Things to do in  Kuala Lumpur

The twin 88-story steel and glass buildings known as the Petronas Twin Towers (Petronas Towers), completed in 1996, are icons of Malaysia. Designed to symbolize courage and the country’s advancement, the towers are connected by a double-decker Skybridge between the 41st and 42nd floor—the world’s tallest two-story bridge of its kind—forming the shape of an “M” for Malaysia.

One of two South Asian enclaves in Kuala Lumpur—the other, also known as Little India, is in Brickfields—this Little India sits conveniently near Chinatown, making the pair an easy destination for food tours. Set around Jalan Masjid India (Indian Mosque Street), this bustling district offers rewards from markets and sari stores to eateries.

A large grassy expanse in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Merdeka Square (Dataran Merdeka) is where Malaysia declared independence in 1957: The word “merdeka” means “independent” or “free.” The city’s best-known historic landmark, the square is home to structures including the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, museums, and a cathedral.

The Malaysian equivalent to Buckingham Palace, the King's Palace (Istana Negara) attracts thousands of visitors with its golden domes and Islamic-style architecture. Although you can’t explore the palace, you can learn about the Malaysian monarchy at the Royal Museum, located on the palace grounds.

While far from historic (it opened in 1989), Thean Hou Temple is one of Malaysia’s—and indeed southeast Asia’s—most important Chinese temples. Set atop a hill a little way outside the city center, the 6-tiered temple blends Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism in a tribute to the sea goddess Mazu and hosts a wealth of festivals.

Looming 1,381 feet (421 meters) atop the Bukit Nanas (Pineapple Hill) in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, the Kuala Lumpur Tower (KL Tower) is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Visible from all around, it also affords a spectacular 360-degree view from its observation deck.

Beside the Lake Gardens of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s National Mosque (Masjid Negara) reinvents traditional Islamic architecture with its angular lines and neutral color scheme. Built in 1965, the mosque was designed as a symbol of Malaysia’s independence and is a center of Kuala Lumpur’s vibrant Muslim community.

Housed in a beautifully restored art deco building, Kuala Lumpur’s Central Market (Pasar Seni) forms the backbone of the city’s commercial scene. Hundreds of stalls sell household goods, souvenirs, and traditional batik artwork, and Kasturi Walk offers visitors some of Malaysia’s most popular street-food dishes.

Colonial architects A.C. Norman and A.B. Hubbock completed the now iconic Sultan Abdul Samad Building (Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad) in 1897 during the British administration of the region. Designed for governmental administrative offices, the building on Merdeka Square was the first public building in the country to feature a Mughal architectural style, which combines Indian Muslim, Gothic and Moorish influences.

The Kuala Lumpur National Monument (Tugu Negara) commemorates the 11,000 people who lost their lives fighting for Malaysian independence. The 51-foot (15.5-meter) bronze statue of seven soldiers, built to replace a colonial-era cenotaph that now stands behind it, is part of a site that also includes a central pavilion with regimental emblems.

One of the city’s most historic and colorful districts, Kuala Lumpur Chinatown is home not only to Chinese but also to Indians and Malays. Besides bustling Petaling Street Market and grand Central Market, the area offers temples, clan houses, and shophouses, plus a wealth of hawker stalls, cafés, and eateries.

Home to a 154-foot (47-meter) gold statue of the Hindu god, Lord Murugan, the Batu Caves—which are tucked into limestone hills—are a must-see for anyone visiting Kuala Lumpur. The UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of four limestone caves—Temple Cave (or Cathedral Cave), Dark Cave, Cave Villa, and Ramayana Cave—which are famously frequented by long-tailed gray macaques.

Not to be confused with the city’s transportation hub, Kuala Lumpur Sentral Railway Station, the old Kuala Lumpur train station is a classic example of colonial Anglo-Asian architecture. Completed in 1910, horseshoe arches, bell-shaped domes, and airy pavilion roofs give Kuala Lumpur Railway Station an almost fairytale effect.

Royal Selangor is one of the world’s largest pewter manufacturers, founded in 1885 at the start of Malaysia’s Tin Rush by a young Chinese immigrant named Yong Koon. The Royal Selangor Visitor Centre offers insight into Malaysia’s cultural heritage with a museum, store, factory tours, and hands-on pewter workshops.

Extravagantly embellished with precious stones, bright tiles, and carvings of Hindu gods and goddesses, the five-tier Sri Mahamariamman Temple boasts the title of Kuala Lumpur’s oldest Hindu temple. Along with its fabulous facade, the temple impresses with its murals, frescoes, shrines, and elaborate altars, all of which vibrantly depict deities and scenes from the Hindu religion.