3 Days in Kuala Lumpur: The Only Itinerary You Need
So, you’ve only got 3 days in Kuala Lumpur? Don’t waste time on the wrong spots; this is the ultimate itinerary to experience the city like a local. In this guide, not only will we take you to the main landmarks, but also hidden gems, best rooftop bars and more.
Throughout this blog, we will also be answering questions like is KL safe, is it an expensive city, how to move around, and more.
Day 1 in Kuala Lumpur
Morning (Day 1)
Petronas Towers
Arriving early in the morning means fewer crowds.
Although you can always take pictures by yourself, there are locals with phones offering pictures. You may also be able to bargain the price!
Do we recommend going up the towers? Not really, because you’ll be inside the Petronas Towers, and this iconic landmark is a main component of the city’s skyline. So on day 2, we’ll take you to the best views in the city.
Suria KLCC
This is a shopping mall underneath the Petronas Towers.
KLCC Park
Explore the park behind the Petronas Tower and Suria KLCC. It’s a beautiful walk in a green park with many water features, including a mini waterfall you can walk underneath.
How to move around in Kuala Lumpur?
Besides walking (which is a great option), you only really have two options.
Private transport
Taxis are an affordable option for travelling in Kuala Lumpur. During our 3 months in this city, we always used an app called Grab. Grab is like an Uber.
It’s important to mention that we always felt safe and avoided having to bargain for the price, as it was set and clearly stated in the app.
Train
This is an affordable way of travelling in Kuala Lumpur. The train infrastructure is very efficient, and if you use Google Maps, it will be easy to navigate. However, as we’ve packed these three days with activities, we highly recommend taking a Grab, so you don’t waste any time.
Afternoon (Day 1)
Central market
This is not only a shopping spot, it’s a big part of Kuala Lumpur’s cultural heritage. It was built in 1888 as a wet market for Kuala Lumpur’s tin-mining community
Great spot to stop and eat, browse for souvenirs, clothes… and many other things.
There is a street beside the Central Market called Kasturi Walk, which has more street food.
River of Life
This is where historically Kuala Lumpur was founded.
It’s historical, but it’s also a nice spot to take pictures.
Dataran Merdeka
One of the most important historical spots in Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysia used to be a British colony, and in 1957, the Union Jack was lowered here and the Malaysian flag was raised for the first time in this square.
It converted into the Independent Square for Malaysia. “Merdeka” means “independence” in Malay
Chinatown
There is a big Chinese community in Malaysia, so visiting Chinatown will also be a cultural experience.
It’s also in the surroundings and a short walk from the spots above.
Evening (Day 1)
Saloma Link
Beautiful bridge that lights up at night, and it is perfectly aligned to also have the Petronas Towers in the background.
Wet Deck (rooftop bar)
Don’t feel weird entering this place, as it is a hotel. Their rooftop bar is accessible to the public, and it is practically underneath the Petronas Towers.
It’s a great spot with an amazing atmosphere, swimming pool, and they mostly close at 12 am, with some days closing at 2 am.
We know it is a very full-on day, but hey, we are only in Kuala Lumpur for 3 days, so we need to make the most.
We’ve also put together a handy Google Maps list with 100+ spots in Kuala Lumpur, from rooftop bars to food markets and plenty more. Just open it on your phone anytime, and you’ll have the city at your fingertips.
Things you must try in Kuala Lumpur
If you want to have a traditional breakfast, you must try a roti canai.
It’s a delicious, flaky, buttery flatbread.
They typically offer different toppings, but our favourite was with sugar.
Nasi Lemak
Malaysia’s national dish.
Ramly burger
More popular than McDonald’s amongst Malaysians.
Tea in a bag
It may sound weird, but takeaway teas are usually served in a bag, and sometimes even if you are sitting down at the restaurant.
Teh Tarik
Milky tea
Day 2 in Kuala Lumpur
Morning (Day 2)
Batu Caves
We arrived at 6 am and we found no one. There’s no need to arrive so early if you don’t mind the crowds, though.
Once you reach the top of the famous colourful stairs, there’s a cave you can go in for free, with a temple inside.
Kuala Lumpur Tower
Tallest viewpoint in KL.
The best idea is to book your ticket for the open rooftop to get uninterrupted pictures. It costs around $34, and it’s totally worth it.
We went to the observation deck on New Year’s, which is indoors, and it wasn’t the best view for pictures, because the columns and barriers were blocking the pictures
Afternoon (Day 2)
Harriston Chocolate
This brand was created by a tour guide, who saw a gap in the market. He decided to create a chocolate brand offering Malaysian flavoured chocolates, not only appealing to locals, but also to tourists.
Great for souvenirs or if you simply want to try Malay chocolate.
Pavilion Shopping Mall
One of Kuala Lumpur’s most famous shopping malls, with a wide range of brands, restaurants and bars.
Exchange TRX Mall
Kuala Lumpur’s newest shopping mall. It also has Southeast Asia’s first Apple store!
Sri Maha Mariamman Temple
It’ll be difficult to fit everything, but this is a great quick pit-stop to appreciate a unique temple in Kuala Lumpur.
Is Kuala Lumpur safe?
We found Kuala Lumpur to be really safe; in fact, our impression of Malaysians was kind and cheerful people, willing to go the extra mile to help. Of course, it is a capital city that is always busy, so make sure you are always aware of your surroundings.
Evening (Day 2)
Helipad Kuala Lumpur (rooftop bar)
It use to be a helipad, and it now offers brilliant views of the city.
Berjaya Times Square
If, instead of a rooftop bar, you like entertainment, this shopping mall has an infinite amount of games, an indoor theme park, bowling and more…
Day 3 in Kuala Lumpur
Morning (Day 3)
Botanical garden
Nice walk to start the day.
KL Bird Park
Recognised as the world's largest free-flight walk-in aviary.
Here you’ll also find a rare Malaysian hornbill species called Rhinoceros Hornbill.
Afternoon (Day 3)
Kampung Baru
This is a traditional Malay neighbourhood with Malaysian homes, hardly any tourists, delicious local food spots and lots of friendly locals.
Thean Nou Temple
Largest Chinese temples in Southeast Asia.
One of Kuala Lumpur’s most beautiful and iconic temples.
Evening (Day 3)
Enjoy the infinity swimming pool at the hotel
Why are we saying this? Kuala Lumpur is known for having rooftop pools with amazing views of the city. It was part of our routine to go up at night and enjoy a swim whilst watching the beautiful skyline light up. Especially for you, it will be a good way to relax after the very busy 3 days
If you are not sure what hotel to stay at, check our blog where we share 5 of the best hotels to stay in Kuala Lumpur. Click ➡️ here ⬅️ to access the blog.
We truly believe this is the ultimate itinerary if you only have 3 days in Kuala Lumpur.
If you have any questions we haven’t answered, feel free to comment below or send us a message on social media
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