How to Spend 2 Days in Kuala Lumpur

Wondering how to spend 2 days in Kuala Lumpur? I don’t blame you!

Kuala Lumpur is a bustling city with a lot to offer visitors. We spent over ten months living there and still feel like we barely scratched the surface.

From stunning architecture to delicious food, there’s something for everyone in Malaysia’s capital city. If you’re short on time, though, it can be tough to know how to make the most of your visit.

Here’s a quick guide on how to spend 2 days in Kuala Lumpur with your family. Or three days if you have some extra time!

Detailed Itinerary for 2 Days in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a great city for families. There are plenty of things to do and see, and the city is very accommodating to young children.

If you’re looking to spend a few days sightseeing during 2 days in Kuala Lumpur with your family, here are some tips on how to make the most of your time.

Morning on Day One:

Start your day off by visiting Petronas Towers. Standing 451.9 meters tall, the towers are one of the most iconic landmarks in Kuala Lumpur. They offer stunning views of the city from the sky bridge.

Pro Tip: Book tickets in advance because entry is limited. They are closed on Mondays.

A guided tour of the Skybridge and Observation Deck is approximately 45 minutes long, affording tourists a breathtaking view of the city below. Although it’s on the shorter side, the experience is nothing short of amazing.

After that, head over to KLCC Park for a picnic lunch. You can grab takeaway food from either of the two food courts at Suria Mall adjacent to the Twin Towers.

There’s one on the top floor (cheaper but cash only) as well as another on the third floor (pricier but takes credit cards).

KLCC park is beautifully landscaped and offers plenty of space for kids to run around and play. There’s even a massive playground and splash pad that is free for public use.

Take swimsuits or a change of clothes for the kids in your day bag, as there are restrooms in the park where you can easily change if they want to splash a bit.

Afternoon on Day One:

In the afternoon of your first of 2 days in Kuala Lumpur, visit a museum. There are several excellent choices nearby the KLCC area so you don’t have to waste precious time traveling around the city.

One option is the Islamic Arts Museum. The museum is full of fascinating artifacts from all over the Islamic world, and it’s sure to be a hit with both adults and kids alike.

Another museum to consider is the Petrosains Science Center on the top floor of Suria Mall.

This interactive science museum is geared toward kids, but adults will enjoy it as well. There are plenty of hands-on exhibits to keep everyone entertained for hours.

Pro Tip: If you have a membership to your local ASTC science center, you can get free entry to Petrosains by showing your membership card.

You can also spend the afternoon at Aquaria KLCC. This massive aquarium is located beneath the Convention Center and is home to over 150 different species of marine life.

It’s a great activity for a hot day, and it’s especially fun for kids. The aquarium has a 90-meter people-mover-style tunnel complete with sharks that’s sure to wow everyone! We loved it so much that Little Man asked to do it twice.

👉 Both Petrosains Science Center and Aquaria KLCC operate on a pre-booked ticketing system. If you don’t book your time in advance, you may not be able to enter that day.

Evening on Day One:

End your day with dinner at Jalan Alor, where you can try all sorts of delicious street food.

This is one of the best places two eat, especially if you only have 2 days in Kuala Lumpur, and it’s a great way to experience the city’s vibrant nightlife.

Kids will enjoy trying all of the different foods, and adults can wash it all down with a cold beer.

Jalan Alor street is located in the Bukit Bintang area, which is also home to plenty of bars and nightclubs. If you’re looking for a place to party, this is the spot to be.

Or just get there a bit before sunset to enjoy the cool street art murals that are painted on the sides of some buildings in the area.

If you still have energy after dinner, head back to KLCC Park to see the water fountain show at Suria Mall. KLCC Lake Symphony Light and Sound Water Fountain showtimes are 8pm, 9pm, and 10pm daily.

It’s less than five minutes long, but is really pretty and worth seeing.

Morning on Day Two:

On the morning of your 2 days in Kuala Lumpur itinerary, start off by visiting Batu Caves. The cave temples are an important Hindu site, and the limestone caves that are 400 million years old are definitely worth a visit.

It’s best to get here in the morning, shortly after sunrise because the countless hawkers aren’t set up yet and the monkeys aren’t yet awake.

These primates have a bad reputation for stealing anything from hats and sunglasses to purses and food.

Plus, earlier in the morning the weather is a bit cooler and better suited for climbing the 272 stairs.

Don’t worry, there are plenty of railings and you can take your time. Most people stop for a couple of breaks on the way up.

Afternoon on Day Two:

For lunch on your second of 2 days in Kuala Lumpur, stop by one of the many hawker stalls in China Town.

If it’s not quite lunchtime, Petaling Street is a great place to buy souvenirs, and you’ll find everything from t-shirts to traditional Chinese medicinal herbs. Be sure to bargain with the vendors!

There are lots of great food options to choose from, and you can’t go wrong with anything.

Little Man loves baos, which are warm buns filled with anything from teriyaki chicken to kung pao pork, or even Nutella or sweet yams!

If street food isn’t your thing, stop into a hot pot restaurant! Little Man loves putting the foods into the boiling soup base and watching them cook.

His favorite things to eat are cooked carrots and boiled quail eggs. He loves how tiny they are!

By this time, your kids are probably going to be complaining about tired feet after a morning of climbing stairs at the famous Batu Caves!

👉 In the later afternoon, take a ride on the Hop On Hop Off bus.

This is a great way to see all of the major sights in just 2 days in Kuala Lumpur, like the Sultan Abdul Samad building across from Merdeka Square and the National Mosque, without having to walk too much.

Evening on Day Two:

End your 2 days in Kuala Lumpur with a bang by going to KL Tower. It’s the seventh tallest communications tower in the world! From the top of its 421 feet, you’ll get stunning views of the city skyline.

The rotating restaurant at the top ensures you see all of the city during your meal! While the food isn’t the best you’ll eat in KL, the views certainly make the experience worthwhile during 2 days in Kuala Lumpur.

👉 Reservations are required for dining at Atmosphere 360.

👉 If scheduling 2 days in Kuala Lumpur is overwhelming, then just book this KL city tour that takes you to ALL the best attractions!

3 Days in Kuala Lumpur Extension Ideas

By now you’ve realized that it’s impossible to see and do everything in just 2 days in Kuala Lumpur.

So if you have more time and want to add on a third day to your 2 days in Kuala Lumpur itinerary, here are some ideas to help you enjoy your time.

Morning on Day Three:

For those interested in learning more about Malaysian culture and history, consider visiting the National Palace or the National Museum.

The Palace is the former residence of the Malaysian King, and it’s a great place to learn about the country’s royalty. The Museum is also very informative, and it has a wide variety of exhibitions.

If you’re more interested in nature, spend the morning walking the hanging bridges at KL Forest Ecopark. The eco park is the only protected rainforest preserve within the KL city limits.

The park spans over 9 hectares and houses an incredibly diverse range of plant life. 

Its bridges are located high up in the trees, and they provide great views of the forest canopy. The KL skyline views are also absolutely amazing!

Afternoon on Day Three:

Visit another museum! You can either choose from the options listed on Day One of our 2 days in Kuala Lumpur itinerary.

Or you can visit one of the other amazing options in the city including the National Textile Museum, the National Zoo, or the National Museum (Museum Negara).

Kids love Museum Negara because it has several old Malaysian trains on display: two steam locomotives, a diesel-electric locomotive, and a Penang Railway Coach.

Or, if you’re not into museums, take a ride on the Genting Skyway! This is a cable car that takes you up to the top of Genting Highlands. The journey up is pretty breathtaking.

Halfway up, there is an old Chinese-style temple. You can get off the skyway to go explore the temple before proceeding on the second half of your trip.

Pro Tip: Pay a bit more for the cable car with a see-through glass bottom. We did and Little Man laid on the floor almost the whole way up!

Once you’re at the top you can enjoy the views, go shopping, or enjoy the indoor amusement park at Skyworld Genting Resort. Genting Highlands has so much to do, you could easily spend several days here exploring. We did and loved it!

Evening on Day Three:

For dinner, consider going light on the main course so you can enjoy a massive dessert experience.

Molten Chocolate Cafe offers everything from chocolate fondue with custom dipping choices to molten chocolate cake and chocolate-dipped cheesecake!

There are a few locations in KL at Melawati Mall, Lot 10 mall, MyTown, and Pavillion Bukit Jalil. Enjoying decadent chocolate desserts and chocolate drinks is a decadent way to end your last day in Kuala Lumpur.

If you still have energy after dinner, or if you want to avoid the late-night cafes and restaurants, go for a walk around Bukit Bintang.

This is the city’s main nightlife and entertainment district, and it’s always buzzing with activity.

Pro Tip: If you arrange a sitter through your hotel, you’ll find plenty of bars, nightclubs, and restaurants to keep you entertained well into the night.

Other Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur

Did you make it through everything on our 2 days in Kuala Lumpur list with time to spare? Or something I suggested didn’t really strike your fancy?

No worries! Here are a few other activities to consider for 2 days in Kuala Lumpur:

KL Bird Park: This is one of the world’s largest covered bird parks, and it’s home to more than 3,000 birds from 200 different species. There’s also a playground and beautiful waterfall to enjoy before heading to the educational bird show.

Upside Down House: Everything in this house is upside down, which makes for cool trick-art photography. We love places like this. It’s a quirky attraction that’s fun for the whole family!

Central Market: If you want to do some souvenir shopping, this is the place to go. You’ll find everything from local arts and crafts to food items and souvenirs.

Sunway Lagoon: This is an outdoor amusement park with a water park, an animal kingdom, and a whole host of other rides and attractions.

It also has one of the best family resorts in Malaysia! We were annual pass holders here when we lived in KL.

There were times we spent 2 days in Kuala Lumpur just at this theme park because it’s so much fun!

Related Reading: 39 Cool Places to Take a Short Getaway in Malaysia

Getting to KL for 2 Days in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is very easy to get to from almost anywhere in the world. The city has its own international airport, and there are direct flights from most major cities. Flying to Malaysia from the Philippines or Singapore, or even further away, is easy!

If you’re coming from Southeast Asia, there are also plenty of low-cost carriers that fly into Kuala Lumpur. Air Asia has a hub in Kuala Lumpur.

The airport is a bit outside the city and tourist areas, though. So, you’ll need to take a taxi, bus, or train to the city center.

By Taxi

Grab is Southeast Asia’s answer to Uber, and it’s a great way to get around KL. The taxis are metered, so you’ll know exactly how much your ride will cost before you get in.

In our experience, most standard-size cars in Malaysia barely fit our family of three with one piece of luggage and one personal item each.

Pro Tip: If you have a large family or are traveling with a lot of luggage, make sure to call a GrabXL.

Grab doesn’t factor in tolls, so those will be added to your final cost. You can either pay cash or link your Paypal or credit card to your Grab account.

If you hail a taxi instead of calling a Grab, be sure to agree on a price with the driver before getting in, as some drivers will try to take advantage of tourists by overcharging.

By Bus

There are two main bus services that operate in Kuala Lumpur: RapidKL and Aerobus. Both services have air-conditioned buses and operate on a similar schedule.

The main difference is that RapidKL is cheaper, while Aerobus makes fewer stops.

If you’re taking the bus from the airport for your 2 days in Kuala Lumpur, both RapidKL and Aerobus have counters in the arrivals area. You can buy your ticket there and then hop on the next bus.

By Train

The KLIA Ekspres (yes, that’s how they spell it) is a high-speed train that operates between the KLIA airport and Kuala Lumpur city center.

The train makes two stops: one at KL Sentral and one at Bandar Tasik Selatan. The ride takes about 28 minutes. It is by far the fastest way to get from the airport to the city.

KLIA Ekspres tickets can be bought from the ticket counters in the airport arrivals area.

👉 You can also buy tickets online in advance, which is helpful if you want to fit as much as possible into your 2 days in Kuala Lumpur.

The trains run about every 15 minutes, so you can also buy your ticket when you’re ready to go.

Unless you’re on a really tight budget for your 2 days in Kuala Lumpur, I recommend taking a Grab. It’s not nearly as expensive as Ubers are in the US.

Getting Around Kuala Lumpur

Once you’re in the city, getting around during your 2 days in Kuala Lumpur is also very easy. The public transportation system is excellent, and there are plenty of taxis and ride-sharing services to choose from.

The two main types of public transportation in Kuala Lumpur are the LRT (light rail transit) and the monorail. Both are clean, efficient, and inexpensive.

A single ride on either system costs about $0.30 USD, and you can buy a reloadable card that gives you a discount on rides.

If you’re planning to do a lot of sightseeing during your 2 days in Kuala Lumpur, it might be worth it to buy a day pass for either the LRT or the monorail.

A day pass costs about $4 USD and allows you to ride as much as you want within a 24-hour period.

Taxis and ride-sharing services are also plentiful in Kuala Lumpur. Grab is the most popular ride-sharing service, and it’s very similar to Uber.

The taxis in Kuala Lumpur are metered, so you’ll know exactly how much your ride will cost before you get in.

After living in KL for almost a year on and off, we never took taxis. We got around exclusively by LRT or Grab. They’re both safe and family-friendly as well as very affordable.

Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur

Many of the tourist activities in Kuala Lumpur are in or near the KLCC area. This is also where you’ll find some of the city’s best hotels.

I recommend staying here as a base as it’s easy to find public transit or Grab cars to get anywhere in the city.

Luxury Recommendation: Mandarin Oriental or the Grand Hyatt

👉 Mandarin Oriental is one of the most luxurious hotels in KL.

We spent 2 days in Kuala Lumpur here on a KL staycation. Little Man got a free cookie at check-in with the hotel logo embossed on it, so he (of course) declared this was his new favorite hotel.

The rooftop pool overlooking KLCC Park at the Mandarin Oriental is one of our favorite things about it.

Swimming just after sunset, you can see the Petronas Twin Towers reflected on the other buildings surrounding KLCC park.

You can also get a room overlooking the Petronas Twin Towers, which is a fun way to see them. We did and I loved it!

👉 Grand Hyatt is one of the most popular luxury hotels in KL for families.

We didn’t stay at the Grand Hyatt, but we did have dinner there. The food in their restaurants is excellent and the hotel lobby is lovely. They also have one of the best pools in KL, which is great for families.

Mid-Range Recommendation: Hilton Kuala Lumpur

👉 Hilton Kuala Lumpur is a great mid-range hotel option.

It’s close to public transit and has an absolutely amazing outdoor pool with a waterfall and a water slide! Located across the street from the KL Sentral station, you can get anywhere on the LRT from here.

Pro Tip: If you arrive before your room is ready, they’ll let you hang out by the pool and wait for it!

The Hilton offers spacious rooms and a sophisticated environment that’s still very family-friendly.

It’s also within walking distance to Museum Negara, via KL Sentral Station, if you plan to include that in your 2 days in Kuala Lumpur itinerary.

Budget Recommendation: MiCasa All Suite Hotel

👉 MiCasa All Suites Hotel is a great budget option that’s still pretty centrally located near all the action.

It’s located between Embassy Row in the Ampang neighborhood and KLCC. Families love this hotel because it offers breakfast, kitchens in the rooms, and separate sleeping and living areas.

Each hotel room is basically its own little apartment, which is perfect for families enjoying 2 days in Kuala Lumpur to get a little extra space.

Plus, the swimming pool is larger than most in the KLCC area so families can relax and really enjoy time at the hotel during downtime for the kiddos.

Other Areas to Stay in Kuala Lumpur

If you want more choices, then Bukit Bintang is a great neighborhood to stay during 2 days in Kuala Lumpur. You’ll also be hanging out there a bit on your itinerary and it has a great food scene, too.

For families, I also would recommend staying in Chinatown during 2 days in Kuala Lumpur. It’s a great area for kids with lots to see and do.

Plus, it’s budget-friendly and there are some great street food options in the area that the whole family will love.

If you decide to stay in Chinatown, make sure to stop at Thean Hou Temple. It’s one of the most beautiful temples in Kuala Lumpur. It’s a great place to start or end your day.

We visited it during Chinese New Year, when it was decked out in red lanterns, and it was stunning!

No matter what your budget is, there’s a great place for you to stay for 2 days in Kuala Lumpur!

What is the Best Time of Year to Visit Kuala Lumpur?

Kuala Lumpur is a year-round destination where the weather is hot and humid all the time. Its average high temperatures only range from 28°C and 32°C throughout the year.

So the best time for spending 2 days in Kuala Lumpur really depends on what you want to do while you’re in town.

Although with such a tropical climate, downpours at any time of year aren’t totally unheard of either. The hottest month is March, while November sees the most rainfall.

The best time to visit KL is statistically around May to July as well as December to February since the weather is mild, it’s not uncomfortably humid, and there’s less rain.

If you want to beat the heat, January is your best bet, as it is the “coldest” month with an average high of 27°C.

Having spent January in KL during 2020 and 2021, though, I can honestly say that it still feels hot and humid just like any other month there.

What to Eat in Kuala Lumpur

No matter what you decide to do, don’t miss the following dishes during your 2 days Kuala Lumpur itinerary. The best way to enjoy some of these national delicacies is to book a food tour. Food tours aren’t just for Penang!

👉 This food tour would be a great addition to any 2 days in Kuala Lumpur itinerary. Just replace the bus tour or add a third day!

Nasi Lemak – You can’t visit Kuala Lumpur and not try Nasi Lemak! The great thing is that it’s easy to find, too. Even though the dish seems simple, it’s loaded with flavor.

Nasi Lemak includes coconut rice that comes with a side of spicy sambal, anchovies, peanuts, cucumber slices, and eggs.

Beef Rendang – This stew is flavorsome, with tender chunks of beef in a coconut milk sauce. It’s delicious and served over nasi lemak, but also comes as chicken or lamb versions. The beef is the best option!

Cendol – This is a must-have dessert in Kuala Lumpur! Cendol is shaved ice with green jelly noodles, palm sugar syrup, and coconut milk. It’s refreshing and delicious on a hot day. (Yes, that’s every day so eat Cendol regularly!)

Char kway teow – A street food snack made with flat rice noodles, quickly fried with eggs, prawns, beansprouts, cockles, and sausage. It’s a greasy and delicious dish that’s perfect for a late-night snack.

Banana Leaf Rice – Another popular dish, banana leaf rice is served on a banana leaf and usually includes curry, fried chicken or fish, rasam (a thin and sour soup), pickles, and papadum (a type of cracker).

Laksa/ Curry mee – A savory soup of coconut and yellow curry with soft tofu, prawns, and beansprouts. It’s a bit spicy, but extremely flavorful and filling.

Hainanese chicken rice – This dish is very common in Singapore, and is incredibly fragrant and easy to make. The chicken is cooked with garlic, ginger, chicken stock and served over rice with a chili sauce.

Roti canai – Roti canai is a delicious and crispy pancake that originates from India, but has become extremely popular in Kuala Lumpur. It’s usually served with savory dishes like dhal or curry.

Roti can also be stuffed with sweet fillings like banana and chocolate. Little Man’s favorite are the banana-filled roti.

Although it’s not the healthiest dish due to the large amounts of butter and oil used, it’s definitely worth trying at least once!

Satay skewers – An assortment of grilled meats, skewered and served on sticks with a nutty peanut sauce and cucumbers and onions as side dishes.

It’s the ideal street food snack! Little Man eats satay anywhere and everywhere, including in Costa Rica!

Bak Kut Teh – The soup features slow-cooked pork rib meat that has been simmered in a herbal broth for hours. It’s hearty and filling and perfect for a chilly evening. Well, as chilly as it gets in KL anyway.

No matter what you decide to do, be sure to try some of these delicious dishes during your 2 days in Kuala Lumpur!

10 Travel Tips for Spending 2 Days in Kuala Lumpur

There are so many helpful things to know before going to Malaysia that I wrote an entire post about it. If you’ve never been to Malaysia before, take a few minutes to read that as well.

To make the most of your 2 days in Kuala Lumpur, here are a few quick tips:

1. Get a hotel in or near the city center.

This will make it easy to walk to many of the main attractions. Plus, you won’t have to waste time taking public transportation or Grab cars.

The views from many hotels in KLCC are also pretty amazing. You won’t regret having a centralized base for your 2 days in Kuala Lumpur.

2. Avoid traveling during the rainy season.

Usually, it rains in the afternoons or overnight. However, there are days during the rainy season when it rains all or most of the day. The rain can spoil your plans, and the city can be quite humid.

Always have an umbrella in your bag, and make a backup plan with indoor activities in case it does rain. This way you won’t feel like your 2 days in Kuala Lumpur were wasted.

3. Travel light.

Kuala Lumpur is a very modern city, and you won’t need to dress too formally. Pack light for 2 days in Kuala Lumpur, with comfortable clothes and shoes.

Because it’s humid, packing clothes that breathe and dry quickly is also important.

4. Dress conservatively.

Malaysia is a Muslim country. Despite being modern and metropolitan in many ways, Kuala Lumpur still generally trends conservatively in its style of dress.

So you should dress accordingly during your 2 days in Kuala Lumpur. This means covering your shoulders and knees as well as avoiding short skirts or shorts.

5. Drink plenty of water.

Kuala Lumpur is quite hot and humid, so make sure to stay hydrated! I strongly recommend carrying a reusable water bottle with you at all times during your 2 days in Kuala Lumpur.

👉 I love this water bladder day pack! I can pack daily essentials in it, too.

6. Bring cash.

While many places do accept credit cards, it’s always good to have cash on hand in case you need it. The currency in Malaysia is the Ringgit (RM). $1 USD = ~4RM.

If you’re going to use the LRT to get around during your 2 days in Kuala Lumpur, you’ll need cash to buy your train passes. Not all stops take credit cards.

We also found that Grab Pay was an easy way to pay for things, even when credit cards weren’t accepted.

7. Try the local food!

Kuala Lumpur has some delicious food, and you should definitely try as much as you can during your 2 days in Kuala Lumpur.

From street food to fine dining, there’s something for everyone.

8. Use Klook to book activities.

Klook is the number one activity booking site in Asia, and it provides great prices on stuff we’re going to do anyway.

We use it consistently to book everything from skip-the-line passes at popular activities to scheduling drivers if we’re going somewhere that Grab can’t take us.

Klook.com

9. Get an early start.

This city is huge, and there’s a lot to see and do. I recommend getting an early start each day so that you can make the most of your time.

Many Malaysians don’t really seem to get going each day until after 11 am. So you’ll find that arriving at attractions earlier when they open, means you’ll avoid the crowds during your 2 days in Kuala Lumpur.

10. Be flexible.

While it’s always good to have a plan, things don’t always go as planned.

Be flexible and be prepared to adjust your 2 days in Kuala Lumpur plans as necessary. This is especially true during the rainy season.

11. Get travel insurance.

Especially with the changes to global travel since the pandemic began, you never know what is going to happen between booking and taking a trip.

Don’t let your 2 days in Kuala Lumpur be ruined because of accident, illness, or unexpected cancellation.

👉 While we have global health insurance for our day-to-day lives, we also elect travel insurance with SafetyWing for our spurts of fast travel adventure!

Final Thoughts: 2 Days in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is an amazing city with so much to see and do.

I hope that this 2 days in Kuala Lumpur itinerary has given you some ideas on how to make the most of your time in this incredible city!

Families will definitely enjoy spending a few days exploring all that Kuala Lumpur has to offer. However, if you’re pressed for time, 2 days in Kuala Lumpur is definitely enough to see the city’s highlights.

2 days in Kuala Lumpur is also enough to prove you’ll need to return for a longer stay to keep exploring.

Regardless of how long you spend, this city is truly a gem, and I’m sure you’ll fall in love with it as we did!

Pro Tip: Try to visit KL at Christmastime. There are so many unique activities to add to your itinerary!

Do you have any other suggestions on how to spend 2 days in Kuala Lumpur? Contact us to share your ideas!