The Malaysian capital is a melting pot of cultures more vibrant than the sum of its parts.

One of Southeast Asia’s biggest cities, Kuala Lumpur is a magical melting pot. The cosmopolitan capital is a concrete playground for all: modern megamalls and soaring skyscrapers stand mere minutes from mosques, Buddhist temples and Hindu shrines, chaotic fresh-food markets and centuries-old heritage shophouses and Malay villages. Food — whether a bowl of noodles from a street food stall or haute cuisine at high-end restaurants — is a Malaysian obsession, fueling shopping sprees or forays into the pulsing nightlife. Fast-paced yet firmly rooted in its history, there’s nowhere quite like Kuala Lumpur.

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Explore Kuala Lumpur

  • Chow Kit
  • Golden Triangle
  • Little India
  • Chinatown
  • Putrajaya

Chow Kit

Overview

Up until the ’80s, Chow Kit was a thriving center of trade in the city. Today, the neighborhood – one of the city’s oldest – is best known for two things: Iits lively market is the largest in Malaysia, and a stone’s- throw away is Southeast Asia’s biggest Sikh temple. Beyond the birthplace of chilli pan mee (spicy noodles), kopitiams (traditional coffee shops), and the late Malaysian actor P. Ramlee’s favorite joint for nasi kandar (steamed rice with side dishes), Chow Kit has also seen a younger, forward-thinking crop of restaurants emerge, alongside an abundance of artisan shops, cafés, and bars.

Known For

Shopping, Dining, Nightlife

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Golden Triangle

Overview

There’s not much you can’t find in the Golden Triangle: lively restaurants and bars, modern malls, and the tallest skyscrapers that make up Kuala Lumpur’s stunning skyline – Merdeka 118, The Exchange 106, and Petronas Twin Towers. The green oasis of KLCC Park provides a sprawling space where visitors can while away the day people- watching.

Known For

Shopping, Dining, Nightlife, Parks, Architecture

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Little India

Overview

Linger over a cup of masala chai in Brickfield’s Little India after taking in the Indian enclave's sights and sounds. Dive into the neighboring Bangsar neighborhood – still a hip hub for café-goers, serious foodies and keen shoppers – but don’t miss the nearby art galleries, museums, and parks, either.

Known For

Architecture, Parks, Museums

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Chinatown

Overview

In downtown, one of the best ways to experience the charm of Chinatown is to simply wander through its streets for true-grit authentic eats and temple sightings. 

At the markets, a sprawling mass of stalls sell everything under the sun. Today, the historic neighborhood is home to a thriving creative class, art and performance spaces, bakeries, third-wave coffee shops and natural wine bars.

Known For

Dining, Arts, Nightlife

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Putrajaya

Overview

Located 15 miles south of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s administrative capital, Putrajaya, is home to many government buildings and offices. But it’s also one of the world’s greenest cities, boasting several sprawling parks and botanical gardens, the country’s largest human-made freshwater wetlands, and cutting-edge steel-and-glass Islamic-styled architecture. 

Known For

Architecture, Parks

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Nearby Hotels and Resorts

Stay in the Center of it All

Immerse yourself in your destination at these centrally located hotels.

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Soak in the Spirit of Kuala Lumpur in Three Days

The Row

Art and Architecture

Begin with a big kopitiam (traditional coffee shop) breakfast at Yut Kee. Then head to Chow Kit Market for the real deal pasar (market) experience. Find out how Chow Kit is fast becoming an it city neighborhood by ducking in and out of its cafés and eateries. Admire contemporary art at Ilham Gallery, then snap photos with the Petronas Twin Towers at sunset. 

Local Area

Historic Neighborhoods

Start off the day with a Malaysian staple breakfast – roti canai (Indian flatbread) at Mansion Tea Stall – before strolling through Petaling Street Market to sample snacks like apam balik (pancakes), sweet potato balls, and tau foo fah (soy bean pudding). Claim your culture fix at the city’s many temples, and be sure to cross the Little India neighborhood off your list. Foodies should head to Jalan Alor for dinner before ending the night at Kuala Lumpur’s hippest nightlife hub Changkat Bukit Bintang. 

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Explore Malaysia’s Other Capital

Pack a breakfast picnic and head out to Taman Saujana Hijau at Putrajaya, only 40 minutes outside of the city. While you’re out there, don’t miss the pink-domed Putra Mosque. Back in Kuala Lumpur, shop till you drop at Bukit Bintang, the city’s most famous shopping belt. 

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