Top Things To Do In Kuala Lumpur In 3 Days [Kuala Lumpur Itinerary 3 Days] 2024

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Heading to Kuala Lumpur and wondering how many days in Kuala Lumpur is enough? Are 3 days in Kuala Lumpur enough? It is! In this 3 days in Kuala Lumpur itinerary, we’ll give you all the things to do in KL so you have a great trip!

And if you still haven’t decided for sure how many days to spend in Kuala Lumpur, we also give you a Kuala Lumpur 4 days itinerary with an extra bonus day. If you end up needing a Kuala Lumpur itinerary for 2 days, simply drop the day below that seems least appealing.

If you have even longer in KL, then follow this KL 5 day itinerary here.

Top Things To Do In Kuala Lumpur In 3 Days [Kuala Lumpur Itinerary 3 Days]

Kuala Lumpur (or KL) is one of our favourite cities in the world. The capital and largest city in Malaysia, it’s dynamic and multicultural with an interesting heritage and many historic and new Kuala Lumpur tourist attractions. There’s also the chance to visit the rainforest past of KL or eat some of the best food in the world.

But you don’t need to trust me, visit yourself and discover all the top things to do in Kuala Lumpur in 3 days in our following Kuala Lumpur itinerary for 3 days. While longer is always better in this great city, 3 days is enough time to get a great taste of the city (both literally and figuratively!).

We also include a map of what to do in Kuala Lumpur in 3 days at the end, information about how to get around Kuala Lumpur, where to stay and a bonus day to give you an itinerary of Kuala Lumpur in 4 days.

Travelling to Malaysia? Click here to download your free Malaysia Trip Planning checklist. We’ll help you get ready for your trip! 

Have any questions? Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now! It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired.

Top Things To Do In Kuala Lumpur In 3 Days – Our Kuala Lumpur Itinerary For 3 days [2024]

This itinerary has been built from my extensive knowledge of visiting KL after being here 10+ times including multiple times in the past year. It’s a great place!

The highlights of this Kuala Lumpur itinerary 3 days are:

  • Discovering the best places to visit in Kuala Lumpur in 3 days
  • Visiting the tallest twin towers in the world, the Petronas Twin Towers
  • Learning the history of Malaysia
  • Enjoying the best Indian, Chinese and Malay food in KL
  • Experiencing a slice of rainforest in KL
  • Visiting the gorgeous Batu Caves
  • Shopping at KL’s top spots

This list of what to see in Kuala Lumpur in 3 days assumes that you arrive the night before or first thing and are ready to get out and explore! We list all the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur in the order that we recommend you visit them.

On arrival at Kuala Lumpur airport, book a transfer, catch a taxi or the express train into Kuala Lumpur so you aren’t wasting any time.

If you want something more organised for your KL time, find our list of best tours here.

Day 1

Today, you are going to explore some of the most interesting places in KL while learning about the past and present of Kuala Lumpur. This includes learning about its different cultural groups.

Merdeka (Or Independence) Square

things to do in Kuala Lumpur 3 days Merdeka (Or Independence) Square

When looking at Kuala Lumpur things to do in 3 days, Merdeka Square will be high on your list. You will want to include some cultural Kuala Lumpur activities, so this is the perfect start.

Merdeka Square is where the Malaysian flag was raised for Malaysian independence from the British for the first time in 1957. There is an enormous flag here today as well as some grand buildings surrounding the square.

The Square is a Kuala Lumpur landmark and so is always high up in places to see in Kuala Lumpur. If you are particularly interested in Malaysian history, this is especially somewhere you should go. It is easily accessible by one of three train lines that run through the Masjid Jamek station.

Address: Jalan Raja, City Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Jamek Mosque

things to do in malaysia Kuala Lumpur Jamek Mosque

What to visit in Kuala Lumpur next?  Head on over to the Jamek Mosque where you can experience an authentic Mosque. The Jamek Mosque is one of the places of interest in Kuala Lumpur that is recommended.

This Mosque is recognised as the oldest Islamic place of worship in Kuala Lumpur. This is one of the best things to do in KL if you are keen to learn more about Islam. There is also an Islamic Experience centre just outside the mosque.

Whilst it is open to the public, you can only visit inside outside of prayer times and you should dress conservatively.

Address: 109 Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Little India/Brickfields

itinerary Kuala Lumpur 3 days Little India

Your next stop is Little India otherwise known as Brickfields by KL Sentral. This is the perfect place to enjoy lunch after you explore the colourful streets. Little India really is one of the best Kuala Lumpur attractions for families with it’s bright stalls, traditional clothes and amazing flowers. In fact, I’d be surprised if anyone didn’t enjoy it here.

Start at Jalan Tun Sambanthan. You will feel like you are being transported into the street of India. From the people and the colour to the food and the customs, it is certainly reflective of the more than 160,000 Malaysian-Indians living in Kuala Lumpur. Without a doubt, Little India is one of the best places to visit in KL.

You can easily arrive there by train or bus or car if you have access to one.

Address: Jalan Travers to Jalan Tun Sambanthan, Brickfields

Petronas Twin Towers

Walking the Skybridge at Petronas Twin Towers
Walking the Skybridge between the two Petronas Twin Towers

After lunch, it’s time to head to the most famous landmark in KL, the Petronas Twin Towers. It’s can be hard to get a ticket by just turning up so it’s essential to buy your ticket at least a few days in advance (click here).

When deciding what to do in KL, the Petronas Twin Towers is a must! Standing at 451.9 metres tall, these twin towers really are an amazing sight. The towers are certainly beautiful from the outside but it’s the city views from the towers themselves that make the towers a Kuala Lumpur must see.

With your ticket, you first visit the Skybridge between the two buildings on the 41st floor before visiting the 86th floor observation deck. There’s also information and models of what you are seeing. It’s a great way to become familiar with the city.

Tours last around an hour. Make sure you arrive with plenty of time to spare before your time slot if you don’t get a tour here. It’s tricky to work out where to enter. Head to Dewan Filharmonik Petronas which is connected to Suria KLCC shopping centre, and it’s obvious where to go once you hit there.

If you get lost in the shopping centre, like I did, look for the Salvatore Ferragamo shop in the directory. There is a sign next to this which tells you which way to go and it’s easy from here.

There is a security scan on entry and anything bigger than a small backpack or any beverages, need to be left at a luggage counter (included).

Entry starts at RM80. It’s worth it!

Address: Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Click here to buy discounted tickets now.

KLCC Park

KLCC Park with Petronas Twin Towers
KLCC Park with Petronas Twin Towers

For a change of pace, head outside to the KLCC Park, another one of the top places to visit in Kuala Lumpur. KLCC Park is a 50 acre garden designed to provide some greenery for the Petronas Twin Towers and the areas surrounding it.

The park is great if you are looking for things to do in KLCC where you can relax a little and escape the busy city. It’s also one of the fun places in KL for kids as there are walkways to explore, a fantastic children’s playground and incredible water features.

This is also a great place to get photos of the towers and to see them from another perspective.

Entry is free.

Address: Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

SkyBar

the Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur Skybar tables
My table at SkyBar – great views!!

Just before sunset, head to SkyBar and have a drink as you watch the sunset over unmatched views of Petronas.

Always in the top 10 things to do in KL and located high up on the 33rd floor of the Traders Hotel, the award winning SkyBar has a great variety of cocktails, popular nightly DJ’s and, of course, that view.

The bar is the perfect place to hang out with friends or if you are wondering what to do in Kuala Lumpur at night. If you have a large group there are cabana booths, which are the perfect way to enjoy a drink with friends while enjoying incredible views.

Address: Level 33, Traders Hotel, Persiaran KLCC, Kuala Lumpur City Center, Kuala Lumpur

Symphony Fountain Light Show

Kuala Lumpur malaysia tourist spots Symphony Fountain Lightshow

Looking for places to visit in KL at night? You will love taking in this light and water show at the KLCC Fountain. In this spectacular fountain scene, dozens of water jets in the artificial lake will shoot up in the air and colourful beams of light almost seem like they are dancing across the water.

This is the lake in KLCC Park just opposite the entrance to Suria KLCC. This great show runs at various times from 8pm which makes it one of the most enjoyable places to visit in Kuala Lumpur at night. Click here for the latest times.

Address: Lake Symphony, right next to Suria KLCC

Day 2

In day two of Kuala Lumpur in 3 days, you will see more of Kuala Lumpur including the fabulous Batu Caves, rainforest, shopping and you’ll eat a ton of great food!

Batu Caves

Batu Caves
Batu Caves

The Batu Caves are about 30 minutes north of Kuala Lumpur, situated in the Gombak District and accessible by train from KL Central Station. You can also book a tour which takes care of all the details – all you have to do is enjoy!

I recommend you get going early to avoid the heat and crowds during the day. It’s so serene when you have it to yourself!

The caves are dedicated to the Hindu god, Lord Morugan, and is one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside of India. If you walk up the 272 steps, you will find yourself at the top where the main temple is located. It’s quite a walk, but there’s a good reason to take rest breaks on the way up. There are some great views of KL city from here.

Watch out for the cheeky macaque monkeys who call the caves their home and won’t hesitate to snatch your bag or food if given half the chance!

Address: Batu Caves, Sri Subramaniam Temple, Kuala Lumpur

Click here to buy discounted tour tickets now or read our full guide to Batu Caves here.

KL Forest Eco Park

KL Forest Eco Park
KL Forest Eco Park

Ready for more Kuala Lumpur sightseeing? Looking for some more fun things to do in Kuala Lumpur? Located at the base of KL Tower is the Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve where you will visit the KL Forest Eco Park.

This slice of a tropical rainforest in the middle of KL gives you the opportunity to see wildlife and view the rainforest canopy and surrounding city from the canopy walk. KL’s urban business is replaced by buzzing insects and birdlife in this 9.7 hectares right in the heart of the city.

The Eco Park is one of the most beautiful places in Kuala Lumpur which everyone can enjoy who visits.

Entry is free.

Address: Lot 240, Jalan Raja Chulan, Kuala Lumpur

KL Tower

tourist places in malaysia Kuala Lumpur KL Tower

Always in the list of popular Kuala Lumpur tourist spots is the very tall and spectacular KL Tower. A fantastic alternative to the Petronas Towers (particularly if it is booked out), it is actually taller at a height of 452 metres. It’s the seventh tallest communications tower in the world and the lift moves at a super speed, taking only 54 seconds to reach the very top.

The KL Tower has fabulous views over the city and, from the observation deck at 276 metres, you can view most of the things to see in Kuala Lumpur .

You can buy discounted tickets here. For some some heart pumping activities to do in KL, try out the Sky Deck as well if you dare!

Entry fee starts at RM28

Address: No. 2 Jalan Punchak Off Jalan P.Ramlee, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia 50250

Click here to buy discounted tickets now.

Shop At Bukit Bintang

Pavilion KL
Pavilion KL

Where to go in KL for shopping? Bukit Bintang of course! This is where you will find the best of Kuala Lumpur in terms of shopping.

Start at Berjaya Times Square, one of the largest shopping centres in the world. There are many eating options for lunch here as well as an indoor theme park.

If you want more shops, you can also head to Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Lot 10 or Starhill Gallery for some glamour. Some malls in Kuala Lumpur have designer stores, wonderful boutiques and premium shops, but if you are searching for cheap things to do in KL then you are in luck as the Bukit Bintang shopping precinct is known for it’s cheap shopping malls and specialty shops. You can really find it all.

Happy shopping!

Jalan Alor Food Street

Jalan Alor Bukit Bintang food street
Jalan Alor Food Street

When your tummy starts rumbling for dinner, head to Jalan Alor Food Street in the heart of Bukit Bintang. It is one of the best places to go in KL for food.

There are a crazy amount of hawker stalls and restaurants lining the street and I recommend you try as many foods as you can fit in! You may be overwhelmed as you will have menus presented to you every five steps as you make your way from one end of the street to the other.

This street has to be one of the best Kuala Lumpur tourist places not only because of the food and colour, but also the fantastic buskers who travel up and down the street, keeping the crowds very entertained.

I have had some of the best food in my life on this street – make sure you head here!!

You can read my full guide to visiting Jalan Alor Food Street here as well as some of the foods I recommend you eat.

Address: Jalan Alor, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur

Changkat Bukit Bintang Street

Changkat Bukit Bintang Street
Changkat Bukit Bintang Street

If you are looking for things to do in Kuala Lumpur at night and are up for a few drinks, keep walking to Changkat Bukit Bintang Street. This short street has many bars with outside seating.

This is also where you will find the best place in KL for nightclubs such as the famous Havana and Pisco Bar. Named Kuala Lumpur’s Piccadilly Circus, the street is considered one of the most established, long-lasting nightlife districts in the city and locals will often recommend the district when asked where to go in Kuala Lumpur and for fun things to do in KL at night.

This street is connected to Jalan Alor Food Street, but note you do have to walk a block or two before you hit the bars. There are many massage parlours on the way if you need a break between stops, although I did get the impression that there may be more than massages on the menu.

Day 3

In our final of the three days in Kuala Lumpur, you will learn more about Malaysia’s past while also visiting KL’s green heart at Lake Gardens and bustling Chinatown. You can also choose to do a top rated food tour.

KL Bird Park

KL Bird Park
KL Bird Park

The KL Bird Park is one of the best attractions in Kuala Lumpur (personally my favourite!) and definitely one of the top 10 things to do in Kuala Lumpur. Here you you won’t just see an amazing amount of birds but get to enjoy the huge and beautiful gardens found here as well.

The Bird Park is one of the most fun activities in Kuala Lumpur and houses more than 3,000 birds representing more than 200 species in an enclosed aviary. About 90% are local birds and 10% were imported from countries such as Australia, China, Holland and more.

The Park receives an annual average of 200,000 visitors so you can see why it is a definite tourist attraction in KL.

It is located adjacent to the Lake Gardens, close to the National Mosque and Royal Malaysian Police Museum. You can buy discounted tickets here which also include a transfer from your hotel for a cheaper price than buying tickets at the gate.

It certainly is a Kuala Lumpur must see, so clear your itinerary!

Standard entry cost is RM 75 per adult and RM 50 per child.

Address: 920, Jalan Cenderawasih, Perdana Botanical Gardens, 50480 Kuala Lumpur

Click here to buy discounted tickets now.

National Mosque

malaysia Kuala Lumpur attractions National Mosque

Next stop is the huge National Mosque which is always one of the places of interest in Kuala Lumpur that tourists are keen to visit. The Mosque has a very large capacity of over 15,000 people and is surrounded by lovely greenery within thirteen acres of land.

Having been built in 1965, it is an important symbol of the Islamic country of Malaysia. Non-Muslims are welcome to visit outside of prayer times, and there are robes to borrow if you are inappropriately dressed. The mosque is definitely one of most interesting places to see in KL particularly if you are keen on culture and history.

Entry is free.

Address: Jalan Perdana, Tasik Perdana, 50480 Kuala Lumpur

Islamic Arts Museum

Kuala Lumpur destination Islamic Arts Museum

The Islamic Arts Museum is up next with one of the best collections of Islamic decorative arts in the world. The Museum is an important stop in any Kuala Lumpur trip with it’s beautiful white building, incredible replicas of important Islamic buildings and mosques from around the world.

As you explore, you will enter a room where you will see a display of Qurans and Islamic manuscripts dating back to ancient times. In the Ottoman room, you will get to see a reconstruction from Syria from the 1820’s which, for me, was one of the most interesting things to see in KL. There’s a good Middle Eastern restaurant here if you are ready for lunch.

Entry cost is RM12 per adult and RM6 per student/senior citizen. Children 6 and below are free.

Address: Perdana, Jalan Lembah, Tasik Perdana, 50480 Kuala Lumpur

National Museum

Kuala Lumpur sightseeing places National Museum

The final stop in this area is the National Museum which is certainly one of the main Kuala Lumpur points of interest for many people, as you can learn more about Malaysia’s conflicted history.

The museum has four galleries. We found it was easiest to start at A and follow it chronologically. The museum has displays which show things such as early history, the Malay Kingdoms and the Colonial era. It’s very interesting to read about how Malaysia has been held by the Portugese, Dutch, British and Japanese over the years.

After visiting the Museum and learning more about the history of Malaysia, you can see why it is often in guides to sightseeing in KL.

The Museum also has a small cafe. The opening hours are 9am to 6pm.

Entry is RM2 for locals with children under 12 being free. Fee for non-locals is RM5 and RM2 for children 6-12 years old.

Address: Jabatan Muzium Malaysia, Jalan Damansara, Tasik Perdana, 50566 Kuala Lumpur

Two Choices: Chinatown Independently Or On A Food Tour

For the rest of today, either visit the following sites independently OR you can choose to do Simply Enak’s Secrets of KL food tour which will take you to these places PLUS tell you so much about the history and culture of KL, particularly its nightlife while giving you plenty of awesome food and drinks.

Kuala Lumpur Food Tour

Kuala Lumpur food tour Making handmade char siew pao
Making handmade char siew pao

I highly recommend you do a food tour while you are in KL. There’s simply no better way to taste awesome food AND learn about the history and culture of Kuala Lumpur.

You’ll see, learn and eat so much more in KL on this tour.

You can read more about the food tour here or click here to book now. Make sure you enter the code DIVE30 when booking for RM30 off the price per person.

If you don’t want to do the evening tour, the Kuala Lumpur Street Food tour in the morning in Chinatown is awesome. We got to watch and meet so many local vendors still making delicious food the traditional way.

You can also get RM30 off this tour using the code above.

You can read my full review of doing the morning street food tour in KL here.

If you decide to do this in the morning, simply flip the order of this day and visit the National Mosque, museums and Bird Park in the afternoon instead.

Chinatown

Chinatown Kuala Lumpur
Exploring Chinatown

In the late afternoon, head to Chinatown, another one of the Kuala Lumpur top attractions.

Chinatown is actually where Kuala Lumpur first started as a city back in 1857 by Chinese immigrants. This is a must do in Kuala Lumpur with its great atmosphere, market shopping and eating. You’ll see why it is consistently considered as one of the top sights in Kuala Lumpur.

Chinatown is also home to a couple of temples. Start at the Central Market, the perfect place to buy Malaysian arts and crafts Next, head to Sin Sze Si Ya Temple, KL’s largest Chinese temple. Then visit Sri Mahamariamman Temple, a lively Hindu temple. There really is so much to see in Chinatown which is why it features in many a Kuala Lumpur travel guide.

Address: Jalan Petaling, City Centre, Kuala Lumpur

Petaling Street Market

Dive Into Malaysia at Chinatown KL
Exploring Petaling Street Market in Chinatown, KL

Finally, enjoy Petaling Street Market (in Chinatown). If you love food then this should be in your list of KL places to visit. This is where to go in Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur to buy cheap souvenirs or counterfeit goods and to feast on a Chinese meal for dinner. It is a very popular KL tourist spot.

Petaling Street is the heart of Chinatown, bustling with people and packed with various market stalls selling anything and everything. This Street Market is one of the top attractions in KL due to the atmosphere and where you can find fake handbags, football shirts and everything in between!

Address: Petaling Street, Jalan Petaling, Kuala Lumpur

Visit A Speakeasy

sightseeing in malaysia Kuala Lumpur visit a speakeasy

If you are looking at things to do in KL for couples or places to visit in Kuala Lumpur at night then Chinatown is also a good area to have a few drinks, since the majority of establishments are Chinese (and not Muslim). It’s easy to find many bars, but for something more special, try a hidden speakeasy like PS150.

Speakeasy bars mean underground drinking establishments that are not always easy to find. They date back to the 1920’s where selling alcoholic beverages were illegal in USA, so these underground bars were created. Speakeasy bars are camouflaged which, of course, is part of the fun!

The PS150 bar is one of the best speak easy bars in KL, hidden behind the counter of an old stationery shop. It’s easily one of the most fun things to do in Kuala Lumpur with your special someone.

BONUS: Day 4

If you need to know what to do in Kuala Lumpur in 4 days or you find yourself loving it so much that you add an extra day to your trip, it’s time to head out of Kuala Lumpur to one of the top places to visit near Kuala Lumpur.

If you would like more ideas, you can also find our list of best day trips from KL here.

Genting Highlands

Riding up the mountain in Awana SkyWay
Riding up to the Genting Highlands on Awana SkyWay

If you have an extra day and need things to do in Kuala Lumpur in 4 days then consider cooling down in the Genting Highlands.

Genting Highlands is only about an hour in a taxi, but it feels a whole world away. It’s located over 1,800 metres above sea level and has a different climate to KL – take a jacket!

At the top is Resorts World Genting Highlands. On arrival, you can take the Awana Skyway cable car up over rainforest stopping at the Chin Swee Temple on the way.

Genting SkyWorlds review Ice Age
Hanging out in Ice Age

Once at the top, there are many things to do. You can read all about them here.

A popular option is the brand new theme park, SkyWorlds. This park has 26 rides over 9 themed lands. You can read our full review here.

Click here to buy tickets now.

There’s also an indoor theme park and many other things to do.

The easiest way to visit is on a day tour. Find an option here.

Putrajaya And Lot 10 Hutong

Perdana Putra
Perdana Putra

An easy half day tour away is Putrajaya, the judicial and administrative capital of Malaysia. It’s a planned city and has big streets, grand monuments and buildings and is a place quite different to any other in Malaysia.

A tour is the best way to see Putrajaya as the city’s main attractions are the big, grand buildings and monuments which are relatively spread out. Public transport isn’t easy here so you’ll need a taxi anyway if you don’t take a tour.

I took this tour and I highly recommend it.

You get to see all the sights and be back in KL in time for lunch.

I then recommend you have a swim at your hotel and a little relaxation before heading to Lot 10 Hutong…

Walking into Lot 10 Hutong... the food stalls and seating areas just go on and on and on...
Walking into Lot 10 Hutong… the food stalls and seating areas just go on and on and on…

Another one of the places to visit in Kuala Lumpur in 4 days is Lot 10 Hutong. Lot 10 Hutong is where you can taste some of the best street food KL has to offer – in the comfort of an air-conditioned shopping centre.

Located in the basement of the super swish Lot 10 mall in Bukit Bintang, do yourself a favour and go to the food court for dinner. Most of the stalls have been perfecting their recipes for generations, and it will be some of the best food you have ever eaten.

Address: Lot 10 Shopping Centre, 50 Jalan Sultan Ismail, Lower Ground F, Kuala Lumpur

Sunway Lagoon

Sunway Lagoon
Sunway Lagoon

If you want lots of fun on your fourth day in Kuala Lumpur, consider Sunway Lagoon!

This big theme park is only a 30-minute taxi ride from the centre of Kuala Lumpur and is the best way to cool down and have so much fun. Families will especially love this one.

You can read our full Sunway Lagoon review here for more information and find discounted tickets here.

Simply Enak Food Tour

char kway teow
Char kway teow

Also consider one of Simply Enak’s food tours to learn more about KL’s history and culture through its food.

On one of these tours, you’ll explore more of Kuala Lumpur while eating your way through the city with an expert guide.

There’s no better way to learn more about Malaysia’s diverse cultures than on one of these food tours.

Click here for more information or here to book your tour. Use the code DIVE30 for a RM30 discount.

Want Help Having An Awesome Food Experience in KL?

Join a Simply Enak (aka delicious) Food Tour!

There are three different options depending on whether you want to concentrate on street food, nightlife or off the beaten track places.

No matter what you pick, you’ll taste a range of fabulous local food and drinks while learning the history and culture of Kuala Lumpur.

There’s no better way to discover this great city.

Make sure you use the coupon code DIVE30 for RM30 off your tour.

Click here for all your options.

Best Hotels In Kuala Lumpur

Below are our three top choices of the best hotels in Kuala Lumpur based on your budget. All are well located to complete this list of what to do in Kuala Lumpur for 3 days.

There is a full range of the best places to stay in Kuala Lumpur here.

Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur – LUXURY

Traders Hotel KL Views from my Tower View Room at night
View from my room window at night

Part of the Shangri-La brand, this 5-star hotel has one of the best locations in Kuala Lumpur with direct access to KLCC Park and Suria KLCC at the base of the Petronas Towers. It also has many facilities including an indoor swimming pool, gym, day spa, two restaurants and the SkyBar listed in the itinerary above with great views over KL.

There are a range of room types with floor-to-ceiling windows for great views. For a treat, consider a room with Club Lounge access where you get included food and drinks at many times during the day.

All of this is at a very affordable price tag.

Click here for the latest prices or here for my full review.

Berjaya Times Square Hotel – MID RANGE

Berjaya Times Square Hotel pool
Great pool area

Berjaya Times Square Hotel is excellently located above the Berjaya Times Square shopping centre which means you have easy access to many shops, restaurants and even an indoor theme park. The hotel itself also has great facilities with multiple eating options and the biggest pool I have seen at a city hotel.

There are many room types including apartment-style rooms making this perfect for families or groups.

This is all at an excellent price.

Click here for the latest prices or read our full review here.

Hotel Olympic – BUDGET

Hotel Olympic is the perfect choice for bargain seekers who want to be central to all of Kuala Lumpur’s attractions. It’s just a short walk from KL’s bustling Chinatown, two metro stations and the new Merdeka 118.

All rooms are air-conditioned with private bathrooms, kettles and flat screen TVs. There are single, twin, double, triple and quad rooms available. There are also suite options including a fabulous junior suite for families with a double bed and super cool bunk beds (built to look like a house) with a slide.

Hotel Olympic is colourful and modern with a restaurant and convenience store on-site. There’s free wifi.

Click here for the latest prices.

If you would like something cheaper and don’t mind staying in a room without a window, also consider the Big M Hotel here. This is also conveniently located in Chinatown.

Find our full guide to where to stay in Kuala Lumpur here.

Getting Around Kuala Lumpur

The easiest way to get around Kuala Lumpur is via taxi or the KL Hop-On Hop-Off Bus which will drop you at most tourist attractions including the ones listed here. Click here to see discounted ticket prices.

Taxis are affordable if they use their meter and you avoid the blue taxis (which cost significantly more). Many hotels and tourist areas have a coupon booth where you pay for the ride beforehand. This is pricier but easier.

You can also use the Grab app to hire taxis very easily and usually for a lot cheaper than a regular taxi. There operates like Uber (which is not available in Malaysia).

LRT station at KL Sentral
LRT station at KL Sentral

For public transport, KL has three train lines – the KL Monorail (which travels through the Golden Triangle, the main shopping and entertainment district), the KTM Komuter (which heads out to the suburbs) and the Putra Light Rail Transit line (which goes from Putra Heights to Gombak). Fares start from RM1.20. There are also city buses but these can be difficult to navigate.

The system is great if the trains take you between places you want to go. The problem for tourists is that this often isn’t the case. This is when I recommend you definitely take a Grab taxi.

EXCEPT, sometimes the traffic is so bad that it’s much quicker on public transport even if you have to take several lines. After talking to several taxi drivers, the consensus seemed to be that traffic is bad:

  • 7am-9:30am, 12pm-2:30pm, 5pm-7:30pm weekdays
  • After 12pm weekends
  • During heavy rain
Inside the KLIA train. Room for luggage and plenty of seats
Inside the KLIA train. Room for luggage and plenty of seats

Avoiding taxis at these times can make life more pleasant especially for journeys where you need to be somewhere at a certain time like travelling to the airport. A great bet if you are going to the airport at these times is to take a taxi to KL Sentral and then the train to the airport from there.

Click here for discounted airport train ticket prices.

Google Maps is the easiest way to work out how to use the public transport to get around.

Map Of Best Places To Visit In Kuala Lumpur In 3 Days

Things To Do In Kuala Lumpur in 3 Days map
Click the map to open it in Google Maps. You can then access directions to each of the locations discussed in this article.

Final Words

There is so much to see, taste and do in KL. It’s amazing what you can get through in 3-4 days. From the incredible culture, temples and gardens, to the massive towers overlooking the city and the trails, wildlife and beautiful hotels, it’s hard to pick the best place to visit in KL.

Some of our favourite attractions are the KL Bird Park which was home to literally thousands of gorgeous birds, and we were also able to take in the incredible gardens. The Batu Caves is another favourite that is worth the journey just on the outskirts of the city.

Traders Hotel KL Views from my Tower View Room at night
View at night from KL Traders Hotel

Within the city, the famous Petronas Towers is definitely a sight, though not for the faint of heart! Viewing at sunset is a must and one that you won’t forget in a hurry.

The food was a highlight of the trip with Chinatown and Jalan Alor Food Street really serving up some incredible food that you just can’t get anywhere else and for such a cheap price! In the evening, we really enjoyed Changkat Bukit Bintang Street with its array of bars and nightlife to entertain well into the night.

I can’t recommend enough that you take a food tour as well when you are in Kuala Lumpur.

It’s such an easy city to get around and, with so much to see and do, all you have to do is decide what to see in KL on your trip.

I hope you have as much fun in Kuala Lumpur as we have.

Looking for the ultimate Malaysia Itinerary Planner for your trip? Click here to get it now!

If you’re taking the kids to KL read our guide on Kuala Lumpur with Kids here and don’t miss our where to stay in Kuala Lumpur here. If you want to make things ultra easy, try one of the KL city tours here. You can find our full Kuala Lumpur travel guide here.

Planning a trip to Malaysia? Have any questions? Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now! It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired!

By Sharon Gourlay

Sharon is a certified Malaysia travel expert and can't get enough of travelling and talking about Malaysia since she first visited 21 years ago. She travels around Malaysia multiple times a year both alone and with her kids. She used to call Penang home and especially loves this food paradise. Sharon also has a Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies, a Certificate III in International Travel Sales and has been certified by Tourism Malaysia as a Malaysia Travel Expert. Through this site, she'll help you have the perfect trip to this amazing destination.