Before our visit to Thean Hou Temple, we actually made a stop at the well known Central Market. This is Kuala Lumpur’s most familiar landmark. It is a centre for Malaysian culture, arts and craft. As such it is definitely one of the Things To Do In Kuala Lumpur.
Tip: There is a video of Central Market below. Watch It! Don’t Miss It!
About Central Market
The Central Market is located at the heart of the city. It is just a short walk away, about 5 to 10 minutes, from Petaling Street. It was originally a wet market called Pasar Seni that was built in 1888. Now, it has been classified as a Heritage Site by the National Heritage Department.
Today, it is a popular destination for art lovers, shoppers and tourists. At once, as you approach the building, you can appreciate the stunning art-deco structure with influences of beautiful Malaysia architecture.
Inside is where you will get a real visual treat. Take your time to immerse in the sights of the Malaysian heritage. Throughout the place, there are more than 300 shops selling textiles, handicrafts, souvenirs, collectibles and authentic Malaysian batik prints.
And let us not forget the delicious local food offered at the cafes, food court, food stalls, and restaurants.
Central Market – The Video
Central Market truly surprised me. It has changed so much. There is so much more to this place now. I must confess that I did not take as much footage as I would like to.
Maybe I will take more when I visit Kuala Lumpur next time. And update this video then. Meanwhile, there is enough for you to see what Central Market is about, what you can expect to see there, and how beautiful the place and what it offers is now.
Don’t miss watching this video!
Central Market Annexe
There is the Central Market Annexe that is located behind the main building, and offers a wide and diverse range of art galleries. Some of the attractions here are an Illusion 3D Art Museum, Art House Gallery, and the Central Market Art Lane.
Don’t miss the art corner where you can find unique art studios. These studios feature the works of art by local artists. So if you are on the lookout for local art, this is a good place to find it.
And of course there is the charming DIY batik workshops. Create your own batik that will have special meaning for you.
Somewhere in Central Market, I chanced upon this unique find! See the image below. It is a collection of Star Wars memorabilia created by Royal Selangor. How unique and awesome is that??!
Kasturi Walk
Take one of the exits to the Kasturi Walk. This is quite a cool place that is alongside the main building. It is a walkway that has been newly transformed into an open air market.
The walkway is covered, and was opened in 2011. This new ‘wing’ has an al fresco ambiance and features an exciting variety of stalls selling tantalizing local snacks and exquisite souvenirs.
Where is Central Market in Kuala Lumpur?
How To Get There?
By Train
Kelana Jaya Line & MRT Line – Stop at the Pasar Seni Station that is located opposite The Central Market.
Ampang Line – Stop at Masjid Jamek Station, and walk to The Central Market. About 15 minutes walk.
KTM Commuter – Stop at Kuala Lumpur Station, and walk to The Central Market. About 5 minutes walk.
By Bus
Rapid KL Bus – Any of these buses will take you to The Central Market – 821,822,851,180,640,650,651, 652,772,780,781,782,750,751, 752,770,771,BET1,BET3,BET4
KL Hop-On Hop-Off – A City Tour Bus that stops at the station just opposite The Central Market
GoKL – This is a Free City Bus Service for visitors. It travels on selected routes in the city. Take the Purple route to Pasar Seni stop. From there, you can walk over to the Central Market.
By Taxi
This is also an option. And always take those that go by the meter. You can reject if they do not use the meter. Speak to the driver and agree to go by meter before you get on the taxi.
By Grab
This is my preferred option. It is so easy to travel around in cities now because of Grab. Just download the app, state your destination, a driver is assigned to you, take the transport, and you arrive at your destination. Comfortable and easy.
I have switched to Grab for my travels within a city ever since this option became available.
Address of Central Market:
Lot 3.04-3.06, Central Market Annexe,
Jalan Hang Kasturi,
50050 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: Daily: 10:00 – 21:30
Contact Central Market:
Phone Number: +603 2031 0399, or +603 2031 5399, or +603 2031 7399, and 1300-22-8688 (Hotline)
Email: info@centralmarket.com.my
We have come to the end of this article. I hope you enjoyed reading this.
If you have ANY questions about this article, about Things To Do In Kuala Lumpur – Central Market, ANY at all, please submit your questions as comments below. I will be happy to help you out.
Wishing you and your loved ones safe and happy travels.
Timotheus
Hey everyone, I am Timotheus. When I am not giving lectures, I love traveling and visiting cities and towns all over Asia. It is a thrill for me to find and share awesome places to see, great tasting food to eat, and restful rooms to get a good night’s sleep.
great content. More please!
Sure. I have uploaded a new blog post – Phnom Penh Hotels Review – The Bridge Club. Enjoy reading! 🙂
Great content. More plisss
Thank you, Andini. I am adding more content. Kindly join my I Love Travel community to receive updates. 🙂