The Perfect Kuala Lumpur 2 Day Itinerary for First-Timers

Visiting Kuala Lumpur for a couple of days and don’t know what to do? Our Kuala Lumpur 2 day itinerary has everything you need to know for a short but great stay.

Kuala Lumpur is one of the most diverse cities in Asia. With a population that hails from all corners of the continent, your stay in Kuala Lumpur is guaranteed to be rich in culture, dissimilarity and experience.

Even if you find yourself in KL, as it’s locally known, for just a day or two or on a stop-over to another Asian destination, you’ll find many places to visit and ways to entertain yourself.

Kuala Lumpur is known for its amazing shopping and the iconic Petronas Towers but there are many other cultural sights, temples and parks to keep you busy during your time here.

Exploring Kuala Lumpur is easy, entertaining and delightful. Here is your guide to the perfect 2 days in Kuala Lumpur itinerary.

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Best Time to Visit Kuala Lumpur

The best time to visit Kuala Lumpur is during the drier months of December to February or during the shoulder seasons of March to May and September to November.

Kuala Lumpur experiences a tropical rainforest climate, characterized by high humidity and periods of monsoon rainfall. It has fairly consistent temperatures throughout the year.

The driest season is during the months of December-February making this the high season. During this time the weather is at its best but you’ll also find more people visiting the city during this time and hotel prices tend to rise.

The months of June to August tend to be wetter, and this is the low season. If you don’t mind the rain and you’re in KL for the shopping this can be a good time to visit. During the low season, you’ll be able to find great deals on accommodation.

Getting Around Kuala Lumpur

Getting around Kuala Lumpur City is generally very easy.

The public transportation system is punctual, clean and fast and it is the best way to move around the city.

If you’re going to be using public transportation a lot I’d recommend getting a KLIA Transit TravelCard, a contactless smart card which allows you to pre-charge money onto it, saving you time and money compared to buying single tickets.

If you’re a solo female traveller, on the metro you’ll also find female-only carriages which you can use if you don’t feel comfortable with the mixed (many times they’re less crowded too). 

Walking is another great option for getting around the city. Many malls and sights are located very centrally and close to each other. 

If you need to take a taxi then I’d recommend using Grab- it’s a safer option than getting a standard taxi off the street and you’re less likely to get ripped off. If you do use a taxi make sure to agree on the fare before getting in. 

To book tickets for onward local travel from KL to other Malaysian destinations, use Bookaway. It’s the best way to book local transport online in just a few easy clicks.

Best Things to Do During a Kuala Lumpur 2 Day Itinerary

These are some of the top things to do and see in KL during your Kuala Lumpur itinerary. While I have included a sample itinerary at the bottom, you’re also welcome to pick and choose which one of these top places to visit and when.

Petronas Twin Towers

One of the city’s highlights and the symbol of Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia are these perfectly symmetrical twin towers. They are the tallest twin towers in the world standing at 451.9 m (1,483 ft).

Wherever you go in the city, they’ll be looming over you and even if you just have 2 days in Kuala Lumpur- you have to catch just the smallest glimpse of them.

The towers look completely different in the day and at night and I suggest you try to visit at different times of the day. During the day you’ll often catch them framed by a blue sky- the hot sun reflecting off their glass shell while at night, their bright, luminous glow casts a romantic spell over the city. 

Inside you’ll find the Suria KLCC shopping mall and on the 86th floor, the observation deck for views of the entire city and even the surrounding countryside.

Take a Walk in KLCC Park

KLCC Park is located right at the foot of the Petronas Towers and is composed of well-watered green lawns separated by snaking paths and a large pond in the middle.

While it does get quite crowded, especially at the weekends due to the mall next door, it’s a lovely place to come for a stroll, coffee or evening picnic.

If the weather is nice and it’s not too humid or muggy, I highly recommend a stroll through here or even a run in the evening.

Visit the Batu Caves

Located a little outside the city of KL itself is a must-see on anyone’s Kuala Lumpur itinerary; the Batu Caves.

It’s a series of caves and cave temples carved into a limestone mountain. These caves, Hindu temples and shrines are some of the most sacred outside India and hundreds if not thousands of people come to visit every day to pray, explore and socialise.

Upon arrival, you’ll see the vast, heavenly staircase painted every colour imaginable, the entrance to which is guarded by a towering guilt-god.

Make your way to the top and into the caves exploring the temples as you go. If you don’t know much about Hindu culture it’s a fascinating place to simply sit and observe. 

The Batu Caves are located north of Kuala Lumpur. The easiest and cheapest way to get there is by direct train from KL Sentral and the trip takes about 30 minutes one way. Even though the Batu Caves are outside the city they are incredibly easy to get to.

As the Batu Caves are one of the most popular attractions in Kuala Lumpur, they get busy very quickly. I highly recommend visiting early in the morning for a more relaxed and crowd-free experience.

Explore Little India

Who said you have to leave Malaysia to experience India? 

Kuala Lumpur has a vast Indian population and it’s one of the best Asian capital cities to experience Indian culture outside of India.

Head straight to Brickfields, just south of KL Sentral Station and start exploring. You’ll encounter row upon row of stores overflowing with fabrics for saris, incense and other bric n’ brac as well as veg and non-veg restaurants everywhere you look.

Why not stay for lunch and sample some delicious local Indian food?

Petaling Street Market and Central Market

For a market experience right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Street, located in Chinatown is a muddle of cultures, sights and smells.

It’s a great place to buy cheap electronics accessories, clothing and knock-off watches as well as food. This area is one of the best places in KL for street food, especially freshly skewered tropical fruit, ice-cold coconuts and local coffee.

In the same area, you’ll also find Central Market which is more aimed at tourists wanting to buy souvenirs, however, there are some great cafes and coffee shops inside, not to mention the air con.

Read more: 14 Epic Places in China that will make you want to go today.

Visit Masjid Wilayah Mosque

Considered by many to be one of the most beautiful mosques in Kuala Lumpur, the Masjid Wilayah (Federal Territory) mosque is a must if you’re interested in Islam and the local culture.

With 60% of Malaysians being Muslim, it’s a side of the country that’s really worth immersing yourself in.

This mosque is also one of Malaysia’s most modern- it’s symmetrical and angular and the whole structure is surrounded by perfectly manicured gardens and a moat.

The mosque is open for visitors and you’ll have to dress modestly if you’re female, use one of the robes provided. 

Spend some Time in Merdeka Sqaure

This wouldn’t be a proper Kuala Lumpur 2 day itinerary without the most important square in the city- Merdeka Square which literally translates as Independence Square.

It’s a vast square with one of the tallest flagpoles in the world upon which proudly flies the Malaysian flag.

While the square itself isn’t too exciting it’s what’s around the square that proves to be the most visually appealing.

The first building you’ll notice is the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, a beautiful Arabian-Byzantine-style building with copper domes and even a clock tower. It was here where the Malaysian Declaration of Independence was signed back in 1957. 

Thean Hou Temple

Atop Robson Hill, you’ll find Thean Hou Temple which stands as a testament to Kuala Lumpur’s rich cultural tapestry and spiritual diversity. This six-tiered architectural marvel is a harmonious blend of Chinese design elements, showcasing the profound influence of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism.

Thean Hou, the temple exudes an aura of tranquillity and reverence and you’ll find both locals here and travellers taking pictures.

Intricately adorned with vibrant red, gold, and green accents, the temple has lanterns and vibrant decorations making it one of the most beautiful spots to see when visiting Kuala Lumpur.

From the temple’s grounds, you’ll also get a panoramic view of Kuala Lumpur’s skyline. Thean Hou Temple offers a serene escape from the urban bustle—a place for quiet relaxation, a time out or even some meditation.

Visit the KL Tower Observation Deck

For a view of the city from which you can actually see the Petronas Twin Towers included within the skyline, the KL Tower or Menara Kuala Lumpur is the place you want to visit.

The observation deck, located 276m above the ground takes in sweeping views of the city in all directions.

Part of the viewing platform, the Sky Deck is open to the elements too which adds a sense of adventure. At the top of this communications tower, you’ll also find a revolving restaurant, however, we chose to eat elsewhere. 

The Menara Kuala Lumpur is open from 9 am until 10 pm so you can pretty much pop in any time you want, or when the weather is great. I recommend coming for sunset when the low sun casts it’s golden glow on the entire city.

Get Cultured at the Islamic Arts Museum

For an insight into Islamic arts and culture throughout the decades, the Islamic Arts Museum is a must.

On display, you’ll find a wide range of Holy books, robes, replicas of ornate doorways and beautiful models of all the most significant mosques around the world. The museum building itself is also worth noting for its simplicity and clean lines.

The pieces here are intricate, alluring and unique and if you have a couple of hours to spare why not check it out?

Nearby you’ll also find the Perdana Botanical Gardens and the National Mosque of Malaysia, both of which warrant a quick look.

Take a Walk in Perdana Botanical Garden

A beautiful way to connect with nature in the middle of the city, Perdana Botanical Garden is a wonderful place to visit.

Spread over 90 acres, this lush oasis offers a diverse tapestry of botanical wonders, meticulously landscaped gardens, and tranquil lakes. Formerly known as the Lake Gardens, Perdana Botanical Garden serves as a green lung in the heart of the city.

As you meander through its winding paths, you’ll discover a variety of flora from across the globe, each garden section representing different themes and plant varieties.

The Orchid Garden dazzles with a kaleidoscope of these delicate blooms, while the Hibiscus Garden proudly showcases Malaysia’s national flower. The Fragrant Garden delights the senses with its aromatic herbs, and the Fern Garden offers a glimpse into the world of lush undergrowth.

Go Shopping

Kuala Lumpur is one of Southeast Asia’s great shopping hubs. You’ll find countless malls in the city full of a variety of different local and international brands.

One of the best malls to visit is Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, which has a large range of more upscale stores. Suria KLCC is just under the Petronas Towers and is another great mall and you’ll probably be in that area too.

The best things to buy in Malaysia are cameras and electronics so if you need to update your camera gear or feel like spreeing the Apple store, Kuala Lumpur is the place for it.

Our Recommended Kuala Lumpur 2 Day Itinerary

Day One

Batu Caves – Petronas Towers, Suria KLCC Shopping- KLCC Park – KL Tower

Start your 2 days in Kuala Lumpur with a trip outside the city to see the famous Batu Caves. The earlier you arrive the better as this place fills up fast. Enjoy climbing the colourful stairs, interacting with the monkeys and seeing the beautiful Hindu temples inside the caves.

Heading back into the city stop to look at the Petronas Towers. You can just take photos from below or head up to the Observation Deck inside.

If you feel like doing some shopping head inside to Suria KLCC mall at the base of the towers for some retail and a bit of air-conditioning.

Make sure to take a walk through KLCC Park, it’s a wonderful place and also has great views of the Petronas Towers if you’re looking for that ideal photo spot.

Finish the day for sunset at the KL Tower Observation Deck, the views over the city are incredible.

Day Two

Thean Hou Temple – National Mosque of Malaysia – Perdana Botanical Garden – Islamic Arts Museum – Merdeka Square- Petaling Street Market

Today looks like a lot, but all these spots are located next to each other so they are best seen in one day. Some of them you won’t need much time for at all.

Start the day early at Thean Hou Temple. You’ll be able to have this beautiful place to yourself and see the beautiful vistas of Kuala Lumpur as it wakes up.

With Masjid Wilayah being a little further out you pay a visit to the National Mosque of Malaysia instead before heading to the Perdana Botanical Garden right next door.

Spend as much time as you like walking around this beautiful natural space before grabbing a bite.

Next door you’ll find the Islamic Arts Museum which is definitely one of the best museums in the city. Spend a couple of hours wandering around here and soaking up all the culture.

A short walk away is Merdeka Square where you can check out some of Malaysia’s most important cultural buildings before finishing the day around Petaling Street Market to enjoy some shopping and street food.

Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur

Most travellers stay in Bukit Bintang, the centrally located heart of KL or in Chinatown. Here you can find all types of accommodation and you’re close to all the main sights and attractions.

Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur – With its iconic Twin Towers backdrop, the Mandarin Oriental hotel offers impeccable accommodations, world-class dining, and a rejuvenating spa. Its central location, exquisite design, and attentive service make it a premier choice in KL. Book your stay here.

The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur – Nestled in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, The St. Regis offers a haven of opulence and refinement. With its exquisite interiors, personalized butler service, and indulgent spa, the hotel exemplifies luxury. Its prestigious location, culinary excellence, and unparalleled amenities create a truly lavish escape. Book it here.

Alila Bangsar – One of my personal favourites in Kuala Lumpur, Alila is more budget-friendly but still a luxurious place to stay in KL. It’s design-focused with natural and earthy decor and has great dining options. Book your stay here.

The Chow Kit– One of the most beautifully designed hotels in Kuala Lumpur that’s also budget-friendly, The Chow Kit has a very oriental 1920s feel with many classic Chinese and Malaysian elements. It’s the perfect place for a short stay in KL. Book it here.

Where to Eat

There are so many great places to eat during your Kuala Lumpur 2 day itinerary that you’d be here for the rest of your life trying to get through all the options.

When talking about where to eat it’s probably better to first decide what you want to eat. KL being so diverse has so many types of cuisines on offer; Malay, Indonesian, Indian, Western, Japanese, Chinese modern fusion… the list goes on.

Here are some of my favourite places I found on my travels.

Kanna Curry House – A classic curry house in KL, serving rice and curry on a banana leaf rather than a plate.

Dewakan– Malaysia’s top restaurant according to the Michelin Guide Asia’s selection. Come here to explore the true meaning of Malaysian food. Using many indigenous ingredients this is one of the most creative spots to dine at the moment.

Fatt Hei Len– Brilliant, affordable Cantonese cuisine

A Little Farm on the Hill– As the name suggests this is a little farm located on the outskirts of the city. Healthy dishes using farm-to-table ingredients. It’s worth leaving the city for.

Concubine KL– a brilliant new, fun, flirtatious restaurant, cocktail bar and music venue

Kind Cones – After a morning of exploring in the Malaysian heat- a cold, sweet treat should definitely be on the agenda in KL and this is the place to come. All their ice cream is plant-based and it’s creamy, rich and delicious. It’s refined sugar free and soy-free, all their ice creams are made from a coconut milk or nut milk base. They also offer other vegan desserts such as chocolate cake, ice cream cookie sandwiches and more. Located in the heart of Bangsar Village.

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Ready for your visit? Any comments or questions about this 2 day Kuala Lumpur itinerary? Leave them below, I’d love to hear from you.

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