP: Both the Botanical Gardens and the National Monument are a little out of the way from the centre of Kuala Lumpur. So, I suggest using a Grab to get there more easily.

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: This show takes place daily at 8 pm, 9 pm and 10 pm. However, there is a lights-only version at 7.30 pm, 8.30 pm and 9.30 pm. More information here.

Plus, it’s usually very crowded. So, if you want to have the place to yourself, try to arrive as early as possible.

The most convenient way to go from the centre of Kuala Lumpur to the Batu Caves is by Grab (the trip costs about 3-4€). However, it is also possible to take the KLM Komuter train that connects KL Sentral station to Batu Caves (the station is actually named after it). The journey takes about 25 minutes and costs less than 1€.

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: Most temples at Batu Caves are open from 6 am to 9 pm and admission is free. To check the specific hours of some of the temples, click here.

Once you arrive at Batu Caves, you will have to climb the colourful staircase with more than 200 steps to see the Hindu temples up close. On the staircase, you’ll find lots of monkeys 😉. But be wary, they are cheeky and will quickly “rob” your backpack. Preferably, try not to carry food in your backpack.

💡 EXTRA TIP: Please note that this is a religious site and you should dress appropriately. If you don’t have clothes that you consider appropriate, you can rent sarongs at the start of the staircase.

Its architecture takes inspiration from various mosques and sites around the world. This inspiration includes the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey.

This is one of the most interesting places to visit in Kuala Lumpur. It allows us to learn more about Islam, besides the specific history of this mosque.

Entrance is free, but it is only possible to visit the mosque through a guided tour. You should wear appropriate clothing, but the mosque staff will lend you some items if needed.

For example, I was wearing baggy trousers and a T-shirt covering my shoulders and chest. However, I still had to wear the clothes in the pictures above.

This mosque is actually not one of the most famous places in Kuala Lumpur. Still, it’s quite interesting! You should definitely consider adding it to your Kuala Lumpur’s 3 days itinerary.

I debated a lot about whether to visit the inside of the Petronas Towers. Firstly because the ticket is still a bit pricey. Secondly, I didn’t have that much time to visit Kuala Lumpur. Yet, I ended up deciding that I would rather visit a nice viewpoint overlooking the Petronas than the Petronas themselves 😆.

💡 EXTRA TIP: One of the places with the best views of the Petronas Towers is KLCC Park, which is free to enter. In fact, this is the next point on this Kuala Lumpur itinerary. Discover more cool free things to do in Kuala Lumpur.

So, I ended up not visiting the inside of the Petronas. I only visited the KL Tower, which has one of the best views in Kuala Lumpur and especially of the Petronas Towers. Still, as I know that many people would like to visit the inside Petronas Towers, I decided to include this point in the itinerary anyway.

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: The Petronas Towers can be visited from Tuesday to Sunday from 9 am to 9 pm. The ticket costs 98 MYR (~20€). Check the latest updates on the ticket price and opening hours here.

💡 EXTRA TIP: If you’re travelling with children, this can be a perfect place to relax on warmer days. It has a kind of a children’s pool.

I especially recommend visiting at sunset to make it even more special. From the viewpoint (Sky Deck) you can have 360º views over the city and it’s one of those “pinch me please” moments 🥹.

Next to the viewpoint area (Sky Deck), there are also two Sky Boxes, which are two “boxes” with a transparent floor. It’s quite scary in the beginning to step foot on the glass floor, but it’s worth it. Totally a fun experience!

While you can also stay inside each Sky Box for a limited amount of time, there is no time limit on the Sky Deck. You can buy your tickets directly through Get Your Guide to avoid any queues at the ticket office.

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: The ticket to visit the Sky Deck and Sky Box costs 110 MYR (~22€). But, if you pay with a VISA card, you get a 20% discount.

For authentic Malaysian cuisine, Jalan Alor is the perfect spot. It is bustling with food stalls offering mouth-watering dishes like dim sum and Nasi Lemak.

If you’re looking for a local experience, try Cik Noor Dim Sum on Jalan Alor for cheap and delicious bites.

💡 EXTRA TIP: In addition, this is an area where you can also find a lot of street art in Kuala Lumpur.

This rooftop is a helipad during the day and turns into a bar after 6 pm. Entrance costs 100 MYR (~20€), but you get two drinks from a pre-defined drinks list. The atmosphere of the bar is amazing. Plus, the 360.º views of the city make it one of the most beautiful places in Kuala Lumpur.

It’s one of the largest Chinese temples in Southeast Asia. And, the temple itself is lovely and the views over Kuala Lumpur are jaw-dropping. Plus, it’s completely free to visit.

💡 EXTRA TIP: A Grab from the city centre is relatively cheap and allows you to get to this temple much more quickly.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to visit this park when I was in Kuala Lumpur. But, since I was really curious about it, I decided to include it in this itinerary anyway.

The park has some short trails with canopy bridges and beautiful views of the city. There is an entrance fee (40 MYR, ~8 €). If you’d like to know more about the park, you can check out this blog post with lots of useful tips.

From there, head over to the beautiful Thean Hou Temple, one of the most impressive Chinese temples in Southeast Asia.

After soaking in the culture, make your way to Chinatown. This is where you can wander through Petaling Street Market and Central Market to enjoy some local street food and shop for souvenirs.

End your day with dinner at Jalan Alor, a bustling street filled with mouth-watering Malaysian cuisine.

Next, visit Merdeka Square and its surrounding colonial architecture. This includes the Sultan Abdul Samad Building and the scenic River of Life.

In the afternoon, head to KL Tower for panoramic views of the city. And, to round off your trip, enjoy sunset drinks at Helipad Lounge Bar, offering a 360-degree view of Kuala Lumpur’s skyline.

These are based on my personal experience, ensuring you get a feel for the best the city has to offer in a limited amount of time.

1 | Visit the Petronas Towers: No trip to Kuala Lumpur is complete without seeing these iconic towers. Admire them from KLCC Park or somewhere else. Just make sure you do! The Petronas Towers are a must-see for their architectural grandeur and stunning views.

2 | Explore Batu Caves: A short trip from the city, Batu Caves is a sacred Hindu site. It features a towering golden statue and colourful steps leading to impressive limestone caves. It’s one of the most striking spiritual and natural landmarks near Kuala Lumpur.

3 | Visit Thean Hou Temple: This stunning Chinese temple is one of the largest in Southeast Asia. Perched on a hill with breathtaking views of the city, it is known for its elaborate architecture and vibrant decorations.

4 | Enjoy a Drink at a Rooftop Bar: Kuala Lumpur is known for its stunning skyline, and there’s no better way to take it all in than from a rooftop bar. Helipad Lounge is one of my favourites for its open-air, 360-degree views of the city.

5 | Take a Stroll in KLCC Park: After visiting the Petronas Towers, KLCC Park is a lovely spot to relax. The park offers serene views of the towers, a lake with a fountain, and plenty of green space to take a break from the bustling city.

Here are five top day trips from Kuala Lumpur that are within a 2-hour travel distance:

About 1.5 hours away, this charming fishing village on stilts offers a peaceful escape from the city. Explore the village on foot or by bicycle, and enjoy fresh seafood while learning about the local way of life.

These day trips offer a mix of history, nature, and fun, all easily accessible from Kuala Lumpur.

For example, when I visited the Wilayah mosque, they provided me with proper clothing so I could visit the site.

Kuala Lumpur is a dynamic city that offers the perfect mix of modern attractions and rich culture. With this Kuala Lumpur 3 days itinerary, you’ll experience the highlights of the city while enjoying its food, landmarks, and local vibe.

If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment below—I’d love to hear from you!

Disclaimer: this post may contain some affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you buy something through my links. This doesn’t represent any additional cost to you and you’ll be supporting my work here on the blog😊