Kuala Lumpur has more food choices than any other city I've visited. There's Chinatown, the international chains and buffets of Bukit Bintang, and my personal favourite, the food street Jalan Alor, where the smell of notoriously stinky durian hung in the air as we tucked into fried squid.
If you're backpacking around Southeast Asia, chances are you'll pass through Kuala Lumpur on a layover. It's common to see scruffy backpackers catching sleep at the airport before their next flight.
But the city is far more than a transit point. For many travellers setting out to backpack Malaysia, it's the first stop. The capital is a melting pot of grand towers (twins, no less), tasty street food and rich culture — not a place to skip.
And when I say big city, I mean it; the place is HUGE. Because of its sheer size, working out where to stay in Kuala Lumpur can feel overwhelming. Each neighbourhood has something different to offer visitors.
The public transportation system is excellent, so you can explore several areas. Even so, choosing the right neighbourhood for you and your travel needs will make life a whole lot easier.
So let me walk you through the best areas to base yourself in Kuala Lumpur. I've also noted my top picks for places to stay and things to do in each, so you'll have a good sense of the land before you book.
Let's get into the good stuff.
Kuala Lumpur Neighbourhood Guide: The Best Places to Stay
The Malaysian capital is large and spread out. Fortunately, buses, light rail, monorails and the metro make moving from place to place simple. That should make ticking off your Kuala Lumpur itinerary a breeze.
Malaysia is generally a pretty safe place for travellers like us, but it's still important to choose which area of Kuala Lumpur to base yourself in. It's a big city with a mixed bag of areas, and not all will appeal to you. Here are the best areas:
First Time in Kuala Lumpur: KLCC
KLCC is a hive of activity, with modern landmarks, family-friendly activities, many restaurants, a wide choice of places to stay, and a lively nightlife.
On a Budget: Chinatown
Filled with backpacker accommodations and tourist-focused eateries, Chinatown is one of the cheapest neighbourhoods in Kuala Lumpur. If you're trying not to go overboard with your travel budget in Malaysia, I recommend staying here.
Nightlife: Bukit Bintang
A great place for those who love fancy malls and endless days of shopping, Bukit Bintang also has plenty of bars, street food, restaurants, and entertainment options to suit diverse tastes.
Coolest Place to Stay: Bangsar
Bangsar is one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Kuala Lumpur. Although it's located a fair distance from the heart of KL, it's easy to connect with major areas by public transport.
Kuala Lumpur's Four Best Neighbourhoods to Stay In
Now let's look at each of these areas in more detail. I've included my top picks for accommodation — from epic Kuala Lumpur Airbnbs to luxury hotels and cheap hostels. I've added my favourite activity picks in each area, so you know exactly what you're getting.
1. Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) – Where to Stay for Your First Visit
Kuala Lumpur City Centre is a hive of activity, with modern landmarks, family-friendly activities and world-class restaurants. It also offers a wide variety of places to stay and lively nightlife.
It's fairly unusual for a city's main touristy area to also be its business and commercial heart, but that's the case in KLCC. Base yourself here for your first trip to Kuala Lumpur or a fun family holiday. It's also pretty affordable, which is rare for somewhere with a flashy business vibe.
- Best For: Anyone who wants to be right up by some of the main attractions.
- The Vibe: It's quite "businessy", but super safe and doesn't get horrendously crowded.
- Proximity to Airport: It takes over an hour to get here, as the airport is away from the city. Use the KLIA Ekspres to reach KL Sentral, then take the KJL rapid transit system to KLCC.
- Transport Level: Easy. You're bang in the centre of everything here, with easy access to buses, the KJL, and Grab (Uber for Southeast Asia) works well here.
- Budget: Moderate-to-high. Kuala Lumpur has some of the best value luxury spots in the world, but it's still more expensive round here than in other parts of the city.
- Crowds: Moderate. There's a fair bit of foot traffic around the Petronas Towers, but it's still not too bad here.
The twins standing pretty.
Things to See and Do in Kuala Lumpur City Centre
- Grab your ticket to the gleaming Petronas Twin Towers. Be sure to also visit at nighttime to enjoy the views of the illuminated against the inky sky.
- Watch the evening fountain show in front of the Petronas Twin Towers.
- Browse in Suria KLCC shopping centre, the high-class mall that connects the two towers.
- Stroll through the large and leafy KLCC park, complete with pools, fountains, statues, and lots of places to sit and relax.
- Learn more about chemistry, biology, and general science at the interesting and informative Petrosains Discovery Centre.
- See a wide collection of works in the Petronas Art Gallery.
- Get more great city views from the top of the Kuala Lumpur Tower or with a drink in the swanky Sky Bar at Traders Hotel.
- Party hard in the clubs along Jalan P Ramlee.
- Saunter along the canopy walk at KL Forest Eco Park.
de King Boutique Hotel KLCC | Best Hotel
Now we're in the swankiest part of the city here, surrounded by giant skyscrapers and locals in suits, so you're gonna think a hotel here is gonna put a dent in your net worth. And you'd generally be right, but there's one exception.
de King Boutique Hotel is the only budget-friendly hotel in the area, with shiny clean rooms, and a solid buffet breakfast to energise you ahead of a day exploring. You won't find a better price-to-quality ratio in this part of the capital.
The Bed – Capsule Hotel | Best Hostel
This hostel offers top-quality furnishings for a very reasonable price. It's modern throughout, and offers a FREE breakfast each morning to save you even more money! <3
There's a large communal kitchen, as well as peaceful common areas. It's not the most sociable hostel in town, but its proximity to public transport makes it an ideal base for exploring Kuala Lumpur.
Premium 2BR 1 Min to KLCC High Floor | Best Airbnb
This is just about the cheapest credible option in KLCC. It's clean, it's cosy, and it's less than 10 minutes from the Petronas Towers, so you can get a feel for the high life, without splashing the cash round here.
With a ton of restaurants and shops nearby, plus a 7/11 across the road, this apartment could not be better located, and offers all that a budget backpacker needs to sleep in style.
2. Chinatown – Best Place to Stay on a Budget
Filled with backpacker accommodations and tourist-focused eateries, Chinatown is one of the cheapest neighbourhoods in Kuala Lumpur. If you're trying to not go overboard with your holiday spending, then I recommend staying here. The area hosts a number of historic and cultural attractions and is also home to a large street market and other places to shop for bargain goods.
It could also be a good base for first-time visitors to the city if you prefer to be immersed in a cultural enclave rather than surrounded by the modern marvels and hustle and bustle of KLCC.
- Best For: Budget backpackers! It's a perfect spot to save a few pennies. Plus you have cheap (and delicious) Chinese food on your doorstep.
- The Vibe: It's a classic Chinatown experience. A little busy at times, lots of markets and restaurants, and can be interesting for a couple of hours.
- Proximity to Airport: It's 52 minutes away by the KLIA Ekspres to KL Sentral, followed by the KJL to Pasar Seni, then a 10-minute walk. This is quicker than Grab which takes an hour.
- Transport Level: Easy. As with much of Kuala Lumpur, you have buses, the KJL and Grab all easily accessible from here.
- Budget: Low. This is one of the city's cheapest areas.
- Crowds: Moderate. It can get busy around the food stalls throughout the day, and early in the evening, but otherwise isn't too bad.
Things to See and Do in Chinatown
- Admire the gopuram over the entrance of Sri Mahamariamman Temple and step inside to see beautiful statues and religious artwork. Remember to dress modestly and take your shoes off.
- Hunt for bargains along the bustling Petaling Street, a pedestrianised street market. Do be aware, however, that most goods are imitations.
- Peruse ornate handicrafts in Central Market.
- Step into the Annexe Gallery alongside Central Market to see a variety of modern art.
- Enjoy even more shopping along Kasturi Walk, a covered open-air market next to Central Market.
- Tour ornate Chinese temples. Favourites include the Kuan Yin Temple, the large and elaborate Chan See Shu Yuen Temple, the revered Sin Sze Si Ya Temple, and the Taoist Kuan Ti Temple, dedicated to the God of Literature and War.
- Visit the sublime Jamek Sultan Abdul Samed Mosque.
- Take a picture of the towering Dayabumi Complex, which features traditional Islamic designs.
- Feast your way around town on a street food tour with 15+ tastings.
- Visit the 3D Illusion Art Museum.
Bright Star Inn | Best Budget Hotel
This is the ultimate no-frills hotel in Kuala Lumpur. You get a bed, and little else, although the owner was kind enough to give us free drinking water.
But for the price, this is unbeatable. Superb minimalist vibes, for just a few bucks per night. You come to us for budget backpacking advice, and it doesn't get more budget than this! Well, for a private room.
Chinatown Hostel by Mingle | Best Hostel
If you're after a hostel in Chinatown, look no further. This hostel is in the perfect central location for delicious street food vendors and exploring loads of tourist attractions in KL.
The hostel is run by a really nice human being called Kris who makes you feel welcome as soon as you arrive. The hostel has lots of space for socialising to get ready to meet some travel buddies.
China Town Apartment | Best Airbnb
If you have a few buddies, this spot cannot be beaten for price. Sure, it's a little steep for a solo traveller, but with room for up to 6 guests, it can cost just $10 per person if you bring a full house.
We found it a little hard to find, but the host was pretty responsive and helped us locate it soon after contacting him. And you know what? I'd say this is a rare example of a property looking better in real life than what the pictures suggest.
3. Bukit Bintang – Best Area to Stay for Nightlife
Bukit Bintang is a great place for those who love fancy shopping malls and endless days of shopping. It also has plenty of bars, local Malaysian cuisine, street food, restaurants, and entertainment options to suit diverse tastes.
With such a youthful atmosphere, Bukit Bintang is easily the top Kuala Lumpur neighbourhood for those looking to party hard.
- Best For: Access to amenities including shops and restaurants.
- The Vibe: I love it here. I've never seen so much choice in terms of cuisine in one place. Bukit Bintang has everything. It gets a little busy, but you can find cool street entertainment along the way.
- Proximity to Airport: It's an hour away. You'll need to take the KLIA Ekspres to KL Sentral, then hop on the MRL or KGL for 10-15 minutes.
- Transport Level: Very good. It's well-connected with the rest of the city, and Grab offers further choices to get around. I'd say Bukit Bintang itself is very walkable.
- Budget: Moderate-to-low. It's pretty cheap round here, which is surprising given the upmarket feel of the place.
- Crowds: Can be high at times. People love coming down here for all the restaurants, shops, street entertainment, and other activities. This is Kuala Lumpur's main activities hub.
The coolest hustle and bustle in town.
Things to See and Do in Bukit Bintang
- Indulge in some retail therapy at one of the shopping malls in Bukit Bintang.
- Put your dancing shoes on and head to Changkat Bukit Bintang for a night of drinking, dancing, and fun.
- Upgrade your electronics at Plaza Low Yat, the biggest IT mall in Malaysia.
- Snap some pictures of the quaint St. Anthony's Church.
- Pamper yourself in one of the area's spas.
- Head north on a tour of the Batu Caves, Batik Factory, and Hindu temple and enjoy the countryside.
- Visit Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve to escape the concrete jungle and enjoy some time in nature.
Asia Like Boutique Hotel | Best Hotel
Not only do you get a budget hotel to stay in, but it's BANG in the heart of Kuala Lumpur's most action-packed district, so you have a ton of restaurants and activities on your doorstep. It's a pretty standard 3-star hotel with basic amenities and a 24-hour front desk.
It's pretty clean here, which isn't always the case when you maximise the penny-pinching, and there was even a desk in the room, which allowed me to come back from the shops and bring you top-notch travel intel courtesy of our website, so you're prepared for more cheap and fun trips on the road!
Sunshine Bedz KL | Best Hostel
This newly renovated hostel is ideally situated right by public transport connections. A basic but delicious breakfast is provided each morning and the hostel offers free Wi-Fi, luggage storage AND…. my favourite part, they have a book exchange!
There's a common room where you can trade travel tips and forge new friendships with fellow travellers.
2 Bedroom Apartment @ One Bukit Ceylon | Best Airbnb
This spacious two-bedroom apartment sleeps up to six guests and features a kitchen, living space, and dining area. Furnishings are bright and modern, and visitors can enjoy city views from the rooms and balcony.
On-site facilities include a fitness centre, infinity pool, and on-site bar and restaurant. The flat is in a central location within walking distance from the Bintang Walk and provides easy access to the rest of the busy city.
4. Bangsar – The Coolest Place to Stay in Kuala Lumpur
Bangsar is one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Malaysia's capital. Although it's located a fair distance from the heart of KL it's easy to connect with major areas by public transport.
Sitting in the Klang Valley, KL Sentral is a hop, skip, and a jump away. It's also located close to Brickfields/Little India and is within easy reach of the popular KL Bird Park and Butterfly Park KL.
The area is constantly reinventing itself, going through stages of being one of Kuala Lumpur's nightlife hubs, a café-lover's paradise, and an arts haven. It's definitely an interesting place!
- Best For: Anyone looking for a less tourist-dominated spot, with decent nightlife.
- The Vibe: It's pretty chill during the day, with a bit of a hipster feel to it. It comes alive at night, without being completely wild.
- Proximity to Airport: It takes just under an hour to take the KLIA Expres to KL Sentral, and walk from there.
- Transport Level: It's pretty well-connected with several buses and other options giving it easy access to both the airport and the city centre.
- Budget: A little pricy, mostly due to a lack of cheap accommodation. Outside however, it's cheaper than the centre.
- Crowds: Quiet by day, a little more lively at night, but it's still calmer than the areas around KLCC and Bukit Bintang.
One of the most unique neighbourhoods in Kuala Lumpur.
Things to See and Do in Bangsar
- Go shopping at Mid Valley Megamall, An Viet the Gardens Mall, and Bangsar Village.
- Marvel at the striking temple of Tokong Thean Hou.
- Visit the nearby Perdana Botanical Garden, which is home to many beautiful flowers and scenic spots where you can relax in nature.
- Learn more about the nation's heritage, history, culture, and people at the National Museum of Malaysia.
- Spend an evening or two hopping from one cool bar to another.
- See the colorful Sri Kandaswamy Kovil Hindu Temple.
- Appreciate art at the Islamic Arts Museum.
Komune Living | Best Hotel
You can really feel like you're living the high life here, as you have access to a gym, swimming pool and games room here. How cool is that!
Once you're done pulverising your pals at pool, you can head up to your room, cool down under the air conditioning, and look forward to a delicious buffet breakfast the next morning. Unreal value for money.
KL City Center Near LRT Monorail KTM | Best Airbnb
This is a house-sharing arrangement, but you do at least get your own private room. The coolest part is that you get access to a badminton court, gym and running track here, so you can save money AND keep fit. Now that's what we call a win-win. On top of that, the Wi-Fi is good here, and it's just around the corner from several key transport links. A real gem!
FAQs About Finding a Place to Stay in Kuala Lumpur
Here's what people usually ask us about the areas of Kuala Lumpur and where to stay.
What is the Best Area to Stay in Kuala Lumpur?
The best area to stay is Bangsar. It is a residential area with lots of street markets, bars, restaurants and boutiques. If you want to experience outside of the busy tourist spots, Bangsar is a goodie.
Where is the Best Area to Stay for Nightlife in Kuala Lumpur?
Bukit Bintang is the best area for enjoying the buzzing nightlife of Kuala Lumpur. Enjoy shopping and tourist attractions during the day, and dancing till you drop at night.
Are Two Days in Kuala Lumpur Enough?
I recommend allowing at least 3 days to explore Kuala Lumpur. However, to truly delve deep into this EPIC city, I'd say around 5 days.
What is the Best Area in Kuala Lumpur for Families?
For those travelling with family, the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) Neighbourhood is the best area to base yourself. It is filled with attractions, malls, and activities to keep the whole family happy. Impiana KLCC Hotel is the best accommodation for families in KLCC Neighbourhood.
Where is the Best Place to Stay for Budget Backpackers?
The Bed-Capsule Hotel is easily the best hostel in the city (in my humble opinion). Well-connected with the monorail and the buses, the hostel is in the perfect location to explore the city from. With a free breakfast and great communal spaces, it's a backpacker's dream <3
What is the Best Hotel to Stay at?
Komune Living is the best hotel in Kuala Lumpur. It's a slice of luxury in the busy city centre; the perfect oasis to come home to after a day of exploring. Located in Bangsar, you'll be based in one of the coolest spots in the city.
Is the City Actually Called Muddy Estuary?
In Malay (the official language in Malaysia), Kuala Lumpur actually translates to "muddy estuary". It got its name because the big ol' city is sitting on top of the Sungai Gombak and Sungai Klang rivers. When the city experiences heavy rain, these rivers often flood the city.
Which Part of Kuala Lumpur Should You Choose?
Kuala Lumpur could be a chaotic city that makes you want to pull your hair out, or you could LOVE it. Everyone I talk to has a different opinion on this crazy city; either they are madly in love or they swear to never return. Now, it's over to you to make up your mind…
I hope after reading this guide you feel more than equipped to book your stay in Kuala Lumpur. But if you're still feeling unsure, I'd recommend booking in some of my favourite places:
Bukit Bintang and KLCC are THE places to be for top amenities and convenience. I'd recommend them above all else, although Chinatown will shave a few pennies off your stay.
If you're travelling on a budget, then you can't go wrong with The Bed-Capsule Hotel. It provides all the amenities of a hostel but feels as luxurious as a hotel. Best of all, the hostel offers a FREE breakfast each morning. Who doesn't luuuurve a free breakie?
