Visit the world-famous skyscrapers
Explore Kuala Lumpur's Petronas Twin Towers, featuring an observation deck, skybridge, mall, art gallery, and the adjoining KLCC Park.
Shopping & culture in Kuala Lumpur
Central Market
Explore Central Market in Kuala Lumpur for traditional crafts, local food, and a blend of Malaysian culture, all under one historical roof.
Central Market in Malaysia stands as a vibrant testimony to the multicultural tapestry of the country. Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, it is a focal point for both shopping and cultural exploration. Once a simple wet market, today it houses a rich assortment of traditional crafts and souvenirs. Visitors can find everything from Malay batik prints to Chinese herbs and Indian spices, while the nearby streets present an engaging mix of historical architecture and modern artistic expressions.
Food Offerings at Central Market
Within the bustling Central Market, you can delve into the culinary heart of Malaysia. The food section is a must-visit for its varied selection of local dishes. Here, the aroma of freshly cooked satay blends with the scent of traditional nasi lemak, offering a gastronomic adventure. Visitors can sample a variety of Malay, Chinese, and Indian cuisine, giving a true taste of the nation's diverse food heritage. Stalls selling kuih, a range of bite-sized snacks, both sweet and savory, are plentiful and provide quick and tasty options for those on the move.
Traditional Crafts and Art Galleries
Aside from its food, Central Market is renowned for its traditional crafts. Within its Art Deco walls, local artisans sell handmade goods perfect for souvenirs and gifts. Explore stores such as Arch for beautifully crafted wood carvings or visit Cultural Craft for Malaysian batik and woven textiles. Art enthusiasts should not miss the Annexe Gallery, which showcases contemporary art by local artists. Throughout the year, visitors can also enjoy cultural performances ranging from dance to puppetry, reflecting Malaysia's rich artistic heritage.
Shopping Experience
Central Market offers a shopping experience that caters to all budgets. While you can find stalls with affordable trinkets and clothing, there are also shops selling premium handcrafted goods. The market is often seen as providing good value for money, especially when it comes to unique Malaysian souvenirs such as pewter products from Royal Selangor or the traditional songket fabrics. The market is well-maintained with clear signage, clean facilities, and visible security presence, ensuring a comfortable environment for all shoppers.
Daily Life and Accessibility
A visit to Central Market provides a snapshot into the daily life of locals who frequent the market for its variety of goods and services. For many Kuala Lumpur residents, it's not just a place to shop but also a cherished landmark reflecting the city’s history and modernity. The market is easily accessible via public transport with Pasar Seni (Central Market) LRT station just a short walk away. Buses and taxis also service the area regularly, making it convenient for visitors to reach this destination from anywhere in Kuala Lumpur.
What people say about Central Market
Be the first to review Central Market
Tell us about it! Is it place worth visiting, are you coming back?
What else to see in Kuala Lumpur?
Panoramic views of the city
Get panoramic Kuala Lumpur views from KL Tower's Observation Deck, dine at a revolving restaurant, explore cultural exhibits, and enjoy the Eco Park.
Explore Hindu temples in caves
Discover Batu Caves, Malaysia: a site with ancient Hindu temples inside vast limestone caves and a giant Lord Murugan statue.
Discover marine life
Explore over 5,000 sea creatures at Aquaria KLCC's underwater walkway and engage with interactive touch pools for a hands-on learning experience.
Experience Chinese religious practices
Experience Thean Hou Temple's Chinese cultural heritage, stunning KL city views, and vibrant festivals in Kuala Lumpur.
Witness Malaysia's history
Explore Malaysia's history at Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur, home to heritage sites, a giant flagpole, and cultural events.
Rainforest within the city
Explore KL Forest Eco Park's canopy walkway, diverse wildlife, and hiking trails in Kuala Lumpur's historic rainforest reserve.
![Kuala Lumpur is the national capital and most populous city in Malaysia. The city covers an area of 243 km2 and has an estimated population of 1.6 million as of 2010. Greater Kuala Lumpur, covering similar area as the Klang Valley, is an urban agglomeration of 7.5 million people as of 2012. It is among the fastest growing metropolitan regions in South-East Asia, in terms of population and economy.
Kuala Lumpur is the seat of the Parliament of Malaysia. The city was once home to the executive and judicial branches of the federal government, but they were moved to Putrajaya in early 1999. Some sections of the judiciary still remain in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur. The official residence of the Malaysian King, the Istana Negara, is also situated in Kuala Lumpur. Rated as an alpha world city, Kuala Lumpur is the cultural, financial and economic centre of Malaysia due to its position as the capital as well as being a key city. Kuala Lumpur was ranked 48th among global cities by Foreign Policy's 2010 Global Cities Index and was ranked 67th among global cities for economic and social innovation by the 2thinknow Innovation Cities Index in 2010.
Since the 1990s, the city has played host to many international sporting, political and cultural events including the 1998 Commonwealth Games and the Formula One Grand Prix. In addition, Kuala Lumpur is home to the tallest twin buildings in the world, the Petronas Twin Towers, which have become an iconic symbol of Malaysia's futuristic development [Wikipedia.org] | Johor Bahru in Malaysia](https://humbo.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/place-photo/5ffa2ff19ed1ddb22d235d13/6xc_BMxB-z_thumb.jpeg)
