Kuala Lumpur, once a small village, today is an industrially advanced city. It has high-tech, modern day wonders in harmonious unison with cultural aesthetics and values. It has skylines that you won’t get tired of staring at. It spreads its arms wide open to people of all cultures and backgrounds and is one of the most ethnically diverse cities. From tall skyscrapers like the Petronas Twin Towers to serene and green gardens like Orchid Park and Batu Cave, this city has a lot for you to explore in terms of tourist places. Read on for more.

The tallest twin towers in the world and a modern-day marvel, the Petronas Twin Towers are a major tourist attraction in Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia. These towers remained as the tallest towers in the world from 1998 to 2004. At its foot is the famous Suria KLCC which is a plush retail market, with several facilities like an art gallery, theatre, an underwater aquarium and a science center. There is also open space and dedicated tracks for jogging and running, along with play area. The sky bridge connecting the towers has been featured in many movies and TV shows. 

The popular Murugan statue has been seen in many movies (mostly south-Indian). It is another prominent tourist attraction here. This statue marks the entry point for the Batu Caves. Its name comes from a river called Sungai Batu. This is a limestone hill that houses many caves and temples. The Thaipusam is an Indian festival celebrated here on a grand scale. For rock climbing enthusiasts there are about 160 climbing routes here. The surrounding village has developed into an industrial area over the years. 

Thean Hou Temple is dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess Mazu. Built in 1987, it was officially opened to tourists and visitors in 1989. It is spread over 2 acres of land and is run by the famous Selangor Association. This temple is an amalgamation of Chinese, Taoism and Confucianism elements. Resting in harmony with the modern architectural techniques is the authentic design of this grand temple. One of the main festivals celebrated here is the Mooncake, during the eighth lunar month of Chinese New Year Celebrations. 

This royal 19th-century building was originally just the office for British colonial administration. In 1974, it was named after Sultan Abdul Samad who was the reigning Sultan during the construction of this place. It has a clock tower at the height of 41 meters and is topped with a shiny copper dome. It is also the prime location for the National Day parade and during the New Year's celebrations. This place holds historical importance as the Malayan flag was hoisted here for the first time after lowering the union flag. 

The KL Railway station now serves as the second railway station for the city as the KL Sentral took over its place. This place still holds great fame because of its beautiful facades and derives its inspiration from the Victorian era and Islamic aesthetics. Inside this grand structure, there are hotels for accommodation, restaurants and souvenir stalls. Walking through this expanse takes us back in time. There are many intercity trains that still halt here. 

This 19th-century temple was opened to visitors only in 1920. Ever since, it has been a popular place of worship and an attraction for people. Though many changes were made to this extravagant structure in 1968, it has not lost its charm. This temple remains the oldest Hindu temple in the city and has a rich heritage. There are 228 deities sculpted in this temple. This temple opens at 6 am and closes its door to the visitors at 8.30 pm. This temple is surrounded by other attractions such as Petaling Street, Central Market, Merdeka Square, Guan Di Chinese temple. 

The seventh tallest free-standing building in the world, Kuala Lumpur Tower is another important tourist attraction in Kuala Lumpur. Its construction was completed in 1995. This tower offers the highest panoramic view of the city. There is a revolving restaurant here that possibly offers the best food with a spectacular view. This is also used to observe the crescent moon to mark the beginning of the Muslim month of Ramadan. It is also used for broadcasting purposes. The elevator ride takes only 52 seconds to go from top to ground or vice versa. Its view at night is better than the day with all the lights glimmering throughout the city.

This  19^th century structure is the oldest Taoist temple in Kuala Lumpur. The temple is usually filled with devotees and tourists. It also acts as the cultural center for the Chinese communities in this city. Many students can be spotted here during exam times as Sin Sze Ya is considered to be the god of education in Chinese mythology. Fortune telling is another famous experience here for tourists. 

This orchid park is located at the highest ground of Lake Gardens. It is essentially built to display, conserve and study the wide variety of orchids available. Spread over one hectare, there are over 800 species and over 6000 orchids altogether. You can also buy pots of these orchids made available at reasonable prices. The Hibiscus park is adjacent to it. To say the least, this place is practically a floral heaven on earth. 

The Sunway Lagoon Theme Park, as the name suggests, is a perky amusement park in Kuala Lumpur’s Petaling Jaya. Best visited on bright sunny days, this park is home to five different zones including and Extreme Park, a Water Park, a Wildlife Park, Scream Park and Amusement Park. You and your family can enjoy surf beaches, river rides, water slides and many other adventurous activities like boarding a pirate ship!

Perdana Botanical Gardens, popular for their orchids, are a set of beautiful fountains, walking paths, rock gardens and landscaped parks — all surrounded by more than 800 types of orchids and other flowers. Another highlight here is their Hibiscus Garden that also blooms into a nice bright red delight. You can enjoy coffees and brunches at the cafe here or walk around the park and observe the flowers. Everything here is quaint and charming.

A district of colourful dragon banners and authentic Chinese shops, restaurants selling the most amazing Chinese food and streets alive with all the colours that the community is known for — China Town in Kuala Lumpur is beyond amazing. Most markets here remain open well into the night, making it a popular tourist haunt. While the street shops here are open for the hardest bargains you can drive! From second copies to Chinese spices and herbs, this is your go-to for all.

Another tourist shopping destination in Kuala Lumpur, Central Market occupies a position of pride in the heart of the city. It was a wet market back in the day but became home to art sellers, fashion boutiques, Malaysian handicrafts and souvenirs after the late-80s. The country has declared it a heritage site, which means it is counted in the likes of London’s Convent Garden or India’s Dhobi Ghat, even San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf. Central market especially comes alive during the festivals of Diwali, Chinese New Year and Hari Raya.

Hangry in Kuala Lumpur? Go straight to Jalan Alor.

Locals call it the mecca of food here. From street stalls to small shops, cafes to restaurants, cheap fast food to delicious sit-down meals — all’s fair game here. Some of the best cuisine is seafood, Chinese, Indian and South-east Asian. Food critics and bloggers around the world consider this street the busiest food street on earth. Once upon a time a red light area, Jalan Alor now houses some of the cheapest food you can find anywhere, along with bars and massage and tattoo parlours peppered every few meters.

A historic place where the Malayan flag was hoisted in 1957, Merdeka Square is also a recreational park now. The huge grassy field nearby is where most families come to spread a blanket and enjoy a picnic while kids play. You can visit Merdeka Square while you are touring other significant buildings nearby, like the Sultan Abdul Samad Building or the Old KL Train Station. Weekends are the best if you want to indulge in all the local hustle-bustle.

Genting Highlands make for a fun theme park outing in Kuala Lumpur. With its special zones themed uniquely, Genting Highlands are also home to a grand casino, a golf course and shopping mall. You can indulge in these places or go for rides with friends and family on a sunny day in Malaysia!

Theon Hou is considered one of the largest shrines on the continent. Its ancientness calls out to all history buffs, while the architecture attracts lovers of art. They also call it the Temple of Goddess of Heaven. You can view the Theon Hou statue along with the Goddess of Mercy and Goddess of Waterfront. It is a mesmerising site.

How can you be in Kuala Lumpur and miss the National Mosque of Malaysia?

The locals call it Masjid Negara and stress great significance on its existence. Built to commemorate their Malaysian independence in the year 1965, this masjid is one of the largest in all of south east Asia. A total of 15 thousand people can pray here all at once, with a 73 m tall minaret rising high above. Non-muslims are also allowed inside. Just make sure you are dressed respectfully, women with their heads covered and long pants or skirts.

Situated inside the Perdana Botanical Garden, the Islamic Arts Museum is one of the best places for art lovers to roam around. Home to 7000 artefacts that all have their own unique history and story, the museum highlights the rich cultural and art heritage of Islam. You can tour the 12 different galleries that include collections from different Islamic cultures — Indian, Chinese, Malay etc. There are also armours, textiles, ceramics and jewellery displayed on the 4th floor.