Kuala Lumpur is a sprawling metropolis, home to over 5 million people. It was the heart of colonial Malaysia under British rule and has been the administrative and economic center since the country became independent in 1957. Home to a diverse and cosmopolitan population, this is where you’ll find some of Malaysia’s most important cultural, historical and religious sites. Visit Merdeka Square to see where Malaysia’s independence was declared. You’ll find the city gallery, museums and stunning old colonial buildings. Wander across the river to the Jamek Mosque (Masjid Jamek). This Moorish-style structure was built in the early 20th century and was the city’s main religious site until the modernist National Mosque was completed in 1965.Near to the National Mosque is the Lake Gardens, a great place to relax. You’ll find manicured lawns and a selection of trees, flowers and wildlife. Admire majestic peacocks and feed parrots in the adjacent Kuala Lumpur Bird Park. Another option is a trip to the National Zoo to see native elephants and tigers. There are also animals from as far away as South America and Australia. For a staggering panorama of the city, head up Kuala Lumpur Tower (Menara Kuala Lumpur). You’ll be able to spot all the major landmarks and get a great view of the PETRONAS Twin Towers. These skyscrapers that define the downtown skyline are among the world’s tallest buildings. A ticket buys you a stunning view from the 86th floor observation deck. You can also enjoy the Lake Symphony water and light show in KLCC Park at the Twin Towers’ base. Take a trip out to the Batu Caves and explore a site sacred to the city’s Hindu community. There are temples and statues inside a cave complex that rises nearly 330 feet (100 meters) above ground. Make your way back to town to pick up bargain watches and handbags, and enjoy a bowl of noodles on Petaling Street. Kuala Lumpur’s multicultural population and fascinating history give the city a distinct flare and colorful atmosphere. From mosques and temples to jaw-dropping skyscrapers and Chinese markets, its attractions are as intriguing as they are diverse.
Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur Travel Guide Video
Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur City Centre
Known for its fantastic nightlife and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Kuala Lumpur City Centre. Check out top attractions like KLCC Park and Suria KLCC Shopping Centre, and jump on the metro at Persiaran KLCC MRT Station or KLCC Station to see more of the city.
Bukit Bintang
Bustling with shopping and entertainment, this district offers malls like Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, al-fresco cafés, and food streets. Don't miss the Shibuya-style pedestrian crossing and Berjaya Times Square Theme Park.
Golden Triangle
Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and KLCC Park are top sights in Golden Triangle, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Raja Chulan Station or Bukit Nanas Station to see more sights in the area.
Chinatown
Chinatown is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Petaling Street and Petaling Street Market.
Brickfields
Travelers choose Brickfields for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at KL Sentral Station or Tun Sambanthan Station and check out top sights like Kuala Lumpur Sentral.
Mid Valley City
Mid Valley City is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Mid Valley Megamall and The Gardens Mall while you're in town.
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Getting around Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is notorious for its busy roads, so while taxis and buses are abundant, they are best avoided during peak times. Instead, get around using the city’s extensive urban rail network. This includes a monorail, which offers great views over the city while connecting major stops in the city center, and a light rail line called the LRT. Most trains operate between around 6am and midnight. Visit the Land Public Transport Agency website.Browse Kuala Lumpur rental cars.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Kuala Lumpur is during the dry season, from May to July. During the monsoon season, from October to March, the city is best avoided, as it experiences severe thunderstorms, particularly from October to January and March to April. Kuala Lumpur has a tropical climate, and temperatures are pretty consistent throughout the year, with average highs in the low 90s F (low 30s C).
Popular places to visit
Petronas Twin Towers
Enjoy the view from the observation deck on the 86th floor, atop the world’s tallest twin skyscrapers.
Berjaya Times Square
Browse for hours in one of the world’s largest shopping centers, which has a hotel, a movie theater and countless stores among its eclectic options.
Sunway Pyramid Mall
You can find the perfect gifts to bring home when you visit Sunway Pyramid Mall, a popular shopping spot in Petaling Jaya. Amble around this vibrant area's Chinatown and enjoy its lively bars.
Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
You can browse for souvenirs when you visit Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, a favorite shopping spot in Kuala Lumpur. Check out the spas and lively bars in this vibrant area.
Mid Valley Megamall
You can search for that perfect souvenir with a trip to Mid Valley Megamall, a favorite shopping spot in Kuala Lumpur. Amble around this vibrant area's picturesque gardens and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.
KLCC Park
Relax by the lake as you gaze at the city skyline or wander the grounds to see statues, water features and landscaped gardens.
Things to do
From Kuala Lumpur: Historical Melaka Day Tour with Lunch
Experience Brooklyn Cruise at Puteri Harbour
Reviews of Kuala Lumpur
5/5 - Excellent
Malaysians are friendly and helpful people. Majority of the people know how to speak English that made us easy to find our way.
5/5 - Excellent
Looking forward to returning anither time
3/5 - Okay
Good
5/5 - Excellent
We really enjoyed Kuala Lumpur. We found people friendly, the city modern, clean, and generally walkable, with lots of restaurants and shopping areas to choose from. We took several day tours, one to Malacca, which was quite enjoyable.
4/5 - Good
Good country and people friendly.
5/5 - Excellent
Amazing city
Read travel guides and advice on visiting Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur in 24 hours or less
Other places like Kuala Lumpur
- Petronas Twin Towers
- Berjaya Times Square
- Sunway Pyramid Mall
- Mid Valley Megamall
- KLCC Park
- Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
- Bukit Jalil National Stadium
- Suria KLCC Shopping Centre
- Kuala Lumpur Sentral
- Kuala Lumpur Tower
- i-City
- University of Malaya
- Jalan Alor
- Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre
- Petaling Street
- Merdeka Square
- Paradigm Mall
- Batu Caves
- National Zoo
- Cheras Leisure Mall
- KidZania
- Axiata Arena
- Central Market
- Sungei Wang Plaza
- Changkat Bukit Bintang
- Putrajaya International Convention Centre
- Sunway Velocity Mall
- Alamanda Putrajaya