Kuala Lumpur Shopping Tour (Self Guided), Kuala Lumpur
Shopping is one of the top activities for those visiting Kuala Lumpur. In this vibrant city there’s something for every taste and budget, from high-end boutiques offering designer labels to the lively street markets drawing crowds with artsy finds and cheap reproductions, where cheap doesn’t necessarily mean a less enjoyable experience.
With a shopping scene as comprehensive as that of Kuala Lumpur, one is inevitably bound to be spoiled for choice if not lost amid the surprises awaiting at markets and wallet- and not-so-friendly malls across the city.
Areas like Bukit Bintang and KLCC provide the most variety, with the upmarket malls such as Pavilion KL and Suria KLCC, home to the international brands like Jimmy Choo, Diane Von Furstenberg, Louis Vuitton and the likes. For those with a moderate budget, Petaling Street is the right place to go to.
But ultimately, it is the handicraft emporium Central Market – that drenches people in art spirit – where you can get a real sense of Kuala Lumpur’s true shopping splendor. An air conditioned market in a tropical country, Kuala Lumpur Central Market is well grouped into zones: Malay, Chinese, and Indian, to celebrate the country’s multi-ethnic culture. Product variety and pricing here are perfect for those seeking to bring home authentic and affordable Malaysian handicrafts as souvenirs.
To find your way around these locations and to explore them at a comfortable pace and in your good time, follow our self-guided walk and enjoy Kuala Lumpur without straining your budget!
With a shopping scene as comprehensive as that of Kuala Lumpur, one is inevitably bound to be spoiled for choice if not lost amid the surprises awaiting at markets and wallet- and not-so-friendly malls across the city.
Areas like Bukit Bintang and KLCC provide the most variety, with the upmarket malls such as Pavilion KL and Suria KLCC, home to the international brands like Jimmy Choo, Diane Von Furstenberg, Louis Vuitton and the likes. For those with a moderate budget, Petaling Street is the right place to go to.
But ultimately, it is the handicraft emporium Central Market – that drenches people in art spirit – where you can get a real sense of Kuala Lumpur’s true shopping splendor. An air conditioned market in a tropical country, Kuala Lumpur Central Market is well grouped into zones: Malay, Chinese, and Indian, to celebrate the country’s multi-ethnic culture. Product variety and pricing here are perfect for those seeking to bring home authentic and affordable Malaysian handicrafts as souvenirs.
To find your way around these locations and to explore them at a comfortable pace and in your good time, follow our self-guided walk and enjoy Kuala Lumpur without straining your budget!
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Kuala Lumpur Shopping Tour Map
Guide Name: Kuala Lumpur Shopping Tour
Guide Location: Malaysia » Kuala Lumpur (See other walking tours in Kuala Lumpur)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 4
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Author: valery
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: Malaysia » Kuala Lumpur (See other walking tours in Kuala Lumpur)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 4
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Author: valery
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- Central Market
- Petaling Street (Chinatown)
- Bukit Bintang (Bintang Walk)
- Suria KLCC
1) Central Market (must see)
Founded in 1888 by the British, the Central Market is one of the best places to visit in Kuala Lumpur. Not only is it one of the prime locations to shop in the city, it is also the best place to enjoy the fruits of a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic environment. Because Kuala Lumpur has a rich blend of diverse cultures and people hailing from different parts of the globe, each have their unique set of handicrafts along with a unique blend that is very Malaysian. The market is one of the most visited sights in the city and quite a popular destination for buying souvenirs and mementoes for your trip.
The market was founded in 1888 and originally used as a wet market, while the current Art Deco style building was completed in 1937. It has been classified as a Heritage Site by the Malaysian Heritage Society and it is now a landmark for Malaysian culture and heritage.
With constant renovations and refurbishment, the market soon had distinct stalls and zones for different ethnic groups to display and promote their items. In the earlier days the Central market was nick named the “wet market” because the floors were constantly wet. The market was visited mainly by tin miners of the region and sold meat, vegetables and the catch of the day!
Today the market mainly sells food, sweets, arts, crafts, bags, t-shirts and souvenirs. It is clean, well lit, easily accessible and conveniently located close to multiple public transport facilities.
The market was founded in 1888 and originally used as a wet market, while the current Art Deco style building was completed in 1937. It has been classified as a Heritage Site by the Malaysian Heritage Society and it is now a landmark for Malaysian culture and heritage.
With constant renovations and refurbishment, the market soon had distinct stalls and zones for different ethnic groups to display and promote their items. In the earlier days the Central market was nick named the “wet market” because the floors were constantly wet. The market was visited mainly by tin miners of the region and sold meat, vegetables and the catch of the day!
Today the market mainly sells food, sweets, arts, crafts, bags, t-shirts and souvenirs. It is clean, well lit, easily accessible and conveniently located close to multiple public transport facilities.
2) Petaling Street (Chinatown)
Right at the epicenter of the Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur is the famous Petaling Street, the buzzing street bazaar of the city. So brush up your haggling skills and put on your most comfy pair of shoes, for this is not a sight to miss!
You will find that there is very little that the street cannot offer. From clothes, bags and accessories to local brands of goodies, the street has it all. Not only are the day bazaars worth a visit, but the street is also known for its night markets. Apart from that, the street has some mouthwatering snack stalls and hawkers that make tasty local cuisine.
At the Petaling Street you will find the true essence of Kuala Lumpur’s street shopping. However, it's not all just about shopping. The area has some very pretty monuments and temples that are a pure delight to experience. Amongst these are the ornate South Indian Temple of Sri Mahamariamman and the Chan See Shu Yuen Temple, which is Chinese in origin and dates back to the early 20th century.
Why You Should Visit:
Local cuisine at its glorious best, plus bargain-able products!
You will find that there is very little that the street cannot offer. From clothes, bags and accessories to local brands of goodies, the street has it all. Not only are the day bazaars worth a visit, but the street is also known for its night markets. Apart from that, the street has some mouthwatering snack stalls and hawkers that make tasty local cuisine.
At the Petaling Street you will find the true essence of Kuala Lumpur’s street shopping. However, it's not all just about shopping. The area has some very pretty monuments and temples that are a pure delight to experience. Amongst these are the ornate South Indian Temple of Sri Mahamariamman and the Chan See Shu Yuen Temple, which is Chinese in origin and dates back to the early 20th century.
Why You Should Visit:
Local cuisine at its glorious best, plus bargain-able products!
3) Bukit Bintang (Bintang Walk) (must see)
One of the most happening places in Kuala Lumpur is the Bukit Walk, your one-stop destination to a complete Kuala Lumpur shopping experience! Stretching from Jalan Bukit Bintang and Jalan Imbi, all the way to Jalan Pudu, the Bintang Walk is a place you do not want to miss.
No matter what your budget is, the Bukit Walk has something to offer every visitor. Right from upscale classy and glamorous malls and boutiques like the Pavillion and Star Hill Shopping Gallery, to road side bargains, electronic shopping complexes and exclusive shops like the Low Yat Plaza, the Bukit Walk is truly a shopper’s paradise.
But don’t let the excessive shopping put you off. If you are not very keen on peeking into the retail stores, you have plenty of other things to do at the Bukit Walk. Some of Kuala Lumpur finest eateries can be found here. Whatever be your style, you are sure to find the perfect place, menu and cuisine to tempt, tantalize and satisfy your hunger. From hawkers who are famous all over the city for their offerings to specialty restaurants that are known world over, from delicious local fare to alfresco restaurants, the Bukit Walk is the place to get a mouthful of Kuala Lumpur.
No matter what your budget is, the Bukit Walk has something to offer every visitor. Right from upscale classy and glamorous malls and boutiques like the Pavillion and Star Hill Shopping Gallery, to road side bargains, electronic shopping complexes and exclusive shops like the Low Yat Plaza, the Bukit Walk is truly a shopper’s paradise.
But don’t let the excessive shopping put you off. If you are not very keen on peeking into the retail stores, you have plenty of other things to do at the Bukit Walk. Some of Kuala Lumpur finest eateries can be found here. Whatever be your style, you are sure to find the perfect place, menu and cuisine to tempt, tantalize and satisfy your hunger. From hawkers who are famous all over the city for their offerings to specialty restaurants that are known world over, from delicious local fare to alfresco restaurants, the Bukit Walk is the place to get a mouthful of Kuala Lumpur.
4) Suria KLCC
For the shopaholic at heart, there could be no place better than Kuala Lumpur. From bargain stalls on the street to high end boutiques, the city has something for every kind of shopper. While you can put your haggling skills to practice at the Petaling Street and the Central Market, the Suria at the Kuala Lumpur City Center is where sophistication is the key ingredient.
Located beside the Petronas, the world’s tallest twin towers, the Suria is Kuala Lumpur’s most chic shopping malls. Offering a Class-A international shopping experience, the Suria is filled with the glitz and glamour. Select from some of the world’s most sought after brands and services along with some of the best local boutiques. With classy restaurants and food kiosks, one can easily spend an entire day at the Suria. Apart from having an excellent retail collection, the mall also has some fun activities and attractions that might be worth the while when you visit.
A popular choice for many visitors is the Aquaria, where you get to experience the rich underwater flora of the city. For science lovers, there is the Petrosians Discovery Center which is an interactive science center that does a great job presenting the world of science and technology to all.
Located beside the Petronas, the world’s tallest twin towers, the Suria is Kuala Lumpur’s most chic shopping malls. Offering a Class-A international shopping experience, the Suria is filled with the glitz and glamour. Select from some of the world’s most sought after brands and services along with some of the best local boutiques. With classy restaurants and food kiosks, one can easily spend an entire day at the Suria. Apart from having an excellent retail collection, the mall also has some fun activities and attractions that might be worth the while when you visit.
A popular choice for many visitors is the Aquaria, where you get to experience the rich underwater flora of the city. For science lovers, there is the Petrosians Discovery Center which is an interactive science center that does a great job presenting the world of science and technology to all.
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