How to Spend 2 Days in Kuala Lumpur – Itinerary That You’ll Want to Steal

Wondering how to spend 2 days in Kuala Lumpur? You are in the right place because I have prepared a detailed Kuala Lumpur itinerary with a lot of useful travel tips to maximize your time.

Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia and it is famous as the home of the massive Petronas Towers and colorful Batu Caves. Besides that, it has beautiful street art, unique religious attractions, and a lively food scene

In this article, you will find a complete Kuala Lumpur Itinerary for 2 days with other things that you should know before visiting Kuala Lumpur.

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What to do in Kuala Lumpur for 2 days?

• Visit colorful Batu Caves
• See the famous Federal Territory Mosque
• Explore Thean Hou Temple
• Try some of the best cafes in KL
• Relax in the KL Forest Eco Park
• See KL from the top
• Span a photo at the Merdeka Square
• Find a hidden gem inside the Kuala Lumpur City Gallery
• Take a walk around Perdana Botanical Gardens
• Discover Chinatown
• Dine in the dark
• And find the best angles of Petronas Towers

Is Kuala Lumpur worth visiting?

Kuala Lumpur is home to the famous Petronas Towers, colorful Batu Caves, endless parks, and a lively atmosphere and it is certainly worth visiting.

It’s a city where you can find cultural experiences, fun activities, interesting history, and an active nightlife. Kuala Lumpur is a perfect destination for foodies or photographers looking for aesthetic cafes. Also, it is one of the most livable cities in Asia and you need to visit Kuala Lumpur to understand why.

There are many other reasons to visit Kuala Lumpur. You will discover most of them in this article and I am here to help you to create your perfect 2 days in Kuala Lumpur itinerary for first-timers.

How many days in Kuala Lumpur?

2 days in Kuala Lumpur is the perfect amount of time to enjoy all the essentials of the city, eat some delicious food, and see unforgettable sights.

In this itinerary, we will cover how to spend 2 days in Kuala Lumpur and how to maximize your time in the Malaysian capital. I will add some optional stops, so this Itinerary is suitable for different kinds of travelers and interests.

Also, you can easily spend an entire week in KL, especially if you are planning to explore the surroundings and make day trips. 

How to move around Kuala Lumpur?

When visiting Kuala Lumpur for 2 days, it is important to choose the right method to move around in order to save time and money. I will add more tips within the itinerary so you know what is walkable and where you will need transport, but here are the best ways to move around Kuala Lumpur together with pros and cons.

Walking can be a good idea to cover short distances, but unfortunately, it won’t always be possible. Kuala Lumpur is a really big city and not so easy to walk.

Public transport could be a good idea to cover longer distances in a cheap way. In your KL itinerary, you could reach some destinations using the Skytrain, which is also a perfect solution to skip the traffic during the rush hour

Taxi is probably the best way to move around Kuala Lumpur and it is completely stress-free. It is very affordable and you can book it via an application called Grab.

Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur for 2 days?

Finding the right accommodation for your trip is essential, so I have prepared a list of the best hotels in Kuala Lumpur for every budget. Depending on your travel style, I am sure you will find something suitable, so take a look and decide where to stay in Kuala Lumpur.

LUXURY: Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur

HOTEL WITH INFINITY POOL: Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur, Autograph Collection

MID-RANGE: Traders Hotel, Kuala Lumpur

AFFORDABLE: Hilton Garden Inn Kuala Lumpur – South

Overview of day 1 of your 2 days in Kuala Lumpur

• Morning: Batu Caves, The Federal Territory Mosque, Thean Hou Temple
• Lunch: Feeka or The Rabbit Hole
• Afternoon: KL Forest Eco Park, Menara Tower (optional)
• Dinner: Skybar or Piccadilly

Batu Caves

Your Kuala Lumpur vacation starts with the most iconic landmark in the city. Batu Caves is a worshipping place for Hinduism like no other in the world and I am sure you have seen pictures from this place all over social media.

I really recommend you start your visit to Batu Caves early in the morning to avoid the massive crowd and heat. The colorful stairs and the massive Karttikeya statue will welcome you and will leave you astonished. Your 2 days in Kuala Lumpur itinerary can’t be complete without visiting this unique place in KL.

While visiting the complex is completely free, there is a fee to enter the cave itself. I recommend you pay a visit inside and discover how nature, art, and spirituality collide.

You can easily reach Batu Caves by commuter train at the KC05 Batu Caves Komuter station. Or jump on a Grab directly from your hotel – it is affordable and convenient.

The Federal Territory Mosque

From the caves, grab a taxi to visit another iconic site of the Malaysian Capital. The Federal Territory Mosque is a must-add when you spend 2 days in Kuala Lumpur and it’s a perfect way to connect with the local culture.

If you are a non-muslim, you will have to visit the mosque with a local volunteer who offers a small tour and introduces you to traditions & history. I have visited many mosques in other countries and this one was the most interesting tour so kudos to that! 

The tours are available every day from 10 am to 4 pm, except on Fridays – from 10 am to noon and from 2 pm to 4 pm. At the entrance, you will be asked to take off your shoes and wear an appropriate dress and hijab if you are female.

There is no entrance fee, however, I highly recommend making a donation. Especially considering how informative are the tours.

Thean Hou Temple

After unlocking the secrets of Hinduism and Islam your “spiritual” morning of 2 day Kuala Lumpur itinerary ends with a Buddhist and Taoist temple. The best way to reach it is by taxi.

This famous spot in Kuala Lumpur was opened in 1987 and it combines majestic modern architecture with traditional elements. Due to its grand architecture and design, this became one of the must-visit in every Kuala Lumpur itinerary.

Pay your respect in the Prayer hall and don’t forget to look up to admire the details of the ceiling. Make sure you take the stairs to the upper part of the temple to see the temple from the top.

There is no entrance fee so it is one of the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur for free. It can get pretty crowded, however, not many tourists climb up to the last floor so that can be a little peaceful oasis to escape the crowds.

Lunch

Unfortunately, there are not many cafes available around Thean Hou Temple, so I suggest you take a Grab and enjoy one of the following cafes for lunch. If you are still hungry after your meal or crave something sweet, head to Dough by Meg for unforgettable bomboloni.

Feeka

Feeka is among the best-rated cafes in Kuala Lumpur. It has a great ambiance, interesting menu options, and friendly yet professional service. As the name suggests, it is a perfect place to take a break accompanied by some of the best coffee in Kuala Lumpur.

They accept cards and you can make a reservation in advance to avoid the waiting time. However, if you are looking for halal or vegan food in KL, Feeka is not a suitable place for you.

The Rabbit Hole

If you are craving fusion cuisine, head to the Rabbit Hole instead. Their pastries and cakes are to die for and I still dream about their chef’s signature dishes. It has a minimal design, cool aesthetics, and a plunge pool. Their unique tap tap cocktails are worth trying out as well!

KL Forest Eco Park

After lunch, you can walk to the next spot in your 48-hour KL itinerary. KL Forest Eco Park is a huge green space in the heart of Kuala Lumpur and a perfect place to escape the crowd and traffic of the city.

You can combine it with visiting Menara Kuala Lumpur and then head to the entrance which is right in front of KL Upside Down House. Take the path on your right, follow the jungle rails, and then take the stairs down to find the exit.

If you want to visit Menara Kuala Lumpur, go there before KL Forest Eco Park and get your ticket here. It is a perfect spot to enjoy the views over Kuala Lumpur.

I consider the KL Forest Eco Park a perfect place to add to a Kuala Lumpur itinerary for first-timers as it will give you the chance to take a relaxing walk with panoramic views of the modern city. It is also a fun activity to do with kids.

The entrance fee for foreigners is 40 MYR (8.40 EUR) and it takes around 40 minutes to visit the entire park. Keep in mind that card payments are not accepted, so bring some cash for the tickets.

Skybar

If you haven’t climbed the Menara Tower and want to have a memorable view of the city from the top, this is the place to go. The Skybar hosts one of the most popular restaurant and cocktail bars in Kuala Lumpur and it is one of the best places to take a photo of the iconic Petronas Towers.

A smart casual dress code is a must and table reservation is suggested. If this is not your type of place, you can enjoy the next restaurant instead.

Piccadilly

If you are looking for a modern cafe with unique western dishes, delicious coffee, and aesthetic design? Check out Piccadilly Cafe!

It is a very popular cafe where you can have any type of meal, from breakfast to dinner. Fresh pastries, signature dishes, and a massive all-day-long breakfast. Or enjoy one of their unique lunch and dinner offers and get the taste of western cuisine.

Overview of day 2 of your 2 days in Kuala Lumpur

• Morning: Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur City Gallery, Perdana Botanical Gardens
• Lunch: leaf & co. cafe
• Afternoon: Chinatown, KLCC Park
• Dinner: Dining In The Dark KL

Merdeka Square

I recommend you start your second day in Kuala Lumpur by visiting the main square of the city. Merdeka square – Independence square in English – is the heart and soul of the city and you simply can’t skip it during your trip to Kuala Lumpur.

Sultan Abdul Samad Building is one of the famous landmarks in Kuala Lumpur and it is located in the middle of Merdeka Square. This attraction gathers a lot of tourists every day and it’s a hot spot for taking photos.

The square was once used as a cricket ground and it is quite common to see people exercising on the grass. If you are not here to exercise, spend some time strolling around the park behind the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. There you will find Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad and Masjid Jamek Lookout Point @ River of Life and even some street art.

There is no fee to visit the square, however, you cannot enter Sultan Abdul Samad Building. So you can simply admire it from the outside and take some epic Kuala Lumpur photography.

Kuala Lumpur City Gallery

Located in the Merdeka square you will find Another must-visit attraction for your KL itinerary. Kuala Lumpur City Gallery is a very cool information hub where you can learn more about the city and take some photos on the way.

The whole visit should take you approximately 30 minutes and it is a good way to get in touch with the culture of Kuala Lumpur. Surprisingly, it is free to visit and it is not a very crowded place, so you can come here anytime.

Inside the City Gallery you will find KLCG Confectionery & Bakery @Dataran Merdeka and their Suprême croissants are to die for. Perfect spot to have breakfast or fuel up after a busy morning. Here you can also find a souvenir shop where you can find some unique presents to take home.

Perdana Botanical Gardens

After a full immersion in Malay culture head to explore the green space that the city has to offer. Perdana Botanical Gardens is hands down one of the most underrated places in Kuala Lumpur. 

Laman Perdana is the place that you see in the photo and the spot that you don’t want to miss. The park is huge and you can literally wander around for hours. There is no entrance fee to the botanical garden, but there is a small fee for the tram. The prices vary, so just stop it and ask the driver.

Another hot spot in the park is KL Bird Park. This can be a good idea of what to see in Kuala Lumpur for 2 days if you are with kids.

leaf & co. cafe

Leaf & co. cafe is a lively cafe nearby the famous Petaling Street Market in Chinatown. Whether you are craving Asian specialties, Western dishes, or a Fusion menu, they have it all. Together with a cool drink menu and the most delicious espresso, it is a place to be. The place has a rustic vintage vibe and it can be considered another Instagram-worthy cafe in Kuala Lumpur.

Chinatown

Chinatown is hands down one of the most popular areas in KL and you should find some hours in your Kuala Lumpur itinerary. It is one of the best places for shopping in Kuala Lumpur, as it flourishes with shops and boutiques and, is filled with aesthetic cafes.

If you are more of a street food person, you can find plenty of options around Petaling street. The hot spot you want to add to your Kuala Lumpur itinerary for 2 days is Kwai Chai Hong KL.

It is a photogenic alley with interesting street art murals. You can find paintings from street scenes of KL from the 1960s and you will certainly want to photograph this unique form of art. I am not normally a big street art fan, but I loved Kwai Chai Hong KL.

Dining In The Dark KL

The last experience to finish your 2 days in Kuala Lumpur is a special dinner that you probably never heard about. Dining In The Dark KL is a restaurant in total darkness where your senses will be stimulated in a new way.

You can choose between a classical and a vegetarian menu and add a wine pairing if you like. The degustation is composed of a 4-course Mystery Dinner (appetizer, soup, main course, and dessert).

Phones are not allowed during dinner as this is an unforgettable experience to bond with food and your friend or a lover.

Click here to book your experience and dine in the dark.

Other things to know before visiting Kuala Lumpur

The official value is the Malaysian Ringgit, 1 USD is approximately 4,5 Malaysian Ringgit. Malaysia was a British colony, so English is widely spoken and they drive on the left-hand side of the road.

There is a big community of immigrants in Kuala Lumpur, especially from other countries in Asia. You will have the chance to see how Malay food blends perfectly with other cuisines of Asia. The Nasi Lemak is the most famous Malay dish.

The official religion in Malaysia is Islam, nevertheless, you can meet people of all beliefs and everyone coexists perfectly. You can find Hindu temples, churches, and Buddhist shrines all around the city.

Based on my experience, I can say that Kuala Lumpur felt very safe and the locals were super welcoming. Probably the fact that they can communicate in English was a big help as well.

Further reading for 2 days in Kuala Lumpur

Or read more about: Kuala Lumpur | Malaysia

In conclusion…

If you were wondering what to do in Kuala Lumpur for 2 days, I am sure that now you are fully prepared for your trip and can’t wait to discover this unique Malaysian city.

I would love to hear your thoughts, so if you have any feedback or additional tips, leave a comment below. Also, check out my Instagram for regular travel videos and travel inspiration. Or explore other destinations on this travel blog.

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