10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Kuala Lumpur

Changkat Bukit Bintang, widely regarded as Kuala Lumpur’s definitive nightlife hub, is easily accessible from prominent landmarks such as Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Starhill Gallery, and the Jalan Alor street food street. 

This narrow avenue is filled with international restaurants, nightclubs with cocktails bars, and vibrant pubs. Most venues have DJs spinning music ranging from house and electro to remixed pop and hip-hop. While its nightlife scene is always changing, there are several crowd-favourite establishments to be found in Changkat Bukit Bintang, including Pisco Bar and Havana Bar & Grill.

Rooftop bars are very popular with Kuala Lumpur’s late-night revellers. Some of the best nightlife in the city happens far above the streets, with numerous nocturnal hotspots that range from classy restaurants to cocktail lounges nestled atop high-rise structures. 

Offering great ambience and breathtaking views of the city, rooftop bars in Kuala Lumpur are your best bet if you want to just sit back and watch the sunset – with a drink in hand, of course. Some of the best rooftop bars in Kuala Lumpur include Marini’s on 57, Sky Bar, and Troika Sky Dining.

Petaling Street in Chinatown KL is in a league of its own. Instead of rows of clubs, pubs and bars offering music-and-alcohol-fuelled entertainment, you can find a colourful after-dark market dominating the nightlife scene. 

This well-known shopping district transforms into a lively and vibrant night market when the sun sets, with hundreds of stalls selling clothes, souvenirs, and accessories at cheap prices. You can also find several nightlife venues in Petaling Street, from hostels with makeshift rooftop bars to speakeasies and cocktail bars hidden along narrow alleyways.

Jalan Alor is one of the most famous roads in Kuala Lumpur for food, hosting numerous hawker stalls and seafood restaurants that stay open – and busy – until late. Located just behind Jalan Bukit Bintang and a short walk away from Changkat Bukit Bintang, it's a favourite after-clubbing dining spot in the Golden Triangle area. 

A sharp contrast to trendy Jalan Bukit Bintang and Changkat Bukit Bintang, Jalan Alor has a traditional charm to it, with atmospheric, air-conditioned Chinese seafood restaurants, bright fluorescent signs, and red Chinese lanterns strung up in the trees.

Nightclubs in Kuala Lumpur are plentiful, ranging from well-hidden underground venues to sophisticated rooftop clubs with expansive city views. Those looking to enjoy a raving good time in Kuala Lumpur will find that these nightlife spots are always packed until morning, thanks to their impressive line-up of renowned DJs spinning dance-worthy tunes, extensive alcoholic offerings, and fun atmosphere.

Bangsar is a popular expatriate neighbourhood with plenty of lively nightlife haunts. Its nightspots range from funky pubs and mini nightclubs to resto-bars and elegant cafes. 

While Bangsar’s nightlife scene pales in comparison to Changkat Bukit Bintang, the streets in the area are usually packed with college students, yuppies, tourists and expats during weekends. 

Ampang has a high concentration of 5-star hotels, award-winning rooftop bars, and posh cocktail lounges. As one of the main roads in the KLCC area, this underrated nightlife district is home to stylish speakeasies and nightclubs for late-night revellers looking to mingle with fashion-forward locals.

Jalan Bukit Bintang is one of Kuala Lumpur’s best-known nightlife venues, providing endless choices when it comes to after-dark entertainment. You can find resto-bars that swing into action come nightfall, as well as many hotels with onsite trendy watering holes and nightclubs. 

Karaoke lounges can also be found in abundance along Jalan Bukit Bintang, many of which offer private rooms for patrons who want to belt out to the latest tunes well into the night, no matter which day of the week it is.

Night markets (locally called pasar malam) are prominent features in Malaysia's shopping scene. Available in every state throughout the country, these after-dark souks are all the rage because they allow locals and tourists to shop for inexpensive goods. 

Once a week, busy streets within residential neighbourhoods are shut down to traffic, with stalls set up as early as 6 pm. In Kuala Lumpur, you can find many night markets happening each day in different places throughout the week. Vendors sell all sorts of merchandise under the sun, such as clothes, accessories, fresh produce, and street food.