Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur First TIme 2024 - 8 best areas
In this article, we dive deeper into your question about where to stay in Kuala Lumpur first time.
To make it as simple as possible for you as a reader, we start with an overview of all the recommended areas we cover followed by a short description.
Then, we briefly answer a few commonly asked questions:
Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur first time?
Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur with family?
Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur for nightlife?
Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur for backpackers?
Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur for shopping?
Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur for street food?
You can always tap on a purple link to go directly to that part of the article.
This will save you a lot of time and only read what you need to read.
Enjoy!
Overview of the best areas to stay in Kuala Lumpur first time
| Name of the area in Kuala Lumpur | Description of the recommended area |
|---|---|
.. Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | This area is the entertainment and shopping epicenter of the city where you can find a huge variety of malls, street markets, and local eateries. It’s one of the most desired areas among tourists because of its central location and great access to public transport. It’s also the main nightlife area of the city, which means that not only during the day you will have plenty of things to do, but in the evening, this area is far from boring too. *You can click on the purple or blue link to directly navigate to that part of the article to read in-depth information about that specific area. |
2. KLCC (Kuala Lumpur City Centre) .. Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | KLCC is known for the iconic Petronas Twin Towers and the KLCC Park. It’s the ideal area for those who prefer a modern and upscale experience. Expect luxury shopping facilities at Suria KLCC and Avenue K, but also some of the top brands in the hotel industry. If your budget allows it, it’s hard to beat this central area in Kuala Lumpur. |
3. Chinatown (Petaling Street) . Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. | Chinatown is located in the historic area of the city that comes with a unique, cultural atmosphere. Like many other Chinatowns in the world, the one in Kuala Lumpur also comes with a lot of food. In fact, this area is famous for its street food, and night markets. This is the perfect area for those interested in experiencing the local culture, who love to eat (street) food, and who are travelling a bit on a budget. |
4. Little India (Brickfields). Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | Little India is another vibrant neighborhood in the city that comes with colorful streets and Indian shops. As you can expect, this area is rich in culture and you can find many beautiful temples here. It’s one of the most vibrant parts of the city and a great option for those who love to devour delicious Indian cuisine. This is also a budget-friendly area, just keep in mind that it is quite a noisy area too. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | Bangsar is a trendy and upscale suburb with a mix of shopping, dining, and nightlife. It’s known for its boutiques, cafes, and proper nightlife scene and this is the main reason you should stay here. Those who seek a more laid-back yet trendy vibe will definitely appreciate a stay here. You’re not far from Little India and Chinatown, which means that you can still easily enjoy the street food there while staying comfortably in a boutique hotel. |
. Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | If you’re seeking a quieter environment, this residential area might be a good option. You can easily find upscale dining and shopping centers here, so it’s far from boring, but as you’re located further away from the tourist epicenter, you can easily find spacious accommodation here with a relaxed atmosphere. Just keep in mind that you don’t have direct access to the metro, but a 20-minute taxi ride will bring you to the tourist heart of the city, or simply take the train. |
. Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | Damansara Heights is located near Mont Kiara and is another upscale area. It’s ideal for those who seek a luxurious and tranquil setting in Kuala Lumpur. You simply take the nearby train whenever you want to see the city highlights. This area comes with several green spaces and even golf courses. |
.. Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | If you’re planning to explore multiple parts of the city and beyond, then staying at Kuala Lumpur’s main transportation hub with easy access to trains and buses is the best thing to do. It’s not per se the most beautiful part of the city, but definitely the most convenient one. You can find accommodations in all price classes here. |
Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur first time
The best areas to stay in Kuala Lumpur first time are Bukit Bintang, KLCC, Chinatown, and Bangsar.
For most tourists, Bukit Bintang is by far the most convenient option as it has so much to offer while being centrally located.
KLCC is also centrally located and comes with a lot of perks, but it’s mainly a luxury area, which not every traveller is looking for.
Chinatown is the main heart for backpackers and many young travellers tend to stay in this unique area.
Those who want to combine nightlife with seeing Kuala Lumpur’s highlights should consider staying in Bangsar.
Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur with family
The best areas to stay in Kuala Lumpur with family are Bukit Bintang, Mont Kiara, and Damansara Heights.
Bukit Bintang is the tourist epicenter of the city and it’s incredibly difficult to beat the perks of this area. But we can’t deny this area is also crowded.
So, families who prefer to stay in a quieter area, a bit away from the hustle and bustle should consider staying at either Mont Kiara or Damansara Heights. Both are residential areas that cater to families. Damansara Heights is even more upscale than the already comfortable area of Mont Kiara.
Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur for nightlife
The best areas to stay in Kuala Lumpur for nightlife are Bukit Bintang and Bangsar.
These two areas are by far the best options with a full spectrum of nightlife from local bars to nightclubs.
Yes, you can also find a decent, local nightlife scene in Chinatown, but compared to Bukit Bintang and Bangsar, it’s almost non-existent.
Bukit Bintang is for the majority of young travellers the ideal area to combine proper nightlife with sightseeing.
Bangsar is a trendy area that is sometimes overlooked because of its location, but offers an incredible nightlife scene that party lovers should check out!
Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur for backpackers
The best areas to stay in Kuala Lumpur for backpackers are Chinatown, Little India, and some parts of Bukit Bintang.
Chinatown is the place to be for backpackers in Kuala Lumpur and this whole area is basically designed for those travelling on a budget with plenty of hostels, guesthouses, and street food available.
Little India is an alternative area for backpackers as you can find plenty of affordable accommodations here too.
Some parts of Bukit Bintang offer hostels and guesthouses too, and it’s arguably the best area to stay in Kuala Lumpur in general, so it’s worth finding hostels here.
You can also consider staying at KL Sentral as there are affordable options too, and the area is great for using public transport to the fullest. Although it’s harder to find like-minded travellers here, which is for most backpackers a must.
Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur for shopping
The best areas in Kuala Lumpur for shopping are Bukit Bintang, KLCC, Chinatown, Mont Kiara, and Bangsar.
When it comes to shopping malls, Bukit Bintang is the most accessible with malls that cater to all budget classes.
For a more exclusive experience, the areas of KLCC, Bangsar, and Mont Kiara are perfect.
For souvenir shopping and other products like local clothing, herbs, and accessories, the markets in Chinatown are ideal to explore.
Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur for street food
The best areas to stay in Kuala Lumpur for street food are Bukit Bintang, Chinatown, and Little India.
In Bukit Bintang, the area around Jalan Alor (street) is perfect for discovering typical Malaysian street food.
In Chinatown, you can find an abundance of Malaysian and Chinese street food around Petaling Street.
In Little India, you can find many street food stalls that serve typical Indian dishes.
You can easily combine a visit to Little India and Chinatown as these two areas are located very close to each other.
1. Bukit Bintang
Bukit Bintang is widely regarded as one of the best areas to stay in Kuala Lumpur for tourists.
There is no denying that.
Let us first bring up all the good things about this popular area, and then give you a few reasons why you might reconsider staying here.
First of all, Bukit Bintang is located in the heart of the city and you have easy access to many major highlights.
The area is well-connected by public transport, including the monorail and the metro.
Secondly, there is an abundance of things to do.
The area is renowned as Kuala Lumpur’s premier shopping district, with popular malls like Pavilion KL, Fahrenheit88, and Starhill Gallery.
The food scene is amazing, whereas street food lovers can eat their hearts out at Jalan Alor (street), but you can easily find upscale and local eateries in this area too.
Then there is the nightlife scene, among the best Kuala Lumpur has to offer. Especially around Changkat Bukit Bintang, you can party until the late hours.
Lastly, while Bukit Bintang is a modern part of the city, there are some cultural attractions to find as well.
For example, the Sri Mahamariamman Temple, one of the oldest Hindu temples in the city, is located here.
Now, let’s go to a few downsides.
First of all, it’s incredibly touristy.
That automatically means that prices are higher here, so if you travel on a budget, there are more suitable areas available for you.
Secondly, and this has to do with the first point, it’s a crowded area, especially in the evening and on weekends.
If you seek a quieter area, again, there are more suitable areas available for you.
The last point is that it lacks a bit of a local experience.
And that can be a good or bad thing, as this is just personal preference.
In the next paragraphs, you will see that some more authentic parts of Kuala Lumpur might be more suitable for you.
But overall, Bukit Bintang is for most tourists the perfect area.
Unless you have very specific preferences, it’s hard to beat this incredibly convenient area!
Some of the best hotels to stay in Kuala Lumpur first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
2. KLCC (Kuala Lumpur City Centre)
Before we discuss two authentic and historical parts of Kuala Lumpur, we dive into another highly desired area of the city among tourists.
KLCC is the area where you can find the iconic Petronas Twin Towers.
This part of Kuala Lumpur is all about luxury.
You can find premier shopping malls, such as the Suria KLCC, as well as the adjacent Avenue K.
Those who love fine dining would highly appreciate staying in KLCC as the area offers many rooftop bars where you can dine with breathtaking views.
Aside from its luxury, the area is also incredibly convenient.
You’re located in the heart of the city and you have direct access to the Kelana Jaya Line, which is a metro line that takes you to several major attractions.
So, what’s not to like about this area?
Aside from being pricey, which is obvious, you have to keep in mind that there is far less nightlife available.
Also, when you compare KLCC with the previously recommended area, there are simply just fewer things to do.
Those who stay here prefer to have a carefree stay full of modern amenities.
And not do the things most (young) travellers tend to do: try local (street) food, enjoy (souvenir) shopping, visit cultural and historical highlights, and explore the nightlife scene.
For that, Bukit Bintang is a far better option.
But for a more sophisticated experience, KLCC is the best option the city has to offer.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Kuala Lumpur first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
3. Chinatown (Petaling Street)
If you want to stay in a far more cultural and historically rich part of the city, consider staying in Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown.
Located at Petaling Street, you can expect a bustling street with vibrant colors and a blend of Chinese and Malaysian cultures.
There are several historical sights to explore, such as the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, a colorful Hindu temple, and the Guan Di Temple, dedicated to the Chinese god of war.
Like most Chinatowns in the world, you can shop until you drop and Petaling Street is no exception.
Souvenirs, clothing, accessories, traditional herbs, and even tech, can all be found here.
Chinatown is also a haven for foodies as this area is filled with street food stalls and local eateries that offer a huge variety of Chinese and Malaysian specialties.
You can find plenty of affordable accommodations in this part of the city, including budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses.
To see other parts of the city, you simply use the nearby LRT (Light Rail Transit). Chinatown is well-connected to public transport, even though it’s already centrally located, it will come in handy.
Last but not least, there is a decent nightlife scene here too, although not as flashy as Bukit Bintang.
So, what’s not to like?
Chinatown is noisy, especially on the weekends.
There are far fewer modern amenities compared to Bukit Bintang and KLCC.
And you’re located further away from attractions like Petronas Twin Towers.
But for an authentic experience in Kuala Lumpur, it’s hard to beat Chinatown.
Especially backpackers tend to stay in this part of the city.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Kuala Lumpur first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
4. Little India (Brickfields)
Little India, located in the Brickfields district of Kuala Lumpur, is another great budget-friendly area.
This part of the city proves yet again that Kuala Lumpur is an incredibly multicultural city.
Now, before we dive into this area, we have to admit that, similar to Chinatown, Little India is not for everyone.
But let’s talk about the good things first.
The area is renowned for its authentic Indian cuisine and is filled with many eateries and street food stalls that serve typical Indian dishes.
As it’s located near Chinatown, combining both street food scenes during your trip is a foodie’s wet dream.
Little India is also known for its vibrant street full of colorful decorations where you can find lively markets that sell traditional Indian goods.
Traditional Indian clothing, jewelry, spices, and souvenirs and just a few examples of what you can get at these markets.
The area is also home to several cultural landmarks, including temples like Sri Kandaswamy Kovil and Holy Rosary Church.
When it comes to accommodation options, you can choose between affordable to mid-range accommodations.
Lastly, you are well-connected to KL Sentral, one of the main transportation hubs in the city where you easily reach every corner of the city and beyond.
Now, let’s talk about the things you should keep in mind.
Little India is not a modern part of the city, and definitely not as organized as Bukit Bintang and KLCC.
The area is a predominantly Indian enclave.
That is reflected in many things, including the food scene.
If you don’t like Indian food, it makes no sense to stay here.
Also, Little India is not known for its nightlife scene. If you’re seeking a vibrant nightlife with a variety of bars, clubs, and entertainment options, other districts like Bukit Bintang are far more suitable.
But if you want to have a unique experience, that is also an affordable experience, Little India is a not-so-common option that will definitely surprise you in a positive way!
Some of the best hotels to stay in Kuala Lumpur first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
5. Bangsar
Bangsar is a trendy and upscale suburb in Kuala Lumpur.
Many expats live in this area and for a very good reason: there are many cool places to explore.
The area’s shopping and dining scene caters to those looking for a more upscale and fashionable experience.
But one of the major features is that Bangsar is renowned for its nightlife where you can find many trendy bars, lounges, and clubs.
If you want to explore Kuala Lumpur’s nightlife scene to the fullest, it’s worth considering staying in Bangsar.
Also, as it’s an upscale area, you can find some exclusive shopping malls like Bangsar Shopping Centre and Bangsar Village.
Overall, the area caters to upscale residents and not per se tourists.
But as Bangsar is well-connected by public transportation, including the LRT (Light Rail Transit), you can easily reach the city highlights with a short train ride.
What’s not to like?
First of all, this area doesn’t cater per se to tourists and you’re located further away from the tourist hotspots.
Secondly, being an upscale suburb, don’t expect to find anything budget-friendly when it comes to accommodation.
But if you’re planning to explore Kuala Lumpur’s nightlife scene to the fullest, Bangsar is probably your best option.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Kuala Lumpur first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
6. Mont Kiara
Mont Kiara is another upscale area in Kuala Lumpur, however, doesn’t have a nightlife scene.
It’s mainly a residential and commercial area with all the modern amenities you can think of.
It’s much quieter than any other area that we recommend so far.
Because of that, it’s the ideal area for families who prefer to stay in a quieter area away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist epicenter.
The area is considered incredibly safe and many international schools are located here.
Automatically, many expats choose to stay in this part of the city to live a comfortable and quiet life in one of the most bustling cities in Southeast Asia.
There are two things that you should take into consideration.
First of all, you don’t have a good connection to public transport, especially to the LRT.
Secondly, you’re located further away from the city highlights.
It’s still very doable to simply take the taxi to the nearest station, but it’s not as convenient as the more central areas.
If you prefer to stay in a quiet, family-friendly and super safe area, and you don’t mind a 20-minute taxi ride to the nearest station, then Mont Kiara is the perfect area for you.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Kuala Lumpur first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
7. Damansara Heights
There are many similarities between this area and the previously recommended area.
Both are mainly residential areas and both are considered upscale areas that are highly desired by expats.
The big difference is that Damansara Heights is more luxurious, whereas the previously recommended area is more accessible for most of us.
So, when you choose to stay in this area, it means that you value things like privacy and seclusion.
Because in this part of Kuala Lumpur, you will find exclusive country clubs and facilities, such as the Royal Selangor Club, which offer recreational options for those looking to unwind in an upscale setting.
If this is completely your thing, then Damansara Heights is the right area for you.
There is one other things that’s worth mentioning.
Damansara Heights has better access to public transport than the previously recommended area.
So even if you don’t want to visit exclusive clubs and facilities, but you do want to stay in a quiet, residential, and upscale area with your family and want to take advantage of Kuala Lumpur’s sophisticated public transportation system, Damansara Heights is an excellent option too!
Some of the best hotels to stay in Kuala Lumpur first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
8. KL Sentral
The last area that we recommend is KL Sentral.
This is one of the main transportation hubs in Kuala Lumpur, providing easy access to various modes of transportation, including trains, buses, LRT (Light Rail Transit), and the KLIA Ekspres airport train.
As it’s mainly a business area, you find several top brands within the hotel industry here with hotels that cater to business people.
That means hotels with proper breakfast and many modern amenities.
Only if you prioritize easy access to transportation, you should stay in KL Sentral.
Yes, there are plenty of shopping centers as well as business and commercial facilities, but as a tourist, it only makes sense to stay here when you want to move around the city as well as to other cities.
Or, when you don’t have much time to spend in Kuala Lumpur, it’s a convenient location as you are directly connected to the KLIA Ekspres airport train.
It’s definitely not a bad area, but there are so many better alternatives for the majority of the tourists.
But it’s good to know that Kuala Lumpur has an area for travellers with those two specific needs.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Kuala Lumpur first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.