The 10 Coolest Neighbourhoods in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The main retail center of the city, Bukit Bintang is popular as a site of retail therapy, with many international franchises and high-end luxury brands. From food to fashion, spend a fun evening window shopping among some of the most world-famous clothing stores, and tuck into cheap and tasty food in the same area. In KL’s Golden Triangle, the malls are close together, so grab a cool bubble tea or two on the go. Recommended by Sarah Ann Lee.

Bangsar is one of Kuala Lumpur’s most popular areas among locals. The main area, Jalan Telawi, is chock-full of cafes and bars that serve many types of food, from Australian-inspired brunches and well-brewed cups of coffee to artisan ice creams and handmade chocolate truffles. Check out Cziplee, the decades-old stationery shop that carries an impressive range of writing and art supplies. Do some one-stop shopping for unique home goods at Snackfood, which curates items from both local and foreign brands. If you’re up for learning a new skill on a weekend, check out the arts classes offered by the Craft Crowd.

Don’t turn in for the night just yet! Changkat Street is the ultimate place to get down and booze up. Catering to party people and pub-faithfuls, this street has everything you’d want in a good time on a night out. Malaysians love their nightlife – whether it’s partying their heart out or catching up over a nice simple cup of teh tarik – and be ready for a gastronomical trip, as a no outing is complete without food. Each bar and pub has their own specialty, from the local fusion meals to traditional English treats. The Whisky Bar especially is highly rated for its expansive collection of liquor and helpful guides in tastings for connoisseur tryouts alongside its pairing menu of seafood and steaks. If a more local taste is desired, head over to Opium KL for oriental fusion delights on their food and beverage menus. Don’t worry, opium is only in its name! Recommended by Sarah Ann Lee.

Traditional Chinatown is where you will find savvy vendors selling their merchandise – businesses that have been around for decades – and stall after stall of scrumptious food. But what truly makes this area unique these days is the juxtaposition of new and old. New ventures nestle among the well-trodden streets, including Insta-worthy cafes, speakeasies, and fusion restaurants. Browse the goods sold by street vendors, stroll through art galleries, and chill out at the many eateries in the area – be it modern or traditional.

This predominantly Indian neighborhood features bright displays of cloth, jewelry and spices. While Malaysia’s Indian community are spread out all over the country, Brickfields functions as a Little India of sorts, and is the main area to go for all things Indian. Dine on authentic Indian foods and desserts to your heart’s content (recommend) and don’t be shy to go into the many stores for a curious look at the many cheap goods. Head over to Legend’s Claypot Briyani House, where the traditional Indian rice is cooked using an oriental method, via the clay pot for a true Malaysian multicultural feel; or Moorthy’s Corner for great banana leaf rice. Recommended by Sarah Ann Lee.

Away from the bustle of the city centre, Desa Park City boasts beautifully landscaped streets, pedestrian-friendly walkways, a manicured park by the lake, and a pet-friendly outdoor commercial area – The Waterfront. Spend a laid-back weekend here. Browse through the knick-knacks at the monthly marketplace, take a quiet stroll along the lake, and enjoy a delicious meal at the many restaurants.

This neighborhood is the proud cultural hub of the city. Pasar Seni is where a traditional Malaysia can be seen, with many old-time shops selling local produce from the many different cultures residing in Malaysia. Head to Petaling Street for some of the most exciting open market experiences full of Chinese street treats and other affordable specialty shops containing hidden treasures. Pasar Seni is also the junction for food roads, branching out from the historical alleys of Jalan Pudu to the very popular Jalan Alor. Recommended by Sarah Ann Lee.

Old buildings are often cited as trendy hotspots, and Kampung Attap houses some of the oldest and most historical buildings in the city. This area was given a new lease in life thanks to the rejuvenation of Zhongshan Building, which has become an arts and research hub. Spend an afternoon down the arts-and-culture rabbit hole in this building with its maze-like layout. It houses tenants of various functions from a graphics studio, a gallery, and a print studio to a library, a bookshop, and even a legal office. To get to certain places, you’re forced to walk through several other less obvious spaces. For example, to get to Tommy Le Baker (a delicious bakery), you’d have to walk through Naiise, a store selling curated everyday products.

KLCC is the business hub of the country, hosting many international offices and shops. The neighborhood of the Petronas Twin Towers, KLCC hosts some of the best state-of-the-art facilities that celebrate Malaysia through art galleries, science museums and a philharmonic hall. The number one tourist destination for pictures and hanging out, the KLCC Park and Convention Center are just some of the many areas to chill and take a scenic walk around. And if a little shopping needs to be done, the twin towers are surrounded by many international retail outlets catering to middle- to high-end budgets. Recommended by Sarah Ann Lee.

Traditionally known as the red-light district, Chow Kit is a vibrant mix of old and new. There are the dreary old shophouses, congested stalls, and busy traffic. The old – Chow Kit Market, wholesale sellers, traditional medicine and herbs shops, bundle clothing business, food stalls – are thriving alongside the new. The Row at Jalan Doraisamy, made of 22 1940s shophouses, is the anomaly in the area. It’s brimming with life as it now houses restaurants, retail shops, a co-working space, and an event area.

Kuala Lumpur is a city full of undiscovered treasures, cultural marvels, and life-changing experiences, not simply its hip neighborhoods. These trips take you beyond the hipster hotspots, whether you’re exploring its colorful street art, indulging in delectable local fare, or learning about its historic sites. Prepare to explore KL like a genuine adventurer and discover all that the city has to offer!