There are popular tourist locations in and around Kuala Lumpur.
- The Golden Triangle, the commercial hub of the city, contains the famed Petronas Twin Towers and has a hectic nightlife.
- The Petronas Twin Towers are the world's tallest twin towers and stand adjacent to one of the busiest shopping malls in Malaysia, Suria KLCC.
- The Menara Kuala Lumpur, the fifth tallest telecommunication tower, is located on Bukit Nanas.
- Lake Gardens, a 92-hectare manicured garden near the Malaysian Parliament building, was once home to a British colonial official. They include a Butterfly Park, Deer Park, Orchid Garden, Hibiscus Garden and South-East Asia's largest Bird Park.
- The sports Stadium Merdeka (Independence Stadium), was initially erected for the country's declaration of independence on August 31, 1957.
- Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square), was the site of the lowering of the Union Jack flag and hoisting of the Malayan flag on the start of August 31, 1957. The square itself has historic association with its surroundings, namely the Royal Selangor Club and the architecturally Victorian-Moorish or 'Raj' influenced Sultan Abdul Samad Building.
- Kuala Lumpur Railway Station, a Victorian-Moorish railway station, was completed in 1911, and surpassed by KL Sentral in 2001; it currently serves commuter trains only.
- The Muzium Negara (National Musuem) incorporates neo traditionalism into its architectural design.
- The Masjid Negara (National Mosque), a post modernist mosque, was completed in 1965.
- The Tugu Negara or the National Monument commemorates those who died in Malaysia's struggles for freedom (principally against the Japanese occupation and during the Malayan Emergency of 1946-60).
- Many of the largest celebrations of Chinese cultural festivals are held at the Thean Hou Temple on Robson Hill.
- The Chinese Night Market area (Chinatown), Petaling Street, has recently undergone a makeover; the most notable feature is the new covered walkway.
- Cheap hawker food on the street is sold at Jalan Alor.
- The Batu Caves are a series of tall limestone caves, home to a Hindu temple, that lie 13 kilometres north of Kuala Lumpur.
- About 40 kilometres west of Kuala Lumpur is the city of Shah Alam, site of a famous masjid (mosque) and 10 kilometres away from Shah Alam is the town of Klang famous for its seafood and Bah Kut Teh (Pork rib soup).
- Genting Highlands is a hill top resort near Kuala Lumpur, famous for its casino and golf course.