Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia is known for a plethora of eating hubs featuring local and international cuisines, easy transportation access, the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, and plenty of attractions.
Two days at Kuala Lumpur is less while seven days might feel too much, so if you are a busy person, 3 days might just be perfect for you. This 3 days Kuala Lumpur itinerary is for people who want to check the best and main tourist attractions of KL.
In this article, I’ve mentioned about the best time to visit Kuala Lumpur, which areas will be best for you to stay in Kuala Lumpur, tourist attractions that you must not miss on your Kuala Lumpur itinerary and suggested some restaurants that you’ll love to try in these three days. So, without further ado, let’s get down to business.
Disclaimer: This article does not endorse or sponsor any of the restaurants mentioned. You are free to choose whichever restaurant you like as an alternative. However, some of the hotels in this article may have affiliate links which, if you purchase anything through said links, could result in me receiving a commission with no added cost to you.
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Klook.comBest time to visit Kuala Lumpur
Throughout the year, Kuala Lumpur experiences moderate weather. So, the best time to visit in Kuala Lumpur depends on the factors you are planning your trip for. If you want to be a part of the popular festivals of the city, you should plan your Kuala Lumpur itinerary during December to January and June to August.
If you want to visit the magical city when it’s less crowded, you can head there during February to March and September to October. Now, if your Kuala Lumpur itinerary depends on the weather, I’d suggest you head there during May to July. During these months the city is dry, temperature is warm, and the sky is blue.
Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur can be divided into a number of areas based on different factors because each area comes with a unique touch of its own. I can only give you an idea about the areas and tell you which area will be best for you to stay in if you follow this Kuala Lumpur itinerary. But the decision is yours to make.
KLCC
KLCC, short form of Kuala Lumpur City Center, stars Petronas Twin Towers as its main attraction. Also, KLCC Park, Aquaria KLCC, and Merdeka Square are located here. Also, you can walk over to Bukit Bintang easily from here. For first-time visitors and families, it is undoubtedly the best area to stay in. Though most hotels at KLCC are expensive, accommodation for budget-travelers is also available.
- Luxury Hotel in KLCC: Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur
- Mid-range Hotel in KLCC: Element Kuala Lumpur
- Low-budget Hotel in KLCC: The Bed KLCC
Bukit Bintang
Bukit Bintang boasts the presence of several expensive hotels, shopping sites, 24/7 open restaurants, night clubs etc. In this part of the city, traffic can be unbearable. However, you shouldn’t forget the famous hawker street food market Jalan Alor is located here. So, if you are a food lover and a shopaholic, this area might be the best for you to stay in. In Bukit Bintang, accommodation options for all types of budgets are available.
- Luxury Hotel in Bukit Bintang: The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur
- Mid-range Hotel in Bukit Bintang: Capri by Fraser, Bukit Bintang
- Low-budget Hotel in Bukit Bintang: Bukit Bintang Suite at Times Square KL
KL Sentral
Home to some famous tourist attractions like the Perdana Botanical Garden, Butterfly Park, National Mosque, and Malaysia’s National Museum, KL Sentral is another notable area for tourists to stay in. KL Sentral offers tourists several accommodation options without the need of worrying about the budget.
- Luxury Hotel in KL Sentral: The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur
- Mid-range Hotel in KL Sentral: Le Méridien Kuala Lumpur
- Low-budget Hotel in KL Sentral: NU Hotel @ KL Sentral
How to Reach Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is home to two airports, namely, KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport) and Skypark Terminal Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB). The former one is the main hub for international and domestic flights while the latter one handles a few domestic and short haul international flights.
As there are higher chances for you to land at KLIA, I’m telling you how you can reach the city from there. The airport is located at a distance of 50 km. From the airport, you can avail the shuttle bus service. You can also get on a KLIA Ekspres or a KLIA Transit train.
However, keep in mind that bus service is cheaper compared to the train service. Availing taxi service might also be a good option if you are sharing it with two-three other travelers.
How to Get Around Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is a massive city with so many transportation options. In this Kuala Lumpur itinerary, I have included tourist attractions which won’t need you to use any transportation service. Because most of the tourist attractions mentioned in this perfect 3-day Kuala Lumpur itinerary are within a few minutes of walking distance.
However, some attractions might require you to avail transportation service but no worries. Let me tell you about all the transportation methods in KL and how you can avail them.
Train: Kuala Lumpur has a quite complicated metro system that runs through almost all corners of the city. There are three rail networks, namely, KTM Komuter, Lightrail, and KL Monorail. It is an affordable option, and you can get down at the stops near the tourist attractions. But it’s a bit of hard work to figure out the stops and schedules when you are here for only 3 days. So, the next transportation method on this list might be all you need.
Bus: Buses are the most convenient transportation method when you are in KL only for 3 days. RapidKL, the largest and single bus network operator in Malaysia, runs through 177 routes throughout the city. For budget travelers, KL City Bus is a great way to travel around the city for free. The bus runs through four routes and passes by many main tourist attractions, malls, and sights.
Taxi: You can also take a taxi to roam around KL if you don’t feel comfortable in public transports. There are two types of taxis in KL, one type is red and white in color, also known as Budget Taxi. The other type is blue and yellow in color, known as Executive Taxi. The latter one costs double than the former one. Also, remember to get on a meter taxi as it’s a lawful requirement.
How to Stay Safe in Kuala Lumpur
Just like every other large city, Kuala Lumpur is prone to petty crimes and occasional scams. You just have to remain alert and keep your belongings close to you when you are on public transport. The streets of the city are safe to walk, even at night. However, avoid places where heavy drinking takes place at night, like the Bukit Bintang Area.
The Perfect 3-Day Kuala Lumpur Itinerary
Before you start planning your Kuala Lumpur trip based on this itinerary, let me remind you to buy travel insurance. If you have previously traveled to places without travel insurance and returned home without thousand-dollar worth medical bills, I’d say that you are extremely lucky.
But you never know when your luck might turn against you, so to be on the safe side purchase your travel insurance as soon as possible. I’d suggest you buy a SafetyWing travel insurance cause it starts at only $10 per week. You can also choose any other alternative travel insurance, it’s completely up to you. But what matters the most is having travel insurance. Now, let’s start with our 3-day Kuala Lumpur itinerary.
Day-1 at Kuala Lumpur
Exploring the History of Merdeka Square
Your Kuala Lumpur itinerary must start off from a place that bears immense significance to Malaysia’s history. And Merdeka Square is perfect for that. The large grassy field located right in front of the Sultan Abdul Samad building is the popular Merdeka Square, translating to Independence Square. It has been named so because the Malaysian flag was hoisted here for the first time.
Since then, it has been the venue for the annual Independence Day parade. You can walk around the field and click pictures, or just randomly sit there to enjoy the sight of the surrounding sky-high buildings.
Location: Jln Raja, City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
A Tour of Kuala Lumpur City Gallery – an Introduction to the Heart of Malaysia
If you walk for a minute towards the south of Merdeka Square, you’ll reach Kuala Lumpur City Gallery. The gallery highlights the history of the city through several miniatures on display. Right outside the gallery, the “I Love KL” sign is located which is a great opportunity for photogenic people.
The gallery houses “The Spectacular City Model Show”, a showpiece exhibit measuring 40 x 50 feet with an audio and visual presentation as its highlight. There are many other photographs and paintings that depict KL’s past. So, for a historian, it’s a great place to visit on the very first day of their Kuala Lumpur itinerary.
Location: 27, Jln Raja, Dataran Merdeka, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Lunch at Natalina Italian Kitchen
Natalina Italian Kitchen introduces you with a delicious fusion of Roman cuisine and modern touch. You can try out their pastas and traditional pizzas or taste their yummy soups and salads. The restaurant remains open throughout the week from 12.00 pm to 10.00 pm with 9.45 pm being the moment of last order.
Though Natalina Italian Kitchen is a bit far from Kuala Lumpur City Gallery, it is near to KLCC Park, which will be your next destination if you decide to follow this itinerary. From Kuala Lumpur City Gallery, you can take a taxi to reach the restaurant. And from the restaurant, you can walk for 5-6 minutes to reach KLCC Park.
Keep in mind that if you plan to go to Natalina Italian Kitchen, you’ve to make a reservation at least 24 hours in advance.
Location: Avenue K, Lot 06 – Level 03, 156, Jln Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Everyday | 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Experience the Beauty of Kuala Lumpur at KLCC Park
After lunch, the best place to head to is the KLCC Park. The lush greenery of this 50-acre urban sanctuary is a treat to the eyes. The park features a wide-range of amenities, like the two-acre wading pool, children’s playground, jogging track, benches, sculptures and patterned footpaths.
The park was designed to educate people about the importance of nature. It is a contradiction to the hustle and bustle of the city. After lunch, walking around the park and absorbing the calmness of nature might be exactly what you seek.
Location: KLCC, Lot No. 241, Level 2, Suria, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Everyday | 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Visiting The Magnificent Petronas Twin Tower of Kuala Lumpur
Who wouldn’t love to enjoy a beautiful view of the sunset from the tallest pair of buildings in the world? So, you should step into the evening of your first day at Kuala Lumpur at the Petronas Twin Tower. It is the proudest icon of the country and a global architectural wonder.
There are so many things to do at the Petronas Twin Tower that can’t be counted on fingers. However, keep in mind to click some pictures at the sky bridge that connects the two buildings and also enjoy the view of Kuala Lumpur from there. 45-minute guided tours are available that’ll be a lifetime experience for you.
You can again visit the tower on any other day of your Kuala Lumpur trip for shopping and dining, but don’t miss a visit to the tower during the sunset on your very first day.
Location: Petronas Twin Tower, Lower Ground (Concourse) Level, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday | 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Closed on Monday
Discover the Amazing Wonders of Aquaria KLCC
With a 90-metre underwater tunnel, the Aquaria KLCC is one of the most famous oceanariums in Kuala Lumpur. It is home to over 250 species and 5,000 land and aquatic animals from the country and around the world. Its theme is about the journey of water from the land to the sea.
The journey starts into the misty highland and through several phases ends into the deep blue sea. The aquarium consists of interactive information kiosks on fish and turtle conservation. Also, just outside the aquarium you will find a large food court serving a wide range of food varieties.
Location: Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Jalan Pinang, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: Everyday | 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
AQUARIA KLCC TICKET AVAILABLE IN ONLINE
Dinner at Malai Thai Cuisine
14 minutes from Aquaria KLCC you’ll find Malai Thai Cuisine. The restaurant is pork and alcohol free, so it’s the perfect place for dinner if you are a Muslim. The restaurant serves authentic Thai cuisine, so whether you are looking for Pad Thai or Tom Yum you’ll find it all here. The restaurant has a spacious seating area. Keep in mind that you have to make the reservation in advance.
Location: Ground Floor, Menara Ample West, 6, Jalan P. Ramlee, Kuala Lumpur, 50250 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: Everyday | 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
2nd Day at Kuala Lumpur
Breakfast at Hornbill Restaurant and Cafe
Start off your second day at Kuala Lumpur by enjoying a rustic gastronomic experience amidst a lush tropical forest. Hornbill Restaurant and Cafe is located at KL Bird Park, a 7 minutes’ walk from your next destination, Perdana Botanical Garden.
The restaurant serves both local and western delicacies. This three-floored restaurant features towering green trees in its surroundings, breath-taking views of the city’s skyline, majestic Rhinoceros Hornbill, and other beautiful birds at its protruding open verandah. So, isn’t it an exciting place to come out of your laziness and start your day?
Location: Perdana Botanical Garden, KL Bird Park, 920, Jalan Cenderawasih, Perdana Botanical Gardens, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: Everyday | 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Discover Malaysia’s Hidden Gem: Perdana Botanical Garden
After you are done with your breakfast at the Hornbill Restaurant and Cafe, you should head to Perdana Botanical Garden. Located in the Heritage Park of Kuala Lumpur, Perdana Botanical Garden will offer calmness to your body and soul. The garden’s history dates back to over a decade. Other than housing several botanical collections, the garden provides a tropical rainforest ambiance.
This 226-acre recreational park is divided into several parts, each part has some unique qualities. There is a Hibiscus Garden, Sunken Garden, Herbarium and many notable attractions that will blow your mind off. If you visit Perdana Botanical Garden right when it opens, you will feel the fusion of the calmness of morning and tranquility of nature.
Location: Jalan Kebun Bunga, Tasik Perdana, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.
Opening Hours: Everyday | 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
Uncover Historical Treasures at the National Museum
At a 10-20 minutes walking distance from the Perdana Botanical Garden, the National Museum of Malaysia is located. The museum was built based on traditional Malay architecture. Other than its architecture, the building is unique for displaying two Italian glass mosaic-made murals decorating the surface of the front walls.
The murals feature the historical storyline and handicrafts of the country. The museum holds periodic themed exhibitions on a regular basis. If you are a history buff and an art enthusiast, you must visit this place.
Location: Jabatan Muzium Malaysia, Jln Damansara, Perdana Botanical Gardens, 50566 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Closed on Monday
Explore the Wonders of Nature at The Butterfly Park
If walking for 20 minutes isn’t something you’d naturally do, you can take a taxi from the National Museum to reach your next destination, Butterfly Park. I personally think that after spending a good amount of time at the museum, going out and experiencing nature is the best option. According to an interview of the Discovery Channel, Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park is incomparable.
It is the largest abode of butterflies in the world with an area of 80,000 sq ft of landscaped garden. It houses over 5,000 live butterflies, several exotic plants, butterfly-host plants and a number of ferns. The other attractions at the park are Japanese koi fish, live insects, freshwater turtles, and a museum housing a large collection of butterflies and insects from around the world. I think these are enough reasons for you to visit the park.
Location: Jalan Cenderawasih, Tasik Perdana, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: Everyday | 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Lunch at Heritage One Station Restaurant
If you choose to follow this Kuala Lumpur itinerary, on your second day in the city you should head over to Heritage One Station Restaurant for lunch. It is a halal restaurant specializing in some Malaysian favorites like Nasi Kandar, Nasi Lemak, and Thai, North and South Indian cuisine. It is basically an authentic Desi restaurant that serves Malay dishes in cafeteria style.
Location: Bangunan Stesen Keretapi, 2, Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin, Kampung Attap, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Everyday | 24 hours
National Mosque
After you are done with your lunch at Heritage One Station Restaurant, head for the National Mosque of Malaysia. It is a 6-minute walking distance from there. The mosque is located among 13-acre gardens and can accommodate around 15,000 people. The building represents modernist architecture that is noticeable due to the use of concrete as the main construction material.
The compound of the mosque features several reflecting pools and fountains. As it is a functional place of worship, the non-muslim visitors aren’t allowed to visit during prayer times. During other times, the mosque is open for all. Free robes are provided to those tourists who wear revealing clothes.
Location: Jalan Perdana, Tasik Perdana, 50480 Kuala Lumpur.
Opening Hours: Saturday – Thursday | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm, 05:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Friday | 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm, 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Petaling Street
Petaling Street, a Chinatown of Kuala Lumpur, always remains crowded with either locals or tourists. It is mainly a marketplace bustling with locals, tourists, shopkeepers and merchants. There are dozens of food stalls and restaurants where you can tease your tastebuds with some local favorites like Hokkien mee, Ikan Bakar (barbecued fish), asam laksa and curry noodles.
The famous Reggae Bar Chinatown is also located in Petaling Street. The fresh seafood found here is a significant feature that attracts locals and tourists alike. The street gains a stunning atmosphere with all the lanterns hanging at the shops at night, so you can also choose to pay a visit here after evening.
Location: Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: Sunday – Friday | 8:00 am – 8:00 pm Saturday | 8:00 am – 10:00 pm
Central Market
A market that started as a ‘wet market’ has now become a great place for shopping, dining, and experiencing spectacular craft-making demonstrations. Over the years millions were spent to upgrade and maintain the unique charm and character of the market.
The market has been promoting Malaysian culture and contributing to the tourism industry by selling local arts and handicrafts to both local and international tourists. It has opened the doors of business opportunities for many deserving entrepreneurs. Even a walk around the place is enough to leave you mesmerized.
Location: Lot 3.04-3.06, 06, Jalan Hang Kasturi, City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur.
Opening Hours: Everyday | 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Dinner at Al-Baik Di Bistro Restaurant
A 1-minute walk from the Central Market lies the Al-Baik Di Bistro Restaurant. It is an Asian restaurant that promises to serve delicious food. The atmosphere of the restaurant is average, but the food is quite delicious. If you want to try real Indian food, you must visit this restaurant. It remains open 24/7, so you don’t need to worry about the timing and reservation.
Location: 3, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: Everyday | 24 Hours
3rd Day at Kuala Lumpur
Breakfast at Jalan Alor
Start off your 3rd day in Kuala Lumpur by tasting some of the indigenous food at a cheap price. Jalan Alor Food Market unites foodies, cultural enthusiasts, and photographers. Renowned as one of the busiest food streets in the world, Jalan Alor offers your taste buds a vast range of delicacies. The street that was once infamous as a red-light district has now become synonymous with great food.
Though it is considered that the best time to visit Jalan Alor is in the evening, my personal opinion is to visit it during the morning. The street remains crowded with tourists and locals in the evening. It remains open 24/7 so you don’t need to worry about the opening hours.
Location: Jln Alor, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Batu Caves
Located 13 km north of Kuala Lumpur, Batu Caves is a series of caves and cave temples. The caves are said to be around 400 million years old. It is one of the top tourist attractions of the country, so a visit here must not be missed. During late January and early February, hundreds to thousands of pilgrims meet here for the three-day long Thaipusam festival.
At the entrance of the Batu Caves, a large statue of Hindu Deity Murugan stands tall. It is visible from miles away. The temple complex consists of a few main caves and several smaller caves. If you want to walk around the area crowdless, you should avoid visiting the place during late January and early February. However, if you are interested in checking out the Thaipusam festival, you can visit it during these two months.
Location: Gombak, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia
Lunch at Restaurant the Wild
Your next destination if you follow this Kuala Lumpur itinerary will be National Zoo. So, why not have lunch at the spot? The food price at The Wild is reasonable. Their menu consists of burgers, fried chicken, fish filets, and many other items. They also offer meals for children at an affordable price. You can check out their menu here.
Location: 3, Persiaran 5a, Kemensah Heights, 68000 Ampang, Selangor, Malaysia
National Zoo
Whether you are travelling to Kuala Lumpur alone or with family, you must include National Zoo in your Kuala Lumpur itinerary. The zoo that started back in 1963 has now become a popular zoo all around the world.
The National Zoo covers 110 acres of land and houses around 5137 specimens from 476 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish. Over 90% of the animals have been provided spacious exhibits. The zoo is located at a distance of 5 km from Kuala Lumpur, and it is easily accessible by public transport.