3 Day Itinerary Kuala Lumpur: How I Spent an Amazing 3 Days in KL 2025

Last Updated on June 23, 2025 by Oliver

For a lot of people, including me,  Kuala Lumpur often ends up being the gateway to Southeast Asia. Flights from Europe or Australia frequently land here or at least connect through, so over time, I’ve made it a bit of a habit: if there’s a stopover in KL, I always try to spend at least 3 days in Kuala Lumpur.

I’ve said this in a few of my other articles already, but I genuinely really like it here. It’s one of the best cities to ease into Southeast Asia, especially if you’ve never been to the region before. Compared to places like Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh City, which can be full-on from the moment you land, KL feels more relaxed and in many ways more Western. It’s a great starting point to get a feel for the culture without being thrown straight into the chaos.

By now, I’ve been to Kuala Lumpur quite a few times, and in this article ‘3 Day Itinerary Kuala Lumpur’, I’ll walk you through how I’d recommend spending 3 days in Kuala Lumpur which is enough time to see the major sights, eat some really good food, and just enjoy the city without rushing through it.

3 Days in Kuala Lumpur Itinerary – My Experience

I’ve been to Kuala Lumpur four times now, and every time I visit, I end up doing a mix of the same familiar things and finding something new, whether it’s a cool food spot, a café, or just something random I hadn’t stumbled across before.

Most of the time, I land in KL after already having traveled around Southeast Asia for a bit. So I tend to use it as a bit of a reset, a break from the chaos of more hectic places. And honestly, Kuala Lumpur is perfect for that. As a backpacker (and, let’s be real, a pretty pale one at that), sometimes I just want a proper bed, a skyline view, and access to all the comfort food I’ve been missing.

KL nails that balance. There are incredible hotels and apartments that don’t cost much, and some of the best international food I’ve had in Southeast Asia from sushi, burgers, pizza, good coffee all affordable and everywhere. So for me, eating well is a huge part of what I do in Kuala Lumpur in 3 days.

That said, I of course also love the big classic sights like the Batu Caves, Jalan Alor Night Market, the Petronas Towers, and a good rooftop bar with a skyline view. So in this itinerary, I’ve included all those spots too, along with the food and more.

Quick Facts: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Kuala Lumpur

Download Grab: It’s the Southeast Asian version of Uber and by far the easiest (and cheapest) way to get around KL. Set it up as soon as you arrive.

Use Grab from the airport: A Grab ride into the city from Kuala Lumpur International Airport cost me around $19 USD, while the airport express train was $12 per person, so if you’re two or more, Grab’s the cheaper option. The train’s slightly faster though.

Dress respectfully: Malaysia is a Muslim-majority country, so go for light, breathable clothes, but avoid anything too revealing, especially at religious sites.

Try as much food as possible: Whether it’s stingray from a night market or affordable sushi in a mall, KL is all about trying new things.

Stay somewhere with a skyline view: Hotels and apartments with Petronas Tower views are surprisingly affordable and totally worth it.

Get a travel credit card: It makes life easier and helps avoid bad currency conversion rates at random ATMs. Get a Wise Card here.

Buy travel insurance: Boring but essential. You’ll thank yourself later if something goes sideways. I recommend getting SafetyWing.

Tap water isn’t safe to drink: Stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid ruining your trip with stomach issues.

My 3 Day Itinerary Kuala Lumpur

Quick disclaimer: this isn’t an itinerary I followed step by step on a single trip. It’s more of a curated plan, based on the highlights from my four visits to Kuala Lumpur with the spots I keep coming back to, the places I really enjoyed, and a few extras I think are worth your time.

Of course, travel is personal. If something here doesn’t appeal to you, feel free to switch it out, mix things up, or add your own stops along the way. Use this as a starting point to shape your own version of 3 days in Kuala Lumpur.

Day 1: Meet the Monkeys at Batu Caves

Start your first day with something delicious like breakfast at VCR, one of my favorite cafés in KL. They have great coffee and even better food. They have some great banana bread and tasty chicken and waffles.

From there, grab a Grab (as always) and head to the Batu Caves, one of the most iconic sights in Kuala Lumpur. It’s about 20-30 minutes from the city center, depending on traffic, and best to go earlier in the day before it gets too hot or too crowded. The rainbow-colored steps, the giant Murugan statue, and the limestone cave temple inside are just super impressive, even if you’re not religious. Just watch your stuff, because the monkeys here do not mess around. Keep sunglasses, bags, and any snacks well hidden unless you want to star in their next heist.

After climbing 272 stairs and narrowly avoiding monkey theft, you’ll probably be ready for some air con. Head back into the city and stop by the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia if that’s something you might be interested in, it’s not a must-see though but I did actually really enjoy it.. The museum’s calm, beautifully designed, and you can be in and out in about 90 minutes.

For dinner, treat yourself to Pizza Mansion, it’s casual, it’s cool, and the pizza is honestly really good. They do a sourdough-style crust with fresh toppings, and I would totally get a good wine whenever I’m there.

Day 2: Petronas Towers & Rooftop Drinks

Start your morning with a proper Aussie-style brekkie at Feeka Coffee Roasters. This place nails it with great coffee, good food, and a really cozy courtyard.

After breakfast, we head over to Menara Kuala Lumpur (KL Tower) for some proper views. It’s actually the best observation deck in the city, higher than the Petronas Towers, and you get them in your skyline photos, which is way better in my opinion.

From there, we make our way to the Petronas Twin Towers and spend a bit of time wandering around KLCC Park, especially if the weather holds up. There’s a big fountain show at night, but it’s still a nice place to chill during the day. The Suria KLCC Mall underneath the towers is massive and full of international brands, good food, and my go to escape from the heat. If you’re in the mood for a bit of shopping (or just some air-con), this is the place.

Once the sun starts to go down, it’s sushi time. Head to my favorite sushi spot Sushi Zanmai, and enjoy some decent high-quality sushi without the usual price tag you’d expect in other cities.

After dinner, it’s time for rooftop drinks with a view of the Petronas Towers. I definitely recommend to skip the Helipad Bar . It’s overpriced, crowded, and honestly kind of overrated. Instead, go for something a bit classier. SkyBar at Traders Hotel is a fantastic option with direct tower views and a good atmosphere.

Or, if you’re going for something a little more romantic, book dinner or late-night drinks at Fuego at Troika Sky Dining. It’s got an amazing open-air terrace with a perfect view of the Petronas Towers. Definitely make a reservation in advance and request a table with a view!

Day 3: Chinatown & Street Food

We start our last day in KL with a visit to Thean Hou Temple, one of the most beautiful Chinese temples in the city. It’s set on a hill with stunning views, and the red lanterns and intricate architecture give it that classic look you probably pictured the second someone said “Chinese temple.” Even if you’re not into temples, it’s definitely worth visiting.

After that, we head over to Chinatown to explore the area around Petaling Street Market. It’s a mix of chaotic, charming, and slightly questionable, you’ll find knock-off sneakers, old-school herbal shops, and plenty of street food. If you’re hungry, grab some noodles or dumplings at Mee Tarik Restoran, one of my go-to spots in the area. And if you need a mid-afternoon break, Mingle Café is right nearby and great for a quiet coffee.

Once evening arrives, we make our way to Jalan Alor Night Market for your last dinner in KL. It’s loud, it’s packed, and it smells amazing. Pull up a plastic chair, order some grilled seafood or satay, and grab a cold beer. It’s a fun, chaotic, and very KL way to wrap up your trip.

FAQs About 3 Days Itinerary Kuala Lumpur

How should I spend 3 days in Kuala Lumpur?

I think this itinerary is a great starting point, it covers the best bits without packing in too much. If you only do three things, make it the Batu Caves, Petronas Towers, and Jalan Alor Night Market. Those are my must-sees.

What’s a good 3 day itinerary Kuala Lumpur with kids?

Honestly, this itinerary works fine with kids. I get around mostly with Grab, just book an XL for extra space and take breaks in the shopping malls (air con = lifesaver). KL is actually pretty chill for a city, so nothing here should be too much.

What are the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur?

For me, the highlights are definitely Jalan Alor, Petronas Towers, Batu Caves, and Thean Hou Temple. And honestly? Just eating your way through the city is half the experience.

How many days in Kuala Lumpur?

I’d say 3 days in Kuala Lumpur is the sweet spot. Even with just 2 days in Kuala Lumpur, you can still see the main attractions, but with 3 you get to enjoy the city at a slower pace.

Is Kuala Lumpur safe?

Absolutely, at least in my experience, it’s felt very safe. I don’t have the crime stats, but it never felt sketchy walking around, even at night. That said, I usually take Grab to get around, so I’m not randomly wandering through unfamiliar areas after dark either. Just use common sense and you’ll be fine.

Final Thoughts on My 3 Day Itinerary in Kuala Lumpur

I love Kuala Lumpur, and I think 3 days in Kuala Lumpur is just the right amount of time. There’s not a massive list of things to tick off here and that’s kind of the point. You get a few fun sights, a good dose of city life, and plenty of time to eat well, go shopping and chill out.

It’s not like Bangkok where you’re sprinting between temples and night markets in the heat all day. KL has more of a balance, a mix of sightseeing, cafés, rooftop bars, and affordable comfort. That’s why I always recommend it as a great stepping stone into Southeast Asia. And if you follow this 3 day itinerary Kuala Lumpur, I think you’ll see exactly what I mean.

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