Petaling Street and Chinatown KL are more than just a night market.
This historic district is one of the most layered areas in Kuala Lumpur — where temples stand beside cafés, hawker stalls operate beside cocktail bars, and heritage shophouses hide boutique hotels.
If you’re wondering what to do in Petaling Street and Chinatown Kuala Lumpur, this complete guide covers everything:
- Cultural landmarks
- Food experiences
- Café hopping
- Cocktail bars
- Heritage walks
- Hidden alleys
- Night activities
- Photo spots
Whether you have one hour or half a day, here’s how to explore Chinatown KL properly.
Walk Through the Petaling Street Market
The iconic green archway marks the entrance to Petaling Street.
By day:
- Souvenir stalls
- T-shirts
- Accessories
- Small goods
By night:
- Louder
- Brighter
- More energetic
Even if you’re not shopping, it’s worth walking through for the atmosphere.
Tip: Bargaining is common.
Visit Sri Mahamariamman Temple
Built in 1873, this is Kuala Lumpur’s oldest Hindu temple.
The colourful tower (gopuram) is filled with intricate sculptures of Hindu deities.
What to do here:
- Observe the architecture
- Learn about Thaipusam traditions
- Take respectful photographs
- Experience multicultural KL
Dress modestly when entering.
Step Into Guan Di Temple
Located directly opposite Sri Mahamariamman Temple.
Dedicated to Guan Di — the Chinese god of loyalty and righteousness.
You’ll see:
- Red incense coils
- Worshippers praying
- Traditional altar designs
It’s a powerful cultural contrast — two major faiths facing each other peacefully.
Explore Kwai Chai Hong
A restored alley that tells the story of 1960s Chinatown through murals.
Today it’s one of the most Instagrammable spots in Kuala Lumpur.
Best time to visit:
Morning (less crowded) or evening (nice lighting).
Eat Your Way Through Madras Lane
A narrow lane packed with legendary hawker stalls.
Must-try:
- Curry laksa
- Chee cheong fun
- Popiah
This is where locals eat — not curated, not fancy.
Café Hop Around Chinatown
Chinatown KL has become one of the city’s most interesting café districts.
Recommended stops:
- Leaf & Co Cafe – heritage shophouse ambience
- Luck Bros Kopi – modern local kopi
- Yew Yew Coffee – specialty coffee
- The Breakfast Spot – hearty brunch
You can easily spend 2–3 hours café hopping alone.
Visit Central Market
Just a short walk away.
Browse:
- Batik
- Local handicrafts
- Malaysian souvenirs
- Art galleries
It’s one of the most historic marketplaces in KL.
Experience Chinatown’s Cocktail Bars
At night, Chinatown transforms.
Recommended bars:
- PS150 – hidden behind ice cream shop façade
- Penrose – refined cocktail craftsmanship
- Cabinet 8 – intimate, experimental drinks
- The Deceased – ancestral-themed concept bar
Perfect for date nights or small group gatherings.
Visit RexKL
A former cinema turned cultural and lifestyle hub.
Inside you’ll find:
- Bookstore
- Events
- Creative spaces
- Cafés
A good break from the heat and crowds.
Do a Self-Guided Heritage Walk
Start at:
- Petaling Street arch
- Sri Mahamariamman Temple
- Guan Di Temple
- Kwai Chai Hong
- Central Market
- Masjid Jamek (optional extension)
Total time:
2–3 hours.
This gives you a complete Chinatown experience.
Suggested Itineraries
If You Have 1 Hour:
- Walk Petaling Street
- Visit temples
- Grab soy milk
If You Have Half a Day:
- Heritage walk
- Hawker lunch
- Café hopping
- Central Market
If You Have Evening Only:
- Dinner
- Cocktail bars
- Night market stroll
Is Petaling Street Worth Visiting?
Yes — especially if you:
- Enjoy culture and food
- Prefer heritage over malls
- Like walkable neighbourhoods
- Want authentic KL atmosphere
