We recently visited Central Market Kuala Lumpur in the city center. Central Market, KL (built in 1888) is a vibrant cultural landmark that echoes Malaysia’s rich heritage. It was originally a wet market but is now a bustling hub of local arts, crafts, and traditional delicacies.
Central Market attracts both locals and tourists seeking Malaysian souvenirs to bring back home. We often bring our overseas friends and family to visit Central Market for souvenir shopping.

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Is Pasar Seni the same as Central Market?
Yes, Pasar Seni and Central Market are the same iconic landmarks in Kuala Lumpur. Between 1985 and 1986, it was renovated and briefly renamed Pasar Budaya (Cultural Market).
Top 10 Things To Do In Central Market, KL
1. Shopping
You will find yourself surrounded by over 350 colourful stalls in Pasar Besar’s Market Hall, Maker’s Hall and the rest of Central Market. Check out local batik textiles, intricately beaded Peranakan accessories, carved wooden decorations and local snacks that are sold at fair prices, perfect for gift or keepsake.

2. Henna Art
You can get henna art at a few stalls in Central Market between RM20 to RM40 per hand and lasts a clean two weeks or so. It will be drawn with an organic paste that darkens beautifully depending on your skin tone.

3. Illusion 3D Art Museum
The Illusion 3D Art Museum at Central Market Annexe features over 36 hand-painted 3D murals that use clever perspective and optical illusions. There are floor markers to guide you into the perfect photo spot and some props for posing too for some family fun time!
4. Get a Relaxing Massage or Foot Reflexology
If your feet are aching from exploring the Central Market, head up to Manjakaki for a blissful foot reflexology, a traditional full-body massage, or manicure. The men can relax at one of the coin-operated massage chairs on the ground floor while the women continue their shopping spree.

5. Kasturi Walk
It is an open-air covered walkway with a large wau (traditional kite) at the entrance with a vibrant street-side KL market culture with street performers, flower garlands stalls and local food and drinks stalls.

6. Photo Opp At Central Market Entrance
This historic frontage of the Central Market and the Central Market Drop Pin Sculpture has become a favourite photo spot especially for foreigners and even local tourists.

7. Batik Painting
Tucked away on the upper floor of Central Market, experience batik painting at Ainna Artwork. You will be introduced to the “canting” which is a small copper pen used to draw designs in melted wax and colourful dyes and guided by the staff through each step of the batik painting process.

8. KL Story Exhibition Gallery
Those with an interest to learn the history of Central Market and places in KL, can visit the first floor of the Central Market. The space is thoughtfully curated with archival photographs, vintage artefacts and detailed timelines of Central Market’s transformation.

9. See Some Local Art
Next to Central Market, you can find the Art House Gallery in the Central Market Annexe. Many of the contemporary paintings and mixed-media pieces by talented Malaysian artists are available for viewing and purchase if you are an art collector.

10. Eat Some Local Malaysia Food
For the adventurous, nothing beats trying durian! To cool off, try Cendol (coconut dessert), traditional kueh and modern fusion pastries.
Food Options In Pasar Seni

- Kakao Origin
Kakao Origins near the lift on the ground floor is a must visit for chocolate lovers. Customers can choose between dark, milk, or white chocolate bases made from locally sourced single-origin Malaysian cocoa, then personalise their drink with unique infusions including turmeric and star anise.
- Makan Hall
For lunch, you can go to the Makan Hall where you can sample dishes from Malaysia’s three major ethnic cuisines. Try Nasi Lemak the national dish of Malaysia and golden roti canai served with dhal curry (Indian cuisine).

- Precious Old China
This restaurant’s interior is a lovingly curated homage to the Peranakan heritage. The menu celebrates Nyonya cuisine with signature dishes including Pai Tee, Ju Hoo Char and Ayam Pong Teh.
- Bartolo
Bartolo is famous for freshly baked Portuguese egg tarts and other Portuguese cuisine, making it a perfect stop for mid-morning snacks and afternoon-tea.

- Central Market Food Court
The Central Market Food Court is located on the second floor. With its budget friendly menu, the food court is perfect for travellers to try the local Malaysian Chinese, Indian or Malay cuisine.
Central Market KL Opening Hours
Open Every Day: 10 AM to 9.30 PM
Central Market KL Location
Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur.

Getting To Central Market, KL
- Car
If you are driving to Central Market, there is an open carpark right in front of the building (RM3 for the first hour and RM2 for each additional hour).
- Grab
Set your destination to Central Market Kuala Lumpur or Pasar Seni on the Grab app.
- KL Hop On And Off Bus
If you are exploring the city’s highlights, the KL Hop-On Hop-Off Bus is a tourist-friendly way to reach Central Market. Alight at Stop 17 on the route so you can hop off directly in front of the entrance. This is a great option if you want to combine your visit with other attractions on the same route.
Rating: 4.3 Stars out of 5, Over 100K+ booked, 2K+ reviews!
- LRT
Central Market is well-served by the Kelana Jaya Line (LRT). Get down at the Pasar Seni LRT Station and from there it is only a 5 minutes walk.
- MRT
Alight at Pasar Seni MRT Station on the Kajang Line (MRT) and it is a brief 7 minutes walk to Central Market. The MRT is the perfect option for those who want to avoid the city traffic jam.
- KTM
The Kuala Lumpur KTM Station is a 9 minutes walk to Central Market. This route is especially scenic if you pass by the historic Sultan Abdul Samad Building and Merdeka Square along the way.
- FREE Go KL City Tourist Bus
Budget travellers will love the Go KL City Bus, a free service that connects many major attractions. The Purple Line passes close to Central Market.
- Walking
Central Market along Jalan Hang Kasturi is only a 5-minute walk from two of Kuala Lumpur’s most famous landmarks which are Merdeka Square and Petaling Street in Chinatown.

Hotels Near Pasar Seni (Central Market), KL
- Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown
This stylish 4-star hotel is located right in the heart of Chinatown just a short walk from Pasar Seni and Central Market. Its modern rooms and rooftop bar make it perfect for guests who want both comfort and easy access to the area’s heritage attractions.
Exceptional 4 Stars Hotel , 9 Rating of 10, 6.8K Reviews
- Le Méridien Kuala Lumpur
This luxurious 5-star hotel is known for its elegant and contemporary design. With its prime location next to KL Sentral station, it is perfect for exploring Central Market and other places near it.
Excellent 5 Stars Hotel , 8.9 Rating of 10, 8K Reviews
- Travelodge Kuala Lumpur City Centre
This budget-friendly 3-star option in Chinatown is walking distance to Central Market.
Excellent 3 Stars Hotel , 8.1 Rating of 10, 13.1K Reviews

How much time did you spend at Central Market, KL?
We spent about 1 hour and 15 minutes at Central Market, mainly shopping and browsing through the colourful stalls and souvenir shops. It was enough time to explore and shop without feeling rushed. If you plan to sit down for a meal, do the DIY batik painting, visit the art galleries, enjoy a massage, you could easily spend 2 to 3 hours here.

Is There An Entrance Fee to Visit Central Market, KL?
No, there is no entrance fee to visit Central Market, KL. It is FREE for everyone.
Best Time To Visit Central Market, KL
We visited on a weekday morning at around 10:15 am, and it was pleasantly quiet. The time was perfect for browsing the shops and stalls at a leisurely pace without the crowds.

Is It Worth Going To Central Market, KL?
Yes, Central Market, KL is definitely worth a visit for its rich cultural atmosphere, diverse shopping options, and local food that gives you a true taste of Kuala Lumpur’s heritage.