Top Things To Do in Kuala Lumpur Over the Weekend
Whether you’ve got a two-day layover or just a weekend to spend in Malaysia’s capital, there’s still plenty of things to see and do in this bustling city. From enjoying authentic food, vibrant nightlife and rooftop bars to exploring ancient temples, elephant sanctuaries and iconic landmarks, we’ve compiled a weekend guide for you, so you can see as much of Kuala Lumpur as possible. So, if you want to enjoy the perfect weekend in Kuala Lumpur, read on.
Saturday
Morning
You’ve just arrived into the vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur, obviously, the first thing you want to do is a spot of sight-seeing. Luckily, the Malaysian capital has an impressive collection of iconic attractions and picturesque landmarks. Your first stop should be the tallest twin structures in the world, the Petronas Twin Towers. Make your way to the sky bridge for some of the most spectacular panoramic views of the Kuala Lumpur. Next, head on over to the world-class aquarium Aquaria KLCC or the Menara KL Tower, a jaw-dropping observation deck that stands an impressive 100 meters above the Petronas sky bridge. finally, enjoy a spot of history by paying a visit to the impressive Sultan Abdul Samad Building, a late 18th-century government building that now houses the Supreme and High Courts, or the fascinating National Museum, a wonderful overview of Malaysia’s history, economy, geography, arts, crafts and culture. It’s the perfect start to your weekend in Kuala Lumpur.
Afternoon
This busy city has one of the most interesting and extensive shopping scenes in Malaysia. From colourful souvenir shops and bustling markets to giant mega-malls and upmarket shopping centres, this city is a shopaholics dream. So, your weekend in Kuala Lumpur wouldn’t be complete without doing a little spending. Although you can find an extensive list of places to shop in our ‘The Best Kuala Lumpur Shopping Spots’ blog post, we recommend spending an afternoon wandering around Central Market. Built in 1928, this iconic blue-hued building is home to a plethora of souvenir stalls, handicraft shops and picturesque boutique stalls selling beautifully authentic Malaysian batik prints and other local artwork. Once you’ve has your fill of shopping, you can head to one of the many art galleries located in Central Market and spend some time getting to know the history of Malaysian artwork.
Night
It’s the weekend, and Saturday night is the perfect time to let your hair down and enjoy the best of Kuala Lumpur’s hip nightlife. Just a 5-minute walk from the famous Jalan Alor foodie street, you will find Changkat Bukit Bintang, the city’s most popular and thriving nightlife boulevard. Home to an exciting mix of laid-back bars, cocktail lounges, lively Irish pubs and modern nightclubs, this is the place to party on a weekend in Kuala Lumpur. For something a little more special, you can also check out one of the many swanky rooftop bars in the city. The Heli Lounge Bar, Troika Sky Dining and the Sky Bar all have spectacular views of the glittering city below, international DJs, live music and delicious cocktails.
Sunday
Day
Sunday is the day of rest in Kuala Lumpur, so all the usual inner city spots are heaving with people. To avoid the crowds, why not spend the day getting to know the local culture with a day trip? We highly recommend paying a visit to the Batu Caves, where you can explore the colourful Indian Temples and admire the stunning limestone caves. The main temple is situated in the mouth of a huge cave and requires curious visitors to climb an impressive 272 steps to reach the dominating golden statue of Lord Muruga, which sits at its entrance. For the animal lovers amongst you, you could also spend the day exploring the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary, located only 2 hours from Kuala Lumpur centre. This impressive sanctuary is a conservation centre for Indian elephants, where they rehabilitate these amazing creatures. Visitors can feed the elephants and learn all about what makes these gigantic animals tick.
Night
After a day of exploring the nearby sites, spend the evening relaxing in one of the many amazing restaurants in Kuala Lumpur. Take a stroll along Jalan Alor and prepare to be enchanted by the tantalising smells and sites of this foodie paradise. This pretty walkway is lined with countless restaurants and food stalls with plastic chairs spilling out into the street, so no matter what you’re in the mood for, you can find it here. Delhi Royale is a stunning Indian food restaurant offering vegan and fine dining options, for cheap eats and delicious seafood you can try Kim Lee Fish Restaurant and Restoran Hong Heng, and be sure to try the authentic Thai flavours of Pattaya Thai Food Specialist. Enjoying a delicious meal on Jalan Alor is truly the perfect way to end your weekend in Kuala Lumpur.
