Kuala Lumpur in 2 Days: everything you need to know

Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia, one of the world's leading Islamic cities and also a major global financial centre, famous for its skyscraper-studded skyline. However, it also offers some of the region's best attractions, so to get to know it during a short stay you'll need to have a proper itinerary and, above all, stick to it during your trip.

Some of the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur on a 2-day tour include visiting the Petronas Towers, touring KLCC Park, having lunch at the Central Market, discovering the Malaysian National Mosque, walking along Jalan Alor, seeing the National Museum, taking in the sweeping views from the KL Tower observation deck, visiting the Thean Hou Temple and enjoying the local cuisine on Petaling Street.

For the first day of your tour of Kuala Lumpur I suggest a classic tour of the financial and tourist heart of the Malaysian capital and some of the most traditional sites of this destination, such as the National Mosque of Malaysia and the popular Jalan Alor Street, where you can discover the spirit of this destination and some of the best dishes of the local cuisine.

Visit the Petronas Towers, one of the tallest complexes in the world.

You won't be able to say you've experienced Kuala Lumpur until you've visited the Petronas Towers, so that's where the first stop on your tour will be. At 452 metres tall, these twin structures are an architectural icon and modern marvel, and are known for being one of the tallest complexes in the world. They also offer visitors an unmissable experience, with architecture that fuses contemporary design with Malaysian cultural elements.

Inside the Petronas Towers you can enjoy world-class luxury shopping and dining, the Suria KLCC shopping mall and some of Southeast Asia's most exclusive jewellery stores. However, its main attraction is at the top, where you can access the observation deck and witness a panoramic view of the entire city, including the surrounding green hills.

The Petronas Towers observation deck not only allows you to admire the city from above, but also gives you a unique perspective of the innovative architecture of these iconic structures. With their sleek forms and futuristic design, these towers are a testament to Malaysia's progress and vision in the 21st century, and are often part of Kuala Lumpur's best sightseeing tours.

The Petronas Towers can be reached by the 173 bus, the KTM Komuter train, the KJL and PYL light rail lines or Kuala Lumpur's hop-on-hop-off sightseeing buses.

Tour KLCC Park, the natural epicentre of Kuala Lumpur

KLCC Park is located opposite the Petronas Towers and is the natural epicentre of Kuala Lumpur. Considered by many to be the Central Park of the Malaysian capital, it provides a green oasis amidst the urban bustle that distinguishes this destination, offering locals and visitors alike a tranquil haven in the heart of the city.

This sprawling park, with its lush gardens, surrounding lakes and recreational areas, is a natural gem that balances the modernity of the city with the beauty of nature. It is also an ideal place to relax between excursions or to explore if you plan to visit Kuala Lumpur with children, as there are playgrounds and safe areas for the little ones.

At KLCC Park you'll find wide paved paths that are ideal for walking, jogging or cycling, but you'll also find dancing fountains and strategic places to have a midday picnic by the water or see the Petronas Towers from a different perspective.

In addition, KLCC is a popular spot for the Kuala Lumpur hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus stops in the vicinity, as well as one of the city's best attractions, Aquaria KLCC, a popular underwater park in the region.

Discover the striking architecture of the National Mosque of Malaysia.

If you want to experience one of Kuala Lumpur's traditional architectural wonders, you can't miss the National Mosque of Malaysia, which is one of the country's most famous and popular temples. Built in 1965, this mosque is a testament to Malaysia's rich Islamic heritage and its architecture combines modern elements with traditional tints, creating a monumental structure for over 15,000 people.

The mosque is known for its series of domes and minarets that rise to a height of 73 metres, creating a recognisable landmark from the city's main observation decks. Its distinctive design is also notable for its Islamic and Malay motifs, reflecting the country's cultural and religious diversity.

For locals, the National Mosque goes beyond its striking architecture. It is a spiritual, social and cultural meeting place. In addition, it also serves as an important educational centre for Islamic culture, opening its doors to visitors from all over the world to contribute to Kuala Lumpur's status as one of the most important Muslim capitals in Asia.

The National Mosque can be reached from KLCC Park by intercity buses on the 03, 300, 302 and 303 lines and the KJL metro line in about 15 minutes, as well as the city's hop-on-hop-off sightseeing buses.

End the first day of the tour with dinner on Jalan Alor Street.

There's no better way to end the first day of sightseeing than with a dining experience on the vibrant Jalan Alor Street. This artery is known for its nightlife and eclectic culinary offerings that reflect the diversity of Malaysian cuisine, which you can discover on your own or on the culinary tours here, which are part of Kuala Lumpur's best excursions.

At Jalan Alor you can sample a variety of local dishes ranging from the famous satay, which is grilled meat skewers dipped in a peanut sauce, to nasi lemak, which is considered the national dish of Malaysia and consists of steamed rice with coconut, accompanied by a spicy sauce, boiled egg and anchovies.

Fresh seafood is also available here. The grilled prawns and chilli crabs are irresistible seafood options, and don't miss the cendol, a dessert that combines crushed ice with coconut milk and palm syrup.

Jalan Alor is located across the Klang River, so from the National Mosque it's a 20-minute ride on the 400, 450, 590, 600 and 650 buses and the KGL and MRL metro lines.

After getting to know the main circuit of Kuala Lumpur on the first day, for the second day I suggest a cultural tour that includes a visit to the National Museum, a tour of the Thean Hou Temple and also a visit to the KL Tower observatory, which is another of the capital's famous structures. Finally, you can bid farewell to Petaling Street, one of the most dynamic places in Malaysia.

Tour the National Museum of Malaysia, one of the largest in the country

If you want to learn about the rich history and cultural diversity of the country, you can choose to visit the National Museum, which is one of the largest and most significant museums in the capital. This museum, with its diverse collection, will allow you to discover the different eras and facets that have shaped Malaysia's identity.

In the galleries of this museum you will find exhibits ranging from prehistoric times to the modern era of Malaysia. Archaeological artefacts reveal the ancient civilisations of the region and cultural heritage through displays of traditional costumes, everyday utensils and religious items that gave lustre to Malay communities.

The museum also provides an insight into Malaysia's colonial history and the impact the British occupation had on the country's development. Exhibits dedicated to the struggle for independence will take you back to a crucial period that marked Malaysia's national identity, highlighting the traditions and customs that are rooted in the country's indigenous culture.

The best way to get to the National Museum of Malaysia is on the KJL, KGL, PYL and MRL metro lines, or on Kuala Lumpur's hop-on-hop-off sightseeing buses, which offer one of 23 stops at the site.

Take in the panoramic views from the KL Tower

The KL Tower is another of Kuala Lumpur's iconic structures and offers one of the perfect vantage points for panoramic views of the city. Standing 421 metres high, this communications tower, located on the banks of the Klang River, allows you to see the skyline of the Malaysian capital from a different angle.

Since its inauguration in 1996, it has become an architectural and tourist icon of Malaysia, as well as a manifestation of the city's progress and futuristic vision. This structure, which combines mainly elements of Islamic architecture with a supersonic design, reflects the cultural richness and modernity that define Kuala Lumpur.

From the observation deck of the KL Tower you can see the Petronas Towers, but also the city skyline stretching beyond the Klang River. On top of this building you will also find one of the city's most distinctive revolving restaurants. From the National Museum of Malaysia, you can reach this site in about 25 minutes by bus on the 400, 420, 421 and 580 lines, and on the KGL and MRT underground lines.

See Thean Hou Temple, famous for its pagoda-style roof

For a Buddhist spiritual experience in Kuala Lumpur, don't miss Thean Hou Temple, a cultural gem with a pagoda-style roof and a rich history. This temple, dedicated to the Chinese goddess Thean Hou, rises high above Robson Hill, offering devotees a place of reflection. Its design fuses Chinese, Malay and Taoist elements, creating a masterpiece that captures Malay cultural diversity.

Thean Hou Temple is known for its multi-layered roof, inspired by the style of Chinese pagodas. This ornately decorated and detailed roof not only represents the artistic mastery of the builders, but also symbolises the connection between earth and sky that characterises Buddhism. In addition, in its courtyards and corridors, you will find sculptures and altars dedicated to Chinese deities, providing a sacred space for prayer.

The history of Thean Hou Temple dates back to the 1980s, when it was built as a tribute to the Goddess of the Seas and the welfare of the Chinese community in Malaysia. Since then, it has evolved into an important tourist and religious site, and one of the epicentres of Kuala Lumpur's guided tours.

From the KL Tower, Thean Hou Temple can be reached by buses on the 400, 580, 640 and 650 lines, KJL and MRL metro lines and Kuala Lumpur hop-on-hop-off sightseeing buses in about 30 minutes.

Enjoy local cuisine on the bustling Petaling Street

To round off your 2-day stay in Kuala Lumpur, there's nothing better than taking away an indigenous experience, and the best place for such an activity is the lively and chaotic atmosphere of Petaling Street, one of the most bustling and vibrant streets in the Malaysian capital. This iconic destination, located in the heart of Chinatown, is a hive of activity where visitors can enjoy a unique culinary experience.

Petaling Street is famous for its street stalls offering a diverse selection of local dishes. From Chinese delicacies to Malaysian specialities, this informal open-air market is the perfect place to sample the local cuisine. From Thean Hou, you can reach this artery in about 20 minutes by buses 640, 650, 751, 770 and 821 and the KJL metro line.

The dishes on Petaling Street are as diverse as the melting pot of cultures that defines Kuala Lumpur. From spicy chili pan mee and spice-marinated satay skewers to char kway teow fried rice, there's something for everyone. And try sweet dishes such as cendol or tau foo fa for a traditional farewell experience.

With this intense but very complete itinerary you will get to know the best facets of Kuala Lumpur in a 2-day tour, which will not only include the most popular buildings of this destination, but also some of the epicentres of social gatherings in the city, such as the markets, and the temples, which keep the Thai cultural testimony. Enjoy your trip!