Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur: Best Areas in 2024

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s vibrant capital, offers a diverse range of neighbourhoods to suit every traveller’s preferences and travel styles. Whether you’re seeking luxury, culture, a bustling atmosphere, or a peaceful, central location, there’s a perfect area waiting for you. Putting in a little extra thought to where to stay in Kuala Lumpur can greatly enhance your experience in the capital city.

While booking my first night in Kuala Lumpur, I had no idea where to stay in Kuala Lumpur. I knew nothing of the regions listed on sites like Booking.com so as a backpacker looking to see most tourist sites of the city, my go-to way to pick a neighbourhood was by checking the distance and metro connectivity of these places to the Petronas Twin Towers in the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC).

However, this was not a foolproof plan, I would later learn after actually arriving in Kuala Lumpur. I had initially booked a hostel in Bukit Bintang but for some reason cancelled and upgraded to a slightly better hostel called Regalia Exclusive Hostel in Chow Kit. And later, I would be glad I made that choice.

I have nothing against Bukit Bintang. It’s actually one of the most popular areas to stay in Kuala Lumpur. It’s just…not my vibe. And what vibe is that, you ask? Well, you’ll learn that further in this guide on where to stay in Kuala Lumpur. So read on!

⛰️Visiting Kuala Lumpur? Here are a few quick links at a glance:
✈️Book Flights: Skyscanner for cheapest deals
🚤Book Transfers: 12goAsia
🛌Book Hotels: Booking for best deals
🤳Best Malaysian Borneo Tours: Viator and Get Your Guide
🩺Global Travel Insurance: SafetyWing
🧴Sunscreen: Thank You Farmer (Reef Safe), Foxtale (SPF 70)

Chow Kit

Chow Kit is a district in Kuala Lumpur that once was a thriving tin-mining town, and is now an area steeped in history, culture, and local flavour. Located just north of the city centre, Chow Kit offers a more authentic slice of Kuala Lumpur life compared to the glitzy neighbourhoods of Bukit Bintang or KLCC and offers Kuala Lumpur cheap accommodation.

Chow Kit has bustling markets, diverse communities, residential spaces and smaller, less glamorous malls than that of the city centre. In fact, you could call it a more off-the-beaten-path experience in the Malaysian capital.

Chow Kit is where I stayed and loved it. There were several metro stations nearby to my hostel and the area was very walkable as well with designated footpaths, zebra crossings and pedestrian bridges. If you’re thinking of where to stay in Kuala Lumpur, I would say Chow Kit is an ideal choice for travellers who want to experience a more authentic and less commercialized side of Kuala Lumpur.

Where to Stay in Chow Kit, Kuala Lumpur:

Sunway Putra Hotel💲💲💲a modern, upscale hotel with contemporary decor and a rooftop pool with stunning city views, situated adjacent to the Sunway Putra Mall and near the Putra World Trade Centre. Putra and PWTC metro stations are a short walk away.

Tamu Hotel and Suites💲💲a contemporary accommodation located in the historic Kampung Baru area. The hotel offers panoramic views of the city skyline, including the iconic Petronas Twin Towers. Amenities include a rooftop infinity pool and fitness centre. Chow Kit and Medan Tuanku metro stations are less than a kilometre away.

Chambers Suites KL By Fortune💲💲stylish and modern apartment accommodations, featuring kitchenettes and spacious living areas, ideal for both short and extended stays. Amenities include a rooftop pool with city views, a fitness centre and 24-hour concierge services.

Penthouse on 34💲a luxurious hostel in the highest unit of Regalia Residences featuring various private room types as well as dormitory options. Amenities at this budget hotel Kuala Lumpur include a rooftop swimming pool overlooking the city, a fitness centre and a shared lounge and terrace. Putra and PWTC metro stations are a short walk away.

Regalia Exclusive Hostel💲an affordable backpacker hostel featuring mixed and female dormitory options. Amenities include a rooftop swimming pool overlooking the city, a fitness centre and a shared lounge and terrace. Putra and PWTC metro stations are a short walk away. It’s great for where to stay in Kuala Lumpur for first time.

Top Attractions in Chow Kit:

• Chow Kit Road Market, also known as Pasar Chow Kit, is the largest wet market in Kuala Lumpur. This sprawling market offers everything from fresh produce and tropical fruits like the famed durian to seafood, spices and other traditional Malay ingredients.

• Kampung Baru is an old, historical neighbourhood featuring traditional Malay houses on stilts and colonial-era buildings. It is also home to one of the oldest mosques in the city. The Saloma Bridge links Kampung Baru to KLCC.

• Menara Kuala Lumpur (KL Tower) is the seventh-tallest freestanding tower in the world at a height of 421 meters. Offers 360-degree views of the city, from its observation deck, including of the Petronis Twin Towers, KL Tower features a revolving restaurant and a sky deck.

• KL Forest Eco Park, also known as Taman Eko-Rimba (TERKL), is the best place in Kuala Lumpur for those looking for some nature. This lush urban park with walking trails, a canopy walk, and a bird-watching platform, makes for a great introduction to Malaysia’s famed rainforests, within the city limits.

Best Tours and Tickets in Chow Kit:

👉 Authentic Malaysian Street Food Tour in Kampung Baru with 10+ Tastings
👉 Glowing Fireflies and Blue Tears Tour at Kuala Selangor
👉 Chow Kit Market Food Tour with 15+ Tastings
👉 4 Hour KL Cycling Tour from Kampung Baru
👉 KL Tower E-Ticket with Entry Options

Bukit Bintang

Bukit Bintang is perhaps one of the most vibrant districts in Kuala Lumpur. Bukit Bintang is a dynamic blend of shopping, dining, and entertainment, which is way too vibrant for someone like me who enjoys peace and quiet. However, if you’re wondering where to stay in Kuala Lumpur and are someone who likes to be bang in the middle of the action, this might be the place for you! It is also a popular neighbourhood for backpacker hostels and luxury accommodations alike.

Bukit Bintang is also often known as the “Golden Triangle” of Kuala Lumpur. This is because it is an area that forms a triangle, roughly bordered by three main roads: Jalan Imbi, Jalan Sultan Ismail, and Jalan Raja Chulan. This area is the heartbeat of Kuala Lumpur’s urban life, very much like the CBD of any other city, and is known for its concentration of shopping malls, an eclectic mix of dining options, high-end hotels, office towers, and vibrant nightlife.

Hotels in Bukit Bintang Kuala Lumpur range from modern and luxurious to trendy and backpacker friendly. There is something here to meet different kinds of needs. Let’s have a look at the best hotels in Bukit Bintang:

Where to Stay in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur:

Meliá Kuala Lumpur💲💲💲a stylish 4-star hotel featuring three restaurants, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, an outdoor swimming pool, and a spa. Berjaya Times Square and Imbi Monorail station are just across the road, making it one of the best places to stay in Kuala Lumpur.

Bintang Collectionz Hotel💲💲💲a boutique hotel featuring chic and contemporary design with a rooftop pool offering stunning city views. Jalan Alor Food Street and Bukit Bintang Monorail Station are a short walk away.

Axon Serviced Suites💲💲 offers modern and comfortable fully furnished apartments, great for where to stay in Kuala Lumpur with family. This Bukit Bintang accommodation includes a spacious living area, a functional kitchen and access to a swimming pool, fitness centre, and on-site restaurant. It has easy access to Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and Lot 10 and Bukit Bintang Metro Station is a few minutes walk away.

Travelogue Guest House💲a cosy, budget friendly backpackers hostel Kuala Lumpur, featuring dormitories to family suites, catering to solo travellers, couples, and small groups. Amenities include a communal kitchen and a shared lounge area. Bukit Bintang metro station is a two minute walk away.

OA The Factory at Bukit Bintang💲a trendy, industrial-themed hostel featuring dormitories and private rooms. One of the best hostels in Malaysia, includes a minimart, bicycle rental and a bar. Imbi metro station is less than 500 meters away.

Top Attractions in Bukit Bintang:

• Jalan Alor is the famous night food market of Kuala Lumpur and the perfect place to indulge in a variety of local foods such as satay, char kway teow, and durian.

• Mall hopping at high-end luxury centres like Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and Suria KLCC to budget-friendly options like Sungei Wang Plaza and Berjaya Times Square.

• Changkat Bukit Bintang is dotted with some of Kuala Lumpur’s trendiest bars and nightclubs and is the perfect place to experience the city’s after-hours scene.

• Lot 10 Hutong is a food court that brings together some of the best local hawker stalls in a modern setting. It’s a great place to taste a variety of Malaysian street foods under one roof.

Best Tours and Tickets in Bukit Bintang:

👉 Jalan Alor and Lot 10 Hutong Night Food Tour
👉 Kuala Lumpur Nightlife Walking Tour
👉 Berjaya Times Square Theme Park Entry Ticket

KLCC

KLCC stand for “Kuala Lumpur City Centre” and this is the area where the Malaysian capital’s most iconic landmark: is the Petronas Twin Towers. These towers house offices and the Petronas Philharmonic Hall, and the Suria KLCC shopping mall is also next door. There is also the KLCC Park, a sprawling 50-acre urban park, that provides a green oasis amidst the bustling city, featuring jogging tracks, a children’s playground and wading, and a man-made lake with a daily water fountain show.

While very close to Bukit Bintang, the vibe (and rates) vary vastly here. If you are thinking of where to stay in Kuala Lumpur and zero in on KLCC for its convenience and central location and some of the best hotels in Kuala Lumpur, remember that most accommodation options here are luxury and the prices go up accordingly. You’ve been warned!

If you’re thinking of where to stay in Kuala Lumpur, let’s look at some of the best hotels in Kuala Lumpur City Centre:

Where to Stay in KLCC, Kuala Lumpur:

Imperial KLCC Residences By Perkasa Ikon💲💲💲💲a fully furnished two-bedroom service apartment featuring a buffet breakfast, a functional kitchen in the units, a sun terrace, a rooftop infinity pool overlooking Petronas Twin Towers, a restaurant in the premises and more. The apartments overlook the Twin Towers and KLCC Park and Conway metro stations are within walking distance.

Royce KLCC by Dormeo Destinations💲💲💲stylish, modern suites featuring a fireplace, a bathtub, a rooftop pool, an indoor pool and a fitness centre. Ampang Park and KLCC train stations are located within a kilometre.

Tropicana The Residences By Loop Suites💲💲 one-bedroom apartment units featuring a fully equipped kitchen, parking, rooftop pool and garden. Petronas Twin Towers, KLCC Park, KLCC Suria Mall and Saloma Link Bridge are within walking distance.

The Bed KLCC💲a minimalist capsule hotel with options from private rooms and pod beds. Breakfast is included and the Towers are within one kilometer distance, making it one of the best hostels in Kuala Lumpur.

Valencia Dorm Summer Suites💲perhaps one of the cheapest accommodations in KLCC, perfect for where to stay in Kuala Lumpur backpacker. Features a hot tub, outdoor swimming pool and a sun terrace. Dan Wangi and Medan Tuanku metro stations are a short walk away, while the Petronas Twin Towers area is 1.5 kilometres away.

Top Attractions in KLCC:

• Petronas Twin Towers stand at 452 meters tall housing offices. Visitors can explore the Skybridge connecting the two towers and the observation deck on the 86th floor, offering views of the city.
  
• KLCC Park is a 50-acre urban park, right underneath Petronas Twin Tower, featuring jogging paths, a wading pool, sheltered benches, beautiful tree cover and a man-made lake with a daily musical fountain show.
  
• Suria KLCC Mall is a six-story luxury shopping destination located at the base of the Petronas Twin Towers, offering a mix of high-end international brands, fine dining options, and cinema and entertainment facilities.

• Petronas Philharmonic Hall (Dewan Filharmonik Petronas) is a concert hall located between the Petronas Towers and is renowned for its excellent acoustics and beautiful architecture. It is home to the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra and hosts regular performances ranging from classical music to contemporary concerts.
  
• SkyBar at Traders Hotel offers stunning views of the Petronas Twin Towers and the city skyline. It’s a trendy spot with a great selection of cocktails, perfect for enjoying a relaxing evening while soaking in the views.

Best Tours and Tickets in KLCC:

👉Petronas Twin Towers E-Tickets with Observation Deck and Skybridge
👉Petronas Twin Towers Skybridge Dining Experience
👉KLCC Park Symphony Lake and River of Life Tour
👉Half-Day Photo Tour with Petronas Twin Towers
👉Night City Tour with Petronas Twin Tower

KL Sentral

KL Sentral is a bustling transportation hub located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. It is also Southeast Asia’s largest transit hub, with the city’s main railway station, commuter trains, monorail, light rail transit (LRT), express rail link (ERL) to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), and numerous bus services all coming together here.

So if you’re thinking of where to stay in Kuala Lumpur, KL Sentral makes for a strategic location with some of the best hotels in Kuala Lumpur, providing easy access to almost any part of Kuala Lumpur and its surroundings. Merdeka Square, River of Life, Chinatown, and Central Market are some of the most popular spots around KL Sentral for shopping, eating and sightseeing.

KL Sentral also offers easy access to various cultural and historical attractions. A short distance away lies Brickfields, also known as “Little India,” famous for traditional Indian restaurants, and shops selling textiles, spices, and handicrafts.

Where to Stay in KL Sentral, Kuala Lumpur:

Hilton Kuala Lumpur💲💲💲one of the best 5 star hotels in Kuala Lumpur, located 500 meters from KL Sentral, with 512 stylish rooms offering city or lake views. Facilities include an infinity pool, a spa, a fitness centre, and 10 diverse dining venues.

NU Hotel @ KL Sentral💲💲a contemporary hotel offering stylish and budget friendly accommodations 100 meters from KL Sentral. It has clean, modern rooms and a number of Indian and Malay restaurants nearby, making it one of the best budget hotels in Kuala Lumpur.

Space Hotel KL Sentral💲💲a contemporary, budget-friendly hotel offering a capsule-style futuristic and minimalist accommodation experience. The compact yet comfortable capsules are some of the best places to stay in Kuala Lumpur. Equipped with personal lights, USB charging ports, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi, this is located 100 meters from KL Sentral.

Mingle Chinatown Hostel💲a trendy, heritage-inspired Kuala Lumpur party hostel located in the heart of vibrant Chinatown. Housed in a restored pre-war building, the hostel offers a variety of accommodations, from dormitory-style beds to private rooms. Merdeka and Plaza Rakyat metro stations are both within 500 meters away. Best place for staying in Chinatown Kuala Lumpur.

Cozy Hotel Brickfields💲one of the best cheap hotels in Kuala Lumpur, located in the bustling Brickfields district, just 1 kilometre away from KL Sentral. The hotel offers simple yet well-maintained rooms. There are many nearby local eateries, markets, and cultural spots, including Little India.

Top Attractions in KL Sentral:

• Petaling Street, Chinatown is a vibrant marketplace known for its lively atmosphere and rich cultural heritage. The street is a haven for food lovers, with numerous stalls serving traditional Malaysian-Chinese dishes like chee cheong fun (rice noodle dish), lugaw (Chinese rice porridge) and youtiao (Chinese fried crullers).

• Merdeka Square is a historic landmark in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, symbolizing the country’s independence. It was here that the Malaysian flag was first raised on August 31, 1957, marking the end of British colonial rule. The square is surrounded by notable colonial-era buildings and a massive flagpole.

• Sultan Abdul Samad Building is an iconic landmark known for its stunning Moorish architecture with Indo-Saracenic elements. Completed in 1897, it was designed by British architects and originally served as the administrative office for the British colonial government. Its distinctive features include copper domes, a towering clock tower, and intricate arches. It is now home to Malaysia’s Ministry of Communications and Multimedia.

• Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad is one of Kuala Lumpur’s oldest and most historically significant mosques. Situated at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers, the mosque features exquisite Moorish architecture with elegant domes, minarets, and decorative arches.

• River of Life is an urban rejuvenation project aimed at revitalizing the city’s Klang and Gombak rivers and their surrounding areas. The project includes cleaning the rivers, improving water quality, and developing riverfront parks and walkways. It is also the starting point of three marked heritage trails tourists can walk in the area: Colonial Walk, China Town Walk and Cultural Walk.

• Central Market and Kasturi Walk, established in 1888, is a vibrant cultural and shopping hub housed in a restored art deco building. It features a diverse range of stalls and shops selling traditional crafts, local art, textiles, and souvenirs, reflecting Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage. Adjacent to Central Market is Kasturi Walk, an open-air pedestrian street offering a lively atmosphere with additional food stalls, artisanal products, and vibrant street performances.

• Merdeka 118 is a striking skyscraper standing at 644 meters, featuring a distinctive spire. The skyscraper houses office spaces, luxury residences, a hotel, and observation decks offering panoramic views of the city. Its name honours Malaysia’s independence, reflecting the nation’s aspirations and achievements.

• Kwai Chai Hong is a charming heritage enclave located in Chinatown. This revitalized alleyway is renowned for its picturesque streets, historical architecture, and vibrant murals that depict scenes from the old days of Kuala Lumpur. Originally a dilapidated area, it has been transformed into a cultural and artistic hotspot, featuring beautifully restored shophouses, murals done by local artists, quaint cafes, and boutique shops.

Best Tours and Tickets in KL Sentral:

👉Chinatown, Central Market and Little India Shopping Tour
👉4 Hour KL Sentral Tour with Chinatown, Merdeka Square, Central Market and Jalan Masjid
👉Nightlife Street Food Tour with 6 Tastings Including Chinatown
👉Kuala Lumpur By Night: Merdeka Square, Chinatown, River of Life and more
👉Best of Kuala Lumpur Cycling Tour with Merdeka Square, River of Life, Petronas Towers and more
👉Half Day Kuala Lumpur City Tour Including The River of Life
👉KLCC Lake of Symphony and The River Of Life Night Tour
👉Kuala Lumpur Instagram Tour with Kwai Chai Hong

Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur: FAQs

Which part of Kuala Lumpur is best to stay in?

Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur largely depends on your preferences. Bukit Bintang is great for vibrant nightlife, shopping, and dining, with excellent city connections. For luxury and iconic views, KLCC is ideal, offering upscale shopping near the Petronas Twin Towers. If you prefer a more local experience with street food and affordable accommodations, Chinatown and Kampung Baru are good choices.

Is it better to stay at Bukit Bintang or KLCC?

Where to stay in Bukit Bintang or KLCC depends on your priorities. Bukit Bintang offers a vibrant atmosphere with plenty of shopping, dining, and nightlife options, making it ideal if you want to be in the heart of the city’s energy and have easy access to entertainment, while still being able to do it under a budget. On the other hand, KLCC provides a more upscale experience with luxury accommodations and stunning views of the Petronas Twin Towers, along with high-end shopping at Suria KLCC.

What is the main area of Kuala Lumpur?

The main area of Kuala Lumpur is the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC). This central business district is home to iconic landmarks like the Petronas Twin Towers and offers high-end shopping, dining, and entertainment. It’s the city’s core, making it a hub for both business and tourism.

How many days should I spend in Kuala Lumpur?

While I spent 6 days in Kuala Lumpur, I thought it was far too long. If you’re wondering how long to stay in Kuala Lumpur, 3 days is a good duration for a visit to the city. This allows you to explore major attractions like the Petronas Twin Towers, Batu Caves, and Chinatown, while also enjoying the city’s vibrant neighbourhoods and markets.

What is the most expensive neighbourhood in KL?

The most expensive neighbourhood in Kuala Lumpur is KLCC (Kuala Lumpur City Centre). This area is known for its luxury residences, high-end shopping malls, and iconic landmarks like the Petronas Twin Towers. It attracts affluent residents and investors due to its prime location and upscale amenities.

How to get around in Kuala Lumpur?

Getting around Kuala Lumpur is quite convenient with several options. The city’s many train, metro and monorail lines are efficient choices for reaching major areas, including shopping and entertainment districts as well as key sightseeing points like Batu Caves, Petronas Twin Towers and more. For quick airport transfers, the KLIA Ekspres provides fast service. Buses also cover numerous routes, and ride-sharing services like Grab and Maxim are widely available, but traffic can be slow moving. Additionally, most of Kuala Lumpur is pedestrian-friendly, making walking a pleasant option for exploring.

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