Travelling on a budget is tough and Malaysia has a reputation for being one of the more expensive countries in South East Asia. So are there any cheap or free things you can do in Kuala Lumpur?
As a matter of fact, there are plenty, you just have to know where to look. If you plan your trip well you can actually get a lot for your money in Kuala Lumpur.
The only thing that is impossible to get for a reasonable price in this city is alcohol. Unfortunately, you will always end up paying at least RM 13 (~ €2.80) for a small beer and RM 35 (~ €7.60) for a cocktail if you’re lucky.
But why not save on your activities in KL and then splurge on alcohol for a nice night out. It is all about balance and it really isn’t hard to find cheap things to do in Kuala Lumpur.
This post is separated into three sections: Activities that are free, Activities where you could spend money but don’t have to and Activities that cost something but are very cheap
Of course, you have to add transport costs to all of these but everything on this list is reachable by LRT which will rarely cost you more than RM 2 to RM 4. (~ €0.40 to €0.90). Or just take the free GoKL bus which you will also conveniently find on this list.
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Why you can trust this article about cheap or free things to do in Kuala Lumpur
Hi, I’m Victoria and I’m here to help you plan your trip to Kuala Lumpur and the rest of Malaysia.
I spent a year living and working in KL, and now that Bali in Indonesia is my permanent home base, I get to come to this beautiful city several times per year since it’s so close.
Because I was living in Kuala Lumpur permanently, I have a lot more insight into the city than a normal tourist would and I can help you plan your trip there with accurate and up-to-date travel advice.
Whether you’re looking for the best affordable places to eat, the best shopping malls, or guides to attractions like the Batu Caves, Thean Hou Temple or the KL Tower, I’ve got you covered.
I was on a tight budget during my time in KL, and even now I’m always looking for free or cheap things to do on many of my trips. Once you start budget travelling it can be hard to stop, so you can count on me to help you save money during your time in Kuala Lumpur.
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Free things to do in Kuala Lumpur
If you’re sticking to a strict budget during your time in Kuala Lumpur, you need to check out these free things to do in the city.
1. Go on a free walking tour
The best way to get to know a new city is with a walking tour, and KL has some great ones to choose from. We loved the
The guides share so many different anecdotes and stories that you wouldn’t have known otherwise, and I have a much better appreciation of KL having done the tour.
The walking tours are completely free, but make sure to tip your guide at the end. Signing up is a must, so make sure to
2. Visit the National Art Gallery
Kuala Lumpur is a great place to visit for affordable museums, and the National Art Gallery is the perfect place to go for free on a rainy day in the city. Located just a quick drive from KLCC and not too far from Chow Kit, the National Gallery is easy to get to by Grab or via the Hospital Kuala Lumpur train station. It sits right next to the impressive Istana Budaya building, a performing arts centre with beautiful architecture.
While there are always changing exhibits, the gallery usually highlights a great mixture of local and international artists, including paintings, sculptures and more abstract modern art.
I’ve been here several times over the years, and there’s always something different on, which makes this a fun place to visit over and over again. It’s not a huge museum, but you can easily spend a few hours here.
While you’re in the area, consider visiting Taman Tasik Titiwangsa, a beautiful park located just around the corner.
Price: Free
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
When should you go: The museum is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and it can get a bit crowded on weekends in the afternoon, so maybe avoid that.
How to get there: Train to Hospital Kuala Lumpur Station
3. Enjoy the view at KLCC Park
Exploring KLCC Park is one of the best free things to do in Kuala Lumpur, especially on a sunny day.
KLCC Park is Kuala Lumpur’s green lung located right at the foot of the Petronas Towers. It is not extremely large (around 20 hectares) but big enough to do some exploring.
You can reach the park via the conveniently named KLCC LRT stop.
In the park, there is a very large playground including a shallow swimming pool for children, a water fountain, a 1,4 km running loop, plenty of seating and some drinking fountains.
Of course, you can see many exotic trees and flowers.
KLCC Park can get very crowded, especially on the weekends. If you want to have a quiet experience you should go there before 10:00 AM when only a few morning runners and people doing Tai Chi are there.
Why not have a picnic or relax on one of the lawn or go for a run along the track and enjoy the spectacular views of the twin towers?
Location: KLCC below the Petronas Towers
Price: Free
Duration: 30 minutes to walk through or however long you want to enjoy the park
When should you go: The park is open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM every day. You should go early in the morning for a more peaceful atmosphere.
How to get there: LRT to KLCC Station
4. Go sightseeing with the GoKL Bus
Taking the GoKL bus might not exactly be an activity, but you can make it one if you like.
This bus is on my list of cheap things to do in Kuala Lumpur because it is one of the most effective ways to save money in the city in my opinion. It used to operate completely free of charge, but as of early 2024, foreigners need to pay RM1 per ride, which is still very affordable.
There are now 15 separate lines that can take you pretty much anywhere within the inner city, and more additions are being made almost every year, expanding the network. Buses run up to every 5 minutes and are very easy and convenient to use. They can, however, get crowded during peak times on the weekends and during rush hours.
You can pay your RM1 via credit or debit card or with Touch n Go.
Have you ever wanted to do one of those hop-on-hop-off tours in a city but they were just too expensive? The hop-on-hop-off tour in Kuala Lumpur costs RM 60 (~ €12) while to GoKL bus is so much more affordable.
They even share a good amount of the same stops. No need to pay for an expensive tour, just jump on the bus and enjoy the scenery. Get out where you want and get right back in the next one once you are done.
It’s as easy as that.
Find more information about each bus line and exact routes here.
Location: Anywhere around KL
Price: RM 1
Duration: However long you want
When should you go: Buses generally run from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM, although each line is different
How to get there: Get on at any stop
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5. Spend time at the Ilham Tower Art Gallery
About a 12-minute walk from the Petronas Towers is another free gallery you can visit.
Ilham Art Gallery is located on the 3rd and 5th floor of Ilham Tower. It shows rotating exhibits of modern and contemporary art. You can check their website for details on the current exhibits.
The opening times are 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM Tuesdays to Saturdays and 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Sundays. The gallery is also closed on Mondays. Note that it sometimes closes temporarily for a few weeks when exhibits change.
There is a separate entrance on the left side of Ilham Tower leading up to the exhibitions. The space is not very large but worth a visit if you are looking for cheap things to do in Kuala Lumpur. There is also a small gift shop, which has a nice selection of items and art you can buy.
Location: On the 3rd and 5th floor of Ilham Tower close to KLCC Park
Price: Free
Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
When should you go: The gallery is open from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily except for Sundays when they close at 5:00 PM. They are closed on Mondays.
How to get there: Take the red LRT line to Ampang Park. From there it is only a 3-minute walk.
6. Relax at the Perdana Botanical Gardens
Kuala Lumpur’s Botanical Gardens are a 91–hectare large park located next to the National Museum, the National Mosque, the National Planetarium and the National Monument. You’ll find lots of significant landmarks and sightseeing opportunities in one place here. In my opinion, the botanical gardens are probably the best free or cheap activity in Kuala Lumpur out of all of them.
The gardens are quite large and a great way to get away from the busy city for a while and enjoy a little piece of nature in the heart of KL.
Within them, you can find the Orchid as well as the Hibiscus Gardens, a large artificial lake, a palm garden, a herb and spice garden and many more. Entrance to the gardens is free during the week and RM 1 (~ €0.20) on the weekends, although I have never been charged that.
Definitely bring bug spray when you visit!
The gardens can be a bit tricky to reach. I would take the LRT to KL Sentral or Pasar Seni and take a Grab from there, which will only cost around RM 5 (~ €1). Alternatively, you can also take the MRT to Muzium Negara from which the Gardens are only a 3-minute walk away.
Location: A 25-minute drive south-west of KLCC next to the National Museum
Price: Free during the week, RM 1 (~ €0.20) on weekends
Duration: Around 2 hours maybe more to explore the whole park
When should you go: The park is open from 5:30 AM to 8:00 PM every day. If you go before 10:00 AM you will have a more serene experience.
How to get there: Take the dark green MRT line (Sungai Buloh – Kajang) to Muzium Negara station or take the red LRT line (Kelana – Jaya) to KL Sentral and take a Grab for around RM 5 (~ €1).
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7. Visit Merdeka Square and Sultan Abdul Samad Building
Merdeka Square is very significant in Malaysia’s history as it became the symbol of the nation’s independence in 1957.
The square is located only a 10-minute walk from Pasar Seni LRT station and China Town. The square itself is not very impressive at first glance; what stands out more is the beautiful Sultan Abdul Samad Building.
Tourists should definitely visit the National Museum first to understand the square’s historical significance.
As there are many other attractions such as China Town, the River of Life Walk and the Textile Museum close by you should not miss out on going to Merdeka Square.
Location: Close to China Town and not too far from Perdana Botanical Gardens
Price: Free
Duration: Maybe 10 minutes to take some pictures of Sultan Abdul Samad Building
When should you go: It is less hot in the mornings although it is fine to go whenever it suits you best
How to get there: Go to Masjid Jamel LRT station and walk for around 8 minutes. Alternatively, go to Pasar Seni LRT station and walk for 10 minutes. I think this route is nicer as you pass some other attractions such as Central Market, River of Life and the Textile Museum.
8. Take photos at the River of Life and Masjid Jamek Lookout Point
Masjid Jamek is the oldest mosque in the city. It sits on the convergence point of the rivers Klang and Gombak which makes for a great picture spot and fun cheap activity in Kuala Lumpur for a sunny afternoon.
In an effort to beautify and clean-up the area, the Malaysian Government constructed the River of Life Walk. This regeneration project has been named as one of the World’s Top 10 Best Waterfronts.
Masjid Jamek and the River of Life Waterfront are located very close to Merdeka Square and China Town so they’re easy to visit in one day.
Location: Close to China Town and Merdeka Square
Price: Free
Duration: 30 minutes depending on how long you want to enjoy the waterfront
When should you go: Any time of day as long as it’s not raining
How to get there: Go to Masjid Jamel LRT station and walk for around 8 minutes. Alternatively, go to Pasar Seni LRT station and walk for 7 minutes.
9. See the National Monument
Kuala Lumpur’s National Monument or “Tugu Negara” is a great cheap landmark to visit on your trip to Kuala Lumpur.
It’s located just north of Perdana Botanical Gardens and is easily reachable either on foot or by Grab. Although the walk from the north gate of the Botanical Gardens is only around 5 minutes, be aware that it is almost all uphill.
If you’re visiting the monument during the midday heat it’s much more convenient to get a Grab car or taxi to drive you up.
The monument commemorates fallen soldiers from Malaysia’s fight for independence. It has great views and should be on your list of things to visit if you’re in the area anyway.
Location: Just north of Perdana Botanical Gardens
Price: Free
Duration: 30 minutes to walk around
When should you go: During a sunny day, preferably in the morning when it’s not so hot.
How to get there: Take a Grab or the T820 Bus.
10. Head to the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station
If you are interested in architecture then you shouldn’t miss out on visiting Kuala Lumpur Railway Station.
Most railway traffic used to go through here until 2001 when KL Sentral became the main hub of the city.
It was built in 1910 and is easily recognisable by its distinct mix of Western and Eastern architecture.
It is located close to Pasar Seni LRT station as well as the National Mosque so why not stop by and take some pictures of this impressive building.
Location: Close to Pasar Seni LRT Station and the National Mosque
Price: Free
Duration: 15 minutes if you’re coming to take some photos for Instagram
When should you go: Any time of day
How to get there: Go to Pasar Seni LRT station and walk for around 15 minutes. It’s better to take the KTM Komuter Train directly to the Railway Station.
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11. Stop by Sin Sze Si Ya, Guan Di and Sri Mahamariamman Temple
These three temples are located very close to each other in the heart of China Town. While Sin Sze Si Ya and Guan Di Temple are Taoist temples, Sri Mahamariamman Temple is a Hindu place of worship.
You can visit all three temples but make sure to be respectful and dress appropriately.
Kuala Lumpur is a melting pot of cultures which coexist peacefully. It’s a unique experience to see temples of different religious beliefs located only a few metres apart. Don’t miss out on Kuala Lumpur’s rich religious history.
Location: Close to Pasar Seni LRT Station in China Town (see map)
Price: Free
Duration: About 10 to 20 minutes at each temple
When should you go: Visiting hours change frequently. Check online and avoid religious holidays.
How to get there: Go to Pasar Seni LRT station
12. Enjoy the view at Thean Hou Temple
Thean Hou Temple is by far my favourite temple and maybe even my favourite cheap thing to do in Kuala Lumpur.
This beautiful Buddhist Temple sits on the top of a hill and has stunning views overlooking the city. Its colourful architecture is the perfect subject for beautiful photos and of course, it’s free to enter.
As always it is important to be respectful when visiting a religious sight. The temple welcomes tourists but remember to dress modestly and respect any worshippers.
Unfortunately, the temple is difficult to reach by public transport. I would recommend taking a Grab or taxi from KL Sentral Station. Walking takes about half an hour but it is almost exclusively uphill and isn’t recommended.
Read our complete guide on how to visit this temple and don’t forget to check out our Instagram captions about Malaysia to go along with your beautiful photos.
Location: South of Brickfields
Price: Free
Duration: Around one hour to explore the temple grounds and take pictures.
When should you go: Visiting hours are from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Definitely go when it’s sunny to really appreciate the temple’s beauty.
How to get there: Take a Grab or walk from the nearest bus station.
13. Enjoy the Petronas Art Gallery
Note: The Petronas Art Gallery is currently closed. We are hoping it will reopen soon and will keep you up-to-date when it does.
The Petronas Art Gallery is conveniently located within Suria Shopping Centre below the Petronas Towers. You can reach it by taking the read LRT line to KLCC Station which is directly connected to the mall.
Entrance to the gallery is free, which is why it is a great cheap activity in Kuala Lumpur, however, it’s quite small. It exhibits a broad spectrum of contemporary and modern art from both local and international artists. Exhibits change regularly.
Depending on how thoroughly you study the exhibition pieces I would say you can spend about 30 to 45 minutes maximum here.
I would go to the Petronas Art Gallery if you are in Suria Shopping Centre anyway and want to make a quick stop.
The opening times are 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Note that the gallery is closed on Mondays
Location: In Suria Shopping Centre, below the Petronas Towers
Price: Free
Duration: About 30 to 45 minutes
When should you go: The gallery is open from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM except for Mondays where they are closed.
How to get there: Take the red LRT line to KLCC Station
Free things to do in Kuala Lumpur: spending money is optional
Some activities are technically free but to really enjoy them one might argue you will have to spend some money. However, if you don’t want to you don’t have to.
Most of them are related to shopping in one way or another.
14. Explore Chow Kit Market
Chow Kit Market is located in the north of Kuala Lumpur. It is KL’s largest wet market with a connecting market for clothing, shoes and accessories. It is reachable via the Monorail.
This market is loud and full of strange smells, sounds and people. You can buy all kinds of fresh fruits and vegetables but also meat and fish which is prominently on display everywhere (hence the smells).
Of course, going there is free but you might want to buy something to make your trip complete. Trying some of the many foods and drinks offered there is a must.
You can get mangos, dragon fruit, rambutan or just about anything you desire for very low prices here.
The non-food section of the market offers mostly second-hand clothes and shoes as well as electronics, tailors and accessories such as sunglasses and handbags. Do not miss it as it is located on the opposite side of the road.
Chow Kit is a must-do cheap activity when you visit Kuala Lumpur. It is completely different from the rest of the city and not very far from KLCC. You can even walk there if you don’t mind the heat. From the Petronas Towers, it takes about 30 minutes.
Location: Chow Kit, 30 minutes by foot north-west of KLCC
Price: Free, depending on what you buy
Duration: 1 hour, maybe more if you sit down for some food
When should you go: The market officially opens at 7:00 AM and closes at 7:00 PM although most of the fresh produce vendors will start to leave at around 4:00 PM. Definitely go before or around lunchtime.
How to get there: Monorail to Chow Kit Station
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15. Shop at Petaling Street
Petaling Street is one of Kuala Lumpur’s most popular tourist destinations. It is located in China Town and easily reachable via the LRT Stop Pasar Seni.
China Town is a great area to stay in Kuala Lumpur. You will find authentic street food and late-night bars here and a taste of Chinese culture in the middle of KL. Petaling Street is a busy market street with vendors offering fakes of just about anything you can imagine. Clothing, shoes, watches, bags, makeup, electronics; you will find it all here.
The market is cramped and the corridors between stalls are narrow. Vendors try to get the attention of the tourists in any way possible.
The market is mostly sheltered from rain under a large roof but it has grown into adjourning side streets and merged with street food stalls and restaurants.
Wandering through the maze that is Petaling Street can be overwhelming. Watch out for pickpockets and keep your belongings close to you.
Visiting Petaling Street is free but you will have to at least try some of the street food and snacks. This is a great place to have a go at trying durian if you’re not too put off by the lingering smell that seems to coat the entire area.
A popular dessert is the Chinese soy pudding served with brown sugar syrup. Many vendors in and around Petaling sell it for around RM 5 (~ €1).
Definitely put Petaling Street onto your bucket list of cheap things to do in Kuala Lumpur if it isn’t already.
Location: In the heart of China Town
Price: Free, depending on whether you buy snacks
Duration: Around one hour, maybe more if you sit down to eat
When should you go: Around 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM is when most of the stalls will be open, although some start closing at 5:00 PM.
How to get there: Take the red LRT line to Pasar Seni.
16. Visit Kasturi Walk
Kasturi Walk and Petaling Street can almost be considered as one activity since they are so close together. This market street is located just a few minutes walk from Petaling Street in China Town, right at Pasar Seni LRT Station. It can be easily spotted by its large and beautifully decorated sign.
If you are visiting Petaling Street you should definitely combine it with Kasturi Walk.
Kasturi Walk is also directly connected to Central Market, a popular and very large indoor market in the building next door. See the next section for details.
Like Petaling Street, Kasturi Walk is a roofed market street although it is a lot smaller and more relaxed. There is more space and the vendors aren’t as pushy. They sell mostly food items, snacks and fewer fakes. The vendors also shut down a bit earlier than Petaling Street which stays open until late.
Walking through the market only takes around 15 minutes, maybe even less since it is so small. Don’t forget about the small side street at the end of the market where local artists show off their portraits of famous people and public figures. You can have your own professionally painted if you’d like.
Kasturi Walk should not be neglected in favour of the larger and flashier Petaling Street. Combine your visits to both these market streets so you don’t miss out.
Location: China Town next to Pasar Seni LRT station
Price: Free, depending on if you buy food
Duration: Around 15 minutes, maybe less
When should you go: Sometime between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM. If you go later some of the stalls will be closed already.
How to get there: Take the red LRT line to Pasar Seni station.
17. Buy souvenirs at Central Market
Central Market is directly connected to Kasturi Walk although you will find they are very different.
While Kasturi Walk is smaller and focuses on snacks and some clothing stalls, Central Market is much larger and sells all types of art and souvenirs.
The building is very old and easily recognisable. It used to be home to a wet market but was turned into a tourist favourite in the 1980s. Today you will find a large selection of batik clothes and fabrics for sale as well as handcrafted items and souvenirs.
There is also a small section focusing on portrait art in a street behind the market that is connected to Kasturi Walk.
On the first and top floor, there are two very affordable food courts which are great for a quick lunch and one of my favourite places to grab an affordable meal in KL.
If you’re looking for souvenirs and gifts to take home Central Market is the place to go.
Location: China Town next to Pasar Seni LRT station
Price: Free
Duration: Around 45 minutes
When should you go: Official opening times are 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM but it tends to close in the late afternoon at around 5:00 PM.
How to get there: Take the red LRT line to Pasar Seni station.
18. Climb the rainbow steps at the Batu Caves
Surprisingly enough Kuala Lumpur’s main and most popular attraction is actually free to visit.
Many tourists visit Kuala Lumpur just to see the Batu Caves, a group of spectacular caves with a large golden statue and rainbow steps leading up to the entrance. Inside the caves are multiple temples which act as a pilgrimage destination for many people of the Hindu faith.
The caves are located north of Kuala Lumpur and can be easily reached with the KTM Komuter train, which takes about 35 minutes from KL Sentral.
Although visiting the main cave is free there are some smaller caves like the Cave Villa have a small entrance fee, but you won’t miss much if you don’t visit them.
This should be on the top of your to–do list in Kuala Lumpur and the Batu Caves are a clear favourite of the cheap things to do in the city.
To find out more on how to visit the Batu Caves, what to bring and when to go make sure to read our ultimate guide.
Location: About 30 minutes by train north of Kuala Lumpur
Price: Free, RM 5 to RM 20 (~ €1 to €4) if you visit the other caves as well
Duration: 2 to 4 hours
When should you go: Early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds.
How to get there: Komuter Train to Batu Caves station or Grab.
19. Go shopping at Kuala Lumpur’s best shopping malls
Going to a shopping mall may not necessarily be your first thought when you think of cheap things to do in Kuala Lumpur, but it can be worth a visit. Kuala Lumpur has a very large selection of malls all with unique features and attractions.
The food courts are usually very cheap and provide you with a quick and easy lunch on a budget. Plus you won’t have to limit yourself to just fast food. Most malls have authentic and high quality local and international food at low prices.
If you want to find out which malls in Kuala Lumpur you should visit and where to find the best and cheapest food courts check out our list of the 13 best shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur.
There is definitely one for you, you’ll be surprised!
Location: Most malls are located close to KLCC or Bukit Bintang
Price: Visiting is, of course, free, it’s up to you how much you spend on shopping
Duration: However long you want to
When should you go: Most shopping malls are open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. They get significantly more crowded on the weekends.
How to get there: Check out our 13 best shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur post for details on how to reach each mall.
20. Have the best street food at Jalan Alor
Jalan Alor is a famous late-night food street located in the popular nightlife area of Bukit Bintang.
It specialises in seafood, although there is a great selection of desserts and snacks that will fit everyone’s taste.
You’ll find street performers and a lively atmosphere as you either sit down at one of the many restaurants or simply wander along the street and enjoy the evening.
The street is completely deserted during the day but comes alive every evening at around 5:00 PM and stays open until past midnight. Definitely come here for a seafood dinner or a late-night snack.
Location: Bukit Bintang, next to the nightlife area Changkat
Price: Free to walk around but don’t miss out on the delicious street food
Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on if you sit down to eat
When should you go: In the evening between 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM is the most popular time to visit.
How to get there: Take the Monorail to Bukit Bintang Station.
21. Visit Brickfields and Sri Kandaswamy Kovil Temple
Kuala Lumpur’s Little India is a vibrant and colourful part of the city that you should definitely visit.
The area is very different from the rest of Kuala Lumpur, and great to get an authentic lunch or just to wander the streets and admire the little stores. This is an absolute hotspot for vegetarian food, which can otherwise be a bit tricky to find in KL.
A famous landmark in Brickfields is Sri Kandaswamy Kovil Temple. This beautiful Hindu Temple is a popular photo location, although they do not allow tourists inside.
Definitely make it a priority to spend an afternoon in Brickfields, you will not regret it!
Location: Brickfields close to KL Sentral Station and Perdana Botanical Gardens
Price: Free to walk around but don’t miss out on the delicious food
Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours depending on if you sit down to eat
When should you go: During the afternoon or lunchtime.
How to get there: Take one of the many trains to KL Sentral Station.
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22. Try incredible food at Taman Connaught Nightmarket
Taman Connaught Nightmarket is one of the city’s best-kept secrets amongst tourists. The market only takes place once a week on Wednesday nights and is another one of my favourite cheap things to do in Kuala Lumpur (I know I say this for every single attraction on this list, they’re all just too good).
You will mostly find food and snacks at Taman Connaught Market although there are, of course, some fakes as well as the usual electronics and household items.
Taman Connaught is supposedly Kuala Lumpur’s longest market with over 2km of stalls.
I like this market because it is not as crowded with tourists as Petaling Street or other tourist hotspots. It’s located in a quiet residential neighbourhood and has a lot of foods you will not find anywhere else.
Make sure to plan how you’ll get home since there is next to no public transport and the market can be tricky to reach.
Location: In Taman Connaught, a neighbourhood outside of central Kuala Lumpur
Price: Free to walk around but don’t miss out on the delicious food
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
When should you go: The market officially goes from 5:00 PM until midnight but usually doesn’t start to get busy until 7:00 PM.
How to get there: Take Grab or take the green MRT line to Taman Connaught and then the T410 bus to Taman Connaught (Barat). The whole journey takes about 50 minutes from Pasar Seni LRT Station.
23. Get free drinks at ladies’ night
Many of the popular bars in Kuala Lumpur have a ladies night of some kind.
Most of the time this includes free-flow drinks after or before a certain time for girls. Most bars offer ladies’ nights on either Wednesdays or Thursdays.
Unfortunately, most of the time ladies’ nights also means an increased number of very persistent and pushy male patrons, which can make the experience uncomfortable and even dangerous if you are travelling alone.
Make sure to never leave your drinks unattended and do not leave the bar with anyone you do not know. Only go to these events with a friend or a group of girls. I wouldn’t recommend going by yourself. Drinks at ladies’ nights also usually have low-quality alcohol so adjust your expectations.
This all doesn’t sound very appealing but all warnings aside you should definitely make use of ladies’ night when you’re in KL. You’ll have a lot of fun and be able to enjoy bars you wouldn’t be able to usually afford.
Since ladies’ nights events change all the time I don’t really want to recommend specific ones, just in case they’re not on while you’re in KL, but I’ve had a great time at Six by Saro, Red Room and Arte Bar. If you’re not on a tight budget why not check out KL’s famous speakeasies and secret bars?
Location: Most bars around Bukit Bintang and Changkat have ladies’ nights but there are also some in KLCC, Chinatown and Bangsar
Price: Drinks for ladies are free while men have to pay regular prices
Duration: Most bars have a time frame during which the drinks are free
When should you go: Wednesday and Thursday nights
How to get there: Take a Grab if you’re out late as trains stop running and you should not be out walking by yourself at night
Cheap things to do in Kuala Lumpur
The items on this list are not free but very cheap. Check them out if you are on a budget but still want to experience the city.
24. Try Dharma Realm Guan Yin Sagely Monastery and other cheap places to eat in Kuala Lumpur
Eating cheap can be easy in KL, but if you don’t pay attention you’ll end up spending a lot more money than you have to.
Dining in tourist restaurants, especially those around China Town and KLCC can cost almost as much as a meal in Europe would. To find the hidden spots where a meal will cost you only RM7 (≈ 1,50€) you have to be smart and know where to go.
My favourite place to eat in all of KL is Dharma Realm Guan Yin Sagely Monastery which is located a 7-minute walk from Petronas Towers and KLCC Park.
This Buddhist temple serves an all-vegetarian lunch buffet from Monday to Friday that is about as cheap as it gets in KL.
I have managed to get a full plate of food for RM 6 (~ €1.30). They always have a rotating selection of dishes and daily specials including custom-made soups and noodle dishes cooked fresh.
They also serve desserts, fresh fruits and different drinks. All dishes are prepared fresh and some even right in front of your eyes.
Just remember that the food is served in the back of a monastery and you should dress appropriately and be respectful when entering the temple premises.
Looking for more cheap places to eat in and around KL? You’ll love this complete list of affordable lunch spots in KLCC.
Location: Just a 7-minute walk from the Petronas Towers
Price: Depending on what you order, a meal will cost anywhere from RM 6 (~ €1.30) to RM 10 (~ €2)
Duration: Spend as much time as you like
When should you go: Lunch is available on weekdays from 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM although it is best to go before 1:00 PM when the buffet still has a good selection
How to get there: Take the red LRT line to Ampang Park (5-minute walk) or KLCC Station (7-minute walk)
25. Learn about history at the National Museum
Kuala Lumpur National Museum is located next to the Perdana Botanical Gardens and can be easily reached via the Muzium Negara MRT stop. Although it might look deceivingly close to KL Sentral on a map, I would not recommend trying to walk there. There are multiple large highways between the two and walking around them takes more than 30 minutes.
A Grab will get you there in less than 5 minutes and rarely costs more than RM 5 (~ €1).
A ticket to the Museum costs RM 5 (~ €1), which is a great price. It is not the largest museum I have visited but the size is decent enough to spend at least an hour here, maybe two if you take your time looking at each exhibit.
The museum focuses on the history of Malaysia by dividing it into four sections. Section A is a prehistoric exhibit, B explains the Malay kingdoms, C is about the colonial era and D is Malaysia today.
There is definitely a heavy focus on colonial times and how Malaysia gained independence.
All in all, I really enjoyed this museum as it shows you a different perspective of history and it has some really cool artefacts. For the price of RM 5 (~ €1), I think it’s well worth a visit especially if you’re trying to escape the perpetual rain in KL for a few hours.
The museum offers free guided tours in English, French, Japanese, Malay and Mandarin.
Location: Next to Perdana Botanical Gardens
Price: RM 5 (~ €1)
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
When should you go: The museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM except for some public holidays. It’s rarely crowded.
How to get there: Take the dark green MRT line (Sungai Buloh – Kajang) to Muzium Negara station or take a Grab from KL Sentral.
26. Go hiking at Kuala Lumpur Forest Eco Park (formerly Bukit Nanas)
Update: Unfortunately, the KL Forest Eco Park is no longer free to visit and now costs RM40 per person to enter, which is not really worth it in my opinion. If you’re on a budget, skip this one.
A great place to visit is Kuala Lumpur’s, Forest Eco Park. This is a tiny jungle located right in the heart of KL, only around a 20-minute walk from the famous Petronas Towers.
A trail of hanging bridges has been built throughout the forest which lets tourists experience nature from above. It sits at the foot of the KL Tower and is easy to get to from the city centre.
You can get there via the Bukit Nanas Monorail Station or Dang Wangi LRT station and the park has two entrances, one on top of the hill next to KL Tower and one at the bottom.
If you are taking the LRT or Monorail there I would recommend starting at the bottom entrance and working your way up. In my opinion, it is easier to climb the hill via the bridges and walkways rather than the road that leads up as well.
If you are taking a Grab or taxi it is easier to start at the top and walk down.
Entrance to the Forest Eco Park Kuala Lumpur is completely free. The opening hours are from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
It is rarely very crowded so it does not really matter when you go. Make sure to take insect repellent and watch out for the monkeys.
Location: Northwest of KLCC, about 20 minutes walking from Petronas Towers
Price: RM 40
Duration: About 45 Minutes
When should you go: The park is open to visitors from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM every day. It is rarely very crowded.
How to get there: Monorail to Bukit Nanas or LRT to Dang Wangi
Cheap or free things to do in Kuala Lumpur FAQ
Kuala Lumpur is actually a very affordable city and there are a lot of free or cheap activities available both indoor and outdoor. Only alcohol can be expensive.
The free GoKL buses are a great way to get around Kuala Lumpur on a budget.
Visit the Ilham Art Gallery, Perdana Botanical Gardens or the Batu Caves for free in KL
The Perdana Botanical Gardens, KLCC Park and Jalan Alor are some great free outdoor activities in KL.
Before you go…
You might also like our guide to the best neighbourhoods of Kuala Lumpur, our reviews of the KL Butterfly Park and the KL Bird Park and the KL Tower.
This one-day Langkawi itinerary is also highly recommended.
Did I miss anything?
If you have any questions or feel like something is missing from this post, please leave a comment below or contact me.
