Planning a trip to Kuala Lumpur? If you want to make the most of 3 days in Malaysia’s lively capital then this is for you. According to Conde Nast Traveler, Kuala Lumpur is one of the best places to go in Asia in 2025. My first visit to Kuala Lumpur was part of my 3 week Malaysia backpacking itinerary. I loved KL so much that I returned just a few months later. This 3-day Kuala Lumpur itinerary will help you explore the city’s must-see attractions, from the towering Petronas Twin Towers to the mystical Batu Caves. Read on to discover where to stay, the tastiest food spots and all the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur.
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Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur
The best area to stay in Kuala Lumpur for your 3 day itinerary is the city centre. It’s good to be close to Masjid Jamek metro station. Bukit Bintang is the city’s main shopping and entertainment hub, otherwise Chinatown is good as it’s known for budget-friendly accommodations and street markets.
If you stay at a hostel here, you’ll meet fellow travellers and can share tips. For example, I met a lady at my hostel who told me about the Batu Caves, which I’ll talk about later in this article.
The best backpackers hostel in Kuala Lumpur city centre is Nonee Guesthouse, which has mixed and female-only dorm rooms, and a sociable vibe. Another great option is Chinatown Hostel by Mingle, with its trendy design and handy location in Chinatown.
If you’re looking for a hotel, try The Kuala Lumpur Journal Hotel, a lovely boutique hotel near Bukit Bintang.
Browse and book from the wide selection of hostels in Kuala Lumpur here or explore the map below:
Kuala Lumpur Itinerary: 3 Days of the Best Attractions & Experiences
With just three days in Kuala Lumpur, it’s essential to plan wisely to maximise your time. The city offers an exciting mix of modern skyscrapers, cultural landmarks, street food and nature escapes.
Day 1: Iconic Landmarks & City Views
Start your first day in Kuala Lumpur by exploring the city’s most iconic landmarks and stunning cityscapes. From historic squares to towering skyscrapers, this day is all about experiencing KL’s dynamic blend of old and new. Capture breathtaking city views, marvel at the architectural wonders, and immerse yourself in the energy of Malaysia’s capital. Get ready for a day packed with unforgettable sights and experiences!
Take a photo with the ‘I Love KL’ Sign
Kick off your KL adventure at Merdeka Square, home to the Kuala Lumpur City Gallery. Here, you’ll find the famous ‘I Love KL’ sign – a must for Instagram-worthy photos. Inside, explore a miniature model of Kuala Lumpur’s skyline.
On an evening walk with new friends from my Kuala Lumpur backpacker hostel, we discovered the ‘I Love KL’ sign outside the Kuala Lumpur City Gallery on Merdeka Square (exact map pinpoint here). It’s a great place for a photo as you pose on the famous statue.
The gallery itself is free to enter and you will benefit from the refreshing air-conditioning. A highlight of the gallery is a miniature model of Kuala Lumpur city. Just a few metres away from the gallery is Malaysia’s tallest flagpole, as well as a fantastic view of the city skyline, including the KL Tower and the Petronas Twin Towers. More on these below.
Check out this Kuala Lumpur street food tour with 15+ tastings here.
Visit the Petronas Twin Towers
No Kuala Lumpur itinerary is complete without seeing the Petronas Twin Towers. These 452-metre-high twin skyscrapers dominate the skyline and look even more magical when lit up at night. Visiting them was a highlight when I first visited the city.
Guided tours are held on their adjoining bridge. Impressive during the day, at night is where these towers come into their own. The statuesque twins light up and sparkle like two dazzling giant diamond earrings.
Things to do at the Petronas Towers
- Walk the Skybridge (between the two towers) for stunning city views.
- Capture breathtaking night shots from KLCC Park.
- Shop at the luxury Suria KLCC Mall.
Entrance Fee: RM80 (~£14) for the Skybridge & Observation Deck
This Kuala Lumpur: Half-Day City Tour includes a photo stop at the Petronas Towers.
Get a 360° view at Menara Kuala Lumpur
For an even higher viewpoint than the Petronas Towers, head to Menara Kuala Lumpur (KL Tower). This 421-metre-high communications tower offers panoramic views of the entire city.
A ride to the top of this tower gives you a panoramic view over your urban surroundings. From high up here it makes most of the other skyscrapers look small.
Best Time to Visit: Sunset for incredible golden-hour views
Entrance Fee: RM49 (~£8) for the Observation Deck
Day 2: Batu Caves & Cultural Exploration
After a day of exploring Kuala Lumpur’s iconic landmarks, it’s time to dive into the city’s rich cultural heritage and spiritual sites. Day 2 of your itinerary takes you to the breathtaking Batu Caves, a revered Hindu pilgrimage site, before immersing yourself in the bustling streets of Chinatown and the historic Central Market. This day offers a mix of natural beauty, religious landmarks, and local street food, giving you a deeper understanding of KL’s diverse influences.
Explore the Batu Caves
Your Kuala Lumpur 3-day itinerary needs to include a visit to the legendary Batu Caves. Just a 30-minute train ride from the city, this natural wonder features a colossal 42-metre-high gold statue of Lord Murugan and a dramatic flight of 272 rainbow-coloured steps leading to the main cave.
At the end of the 19th century, the Batu Caves’ creator was inspired by the spear-shaped entrance to the largest cave, known as Cathedral Cave or Temple Cave. He built what is now one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside of India.
During my first trip to KL a fellow traveller had described this 100-metre hill containing elaborately decorated Hindu cave temples as ‘all right’, so I wasn’t expecting much. (Perhaps that is the key to successful travel: low expectations).
Things to See at Batu Caves:
- Temple Cave (Cathedral Cave) – The largest and most sacred Hindu shrine
- Dark Cave – A protected ecosystem with rare bats and rock formations
- Ramayana Cave – Colourful Hindu murals and statues
Entrance Fee: Free for the main cave; RM5 for Ramayana Cave
Entering the Batu Caves
A 15-metre tall statue of a blue-skinned monkey god Hanuman welcomed us inside the Ramayana Cave, which tells the story of the Hindu epic through quirky statue displays. The combination of the colourful, cartoon-like exhibits and the dripping limestone walls was a feast for the eyes – certainly not something you see every day. An audio guide or written signs explaining what you’re looking at would have improved the experience, but it was still fascinating.
Book your tour of the Batu Caves in advance here.
The famous gold statue and inside the caves
Then, walking along the front of the hillside containing the caves, we came upon an enormous statue of Lord Murugan, the Hindu god of war. Standing at over 42 metres, it is the tallest Lord Murugan statue in the world.
Climbing the 272 steps to reach the cave entrance, signs implore visitors not to smoke or ‘exercise’. Meaning, I assume, that some nutcases have chosen to run up and down these steep steps. Walking up them was quite enough for me!
Inside the cave, the high ceilings and holy shrines are reminiscent of being in a cathedral, hence the name. It all seemed a little half-finished to me, though we did arrive right at the end of the day so perhaps some elements had shut down.
Nearby is the entrance to the ominous sounding Dark Caves, which sadly we did not have time to explore. Nevertheless there are many great photo opportunities here, so it’s well worth a visit on your Kuala Lumpur itinerary.
I enjoyed visiting this ancient limestone hill with its craggy, tree-covered cliffs and monkeys hopping about. The fresh air here was a relief after the enclosed, smoggy spaces of the city. It’s always a pleasure to experience nature after spending time in an urban environment.
Stroll Through Chinatown & Central Market
After exploring Batu Caves, head back to the city for a Chinatown walking tour. Petaling Street is famous for its street food, bargain shopping, and historical temples like Sri Mahamariamman Temple.
Don’t miss the Chinatown street food stalls – Try Char Kway Teow, Hainanese Chicken Rice & Apam Balik (Malaysian pancake). Also, make sure you check out and the eclectic stalls and Art Deco architecture of Central Market. This heritage building contains many stalls and shops selling handcrafted souvenirs and art.
Day 3: Modern & Traditional Kuala Lumpur
Discover Perdana Botanical Gardens
Start your final day with a peaceful walk through Perdana Botanical Gardens. This green oasis in KL is home to beautiful landscaped gardens, a butterfly park, and the National Mosque (Masjid Negara).
Highlights:
- KL Bird Park – World’s largest free-flight aviary
- Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia – Stunning calligraphy, textiles & artefacts
- Taman Tugu Forest Walk – A hidden rainforest trail in the city
Experience Kuala Lumpur’s Shopping Scene
KL is famous for its mega shopping malls. Even if you don’t plan to buy anything, it’s worth visiting some of these futuristic shopping hubs:
Top shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur:
- Pavilion KL (Luxury brands & best food court)
- Berjaya Times Square (Has an indoor theme park!)
- Mid Valley Megamall (Great for budget shopping)
At 203 m (666 ft) tall, the 48-storey Berjaya Times Square is the city’s largest shopping mall, described as a ‘paradise for shoppers’.
It also contains a hotel, apartments and even an indoor amusement park. To celebrate the mall’s 10th anniversary, in July 2013 its owners installed the world’s largest capsule vending machine – another good photo opportunity.
End Your Trip with a Kuala Lumpur Night Market
Wrap up your Kuala Lumpur itinerary in 3 days with a visit to a local night market (pasar malam). These markets offer cheap eats, souvenirs, and a buzzing atmosphere.
Best Night Markets in KL:
- Jalan Alor Night Market – A street food haven
- Taman Connaught Night Market – Largest weekly market in KL
- Kampung Baru Night Market – Authentic Malay dishes
Must-Try Foods: Satay skewers, nasi lemak, roti canai, durian (if you’re adventurous!)
How to Get Around Kuala Lumpur
- MRT & LRT Trains – Efficient and budget-friendly for visiting major attractions.
- Grab (Ride-Hailing App) – Convenient and affordable alternative to taxis.
- KL Hop-On Hop-Off Bus – A great option for first-time visitors to explore key sights.
Best Time to Visit Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is warm and humid year-round, but the best months to visit are May to July and December to February, when there’s less rainfall. Be prepared for occasional afternoon showers regardless of the season.
Final thoughts on the Kuala Lumpur itinerary for 3 days
A 3-day Kuala Lumpur itinerary gives you a good amount of time to see this city’s blend of modern attractions and cultural landmarks.
From snapping a selfie at the iconic ‘I Love KL’ sign to marvelling at the architectural wonders of the Petronas Towers and Menara KL, this lively city has something for every traveller. A visit to the Batu Caves adds a sense of adventure and tranquility, providing a refreshing contrast to the urban jungle.
Kuala Lumpur delivers unforgettable experiences at every turn, so this 3-day itinerary ensures you won’t miss out on the best this dynamic city has to offer.
Now check out my essential 3-week itinerary for backpacking Malaysia here.