Are you planning to travel to Kuala Lumpur? First, learn some free things to do in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia’s dynamic capital that combines both modern and traditional elements. The skyline is dotted with skyscrapers, which stand in contrast to iconic ancient temples. There are crowded street markets as well as natural locations to calm and relax.
A rich tapestry of art and culture is also found here in its museums and several historical sites. The places tell the story of the city’s colonial heritage. If you want to experience all these & have fun without paying a dime, let’s go through the list of iconic places to visit in Kuala Lumpur for free!
Parks & Natural Sites
Kuala Lumpur is a perfect balance of both natural and urban places for tourists. Here are some great beautiful natural places where you can visit for free. You can enjoy the endless serenity of this iconic city in Malaysia!
Explore the forest trails at Taman Tugu
Put on your walking shoes and head to Taman Tugu for a hike if you’re searching for a way to spend a day in the great outdoors. The 66-acre theme park was preserved together with the secondary forest that it included. Explore the many hiking routes here and take in the surroundings. These comprise rather basic and brief paths that anybody can try out for this kind of exercise.
Witness a few of the 1,000 endangered and critically endangered trees that have been designated for protection around the property as you stroll. It is reported that some trees are almost a century old. There are also outdoor zumba classes and pop-up food vendors to check out here for free.
Location: Taman Tugu, Persiaran Sultan Salahuddin, 50480 Kuala Lumpur.
Hours open: 7 am-6.30 pm everyday.
Explore the KLCC park
Situated at the foot of the famous Petronas Twin Towers, the expansive urban green space known as Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) Park is found in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. With its expansive 50 acres of jogging routes, kids’ play area, water features, and greenery, it offers a place of peace in the middle of the busy capital city. With almost 1900 trees representing 74 species, this urban park.
The park’s nature has been thoughtfully chosen to draw in a variety of birds. The species and traits of these native trees are described on signboards. The centre of attention of the park is Symphony Lake, where guests may take in nighttime synchronised water fountain shows paired with music. Both locals and visitors enjoy visiting KLCC Park because of its beautiful scenery and outdoor activities; all free of cost.
Location: KLCC Park, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Hours open: 7.00 am to 10.00 pm. Opens daily, including on public holidays.
Plan a picnic at Perdana Botanical Garden
Perdana Botanical Gardens, also referred to as the “green lung” of the city, is a large park measuring 226 acres, or around 170 football fields. With its well-kept gardens, picnic tables, exercise centres, and jogging trails set against a forest-like backdrop, the park allows visitors to experience nature without having to make a long trip from the city. The man-made structures are surrounded by massive mature trees, offering nature lovers a spectacular view of greenery and flowerbeds while shaded from the sun.
There are several areas around the park where you can have a picnic, which is a popular activity here. Opt to have your meal outdoors at the picnic tables or right on the well-trimmed lawns. Another must-see attraction at the park is the Sunken Garden. It comprises a star-shaped centrepiece fountain and low shrubs and Grecian containers carrying flowering annual plants, reminiscent of a European garden.
Location: Jalan Kebun Bunga, Tasik Perdana, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.
Hours open: 7 am-8 pm everyday.
Museums & Artistic Places
Kuala Lumpur is rich in art and heritage. It has safeguarded the history & culture in artistic forms. If you are an art lover then these iconic places are the best fit for you to visit for free!
Capture Instagram-worthy pictures at Kwai Chai Hong
Explore the streets of George Town and Ipoh which are home to street art. Kwai Chai Hong in KL has grown to be a well-liked location for both amateur and professional photographers. The quaint history street is not only dotted with fashionable bars and chic cafes, but it also features frequent pop-up art installations and permanent murals that have become locals’ favourites.
See murals that depict vintage Chinese scenes of life; some feature interactive features, such as an antique wooden stool, that allow you to participate in the artwork. Vibrant pop-up exhibitions are held in the wonderful back alley to commemorate local holidays.
Location: Lorong Panggung, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Kuala Lumpur.
Hours open: 24 Hours, Daily
Explore native artworks at the Ilham Gallery
The Ilham Gallery is a public art gallery that often offers free exhibitions. The building is usually a house of a mixture of artworks, pictures, and installations, as the gallery does not have a permanent art collection. Instead, it hosts themed exhibitions regularly that highlight modern and contemporary works by artists from Malaysia and other parts of Asia.
You can also see some captivating bronze globe-shaped sculptures by Ai Weiwei, titled “Divina Proportione,” which are also visible at the building’s entrance. In addition to the exhibitions, guests wishing to purchase a variety of items and souvenirs from KL-based local artisans and designers can do so at the gallery’s gift shop. To help you refuel after viewing the exhibitions, the café also sells coffee and a variety of drinks.
Location: Levels 3 and 5, Ilham Tower, 8, Lrg Binjai, Kuala Lumpur, 50450 Kuala Lumpur.
Hours open:
Tuesday – Saturday: 11 am-7 pm
Sunday: 11 am-5 pm
Closed – Mondays
Visit the iconic National Monument Park
The well-known National Monument is a short stroll away from the famous Lake Gardens of KL. Designed as a monument, the National Monument honours the brave warriors who lost their lives defending our nation’s independence.
Along with this, the historical sculpture holds a place in history, but it is also the tallest freestanding group of bronze sculptures. As the monument is close to the Lake Gardens, there are many attractions in the area. The Lake Gardens has 92 hectares of endless greenery; it’s just a place to come spend the weekend relaxing and free of expenses.
Location: Lake Gardens, Jalan Tugu off Jalan Parlimen, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Hours open: 7 AM – 6 PM
Historic & Religious Destinations
Explore the sacred & rich historic heritages of Kuala Lumpur at these iconic destinations for free.
Explore the Royal Selangor Visitor Centre
The Royal Selangor Visitor Centre offers visitors an incredible insight into the craft of pewter making and the nation’s pewter industry. If you are a great enthusiast of exploring historical things, then you must visit this place. It is situated around 20 minutes from central Kuala Lumpur. The main attractions of the facility, which is split up into multiple galleries, are as follows:
•The Workshops: Here you can create your pewter using age-old methods, then take your creation home.
•Live demonstrations: See how to cast, polish, assemble, craft, and engrave pewter.
•Exhibitions: Learn about the development of the pewter industry in Malaysia today as well as its historical background. Discover the characteristics and uses of pewter at the Science Discovery Gallery. Also, witness the Giant Tankard which is made up of 7,000 separate tanks is a replica of the Petronas Twin Towers of Malaysia.
Other features of the Royal Selangor Visitor Centre include the visitor centre which has a retail showcase with items that can be purchased. There is also a chamber of chimes where you can hear different sounds produced by pewter chimes. All these facilities can be accessed for free.
Location: 4 Jalan Usahawan 6, Setapak Jaya, 53300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Hours open: 9.00 am to 5.00 pm Daily.
Visit the sacred Thean Hou Temple
One of Southeast Asia’s biggest and most ancient Buddhist temples is called Thean Hou Temple. One of the most popular visitor attractions in Kuala Lumpur which provides breathtaking, broad views of the city from its hilltop location.
This elegant Chinese temple honours Thean Hou, the Queen of Heaven, who guards those who depend on the water for their livelihood. The temple was built between 1981 and 1987, and its design blends modern and traditional elements with elaborate murals and carvings.
In addition to the temple’s architectural appeal are the stunning pagoda roofing and columns with dragon-inspired designs, which stand in for prosperity and good fortune. Because of the red lanterns that dangle from the rooftops and sprawl around the temple grounds, Thean Hou is a well-liked location for pre-wedding photos in addition to being a sightseeing destination.
Location : 65, Persiaran Endah, Taman Persiaran Desa, 50460 Kuala Lumpur.
Hours open: 9.00 am – 6.00 pm Daily.
Witness the magnificent National Mosque
The National Mosque was constructed as a celebration of Malaysia’s independence in 1963. It’s one of Southeast Asia’s biggest mosques. The thirteen states of Malaysia and the five pillars of Islam are symbolised in the architecture of the mosque by the 18-pointed star dome. Green and blue tiles cover the main dome. The mosque is situated in the centre of Kuala Lumpur.
It is a comparatively new concrete structure that combines modern and traditional Islamic architectural design. Outside of prayer hours, non-Muslims are able to visit the stunning National Mosque. The place expects visitors to dress modestly to enter the mosque. If not, they are provided robes to cover themselves.
Location: Jalan Perdana, Tasik Perdana, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Hours open for visitors:
| Days | Timing |
| Saturday Sunday | Closed |
| Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday | 9 AM – 1 PM 2 PM – 5 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM – 12:15 PM2:45 PM – 5 PM |
Visit the historic Sultan Abdul Samad Building
Malaysia’s historic landmark, the Abdul Samad Building, with a history covering the late 19th century, is definitely one of Malaysia’s finest and most admired heritage structures as well as an important reminder of history.
The red brick structure features three towers that define its architecture which combines the Mughal & Moorish elements, along with tall white arches, a grand porch, curved colonnades, and two domes that highlight the building’s overall beauty. In addition, it is also famous as a venue for a number of occasions and festivals. If you want to admire the intricate designs & historic heritage of Malaysia for free and capture amazing photos of your holidays, this could be a perfect backdrop.
Location: Jln Raja, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Hours open: 24 hours.
Merdeka Square
Merdeka Square is next to the Royal Selangor Club and directly across from the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. This historical location represents the raising of the Malayan flag and the lowering of the Union flag. At a height of 100 metres, the flagpole bearing the Malaysian flag is the tallest in the world.
The historical location of Malaya’s (Malaysia) independence declaration is Merdeka Square. Capture some photos here if you are an enthusiast of Malayan history. Merdeka Square has a lot of local attractions. Shoppers can purchase local food and gifts at Central Market Kuala Lumpur while also learning about the various cultures that make up Malaysian society. The Central Market consists of many floors that are home to various stalls.
Location: Jln Raja, City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Hours open: 24 hours.
Other iconic spots of KL
Take a stroll and grab some best street food at Jalan Alor
Jalan Alor, one of Kuala Lumpur’s most beloved and historic culinary lanes, was first formed as a street market and restaurant in the early 1900s and has been a part of the city for more than a century. This location is a well-liked must-see sight in Kuala Lumpur because, in addition to the well-known night market that is nearby, it has a variety of colourful murals on the facade of the buildings, shops, and even the roads.
The buildings here have created pathways that are now home to a colourful exhibition of huge paintings depicting scenes from the jungle and underwater. The crowded street’s vintage beauty contrasts sharply with the rest of Kuala Lumpur’s new architecture. There are about 200 distinct street food vendors and regular restaurants at the Jalan Alor Night Market in Kuala Lumpur. There are also sporadic food stands there. Although it’s not always the largest night market in Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Alor Food Street is the largest night market in KL on a daily basis.
Visit the most popular Chinatown
A leisurely walk around Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown in the evening is a great way to experience the local food and customs. In addition to serving as the ideal introduction to the vibrant area. You’ll have plenty of time to stroll through crowded streets. Arrive at the famous Jamek Mosque, Kuala Lumpur’s oldest Islamic place of worship. It is a great location for many beautiful pictures.
If you visit the nearby night market, you may enjoy a delicious meal at a hawker stall and observe the everyday activities of the Chinese communities. Alternatively, you can satisfy your shopping cravings with an extensive selection of souvenir displays in the busy Central Market. Visit some elaborate, centuries-old iconic Buddhist and Taoist temples if you’re a culture junkie. For those who enjoy art and are aspiring artists, the area is home to several art galleries which you can explore for free.
Location: Chinatown Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Malaysia.
Hours open: 8 AM – 5 PM
