Kuala Lumpur is a city of contrasts, where towering skyscrapers meet historic temples, and where street food is just as celebrated as fine dining. If you’ve got just 48 hours in KL, this itinerary ensures you experience the best of the city—from cultural landmarks to hidden speakeasies and stunning rooftop views. Kuala Lumpur really does have something for everyone!

Going to Malaysia and don’t know where to begin? Make sure to check out my Ultimate Guide to Malaysia here which will give you all the info you need to know before getting on the plane to start your adventures.

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Day 1:

Morning: Brunch at Tapestry ☕🍽️

Kickstart your KL adventure with brunch at Tapestry, one of the city’s most Instagram-worthy cafés in Chow Kit. With stylish interiors and a contemporary take on Malaysian flavors, it’s the perfect way to ease into the day.

Must-try: Their sourdough pancakes, nasi lemak, and artisanal coffee.

Mid-Morning: Explore the Islamic Arts Museum 🕌

Next, head to the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, the largest Islamic arts museum in Southeast Asia. Its stunning architecture and meticulously curated exhibits make this a must-visit for culture lovers.

Highlights: The intricate Ottoman-era manuscripts and the Persian carpets exhibit.

Midday: Lunch and Discovering Chinatown & Petaling Street 🏮

After soaking in the KL’s artistic heritage, head to Chinatown, one of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. Grab lunch from a street vendor on Petaling Street or head to Lai Foong Lala Noodles for a delicious bowl of seafood noodles. After lunch stroll explore the bustling area.

A couple of must visits in the area include:

• Guan Di Temple – A 19th-century Taoist temple known for its ornate dragon carvings.
• Kwong Fook Kong Temple – A small but atmospheric Chinese ancestral temple tucked away in the heart of Chinatown.

Top Tip: Don’t leave without trying a cooling longan drink or grabbing a freshly made char kway teow from one of the street vendors.

Evening: Chinatown’s Cocktail Scene 🍸

As the sun sets, explore Chinatown’s buzzing nightlife with visits to some of the city’s best speakeasies and cocktail bars.

📍 Stop 1: PS150 – A hidden bar behind an old toy store, serving inventive cocktails with Southeast Asian ingredients.

📍 Stop 2: Concubine KL – A vibrant cocktail bar with modern Asian fusion bites and bold, neon-lit decor.

📍 Stop 3: RexKL – A repurposed old cinema transformed into a creative space with bars, bookstores, and live music.

Top Tip: Start at RexKL for pre-dinner drinks, enjoy dinner at Concubine, and end the night at PS150.

Dinner: Modern Asian Fusion at Concubine KL 🍜

Since you’re already in Chinatown, enjoy dinner at Concubine KL, a trendy spot known for Asian-inspired small plates and craft cocktails. The eclectic decor and buzzing atmosphere make it an ideal dining experience.

Must-try: Peking duck tacos, Sichuan dumplings, and crispy soft-shell crab.

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Day 2: Batu Caves, Local Eats & Sunset Views

Early Morning: Breakfast at Ali, Muthu & Ah Hock 🍳

Before heading to Batu Caves, fuel up with a classic Malaysian-style breakfast at Ali, Muthu & Ah Hock, located in Kampung Baru—just a short drive from the caves.

Must-try: Nasi lemak with sambal sotong, half-boiled eggs on toast, and a strong Kopi O.

Morning: Visit Batu Caves 🏔️

A short drive from breakfast, Batu Caves is a must-visit Hindu temple complex set inside towering limestone cliffs.

Must-do: Climb the 272 colorful steps to the main temple cave for breathtaking views.

Top tip: Wear comfortable shoes and be mindful of the monkeys—they love to grab food!

Midday: Lunch at Limapulo 🍜

Head back into the city for an authentic Nyonya lunch at Limapulo. This charming eatery is famous for its rich, flavorful laksa and Peranakan heritage decor.

Must-try: Laksa, ayam rendang, and homemade cendol dessert.

Afternoon: Thean Hou Temple & City Views 🏛️

After lunch, explore Thean Hou Temple, one of KL’s most beautiful Chinese temples, perched on a hill with panoramic city views.

Top tip: Visit in the late afternoon when the lighting is perfect for photos.

Sunset Drinks at WET Deck, W Hotel 🍸🌇

Before your final dinner, return to WET Deck for a stunning skyline view of the Petronas Towers.

Top tip: Arrive before sunset to grab the best seat in the house or if in a larger group book in advance!

Dinner: Malaysian Dining at Dewakan 🍽️

For your last dinner in KL, indulge in a Michelin-starred modern Malaysian dining experience at Dewakan. Known for its creative reinterpretations of local flavors, this fine-dining restaurant showcases locally sourced ingredients in a contemporary tasting menu.

Must-try: Their multi-course tasting menu, featuring dishes inspired by Malaysian heritage, with ingredients like fermented buah keluak, sea cucumber, and ulam herbs.

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Looking for more recommendations? Make sure to check out my Mini Guide to Kuala Lumpur here.

Still have questions? Drop me a line here or message me on Instagram @lizzieontour and I’ll make sure to get back to you! Safe travels and make sure to bookmark this page or send to your travel buddy!