Kuala Lumpur is the urban capital of Malaysia and a must-visit city for every traveler. This well developed and well-maintained city is a combination of colonial buildings, skyscrapers, small streets, multi-lane highways, multi-story malls, and street shopping. I’d say, Kuala Lumpur is the place to go for a unique cultural experience because you will be introduced to people from all walks of life. Having said that, here is a list of some of the best tourist attractions, yummiest local foods, and right places to shop in Kuala Lumpur.
Most Famous Tourist Attractions in Kuala Lumpur
Petronas Twin Towers
Considering Kuala Lumpur is known for the famous Petronas Twin Towers, you must check them out. The twin towers are skyscrapers which were the tallest buildings in the world from 1998 till 2004. As of now, these towers are still the highest twin towers in the world! You can see these twin towers from almost every street in Kuala Lumpur – a sight to behold indeed. The best perspective of the Petronas Twin Towers is from the KLCC Park. Go for a stroll in the park, and you will see these magnificent twin towers in all their glory. From my own point of view, the best way to enjoy the 360-degree view of Kuala Lumpur is while dining at one of the restaurants on the higher floors of these tall towers. Nobu on the 56th floor or Maraini’s which is on the 57th floor are two good restaurant choices.
A view of the Twin Towers from the KLCC Park
The KLCC Park
Aquaria KLCC
The Aquaria KLCC is located right next to the KLCC Park, so I recommend heading to the Park after you’ve had a good look at the twin towers. One of the largest aquariums in all of Southeast Asia is the Aquaria KLCC! If you have a diving permit, you can get your adrenaline pumping by opting for the diving with sharks program, or you can watch while the professionals divers of Aquaria KLCC are at work. Many people write this place off their list because “it’s just another aquarium,” but I think it’s one of those tourist attractions in Kuala Lumpur that you cannot miss. Oh, you can also touch live corals and starfish in their pool. Best of all, you get to walk through a tunnel which surrounded with gallons of water and over 150 species of marine animals!
Inside Aquaria KLCC
KL Tower
If you ask the locals, they’re going to tell you that the KL Tower isn't worth the visit. “It’s just an observation tower,” they say. However, if you want to see another panorama of Kuala Lumpur, I mean a 360-degree view of the whole city, then you must head to the KL observation tower! On one side you’ll see the small towns and rundown houses that inhabit Kuala Lumpur, and on the other side, you’ll be able to see the never-ending skyscrapers for which the city is famous. For me, it was like looking at two separate worlds just feet away from each other. I recommend going in the afternoon – the sun is bright, the view is clear, and the lighting is perfect for some beautiful pictures. There is also a Sky Box which is a glass box that stands 300 meters above ground level. Imagine looking down at the ground below your feet and through nothing but glass.
View of Kuala Lumpur City Center Park from the Petronas Sky Bridge.
The Best Places to Shop in Kuala Lumpur
Suria KLCC
The Suria KLCC is a six-story shopping mall located right next to KLCC Park. If your idea of shopping involves high-end brands like Gucci, Cartier, Channel and more, then Suria KLCC will be like a shopping paradise for you. I saw a line of people waiting to get their items billed in the Gucci store, so you might even find some like-minded people there. It is on every tourist’s list of places to shop in Kuala Lumpur. When you’ve shopped until you’ve dropped, you can head to one of the many restaurants in the Suria KLCC mall and eat till your heart’s content at the Michelin star restaurant called Din Tai Fung or a local favorite called Madam Kwan’s.
Suria KLCC Shopping Mall
Berjaya Times Square
The Berjaya Times Square mall in Kuala Lumpur is the place to go if you’re looking for great deals and bargain shopping. Many websites tell you that this mall has various outlet stores – that is not true! This mall has local shops, an outlet store called FOS, and very authentic copies. FOS does not have any international brands, as their website suggests. However, the ground floor of the Berjaya Times Square mall has hundreds of racks of clothing, all of which sell really authentic and almost real first-hand copies of various brands like Gucci, Burberry, Ralph Lauren and more. So, if you’re looking for a reasonable price on first-hand copies, you know where to go.
Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
Pavilion is going to be your all-time favorite mall; I can guarantee it! When you walk into this mall, you’re going to be blown away by its size and the number of shops it has. From high-end brands like Cartier and Fendi to famous international brands like Calvin Klein and Coach and everyone’s favorite brands like NARS and Under Armour, you will find everything that you are looking for here. It is one of my favorite shopping destinations in Kuala Lumpur. This mall is always festively decorated, so you will enjoy the happy and cheerful vibe of the mall. Once you have shopped, head out to level 3 to enter a world of food! It is a whole floor with over 50 restaurants, each one better than the next with loud music, indoor and outdoor seating and some great cocktails. Of course, the Pavilion has delicious food!
Kuala Lumpur Restaurants and What to Eat
Old Town White Coffee
This chain of restaurants is without a doubt a local favorite in Kuala Lumpur! If you want to eat like the locals, then you have to head to Old Town White Coffee. And the best way to order food here? Just look around and see what people have ordered and ask your server to get whatever looks the most appealing to you. The food served here is truly authentic and local Malaysian food. The coffee here, oh wow, it is the absolute best. So, even if you aren’t in the mood for some local food, I do suggest trying this rich aromatic coffee. Hands down, the best local food in Kuala Lumpur
Madam Kwan’s
This of Madam Kwan’s as a luxurious version of local food. It is wholesome and hearty Malaysian food which is prepared just a little fancy. If you don’t have a palate for Malaysian food, but you’re still the kind of traveler who loves to try local food, then I highly recommend eating at Madam Kwan’s. I’d say your trip to Malaysia isn't over till you’ve eaten here, especially till you’ve had the famous Malaysian Satay at Madam Kwan's! Curry Laksa is the best local food in Kuala Lumpur because it is a local favorite, so don’t forget to give it a try.
See also the article: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Facts, Travel, and Points of Interest