Escape Kuala Lumpur’s many shopping malls and find locally made handicrafts, clothing, art, and souvenirs under the iconic, art-deco structure. Central Market has been running since the 1940s in the Pasar Seni building, originally constructed in 1888 to serve as a wet market during the British colonial period. Stalls are split into 3 sections representing the main cultures in Malaysia: Malay, Indian, and Chinese.
Don’t miss the food court to sample authentic Malay food like nasi lemak at bargain prices. Continue onto the Central Market Annexe to see local art galleries, and art studios or visit the Illusion 3D Art Museum. You’ll soon see why Central Market is a favourite shopping destination for locals and tourists alike.
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Look Around
Kasturi Walk (Jalan Hang Kasturi) on the eastern side of the market
Souvenirs in Kasturi Walk
Central Market interior
Wandering through shops
Shops on 2nd floor
Front of Central Market
Large sign at front
Just inside the front entrance
Portable fans for sale (good idea!)
Isle with shops on ground floor
Chinese-orientated section
Plastic Malaysian flags
Handmade scented soaps
Wooden decorations and keyrings
Watches galore!
Market Annexe
Painting in AnnexeWho Will Like Central Market
Retail Therapist
Stock up your wardrobe with bargain fashion stores around every corner. Pick up souvenirs and gifts like batik sarongs or placemats, paintings, scented soaps and candles, stone jewelry, wood carvings, or musical instruments.
Food Connoisseur
Taste the bold flavors of Malaysia in the large food court, or buy some local curry mix, candies, or snacks to take home.
Culture Buff
Admire handicrafts from 3 different cultures: Malay, Indian, and Chinese, and mingle with locals in this historic market. If you’re lucky, you may see a cultural show like a traditional Malay dance performance.
Bucketlist Bandit
Wander through the crowded alleys and discover why the market is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kuala Lumpur.
Insider Tips For Central Market
- Bring cash as credit cards aren't accepted at most stalls.
- ATMs are a bit tricky to find as there is little signage pointing to them. 2 can be found on the eastern side of the complex on the ground floor.
- Be prepared to bargain as most prices are negotiable. You'll usually get a better price for buying multiple products from one stall.
Video
Where Is It
How To Get There
Car
RM3 (USD$0.64) 1st hour, then RM2/hr (USD$0.43 / hr) • Central Market Car Park
Taxi
Drop off and pick up at taxi stand outside the main (southern) entrance.
Train (Kelana Jaya LinePasar Seni station)
Walk 4 minutes north from metro station.
Train (Ampang LineMasjid Jamek station)
Walk 15 minutes south from LRT station.
Train (KTM CommuterKuala Lumpur station)
Walk 8 minutes north from station and cross the river.
Bus (Go KL purple line)
Free bus stops opposite main (southern) entrance.
Bus (KL Hop-on Hop-off green lineStop 13)
Bus stop is opposite main (southern) entrance.
Bus (Rapid KLPasar Seni 7)
The following public bus numbers regularly run past the Central Market: 821, 822, 851, 180, 640, 650, 651, 652, 772, 780, 781, 782, 750, 751, 752, 770, 771, BET1, BET3, or BET4.
Tech & Photography
Wifi
Public wifi access: None
Photography
Photography allowed: Yes
Tripod allowed: Not encouraged
Selfie sticks allowed: Yes
Best time to shoot: Anytime
Drones
Drones allowed: No
Bags
Backpacks allowed: Yes
Secured bag lockers available: No
Food & Drink
Upper floor food court operates a self-service system with a variety of local dishes. Try roti canai (traditional breakfast), mua chi (snack), chicken rice or pie tee (main course) or putu bamboo (dessert).
Several food and drink stalls selling snacks, coffee & tea, and fresh juice are located on the ground floor.
Backstory
Originally constructed in 1888 as a wet market during the British colonial period, the current art-deco style building was constructed in 1947 and renovated in 1985. The Central Market Annexe, housing art galleries and studios, was constructed at the north end of the complex in 2006.
For over 100 years, Central Market has been a cultural and heritage landmark in Kuala Lumpur.
Etiquette
- Bargain and ask for discounts when buying multiple items from 1 store.
- Dress modestly to respect local customs.
- Get pressured into buying items you don’t want by pushy store owners.
- Bargain too aggressively. Be respectful when store owners won’t go any lower.
Scorecard
- Air conditioning for much-needed respite from KL's heat.
- Different market areas for Malay, Indian, and Chinese.
- Wide variety of souvenirs, artwork and clothing.
- Availability of food and drink. Several snack stands and juice bars in addition to the upper food court.
- Higher prices compared to nearby Chinatown.
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But that's ok! You're welcome to join the cool club for free.
Joining only takes a minute and it's... um... free! Plus you get other perks like badges, points, and unicorns.
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