Petaling Street Tours and Activities

Petaling Street showing signage, street scenes and markets
Petaling Street
Petaling Street featuring flowers
Petaling Street featuring food and markets
Petaling Street which includes markets, street scenes and a city


Wander from stall to stall sampling delicious food, haggle for clothes and accessories, and people-watch in one of Kuala Lumpur’s best-known shopping streets.

Tourists and locals alike enjoy looking for bargains as they stroll along Petaling Street, one of the Kuala Lumpur’s busiest shopping precincts. This area is well known for excellent food and counterfeit products, but many people visit simply for the people-watching and high-energy atmosphere.

Petaling Street sprung up as an extension of Kuala Lumpur’s original Chinatown back in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Since then, it’s developed into a market of bustling stalls and shouting vendors.

Weave your way through the crowds as you browse bargain merchandise. You’ll find that many vendors have a similar selection, so be sure to look around before you start haggling. Items often start at two or three times what they’re worth, so it pays to be aggressive with bargaining, even if it means walking away. Keep in mind that this is a game of give and take, although some vendors can be pushy.

Even if haggling for bargains isn’t your thing, make sure to try out some of the local cuisine. You’ll find delicious laksas and some of the best noodles in town. There are restaurants all around, but often the best food is out on the street. It’s usually safe to eat, but be cautious and choose stalls with lots of customers.

Once you’ve had your fill of food and shopping, spend some time exploring the surrounding area beyond Petaling Street. Once you leave the heavily touristed area, you’ll stumble across tiny shops and narrow alleyways reminiscent of the original Chinatown. Not far away you’ll also find Sri Mahamariamman, one of Malaysia’s oldest Hindu temples, as well as the arts and crafts stalls of the Central Market.

Petaling Street is in downtown Kuala Lumpur, a short distance southeast of Merdeka Square and the Jamek Mosque. Although Petaling Street is for pedestrians only, the area is easily accessible by public transport, and is busy throughout the day and well into the evening.

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Best Lodging Options Near Petaling Street

Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur

Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur

5 out of 5
Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Kuala Lumpur
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PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur

PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur

5 out of 5
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Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown

Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown

4 out of 5
NO 2 JALAN BALAI POLIS, Kuala Lumpur
Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown
citizenM Kuala Lumpur Bukit Bintang

citizenM Kuala Lumpur Bukit Bintang

4 out of 5
128 Jalan Pudu, Kuala Lumpur
citizenM Kuala Lumpur Bukit Bintang
Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur

Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur

5 out of 5
12 Jalan Pinang, Kuala Lumpur
Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur
PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Kuala Lumpur

PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Kuala Lumpur

5 out of 5
No. 1, Jalan Nagasari, Off Jalan Raja Chulan, Kuala Lumpur
PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Kuala Lumpur
AnCasa Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown

AnCasa Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown

4 out of 5
Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, (off Jalan Bukit Bintang), Kuala Lumpur
AnCasa Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown
The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Autograph Collection

The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Autograph Collection

5 out of 5
5 Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin, Kuala Lumpur
The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Autograph Collection
Moxy Kuala Lumpur Chinatown

Moxy Kuala Lumpur Chinatown

2.5 out of 5
No 1 Jalan Hang Lekiu, Kuala Lumpur
Moxy Kuala Lumpur Chinatown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Petaling Street

Petaling Street in Kuala Lumpur is a vibrant hub for tourists, offering a delightful mix of activities. You can enjoy a leisurely stroll along Jalan Petaling, explore the bustling night market, and indulge in shopping at various stalls. For those seeking a bit of nature, birdwatching is a refreshing option, while entertainment options abound, making it a perfect spot to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Shopping

Petaling Street offers a vibrant shopping experience with bustling markets and malls. Nearby, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and Suria KLCC Shopping Centre, both 1.6km away, feature family-friendly entertainment options. Chow Kit Night Market, 3.2km away, immerses you in local culture and commerce.

Recreation

The Royal Selangor Club, a luxurious private club, offers a sophisticated retreat just 805m from Petaling Street. For sports enthusiasts, the Royal Selangor Golf Club provides an outdoor golfing experience 3.2km away. Nearby, Merdeka Stadium, located 483m away, hosts various sporting events, perfect for active relaxation.

Adventure

At Desa Waterpark, located 4.8km from Petaling Street, enjoy thrilling water slides and wave pools perfect for families. Camp5, 9.7km away, offers an exhilarating climbing experience amidst outdoor adventures. For more water fun, Wet World Shah Alam, 22.5km distant, features exciting attractions for all ages.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Petaling Street is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy a family-friendly outing at the National Planetarium, just 1.1km away, or immerse yourself in culture at the DBKL City Theatre, 805m distant. For a thrilling experience, venture 32.2km to Genting Casino, where romance meets excitement.

Find the best attractions near Petaling Street

Petaling Street in Kuala Lumpur offers a vibrant mix of culture and city life, perfect for tourists seeking unique experiences. Key attractions include the bustling Jalan Petaling and various temples, making it a great spot for family outings. Visitors can immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere of the street market while exploring local delicacies and crafts, creating lasting memories in this iconic locale.

  • Petronas Twin Towers: Standing as an iconic symbol of Kuala Lumpur, the Petronas Twin Towers are the tallest twin skyscrapers in the world. Enjoy breathtaking views from the Skybridge and observation deck, offering a stunning panorama of the bustling cityscape.
  • Berjaya Times Square: A vibrant hub of culture and entertainment, Berjaya Times Square features an indoor theme park, shopping, and diverse dining options. Experience the lively atmosphere and explore the unique blend of modern amenities and local charm.
  • Kuala Lumpur Tower: Known for its stunning height, Kuala Lumpur Tower offers an exhilarating view from its observation deck. Enjoy a unique dining experience at the revolving restaurant while soaking in the beautiful city vibes below.

Best time to go to Petaling Street

Visitor numbers around Petaling Street is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Petaling Street can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Petaling Street falls in May, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with moderate rain. The coolest average temperature around Petaling Street falls in January and December. December has slightly high visitor numbers and mostly cloudy weather.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January78.1°F (25.6°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
February79.2°F (26.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March79.9°F (26.6°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April80.2°F (26.8°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
May80.8°F (27.1°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
June80.4°F (26.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
July80.1°F (26.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August80.1°F (26.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September79.7°F (26.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October79.7°F (26.5°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November78.6°F (25.9°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December78.1°F (25.6°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Petaling Street

To save money during your visit to Petaling Street, consider travelling during the off-peak months of March and May to June, when accommodation prices are lower. Opt for Saturday stays for the best rates, avoiding Tuesday when prices peak. Enjoy free entry to Petaling Street and nearby attractions like KLCC Park and Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly hotels by sorting search results from lowest to highest prices, and consider package deals that combine flights and activities to save even more.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Petaling Street are March and May to June, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to August and December to January, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Petaling Street is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Petaling Street is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool makes it easy for you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you see the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel stay on Petaling Street with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.