Leisure activities in Kuala Lumpur

Things to do in KL on weekdays:

Weekdays are the best time to enjoy KL's iconic architecture. Little India Brickfields and Chinatown, famous for the Petaling Street Market are vibrant neighbourhoods. Menara KL (KL Tower) and the Petronas Twin Towers are staples of the city skyline while various museums dot the landscape of the city. Locals and tourists alike recommend paying a visit to The National Textile Museum, The Museum of Islamic Arts, and The National Museum. The Petrosains Museum is moreover, a popular destination for families; the exhibits on science and technology cater to the educational and entertainment needs of children.

Kuala Lumpur is a multicultural city and a big testament to that is the multitude of religious spots. Mosques such as Masjid Negara, Temples like the majestic one at Batu Caves, and shines like Chan See Shu Yuen Temple in Chinatown are a beautiful way to experience Malaysia's relationship to spirituality.

Alternatively, if you want to spend time outdoors alone or with your family, the landscaped hills and beautiful trails in the Perdana Botanical Gardens make for a lovely stroll or place to do some early morning Tai Chi.

Weekdays are perfect to dine out in KL. Malay, Chinese and Indian cuisine are complemented by Middle-Eastern, East Asian and Western dining spots that are suitable to any budget and whim. If you don't mind sitting outdoors on the pavement at a rickety table, hawker stalls are one of the best ways to eat like a local.

If you enjoy shopping, KL will feel like a dream destination, thanks to the impressively spacious malls and markets. While stores tend to be open for longer hours over the weekend, it tends to get very crowded and weekdays make for a better experience. Shopping centres such as Berjaya Times Square, EkoCheras or Avenue K will moreover, keep children entertained with bowling alleys, arcades and indoor playgrounds.

Fridays are the best to enjoy the nightlife in Kuala Lumpur. Plan a night out with your friends and go pub-crawl across the city to let go of the stress of your week in true KL style.

Things to do in KL on weekends:

One of the best ways to start your weekend in KL is to have brunch with your friends or family. Visit one of the excellent brunch spots in Publika or head to Bangsar for the weekly food market.

Weekends are also a great time to be outdoors in the city. Sunway Lagoon Theme Park, which encompasses a Water Park, Scream Park, Amusement Park, Extreme Park and Wildlife Park is a fail-safe option for a thrilling family experience. Broga Hill makes for a great sunrise hike and if you'd prefer to sleep in, head to KLCC for a jog or picnic later in the day.

When you are in the mood for a little more adventure, take a road trip out of the city to experience another facet of Malaysia within a few hours of driving. Cameron Highlands is a popular destination for road-trippers who want to enjoy cooler weather, strawberry picking and tea plantations while Penang is the foodie destination by excellence.

If you aren't in the mood to travel, that's just as fine. Kuala Lumpur has some of the best staycation spots you will find. Whether you want some luxurious time or simply to feel more in touch with nature, KL has these little hideouts that will make you feel like you are far away from the city while retaining the convenience of being in the city.

One of the many bonuses of living in Kuala Lumpur is that many events take place there throughout the year. Music festivals tend to happen over weekends and exhibitions and film festivals are activities to watch out for. Time Out is a great way to find out about the latest music, art and food events in KL. Whether you are looking to run a marathon or discover the works of Malaysian artists, weekends in KL tend to be quite fulfilling.