Tourist Attractions in Kuala Lumpur

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Kuala Lumpur

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Kuala Lumpur

The city was founded at the confluence of the Gombak and Klang rivers by tin miners from China. For this reason they chose this name, which translates as “dirty estuary”. In the last century, Kuala Lumpur was under the control of the British and Japanese (during World War II). The years of occupation were not without a trace for the region, but today, among the pluses left from that time are, for example, the architectural heritage of that era. Much has changed since then, and now the capital of Malaysia is one of the most dynamic cities in Asia.

The districts of the city do not have clear boundaries. In addition, ethnic neighbourhoods are common here. One of the most sprawling is Chinatown. Many attractions are concentrated in close proximity to the Petronas Twin Towers. These two skyscrapers for a couple of decades of existence have become the calling card of Kuala Lumpur.

Top-25 Tourist Attractions in Kuala Lumpur

Petronas Twin Towers

 4.7/5

96070 reviews

The city’s calling card. The twin towers were built for 7 years until 1999. Their height exceeds 450 metres. They are connected to each other by a covered transition bridge. It is not only convenient and beautiful, but also provides fire safety. The buildings have 88 floors each. At the level of the 86th floor there is a viewing platform. Inside the towers there is a shopping centre, office premises, a concert hall, restaurants and a museum.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

KLCC Park

 4.6/5

54923 reviews

Located at the Petronas Twin Towers. Developed in 1998 by Brazilian architect Roberto Burle Marx. It occupies an area of 20 hectares. The city’s central park is rich in alleys, fountains and artificial lakes. The largest fountain also acts as a swimming pool for children. An ideal place to escape the heat of the day. A modern and safe jogging path runs through the area.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Bukit Bintang

 0/5

This neighbourhood was built up in stages. First, an entertainment complex appeared – the first in the city. Then shopping areas and all sorts of leisure centres were added. There are shops for different budgets: for example, Star Hill Gallery is designed for the rich public, and BB Plaza is a more economical shopping option. There are also restaurants serving dishes from all cuisines of the world and spas.

Petaling Street Market

 4.1/5

28155 reviews

Tourists and locals often refer to this street and its surroundings as Chinatown. Red lanterns are a typical decoration of the neighbourhood. Not only Chinese but also representatives of other Asian countries have settled here. Petaling street is partly under a translucent roof and is filled with shopping lines and restaurants. Hotels in Chinatown are cheaper than in other parts of the city.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Jalan Alor Food Street

 4.4/5

5363 reviews

The main gastronomic street of the city. It becomes especially crowded in the evening. Tourists and locals gather in the open air to savour dishes from all parts of the Asian region, especially Malaysia. Most of the dishes are cooked in front of the visitors. Numerous fruits and vegetables are also available for sale. No one pays attention to the noise and crowds around – this is a special flavour of the area.

Open time

Istana Negara

 4.3/5

7146 reviews

The building was originally owned by a Chinese rich man. During the Japanese occupation, it became a canteen for officers. Later converted into the residence of the state sultan. At present, the palace is the royal residence. Official events are held here. For this reason, tourists are not allowed inside. However, the attraction is popular: you can be photographed in the background or watch the changing of the guard.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Sultan Abdul Samad Building

 4.7/5

2328 reviews

The administrative building of the city and at the same time an architectural monument. During its construction in 1897, the author of the project, the Briton Arthur Charles Norman, chose the Moorish style as a basis. Currently, the Ministry of Culture is located inside. Independence Square, where the landmark stands, is surrounded by other notable architectural objects, such as the Textile Museum and the Jamek Mosque.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

The National Museum of Malaysia

 4.3/5

11443 reviews

The museum building itself can be counted among the exhibits. It was built in 1953 in the form of a national peasant dwelling. It stands on stilts, the exterior is decorated with patterned panels, the interior with mosaics with historical subjects. The collection is amazing: coins from ancient times, weapons from different eras, puppets from the Wayang Kulit Theatre, also known as the Shadow Theatre, and archaeological treasures from Kelantan.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Kuala Lumpur City Gallery

 4.3/5

2515 reviews

Unlike most galleries in the world, this one has a slightly different specialisation. Inside the colonial building, there is a display of photographs and newspaper clippings that tell the story of Kuala Lumpur of the past. Some buildings, even those that no longer exist, are presented in the form of models. The authors of the exhibition also fantasise about the future. Films about the development of the city are shown at regular intervals.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

National Textiles Museum

 4.6/5

1733 reviews

Opened in 2010. The rich collection is divided into different categories. One room shows outfits typical of all parts of the country. Another tells the story of the region’s textile industry. The third contains jewellery and precious metal items. And the fourth showcases the national fabrics. Entrance to the museum is free. There is a themed shop nearby.

Open time

Petrosains, The Discovery Centre

 4.6/5

6227 reviews

The Science and Research Museum is located in the Petronas Twin Towers. Almost all the exhibits can be touched and studied in practice. Inside during the tour visitors are told about different technical means and scientific directions. However, the bias is in favour of oil production. Even the entrance to the museum is unusual: you have to get into special booths and drive inside through a tunnel.

Open time

Monday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM

Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia

 4.7/5

4386 reviews

In 1998, the Museum of Islamic Art opened in a purpose-built building. The exhibition is organised into several separate galleries. The collection dedicated to the architecture of Islam shows many iconic knowledges in miniature. For example, Timur Amir’s mausoleum and the Taj Mahal. Another room displays archaeological finds. In the costumes section, two Orenburg shawls are kept. They were made by the Tatar woman Maginur Khusainova.

Open time

Monday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan (The Federal Territory Mosque)

 4.8/5

7005 reviews

The main mosque of the city was founded at the turn of XX-XXI centuries. It was built similar to the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. The architectural style is mixed: there are signs of both Ottoman and Malay styles. The domes of the mosque deserve special attention. They are made of a unique mixture of materials to ensure that the structure is light, strong and durable. It occupies an area of 5 hectares. At the same time 17 thousand people can pray here.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Friday: 10:00 – 11:30 AM, 3:00 – 4:30 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Sultan Abdul Samad Jamek Mosque

 4.6/5

9425 reviews

It was built at the confluence of Klang and Gombak in 1909. For more than 50 years the mosque was the main mosque in the country. Red and white coloured stones were used in the construction. Together with a lot of small details in the decoration, the mosque turned out to be very ornate. Palm trees shield the territory from the bustle of the city. The site is closed for tourists, but you can walk around the area and take photos.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

National Mosque of Malaysia

 4.8/5

23890 reviews

It was built in the 60s of the XX century. The mosque became one of the symbols of the country’s independence. The government wanted to introduce new social and cultural projects after liberation from the power of colonisers. Negara Mosque was erected as part of one of them. In 1987, the pink roof was changed to a blue-green roof. Nearby is the Makam Pahlavan Mausoleum, the burial place of some Malaysian politicians.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:15 PM, 2:45 – 5:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Thean Hou Temple

 4.6/5

10839 reviews

The largest Chinese temple in the country. The complex was built in the 80s of the last century. The temple united traditional religions of the Celestial Empire: Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism. It is made in the classical style, decorated with carvings, paintings, lanterns. On the territory there is a dining room, souvenir shops, landscaped garden. Herbs used in Chinese medicine are grown here.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Sri Maha Mariamman Temple

 4.4/5

3772 reviews

The oldest Hindu temple in the city. It is located on the edge of the Chinatown. It was founded in 1873 and was extensively rebuilt almost a century later. The main change is the appearance of a new tower, named “Raja Gopuram”. The interior decoration is rich, in style reminiscent of Indian palaces. The building is recognised as an architectural monument. During major festivals, the temple attracts pilgrims from other cities.

Open time

Monday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Thursday: 6:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Friday: 6:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Saturday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 6:00 AM – 8:30 PM

Tugu Negara

 4.5/5

4056 reviews

Installed in Lake Park in 1965. The sculptural group is dedicated to the fight against the Japanese occupiers during World War II and the liberation of the country from the colonial authorities. The height of the monument is about 15 metres. There is a water channel and fountains around it. Seven bronze soldiers identify the important qualities of heroes. One of the soldiers holds a Malaysian flag, a symbol of independence.

Open time

Monday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Central Market

 4.3/5

44586 reviews

This area has been known as a place of active trade since the 80s of the century before last. In 1936, a large building was built to make trade more organised. Nowadays, the specialisation of the market has changed: you can’t buy food inside, but many shops with handicrafts have opened. There are also galleries of local artists. You can also buy goods from India.

Open time

Menara Kuala Lumpur

 4.5/5

32946 reviews

The construction was completed in 1996. The TV tower is one of the ten tallest in the world – 421 metres. When designing the tower, the details were orientated on Islamic architecture. In the evening Menara is illuminated in a special way. Because of this it is called the “garden of light”. One of the features of the TV tower is the revolving Seri Angkasa restaurant. It is located at a height of 282 metres. There is also a paid observation deck.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Kuala Lumpur Railway Station

 4.3/5

469 reviews

It was built at the time of colonisation – in the first years of the XX century. The architecture is dominated by the Moorish style. Since a new transport hub was created in 1986, the old vokal was no longer used for its intended purpose. Inside opened a museum about the history of the railway transport of Kuala Lumpur. The building is recognised as a monument of architecture. Nearby the railway station hotel, changed after the restoration, is preserved.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

KL Bird Park

 4.5/5

13315 reviews

The largest open-air aviary in the world opened in 1991. Since then, over 2000 individuals of hundreds of species have been collected on an area of 8 hectares. The main peculiarity is the absence of cages and aviaries in the usual way. The whole territory is covered with a net, so the birds live practically in natural conditions. The amphitheatre hosts performances with the feathered birds, and the science centre tells about them in detail.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Lake Gardens Kuala Lumpur (Botanical Gardens)

 4.5/5

643 reviews

It was created in the late 19th century as part of the seat of British government. Nowadays, the 90 hectares of land are home to many noteworthy objects. Separate territories are allocated for a deer park, hibiscus and orchid gardens. The National Planetarium and the Police Museum are in operation. Due to the special regime of nature protection in the botanical garden there are a number of restrictions. Among other things, it is not allowed to pluck plants or walk dogs.

Open time

Monday: 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Aquaria KLCC

 4.4/5

31528 reviews

One of the world’s largest oceanariums. Located at the base of the Petronas Twin Towers. Famous for its 90-metre glass tunnel. In it, sea creatures appear on all sides of the visitors. Notable mini-performances include feeding piranhas and watching scuba divers swim with sharks. Visitors are allowed to touch the inhabitants of some of the pools without taking them out of the water.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Batu Caves

 4.4/5

58681 reviews

Located to the north of the city. The limestone caves are named after the river that runs nearby. They are one of the few Hindu shrines not located in India. Undeveloped caves have been preserved, but it is the temple part that attracts the attention of tourists and pilgrims. Here you can see numerous statues, multicoloured illumination and several structures. The Thaipusam festival is held regularly.

Open time