10 Free Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur, as Recommended by Locals

There are many fun things to do in Malaysia, specifically in its capital city, Kuala Lumpur. But the cherry on the cake is that you can actually visit many places for free! For those of you who want to have fun here without spending a single cent, I’ve got you. I, a local, shall guide you through a list of free things to do in Kuala Lumpur, so you can have a great time even with a shoestring budget.

Also read: 7 Affordable Airbnbs & Vacation Rentals in Kuala Lumpur

Free things to do in KL on your next trip

1. Admire the art murals at Kwai Chai Hong

Kwai Chai Hong on Petaling Street has become a local’s favourite place to go during the weekends. For free things to do in KL, this place should definitely be on the list, with its art murals that will bring you back to the 1960s era of KL’s Chinatown. Here, you can take your time to admire the art and quirky designs, or even join the art events happening during festive seasons like Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival.

And yes, entrance is free! You don’t even have to worry about being hungry because there are tons of eateries there. Just a few minutes’ walk around the area will take you through the rest of Petaling Street, as well as other buildings with views featuring Merdeka 118 — the tallest building in Southeast Asia!

2. Spend a night at KLCC’s symphony walk

Looking for a free place to visit in KL with a stunning view of the Petronas Twin Towers? Come to Suria KLCC! (Well, entering the place is not completely free, since you need to pay for the parking ticket if you’re bringing a car). Once you enter the mall, walk to the KLCC Symphony Walk to enjoy the stunning views of the towers, as well as the light and sound fountain show. 

I would recommend coming at night since the fountain show only starts at 7.30pm, but the place is just as pretty during the day. As a cheapo, I also recommend a “secret spot” to hang out with a view of the fountain. Just head on to Suria KLCC’s Signatures Food Court and you’ll find seats right in front of large windows, featuring pretty views from above.

Also read: 15 Famous Buildings in Malaysia: Where to See Architectural Attractions

3. Get picture-crazy with Saloma Link Bridge

Saloma Link Bridge opened to the public in 2020, and has quickly become one of the favourite photo-taking spots among locals. It’s actually a combined pedestrian and bicyclist bridge connecting the Kuala Lumpur City Centre and the new villages. Take as many pictures as you want — particularly at night — when the lights change colours every minute, forming a picturesque scene. When you’re done, just walk for a few minutes to the mamak (a restaurant that sells Tamil Muslim cuisine) nearby for an affordable meal!

Also read: 12 Most Insta-Worthy Spots in Kuala Lumpur & Selangor

4. Visit the iconic Thean Hou Temple

For more free things to do in KL, stop by the Thean Hou Temple, an ornate Chinese temple dedicated to the goddesses Mazu, Shui Wei Sheng Niang, and Guan Yin. The temple comprises elements of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. It is already extremely gorgeous on ordinary days, but if you visit during festivals like Chinese New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival or Wesak Day, you get to witness the liveliness – people offering their prayers, the enshrine and worship activities, family-friendly lantern parade, and red lanterns illuminating at night. 

5. Jog around Sentul Park

Sentul Park is no stranger to people who wish to enjoy free activities in KL. It’s a private gated park that offers free entrance and free parking. Spend a day interacting with adorable animals like ducks, koi fish, and tortoises who call this place their home. The park does not have a running track or any sports equipment, so it’s not designated for workout activities or cycling. Even so, you can still jog around the park and spend a wholesome family day here. 

The KL Performing Arts Centre and Sentul Depot (especially Tiffin at the Yard, the bougie food court inside) are within walking distance. Once you’re done with jogging, you can have a hearty brunch or even watch a show before leaving!

Note: Since it’s a private park, it’s better to seek permission first before taking pictures!

6. Head to the Bukit Jalil Recreational Park

Bukit Jalil Recreational Park is another place to go if you’re looking for free things to do in KL. The entrance is free, and the park is 80 acres huge, so it would probably take you more than half a day to explore the whole of it. When I was younger, I would come with my family on the weekends to cycle, jog, feed the fish, and even have a simple picnic sometimes. 

There are plenty of facilities and amenities, like the children’s playground, resting huts, and sports apparatus. So, why not visit this park with your family in the coming weekends?

7. Go on a bookstore date!

Bookstore hopping is one of the activities in KL. Among all the bookstores in the city, I personally recommend the newly opened Eslite Bookstore and Tsutaya Books. Both are famous global bookstores that just launched their first branch in Malaysia in 2022; the former is the largest bookstore chain in Taiwan, while the latter is a brand from Japan. 

Even if you’re not much of a book lover (or you’re simply not planning to spend), you would love going on a bookstore date in these two places. Aside from having a wide selection of books in different languages and genres, Eslite Bookstore is holding a free art exhibition by Taiwanese artist Jimmy that will continue until February 2023. As for Tsutaya Books, there is a large seating area facing a cascading handmade waterfall, here some visitors even bring their own laptops here to study or work — without having to purchase anything. Besides, who doesn’t love the smell of bookstores and their exquisite aesthetic?

Also read: 12 Beautiful Libraries & Bookstores to Visit Around Asia

8. Stop by the National Monument Park

Tugu Negara or the National Monument Park is another free place to visit in KL. Located in Kuala Lumpur’s Perdana Botanical Garden, its highlight is a bronze statue dedicated to the heroes who died fighting against the Japanese during World War II and the Malayan Emergency. There is also the Kuala Lumpur Cenotaph to honour the fallen soldiers. Having visited the quaint place once, I would say that it is also a great dating spot to just walk around with your date, and learn about the history of the country. 

9. Have fun at the Central Market

For free things to do in KL, pay a visit to the Central Market! Also known as Pasar Seni, this place is easily accessible by public transportation, and you’ll immediately recognise it by its turquoise paint, or the giant wau bulan (traditional Malay kite) next to it. 

Central Market is home to more than 350 shops and bazaar-like kiosks that sell mainly Malaysian handicrafts like batik, as well as souvenirs, antiques, clothes, and more. The place also houses fashion and craft-making events from time to time, and is open every day of the week!

10. Spot the world’s largest pewter tankard at Royal Selangor Visitor Centre

Another one of the free things to do in KL is to check out the Royal Selangor Visitor Centre. Here, you can take a picture with the world’s largest pewter tankard, recognised by the Guinness Book of Records. The tankard was made in 1985 by Royal Selangor, the well-known pewter manufacturer, to celebrate its hundredth anniversary. 

Meanwhile, the museum allows you to explore the evolution of tin technology, and catch a glimpse of how pewter crafting is done. And yes, you can enter it for free! The exhibitions include a Twin Towers replica made from more than 7,000 tankards, the Lucky Teapot that saved a life during World War II, and a giant tin weighing scale. 

Also read: 30 Attractions in Putrajaya That You Shouldn’t Miss

There you go, a list of enjoyable not-to-miss activities around the city that don’t require you to spend much. Leave a comment on our Facebook page if you have any other fun and (most importantly) free things to do in KL to share!