thrillophilia-logo
INR
login
Central Market Overview

Central Market is an iconic tourist destination that is a mini paradise for shopaholics, food buffs and art lovers. Located at the heart of the city, Central Market boasts of a plethora of shops selling authentic handicrafts, traditional Malay Batik stuff and memorable souvenirs. There is also an array of activities to indulge in at the Central Market like getting a henna art, massage and fortune telling.

An extremely famous tourist destination, the Central Market Kuala Lumpur is an iconic landmark of this city. Located in the heart of the city center, the market has been in existence since 1888. Once only a wet market, the place was re-established in the 1980s as the current-day Central Market. 

Also known as Pasar Seni, the market is a paradise for art lovers and shopaholics. Hundreds of stalls line the streets with authentic handicrafts, fabulous boutiques, traditional Malaysian batik items, and numerous souvenirs. A significant cultural marker for the city as well as the country, the Central Market is an official Heritage Site which has been often compared with the likes of Fisherman’s Wharf (San Francisco) and Covent Garden (London). 

Aside from the endless shopfronts and food stalls, Central Market is also an important site for several cultural celebrations such as the Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, and the Indian festival of Deepavali. Come during one of these events and you will witness several exhibitions and cultural events taking place here. The market is easily accessible via bus, train, and taxi from all parts of the city.

Planning to Vist Kuala Lumpur? Click Here to Book Now: Kuala Lumpur Tour Package

Highlights

• Walk through the historic lanes of Central Market which is one of the oldest markets of Kuala Lumpur that has been in existence since 1888 and revamped in 1980.
• Visit different varieties of stalls lining the streets and shop to your heart’s content buying local artworks, paintings and keepsakes.
• Indulge in a relaxing foot massage at the Manjakaki Spa Centre to soothe your muscle aches after a full day of shopping at the Central Market.
• Obtain a Must Visit Trail Card, visit all the twelve attractions mentioned on the card and collect stamps to finish the card and win a prize.
• Savour delectable street food and snacks in the alfresco food stalls along the Kasturi Walk.
• Take part in compelling fun activities like fortune telling, henna art, writing Chinese Calligraphy and buying carved Chinese Seals.

How To Reach

The Central Market Kuala Lumpur is located in the city center and can be easily accessed from any part of the city. If you are trying to get to the market, here are the following options you can try:

By Taxi:

This is the fastest but the most expensive way to get to the market. 

By Train:

Depending on where you travel from, you can either take the Kelana Jaya Line to get to Pasar Seni station which is right opposite the central market; or, you could take the Ampang Line to get to Masjid Jamek Station which is approximately 15 minutes’ walk from the Central Market.

By Bus:

There are three kinds of bus services you can avail to come to the market. The first option is to take the usual Rapid KL bus. Alternatively, you can get on the KL hop-on-hop-off city tour bus that makes a stop right outside the market. Lastly, you can avail the free Go KL tourist bus (Purple line) which will drop you right opposite the market.

On Foot:

Central Market is only a 5 minutes’ walking distance from Chinatown.

Check Out: Best Places to Visit in Malaysia

Other Essential Information

Places to Visit near Central Market

1. Chinatown, Petaling Street

A lively market place with stalls selling everything from souvenirs to street food, the ‘Chinatown of Kuala Lumpur’ is a bustling place to explore, especially in the evening. It’s also a good place to shop for fake branded products. 

2. Kuan Ti Temple

In existence for as long as the Central Market, the iconic temple with a hard-to-miss bright orange façade is a shrine dedicated to the Taoist God of War, Guandi. Visitors have a chance to appreciate replicas of the weapons used by the patron saint of martial arts. 

3. Sri Mahamariamman Temple

Built in 1873, the temple is the main place of worship for Hindus in Kuala Lumpur. Constructed with gorgeous Italian and Spanish tiles, the temple has five tiers adorned with Hindu deities, and an imposing 75 feet tower that serves as the entrance for the inner sanctum.

You May Also Like: Best Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur

Places to Eat in Central Market

There are quite a few places in and around the Central Market to grab a casual bite or have a hearty lunch or dinner. Here are a few of them:

1. Ginger Thai Cuisine

Located within the Central Market complex, the place is known to be one of the best choices for Thai delicacies. The restaurant also serves Asian, Indochinese, and Seafood items. 

2. Food Court

The Central Market has a substantial food court located at the Mezzanine floor. There are several different food stalls at the court that serve coffee and light snacks to authentic Malaysian chicken rice and Roti Canai.  

3. Rasa Kelantan

Specializing in halal, Asian and traditional Malaysian cuisine, Rasa Kelantan is a favourite among locals and visitors alike. 

Must Read: Restaurants in Kuala Lumpur

Places to Stay near Central Market

There are a lot of accommodation options near Central market. Some of the most recommended ones are:

1. Pacific Express Hotel Chinatown

Within a walking distance from the Central Market, the hotel offers 24-hour front desk and a range of fully-furnished guest rooms. The property offers complimentary WiFi throughout. 

2. Travelodge City Center

A stone’s throw away from Chinatown and the Central market, the Travelodge City Center offers contemporary rooms with ensuite bathrooms, currency exchange, and a friendly 24-hour front desk.

3. Space Hotel @Chinatown Kuala Lumpur

A unique accommodation option featuring capsule-style single and double bedrooms, the Space Hotel is a great choice for solo and group travellers as well as female travellers, who can rent a bunk at one of the female-only dorms. 

Also Read: Resorts in Kuala Lumpur

Tips to Visit Central Market

Central Market Kuala Lumpur is a great place to be with friends and family. Here are a few things you should keep in mind while visiting the market:

The market has been in existence since 1888 and is considered a Malaysian heritage. Be respectful of the surroundings.

The shopping complex has much more than just stores. The annexe, situated behind the main building, is a great spot for art lovers as well as young adults. 

There are plenty of restaurants within the market. So, you can always stop for a quick bite or a proper meal.

Exploring the market could take a bit of time and more walking than usual. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.

Click Here to Check Out and Book: Religion, Culture & Heritage Half Day Tour

Read More
Day Wise Timings
Open Today
mo
Normal Timings:
10:00 AM to 06:00 PM
tu
Normal Timings:
10:00 AM to 06:00 PM
we
Normal Timings:
10:00 AM to 06:00 PM
th
Normal Timings:
10:00 AM to 06:00 PM
fr
Normal Timings:
10:00 AM to 06:00 PM
sa
Normal Timings:
10:00 AM to 06:00 PM
su
Normal Timings:
10:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Point of Interest for Central Market
Shop for authentic Malaysian handicrafts and products
1

Shop for authentic Malaysian handicrafts and products

The market has been Malaysia’s favourite place to shop since 1888. Home to several shopping stores featuring traditional Malaysian souvenirs to electronics and apparels, you can find just about anything here. 

Click Here to Book Now: KL Tower Tickets (Menara Kuala Lumpur)

Fish Spa
2

Fish Spa

For those who aren’t scared to try something new, Central Market has its very own fish spa, where you can get your feet pedicured by a tub filled with tiny fish who nibble away the dead skin, and leave your feet feeling rejuvenated. 

You May Also Like: Spas In Kuala Lumpur

DIY Batik Painting
3

DIY Batik Painting

If you want to try your luck with authentic Malaysian batik painting, the central market is the perfect opportunity for you to indulge in some DIY batik art.

Planning to Visit Malaysia as Honeymooners, Click Here to Book Now: Malaysia Honeymoon Tour Packages

Illusion 3D Art Museum
4

Illusion 3D Art Museum

A fun and exciting place for families with kids, the 3D Art Museum offers you over 35 unique 3D paintings and Augmented reality videos. You can literally jump into a painting to give it a whole new dimension.

Click Here to Book Now: Illusion 3D Art Museum Tickets

Kasturi Walk
5

Kasturi Walk

Kasturi Walk is a newly developed covered pedestrian walkway alongside the main buildings of Central Market. Built in 2011, the walkway features several alfresco food stalls and souvenir shops. Take a break from shopping and walk along the Kasturi Walk to devour delicious local snacks in the open-air food stands and to buy exquisite souvenirs.

Click Here to Checkout and Book: Sunway Lagoon Tickets

Central Market Annexe
6

Central Market Annexe

Central Market Annexe is an art gallery that was constructed as a centre for contemporary art. It is an open platform for the present generation to express their thoughts and ideas - whether they be artists, audiences, locals, tourists, young or old. The Annexe hosts a variety of events like public talks, workshops, exhibitions and tango classes to bring together different folk arts.

Also Checkout and Book: Kuala Lumpur Half Day City Tour

Kuala Lumpur Must Visit Trail Card
7

Kuala Lumpur Must Visit Trail Card

The Kuala Lumpur Must Visit Attractions Trail Card is a fun activity that requires you to collect stamps by going through the entire city of Kuala Lumpur. The trail card is a token of visit that features twelve different destinations to explore. Get your free Trial Card at the Central Market Information Counter, collect stamps from the mentioned attractions on the card and redeem a reward for finishing the card from the information counter.

You May Also Like: Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur For Couples

Central Market Drop Pin
8

Central Market Drop Pin

Tell the world about your visit to Kuala Lumpur by picturing yourself in front of the iconic Central Market Drop Pin. This huge structure is 14X23 in size and is located right at the popular blue facade of Central Market. It is a vantage point for the tourists and visitors of Central Market to click creative pictures. Visit the Drop Pin arch during the day for bright snaps or during the night when it shines with light.

Click Here to Book Now: Sunway Pyramid Ice Skating, Kuala Lumpur

Massage
9

Massage

The Manjakaki Foot Reflexology and Spa renders relaxing massages to unwind your tiring day at the Central Market. The parlour spoils you with a soothing hand and foot massage for a rejuvenating session in a clean, safe and refreshing environment. Treat yourself with a lovely massage and other spa services to alleviate your muscles after a full day of walking and shopping at Manjakaki.

Also Checkout: Theme Parks in Malaysia 

Henna Art
10

Henna Art

Get yourself inked with the traditional henna art from simple to fancy designs on your hands. There are several henna artists on the streets of Central Market waiting to sketch their magic on your hands. The henna is a natural and organic dye made from the henna plant. It is a temporary tattoo that washes off in two weeks or so. The rate varies from RM 20 to RM 40 per hand based on the design.

Click Here to Book Now: Kuala Lumpur City Tour with Petronas Twin Tower and Batu Caves

Fortune Telling
11

Fortune Telling

Master Chin Palm Reading offers advice about the present or tells you about the fortunes that are in store for you in the time to come. If you are keen on knowing about what lies ahead, offer your hands to the fortune teller who reads the lines on your palms and tells how the future unfolds for you. Visit the shop to know about yourself in a fun way or to get insightful information about work and life. 

Click Here to Book Now: Putrajaya Cruise Tour

Chinese Seal
12

Chinese Seal

The Chinese Seal is an ancient form of art from China that refers to a carving on a seal made of stone, bamboo, wood or ceramic. The seal was used in the olden times as a sign of authority to stamp and approve official documents about artworks. The Chinese seal is regarded as one of the four treasured arts of China. You can buy an engraved Chinese Seal from Central Market as a souvenir.

Check Out and Book: Adventure Sports in Kuala Lumpur

Name On Rice
13

Name On Rice

Name on Rice is a unique kind of art in which a name is engraved on a grain of rice using a fountain pen. The rice grain is then sealed in a case made of glass, plastic or crystal and used as an accessory like bracelet, keychain, necklace and mobile strap. Prices start from RM 16 according to the design and casing.

Click Here to Book Now: Pottery Making Class in Kuala Lumpur

Chinese Calligraphy
14

Chinese Calligraphy

Calligraphy, which means ‘beautiful writing’, is an ancient Chinese art in which Chinese characters are written as an art form. The calligraphy is a blend of visual art and interpretation of the literary meaning. The Chinese Calligraphy store at the Central Market displays a huge collection of brushes, ink, ink stones and posters used for calligraphy.

Also Checkout and Book: KL Hop On Hop Off Bus Night Tour

Tourism Board Alliances

Central Market FAQs

How do I get to Central Market KL?

A few minutes’ distance from Chinatown, Petaling Street, the Central Market KL can be easily reached via:

Bus –

Take the Go KL City Bus (Purple line) to get to the bus stop next to Pasar Seni LRT Station. The market is only a short walk from here. 

LRT –

The closest LRT station to the Central Market is Pasar Seni LRT Station. Take the Kelana Jaya LRT to get to the station and walk approximately 5 minutes to reach the market. 

Taxi –

The fastest way to get to the market is via a hired taxi. If you are travelling from KL Sentral, it only takes a couple of minutes to get to the market.

Check Out: Best Water Sports in Kuala Lumpur

What can I buy in central market KL?

Central Market KL is the perfect place to shop for Malaysian souvenirs. You can expect to find a wide range of products to shop here including but not limited to handicrafts, batik and songket apparel, jewellery and accessories, antiques, and much more. The market is also a great place to look for authentic Malaysian items.

Must Check: Kuala Lumpur Nightlife

Which are Malaysia's top activities and attraction tickets that I can book via Thrillophilia?

Why Choose Thrillophilia