If you’re looking for a 2 days in Kuala Lumpur itinerary, this guide will show you exactly what to do in Kuala Lumpur in 2 days, including helpful tips to help you plan your trip on a budget.
Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia and a major stopover hub for most airlines within Southeast Asia. There is no shortage of places to visit in Kuala Lumpur in 2 days.
In fact, Kuala Lumpur has it all: the world’s tallest twin towers, delicious street food, colorful neighborhoods, affordable shopping malls and even a tropical rainforest lying right in the middle of the city.
So, if you’re keen to visit, keep reading to find out how to plan the perfect 2 day Kuala Lumpur itinerary.
Kuala Lumpur Travel Essentials
Top Experiences and Tours in KL:
- Petronas Twin Towers skip-the-Line tickets
- KL Tower + Skybox tickets (discounted)
- Batu Caves guided tour with hotel transfers
- Sunway Lagoon Water Theme Park tickets (discounted)
Best Hotels in KL:
- JW Marriott (luxury)
- Ansa Hotel (mid-range)
- Gold3 Boutique Hotel (budget)
Get to KL city center fast with a discounted airport train ticket or private airport transfer. On a tight budget? Book your bus ticket here.
Stay connected by pre-booking your Malaysia sim card that you can easily pick up at the airport.
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Read more about Kuala Lumpur:
- Top things to do in Chinatown KL
- Best things to do in Bukit Bintang KL
- The best ways of getting from KL to Melaka
- How to take the bus from Singapore to KL
- 12 Most Instagrammable Kuala Lumpur Spots
- The best Kuala Lumpur hotels with infinity pool
2 day Kuala Lumpur Itinerary Tips
- Get to the city center fast by booking a KLIA Express airport train ticket.
- Always book your attraction tickets and tours on Klook to get discounted rates.
- Don’t want to deal with logistics? Book this full-day city tour including lunch and hotel transfers to see all the main attractions in the city.
Is 2 days in Kuala Lumpur enough?
Two days in Kuala Lumpur is the perfect amount of time needed to see all the main tourist attractions, making it one of the best places to visit in Malaysia for a short getaway.
Having visited the city 5 times now, I’ve compiled a list of the top things to do in Kuala Lumpur in 2 days, including recommendations for the best places to stay and tips on how to get around the city. And if you have more than 2 days in Kuala Lumpur, I’ve included a few other places to visit as well.
I’ve also grouped the attractions by location so that you can save time and money on transportation.
- Day 1: Petronas Twin Towers, KLCC Park, Aquaria KLCC, Bukit Bintang, and Jalan Alor night market
- Day 2: KL Tower, KL Forest Eco Park, Chinatown, Little India, and Thean Hou Temple.
- More than 2 days in KL: Batu Caves, Masjid Jamek, Merdeka Square, KL Bird Park, Royal Malaysian Police Museum, and Butterfly Park.
Where to stay during your Kuala Lumpur Itinerary?
If you have only 2 days in Kuala Lumpur, I recommend staying in Bukit Bintang as most tourist attractions are within walking distance. Below are some of the best places to stay:
Ansa Hotel
Ansa Hotel is located in the middle of Bukit Bintang and offers a great view of the KL skyline. Make sure you request a room with a view of the KL Tower.
It’s just a few meters from the Pavilion shopping mall and budget malls like Berjaya Times Square and Sungei Wang Plaza. There’s even a Starbucks on the ground floor, perfect for your morning caffeine fix.
CHECK LATEST PRICE ON BOOKING.COM OR AGODA
Gold 3 Boutique Hotel
Gold3 Boutique Hotel features modern, clean, and comfy rooms and is conveniently located in Bukit Bintang. They offer dorm-style rooms for budget travelers as well as private rooms for budget to mid-range travelers.
CHECK LATEST PRICE ON BOOKING.COM OR AGODA
Related post: Top 10 Bukit Bintang Hotels
Other places to stay include Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral, City Central Hotel, and Easy Hotel all located right next to KL Sentral in Little India, convenient for those coming from the airport by train.
If you’re on a budget, I would recommend looking for a hotel in Chinatown KL. Mingle Hostel, Tian Jing Hotel, and AnCasa Hotel are some great options for budget to mid-range travelers.
If you’re looking for a hotel with a pool, make sure to read my guide to the best Kuala Lumpur hotels with infinity pools.
Kuala Lumpur Itinerary Day 1
Petronas Twin Towers
If you have only 2 days in Kuala Lumpur start off by visiting the Petronas Twin Towers. You can’t say you’ve been to Kuala Lumpur without seeing the iconic twin towers. These are the tallest twin towers in the world, standing at a height of 452 meters. Get there early or book your ticket in advance as they sell out fast.
CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS TO PETRONAS TWIN TOWER
After visiting the twin towers, I also recommend heading to Saloma Link Bridge. This pedestrian bridge was opened in 2020 and is now one of the most Instagrammable places in KL.
Tip: If your hotel is located in Bukit Bintang, you can easily reach the Petronas Towers on foot in under 20 minutes by using the pedestrian walkway located inside Pavilion Mall.
Related post: 12 Best Instagram spots in Kuala Lumpur
KLCC Park
KLCC Park is a huge garden with a kid’s playground and swimming pool and several walking trails. The main reason why tourists visit this park is to watch the lake symphony light and sound water show.
You can watch it for free every night at 8 p.m, 9 p.m, and 10 p.m. Note that there’s a different show time for the light show only which is at 7.30 p.m, 8.30 p.m, and 9.30 p.m daily.
You can also get an awesome view of the Petronas Twin Towers from the park, making it a must-visit on any Kuala Lumpur 2 day itinerary.
Aquaria KLCC
Located within walking distance of the Petronas Towers is Aquaria KLCC, one of the largest aquariums in Southeast Asia. It has a collection of 5,000 land and sea creatures and even features an underwater tunnel where you can get close to sharks, manta rays, and much more.
Aquaria KLCC is open daily from 10 a.m to 7 p.m. Entrance tickets cost RM 75 (US$ 16.70) for tourists or RM 52 for Malaysians but they are much cheaper if you buy them on Klook.
CLICK HERE TO BUY DISCOUNTED TICKETS TO AQUARIA KLCC
Bukit Bintang
Due to its central location, Bukit Bintang is the best place to base yourself if you’re spending 2 days in Kuala Lumpur. Although there are mainly luxury hotels, mid-range and budget options are also available.
One of the best things to do in Bukit Bintang is shopping. As Kuala Lumpur’s shopping district and has a wide range of high-end shopping malls such as Pavilion with a mix of more affordable ones like LOT 10, Fahrenheit 88, Plaza Low Yat, Sungei Wang Plaza, and Berjaya Times Square.
Tip: Hutong food court, located in the basement of LOT 10, is one of the best places to get street food at very affordable prices. Berjaya Times Square, on the other hand, has an indoor theme park.
Related post: Guide to visiting Bukit Bintang
Changkat Street Art
Although not as famous as the neighboring towns of Penang or Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur also has some cool street art and murals, some of which have been painted by Ernest Zacharevic.
You can find several colorful street art right in the middle of Bukit Bintang along Changkat, Jalan Berangan, and Jalan Rembia (opposite Jalan Alor Food Street).
Jalan Alor Night Market
If you want to eat street food in Kuala Lumpur, then you need to visit Jalan Alor Night Market, open daily from 4/5 p.m until late.
Located in Bukit Bintang, this is where you’ll find a huge variety of street foods from sundown till dawn. Don’t forget to sample the Lok Lok, satays, noodles, and kuih sweets.
Alternatively, you can go to Taman Connaught Night Market. This one is located outside of the city center and is open on Wednesdays only from 6.30 a.m to 11.30 p.m. You’ll find a much wider variety of food there plus it feels more authentic as more locals visit this night market.
Related post: Where to go in Malaysia for a short trip?
Kuala Lumpur Itinerary Day 2
KL Tower (Menara Tower)
On the final day of your Kuala Lumpur itinerary for 2 days, I recommend visiting KL Tower (also known as Menara Tower). Standing tall at a height of 421 meters, it actually offers better views than the Petronas Towers.
There are two observation decks – an indoor one at 276 meters and another one at 300 meters where you can get a 360-view of the city’s skyline. Test your limit by going inside the sky box made of glass which extends out of the building.
The best time to visit is during sunset when the whole city starts to light up. KL Tower is open between 10 a.m and 10 p.m. Make sure to book your tickets on Klook to get a discount.
CLICK HERE TO BUY DISCOUNTED TICKETS TO KL TOWER
KL Tower is located right next to KL Forest Eco Park, so you can easily combine a visit between these two attractions.
KL Forest Eco Park (Bukit Nanas)
If you’re wondering what to do in Kuala Lumpur in 2 days, why not trek along the walking trails and canopy bridges of KL Forest Eco Park?
It’s hard to believe that this small chunk of rainforest is located right in the heart of the city. You won’t hear any noise here apart from the occasional chirping of birds.
The park is open daily from 8 a.m to 5.30 p.m but it’s better to go in the morning to avoid the heat. Entrance costs RM 40 (US$ 9.40) for tourists or RM 10 for Malaysians.
Chinatown
Chinatown is one of the liveliest neighborhoods in KL with busy markets, Buddhist temples, colorful murals, and local Chinese restaurants on every corner.
You can read my guide to the best things to do in Chinatown Kuala Lumpur for more details but below are some of the best attractions to see:
Petaling Street: Being one of the top tourist attractions, Petaling Street is packed with rows of stalls selling everything from souvenirs to knock-off handbags. The area is always buzzing with activity and every vendor will be vying for your attention. Test your bargaining skills to see if you can score the cheapest deals.
Central Market (Pasar Seni): From its early beginnings as a wet market, the Central Market has now been converted into an art and crafts center. Here you’ll find local handicrafts like batik prints, wooden sculptures, and souvenirs. The market is open every day from 10 a.m to 8 p.m.
Kwai Chai Hong: This little area is filled with interactive street art where you can take some fun photos.
Sri Maha Mariamman Temple: This is one of the oldest Hindu temples in KL. Just remember that you need to dress conservatively and remove your shoes before entering. It’s open daily from 6 a.m to 8.30 p.m except on Fridays and Saturdays when it closes at 9.30 p.m and 9 p.m respectively.
Chan She Shu Yuen Temple: Dating back to the early 1900s, this beautiful Buddhist temple is a must-see with its intricate carvings and red lanterns.
Related post: The best things to do in Chinatown KL
KL Little India (Brickfields)
Looking for the most colorful place to visit during your 2 days in Kuala Lumpur itinerary? Head over to Little India (also known as Brickfields) and you’ll immediately feel like you’ve set foot in India.
Wander around the colorful archways and hop into one of the many shops selling colorful saris, flower garlands, and Indian sweets and snacks.
Thean Hou Temple
One thing you can’t miss when spending 2 days in KL is visiting Thean Hou Temple. The temple was built in 1987 in honor of Mazu, Goddess of the Sea. There is no entrance fee to visit the large complex comprising of statues of dragons and deities within perfectly manicured gardens.
Inside, you’ll find three alters each holding the statues of Guan Yin, Goddess of mercy, Shui Wei Sheng Niang, Goddess of the waterfront, and Mazu, Goddess of the Sea. The intricate carvings and tiles adorning the walls will definitely leave you speechless!
The top deck offers panoramic views over Kuala Lumpur and the temple looks absolutely spectacular during Chinese New Year with hundreds of Chinese lanterns hanging all over the temple grounds.
Related post: 2 week Malaysia itinerary on a budget
More than 2 days in Kuala Lumpur
In case you’re spending more than 2 days to spend in Kuala Lumpur, I also recommend visiting these places:
Batu Caves
Photos of the Batu Caves are all over Instagram lately thanks to their rainbow-colored steps. The climb up the 272 steps leads to a Hindu temple inside of a limestone cave. Luckily, the stairs aren’t too steep and it took me only about 5-10 minutes to get to the top.
You can easily reach the Batu Caves by taxi, train, or bus. For convenience, I recommend booking this half-day guided tour of Batu Caves which also includes roundtrip hotel transfers.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK A TOUR OF BATU CAVES
Merdeka Square (Dataran Merdeka)
Merdeka Square is a large green space where Malaysia proclaimed its independence in 1957. The colonial building in the backdrop serves as the office of the Ministry of Communications, Tourism, and Culture.
Masjid Jamek
If you want to learn about Malaysia’s Islamic culture, one of the best things to do during your 2 day Kuala Lumpur itinerary is to visit the Masjid Jamek. Located beside Merdeka Square, Masjid Jamek is one of the oldest mosques in Kuala Lumpur. It’s free to visit outside of prayer times.
KL Bird Park
To witness more than 3,000 local and foreign birds roaming about the lush vegetation, head over to KL Bird Park. The entrance costs RM 75 (US$ 16.95) for adults and URM 50 (US$ 11.30) for children.
The entrance ticket for tourists costs RM 75 (US$ 17.60) for adults and RM 50 (US$ 11.75) for children. The ticket price for Malaysians is RM 35 for adults and RM 15 for children.
Opening hours: From 9 a.m to 5.30 p.m, daily.
Tip: If you want to stop there for lunch, Hornbill restaurant serves one of the best Nasi Lemak.
Royal Malaysian Police Museum
Located within the same area as the KL Bird Park, the Royal Malaysian Police museum is free to visit between 9 a.m and 5 p.m from Tuesdays to Sundays.
The museum has several exhibits that give an insight into the history of the Malaysian Police force. There’s even a Cessna aircraft on display at the entrance.
KL Butterfly Park
The KL Butterfly Park houses over 5,000 butterflies and is located just a 10-minute walk from the KL bird park. Tickets for tourists cost RM 25 (US 5.90) for adults and RM 13 (US$ 3) for children. Tickets for Malaysian adults and children cost RM 13 and RM 6 respectively.
Related post: How to spend 3 days in Penang?
How to get around KL?
By Train
The price of train tickets starts from RM 1.20 one-way and can easily be purchased from vending machines at the train stations.
You can also buy a KL Travel Pass which gives you access to a single or round-trip ticket via the KLIA Ekspress Airport Transfer in addition to unlimited rides on the LRT, MRT and KL Monorail, valid for 2 days.
By Bus
You can hop on the Go KL City Bus which is a free bus service that goes around the main attractions in Kuala Lumpur.
By Grab Taxi
Grab is a much cheaper option than taxis and usually costs about RM 5 to RM 15) per trip within the city center. On the other hand, a Grab from the airport to the city center will set you back about RM 65, excluding the toll fee which usually costs about RM 15.
Best Time to Visit
Kuala Lumpur is hot and humid year-round. I visited during the months of January, March, and November and experienced rain showers mostly during the evening but they generally last about one hour only. The rainy season is between April and October while November to February is usually the driest.
So, are you ready to plan the best 2 day Kuala Lumpur itinerary? Let me know in the comments below which attractions you’re most excited to visit.
Need more ideas for your trip to Malaysia? Check out these posts:
- Best Things to do in Melaka in 1 day
- Jonker Street Night Market in Malacca: Guide to visiting
- The most colorful street art in Melaka
- Penang Itinerary for 3 days
- Fun things to do in Ipoh
- Guide to planning a 3-day Langkawi itinerary
- Malaysia itinerary for two weeks on a budget
- How to spend 4 to 12 days in Singapore and Malaysia
- How to get to Tegala Tujuh Waterfall in Langkawi?
- 20 short trip ideas in Malaysia
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