An essential stop on any trip across the west coast of Malaysia, Melaka (or Malacca) is a city of historical significance, delectable food, and gorgeous colonial architecture. The port city was once a major stopping point for European powers at the height of the spice trade.
While Melaka’s local economy has drifted away from spices in modern times, it has maintained its charm and embraced the history and diversity from years past.
It took me three trips to Malaysia before making my way to Melaka, and in the end, I’m glad I did. I enjoyed the food scene immensely, was pleasantly surprised by the beautiful street art, and loved lounging around the Dutch Square. I also found the night market to be one of the best the country has to offer.
In this Melaka Guide, I’ll cover some of the city’s popular historical sights, including the informative museums, what to see in the Old Town, and the temples and mosques worth visiting. I also share some tips on where to stay, how to get around, and of course, my favorite eateries and cafes!
Here are some of the wonderful things to do in Melaka, Malaysia.
Visit The Dutch Square
At the heart of Melaka, the Dutch Square stands out with its brick red painting that gives it the famous nickname “The Red Square.” I’d say it’s a must-visit, but there is almost no way of missing the square. It’s part of the UNESCO-recognized Old Town and sits just below St. Paul’s Hill and across the river from Jonker Street.
The architecture has very much kept its appearance throughout the years, having been influenced heavily by the colonial superpowers that shaped the city during its spice trading days. Hence the name ‘Dutch Square’, although some things, like Queen Victoria’s Fountain, were built during British rule.
POPULAR ARCHITECTURAL SIGHTS IN THE DUTCH SQUARE
Tan Beng Swee Clock Tower
Queen Victoria’s Fountain
Christ Church Melaka
Stadthuys / The History and Ethnography Museum
The Dutch Square is the focal point of Melaka, which means it’s busy with tourists at almost all hours of the day. If you’re looking for some photo opportunities or to skip out on the crowds, the best time to head there is in the early morning or when the sun is overhead at the hottest point in the afternoon.
Although I quite enjoyed it around sunset.
Decorated sightseeing tricycles light up the street and offer short tours around parts of the Old Town. They blast hit music and pop with neon colors and are themed with popular animated characters like Hello Kitty and Pikachu.
If you want to learn more about the history of the square and Melaka in general, I suggest popping into the History and Ethnography Museum in the Stadthuys building or joining a free walking tour.
Wander Around St. Paul's Hill and A Famosa
Nestled on a hill above the Dutch Square, you’ll find the ruins of the Church of Saint Paul, Malacca. Built in the 16th century, the church sits in the middle of what was once the Melaka Fortress.
A short hike up the hill is a must, not only to see gorgeous panoramas of the Malacca Strait, but also to set foot in one of the oldest European buildings east of India. There isn’t much remaining of the church besides the stone walls and foundation.
However, it now houses dozens of old Portuguese tombstones, the names of which can be clearly seen on a board by the entrance to the church.
At the bottom of St. Paul’s Hill, next to the Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum, you’ll notice a small colonial fortress that goes by the name “A Famosa,” which translates to “The Famous.”
What remains today is all that’s left from the original old fortress. Constructed by Portuguese fleet commander Alfonso de Albuquerque, it was once a mighty stronghold and the tallest keep in the region.
Despite there not being much left of the building, it is one of the main reasons Melaka was given its UNESCO status. Next to A Famosa, you’ll see a small courtyard with some information boards that share the history of Melaka in the colonial times. It’s just a short, summarized version, so if you’re looking to really dive into the city’s past, it’s best to find a tour or do some research beforehand.
Jonker Street Night Market
If you’re there on a weekend, then the popular Jonker Street Night Market almost feels like a requirement. It’s definitely one of the best things to do in Melaka and one of my favorite night markets in all of Malaysia!
Around 6 pm, Friday to Sunday, Jonker Street closes down to cars and becomes a lively walking street, with vendors selling everything from children’s toys to souvenirs to mouth-watering fast food. Music fills the air, and the crowds come out in droves.
It feels like the whole of Melaka is here, including the weekend tourists from Kuala Lumpur and the nearby cities. I mostly enjoyed the market for the food, which I cover in more detail in the food section below (and in my linked food guide), but it’s quite fun weaving through the sea of people to experience the Old Town at night, too.
While some of the food and souvenir stands become repetitive, there are still plenty of unique things to find. Plus, the walking street has some great places to visit outside of the pop-up vendors, like the Geographér Café for a drink and Mamee Jonker House to make your own instant ramen.
You’ll also find some interesting statues, like the two of Datuk Wira Dr. Gan Boon Leong, who’s considered “The Father of Bodybuilding in Malaysia.” One is at the Jonker Walk World Heritage Park, and the other is across from the fire station at the end of the walk.
If that doesn’t interest you, you might enjoy the display of Malaysia’s biggest durian knife in front of the Jaya Mata Malaysia Knife Gallery.
Food In Melaka
Malaysia is, hands down, one of my favorite food destinations, and Melaka is a big reason for that. It has an amazing night market, several hawker centers worth eating at, and a wonderful variety of standalone restaurants. You’ll also find a range of places serving Nyonya-style cuisine, a sort of Chinese/Malay hybrid that is packed full of flavor!
For a more detailed look at the food scene in Melaka, you can check out my ‘Melaka Food Guide.’ Otherwise, here is a quick summary of food in Melaka:
POPULAR FOODS TO TRY IN MELAKA
- Durian Cendol | Iced sweet dessert with durian.
- Chicken Rice Ball | Chicken stock and rice cooked and shaped into balls.
- Satay Celup | Seafood, meat, and vegetable skewers in an aromatic gravy.
- Klebang Shake | An iced coconut shake.
- Asam Pedas | Sour and spicy fish stew.
- Nyonya Laksa | A rich, coconut-based broth with fish, chicken, and noodles.
- Oh Chien | Fried oyster egg omelette.
- Tandoori Chicken | Chicken marinated in spices and yogurt and cooked in a clay oven.
Hawker Markets To Eat At
Jonker Street Kopitiam | It’s away from the touristy part of town and open throughout the day. You’ll find very typical Malaysian food at reasonable prices, as well as a beloved pasta stall. I had some excellent wonton mee here one afternoon.
Jonker Street Night Market | When it comes to food, you’ll find just about everything at the aforementioned night market. I tried the Korean fried chicken, prawn mee, assam laksa, and a few other local noodle dishes during my stay. I enjoyed almost all of it! It’s worth trying some of the freshly made drinks too, like the popular Klebang shake!
Lock Ten Food | This market was only open during lunchtime when I was in Melaka and is a few steps away from Jonker Street Kopitiam. The fried Hokkien mee was tasty and well-portioned.
Newton Food Court | Another hawker center out towards the Portuguese Settlement, and a nice alternative to it if someone in your group doesn’t want seafood. They have a ton of selections, with some of the favorites being the satay, ikan bakar (charcoal-grilled fish), and oyster omelette stands.
Portuguese Settlement Seafood | If you’re looking for some freshly caught fish, the market at the Portuguese Settlement is worth a visit. There are around a dozen restaurants that all focus on seafood. The food is well-loved, and the ambiance (once you’re seated) is quite nice; however, in my experience, staff members from the varying stalls will follow you around showing you their respective menus.
Standalone Restaurants Worth Trying
The Kappan House Restaurant | An underrated gem that has wonderful Nyonya and Hakka-style dishes. The bee hoon and stewed pork are both very nice, as is their specialty cendol.
Restaurant BABA KAYA | A popular riverside restaurant with wonderful views, colorful decor, and tasty Nyonya and Malaysian cuisine.
Pak Putra Restaurant | One of Melaka’s iconic restaurants. It has North Indian and Pakistani cuisine and is known for its delicious tandoori and naan bread.
Kopitiam Tanka | This restaurant is all about Chinese noodles and fishballs. It’s a simple, delicious, and very filling meal that’s friendly on the wallet. The workers are also very helpful and will explain how to order and eat properly, which might seem silly, but is much appreciated if you’ve never eaten this type of meal.
Get Your Coffee On
You could visit a different cafe every day for two weeks and not even scratch the surface of Melaka’s coffee scene. Suffice it to say, the city has wonderful spots to grab your morning brew.
Which is a good thing, because it’s difficult to find ground coffee beans when traveling around the country. Most local coffee comes as instant or in individual filter bags, and often contains pre-mixed sugar and margarine. You’ll find this at the more traditional hawker centers and kopitiams.
I’m not really a fan of this style. Neither is my partner, so the places I recommend will be more catered to the Western crowd and use espresso coffee machines.
Here were some of my favorites:
The Baboon House | The interior of the cafe is truly unique and gives off strong bohemian vibes. It’s set in a former abandoned building that’s been restored with textured walls, a lush garden courtyard, and cool artifacts. It reminded me a lot of the ruin bars that are famous around Budapest. The price is high, but in my mind, worth it. I can’t comment on the food, but the drinks were good. They even have homemade tepache!
Sin See Tai | I stumbled in here after looking up places to grab a sweet breakfast, and it turned out to be my favorite coffee shop in Melaka. It also, as I found out later, made a list for the World’s Top 100 Coffee Shops! It’s on the pricier end of things, but the Americano I had here was smooth and flavorful, and the cafe itself was stunning. The bakery items are delicious too, especially the cinnamon rolls.
The Old Station Cafe | The layout is simple and nothing to get excited about, but the coffee is really nice, and the staff even nicer. Plus, it’s right next to one of the coolest street art alleyways in the Old Town.
Vintage Green Cafe @ The Daughter | This is one of the coolest cafes you’ll find in town, being half coffee shop and half second-hand store. It’s also a great place to come if you’re looking to try the stronger taste of a traditional Malaysian coffee bean. The family that runs it is super friendly and makes great food as well. The mushroom toast was amazing, as was the traditional kaya toast. Make sure to wander around after you finish your meal; everything you see inside is for sale, and there’s an amazing selection of English books.
MORE GREAT CAFE OPTIONS
Ban Kheng Cafe
The Daily Fix Cafe
BEHIND THE DOOR CAFE
175 Gallery Cafe
The Coffee JAR
Coffeebar125+
The Same Place Cafe
Bica & Co Courtyard Cafe
Calanthe Art Cafe
Mods Cafe
The Stolen Cup
Locahouz
Hunt Out Melaka’s Street Art
Melaka has a vibrant street art scene, mainly comprised of beautiful citywide murals and the occasional piece hidden amongst the maze-like alleys of the old town.
As I learned on my visit, the murals here have changed quite a bit over the years.
Many along the riverside have been replaced by solid, colorful exteriors on the houses, and the ‘Welcome to Melaka’ mural opposite the Church of St. Francis Xavier was switched out to another only a couple of years ago. So, don’t be surprised if some of the previous works you’ve learned about are now gone on your next visit to Melaka.
However, you shouldn’t be disheartened. Street art is a huge draw and source of pride to Melaka, so when one piece goes, you can expect another to pop up somewhere around town in its place.
Here are some places worth going if you’re planning a self-guided tour of the city’s murals:
- Lorong Hang Jebat (street) | There are a few pieces on the storefronts along the street, like the bicycles on Hereen House, the giant Orangutan on Orangutan House, and the lady with an umbrella in front of Cozdium Boutique.
- Friendship Square | Opposite Orangutan House, you’ll find a small, Instagrammable alleyway with the Melaka 3D Art painting and the Fan Bing Bing Mural.
- Melaka Street Art (The Well) | The walking street beside The Old Station Cafe is one of my favorite streets for art, with dozens of picturesque pieces lining the walls, especially all the hidden cat paintings at the very end of the alley.
- The Riverside | Heading north from Tan Kim Seng Bridge, you’ll see some really cool works. The warrior mural across from the bars stands out; the same goes for the tiger mural near Jambatan Chan Koon Cheng Bridge and the Melaka World Heritage City Mural in the parking lot beside The Straits Werks and Cafe.
- Jalan Hang Kasturi | Two pieces stand out here: the wall next to the aforementioned Old Station Cafe and the ‘Horses’ mural at the end of the street near the river.
- Others | Keep your eyes open around Jonker Street and some of the other streets in Old Town; there are smaller paintings all about.
Check Out The Shops In Old Town
Besides the plethora of temples, museums, and restaurants on every block, the Old Town is filled with some authentic and unique stores. Venturing in and out of them as I wandered the historic streets ended up being one of my favorite things to do in Melaka.
You’ll find dozens of local art galleries and souvenir shops in the city, the most popular being Orangutan House with its giant exterior painting and funky t-shirt prints, but many smaller ones too.
Price ranges and styles vary greatly from store to store, with neat hand-painted cards on the cheaper end and commissioned art pieces on the other. There are also some nice boutique clothing shops in town, as well as places to find carved handicrafts, ceramics, and local jewellery.
For those of you who love thrift store shopping, you’ll find some pretty cool places around. Most shops in the heart of Old Town have antique treasures and art, but if you head across the river, you can find some neat retro items.
Two of my favorites were Trash & Treasure @ Discovery and Vintage Green Cafe @ The Daughter. The former has a bit of everything, including some vintage clothing, while the latter has tons of great second-hand books in English and some fun accessories and household items.
Visit One Of The City’s Museums
For history buffs, Melaka has a wonderful variety of museums covering topics like the spice trade, the military, and city culture. The best part is that they are mostly all within walking distance of one another.
Here are some places that might interest you:
The History and Ethnography Museum | Located in the historic Stadthuys building, this museum displays the cultural history of Melakan communities, with exhibits of traditional dressware, instruments, weapons, and other utensils. It also covers the city’s history from the early 15th century until Malaysian independence. The entry price is 20 RM.
Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum | A private museum set in a stunning historic house that the Chan family acquired in the 19th century. Dive into the daily lives of a Baba & Nyonya (Straits-born gentleman and lady) and experience Peranakan culture. The entry price is RM 25. For more information, you can check out the museum’s website.
Muzium Samudera (Flor de la Mar) | The smaller maritime museum is set in a hard-to-miss replica of the Portuguese Flor de la Mar ship. A ticket will also get you access to the Royal Malaysian Navy Museum across the street. There are some really neat decommissioned boats and vehicles to see there. If you want to keep with the naval theme, you can head next door to the Flor de la Mar. Here you’ll find the free-to-enter Museum of the Royal Malaysian Customs Department. Entry to Muzium Samudera costs RM 20.
Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum | Housed in a replica of the palace of the sultan of Melaka, the museum has exhibits and dioramas with historic costumes, jewellery, and some nice tidbits about the era. All of this on a beautiful piece of property, especially the garden. Entry is RM 20.
MELAKA’S OTHER MUSEUMS
Malaysian Prison Museum | Proclamation of Independence Memorial | Cheng Ho Cultural Museum | The Royal Press | Malaqa House Museum | Muzium Seni Bina Malaysia | Ghost Museum Melaka
Walk Or Cruise The River
In the mornings and evenings, I often found myself drifting towards the river so I could meander along the riverfront walkways. It’s very tranquil here, with colorful shops lining the water, some wonderful pieces of street art, and plenty of photogenic spots.
There’s a nice pathway that starts near the Dutch Square and follows the serpentine river until Hang Jebat Bridge. If you’re looking for some exercise, this is probably your best bet in the city center. Plus, there are some interesting cafes and shops to stop at along the way.
Of course, you can always take a boat cruise and see the same things you would on a walk. Although I didn’t take one during my trip, it seemed like a popular thing to do. A typical cruise takes around half an hour and goes around the same distance as the walk I mentioned above.
Boats leave from either the Spice Garden Jetty (Jeti Taman Rempah) or the Melaka River Square Jetty near the Museum of the Royal Malaysian Customs Department. You can purchase tickets at either of those jetties or online. For more details about the boat cruise, you can check out the Melaka River Cruise website.
Ticket Price | 33 RM
Operation Hours | 9 am – 10 pm
Visit Melaka’s Floating Mosque
Masjid Selat Melaka Mosque, also known simply as the Floating Mosque, is one of the city’s most iconic sights. Its modern design, golden dome, and sky-high minaret make it stand out, but its location along the shores of the Strait of Malacca is what sets it apart as one of the best things to do in Melaka.
I wish I could say more about the interior; however, on my visit, I was unable to enter. It was smack in the middle of Ramadan, and despite coming at an hour outside of prayer time, they weren’t allowing entry. If you plan to visit inside, it’s worth checking in advance for entry times. The stained glass windows and high arches looked spectacular, which probably makes for a breathtaking interior design.
However, it’s not a must to visit inside the property, as the most popular spot for visitors is the rock jetty, a hundred meters or so away from the mosque. Here is where you’ll find the best views.
At sunset, especially, is when you’ll find the crowds flocking to the jetty. The mosque makes for a striking sight as the sun dips below the horizon, and when the clouds are clear, the sunset over the Strait is hard to beat. Plus, as it gets dark, the mosque turns on its lights, which often look very beautiful against the darkened sky.
Know Before You Go | If you’re going inside the property, you’ll need appropriate dresswear. They offer coverings onsite, but for a small fee.
Other mosques to visit in Melaka:
- Kampung Kling Mosque | A beautiful mosque in the heart of the old town with a minaret that resembles a pagoda. It was built in 1748 and displays Sumatran architecture with various other influences.
- Kampung Hulu Mosque | One of the oldest mosques in the country and the oldest in Melaka. It’s not far from the Kampung Ling mosque and shares many similar qualities, like multiple architectural designs and a minaret that takes after a pagoda.
- Tengkerah Mosque (Masjid Tengkera) | If you’re heading to the Malacca Submarine Museum or Klebang Beach, it’s worth stopping by this historic mosque. Built in the 18th century, the former state mosque has a pagoda instead of a typical minaret, which seems to be a common theme in Melaka.
Cheng Hoong Teng Temple
One of the oldest functioning temples in the country, Cheng Hoong Teng Temple, or Green Clouds Temple, is an absolute gem. Despite the many visitors who make their way through its gates, it maintains a peaceful charm that matches its old-world beauty.
If you want to explore the Chinese history of Melaka, this is a good place to start.
The temple was constructed back in the 1670s, in the beginning days of Chinese settlement, before mass migration hit Peninsular Malaysia. It’s said that the temple reflects on and tells the story of the Chinese in Melaka throughout the years.
In terms of beliefs, the Cheng Hoong Teng Temple is devoted to three doctrines equally: Confucianism, Taoism, and Chinese Buddhism. As you look at the details of the complex, this becomes more noticeable. It’s also dedicated to the compassionate Guanyin, who in Chinese Mythology is seen as the Goddess of Mercy.
The interior of the temple complex is only open during the day, so make sure to visit accordingly. Although at night, the massive doors to the gate and hanging lanterns were a beautiful sight. If you’re in the mood to explore another temple, you can cross the street to the modern Xiang Lin Si Temple.
Entry | Free
Opening Hours | 7 am – 6:30 pm
See Some More Temples Around Town
As you wander along the streets of Melaka, you’ll notice dozens more temples appearing between the old homes and shops. While the Cheng Hoong Teng Temple is the most famous, I found a few of the lesser-known places to be worth a look.
Here are some more temples to visit:
Melaka San Duo Temple | An 18th-century Buddhist temple on an adjacent street to Jonker Street. It’s one of the oldest temples in Melaka and has been rebuilt multiple times over the years.
Malacca Hokkien Huay Kuan Temple | A traditional clan house that’s also a small temple. The bright paintings on the door are gorgeous, as is the refurbished ancient architecture.
Poh San Teng Temple | Located just below the cemetery on the outskirts of the Old Town. The temple was closed when I was there, so I missed the popular statue of Zheng He. However, there is quite a lot to see here, like the Malacca Warrior Monument for the Chinese victims of fighting during the Japanese occupation. You’ll also find a gated area that you can enter, where The King’s Well stands.
A STORY ABOUT HANG LI PO WELL
Hang Li Po Well, or ‘The King’s Well,’ was built for the Chinese wife of a sultan in the 15th century. It’s said that the water from the well never dried up, even in the worst of droughts, and whoever drinks from it will return to Melaka. During the colonial years, Johor warriors poisoned the well, killing many Portuguese. When the Dutch came into power, they realized its importance and created a miniature fortress around it.
Aw Hai Thian Temple | A small but beautiful Taoist temple. It’s very colorful and has some interesting ornate decorations.
Arulmiku Poyyatha Vinayaga Moorthy Temple | A Hindu Temple next to Kampung Kling Mosque. It’s from the 18th century and has a simple, colorful facade and some nice ornaments of Ganesh.
There are plenty more small historic temples to explore in the Old Town, some of which allow visitors, and others that don’t. I enjoyed wandering by them after sunset when the streets weren’t so busy.
If you want to explore more Hindu temples, there are quite a few northeast of the Old Town. There are also some nice Buddhist temples in the area, like the Seck Kia Eenh Temple. I walked by during Vesak Day, and there was a massive gathering and celebration.
Head Out To The Portuguese Settlement For Seafood
I previously mentioned the Portuguese Settlement in the food section, and I stand by it as having some of the best seafood in Melaka. And despite the stall workers having vulture-like tendencies, the area has a wonderful atmosphere.
The settlement sits in a laid-back, family-oriented neighborhood along the Strait of Malacca. Most of the people living here belong to an indigenous group called the Kristang people and have a mixed Portuguese and Malay heritage. They originate from the 16th and 17th centuries when Portugal ruled over the city.
While I haven’t been to Melaka in June, the community supposedly holds a yearly festival at the end of the month. If you happen to visit at this time of year, feel free to let me know how it is!
While food is the main draw at the Portuguese Settlement, there are a few more places worth checking out, notably a small museum (although it was closed when I was there) and a miniature Christ the Redeemer Statue that welcomes you to the neighborhood. Across from the seafood stall, at the end of a narrow wooden jetty, you’ll also find a bar that’s ideal for sunset drinks.
If you want to make a day out of the trip there, St John’s Fort and the Malaysia Prison Museum are not too far away. I wouldn’t say either is essential, but they both offer something unique to Melaka’s history.
TOURS IN MELAKA
Melaka is a popular spot, but I found most tours that are online originate in Kuala Lumpur. If you’re planning a day trip, then you shouldn’t have a problem finding something tailored to your needs. Although I find that as Melaka becomes more popular, more tours are popping up around town.
If you’re looking to book something in advance or don’t want to hunt out a tour office, you can check GetYourGuide or Viator for Melaka tours.
GETTING AROUND MELAKA
Most of Melaka’s tourist areas are easily accessible on foot; however, some sights further out, like the Portuguese Settlement, can be reached by the local bus system. This is also the best way to get to the historic center if you arrive by intercity bus.
The local city buses in Melaka are bright pink and run routes from Melaka Sentral (maps) to almost all the suburbs around the city. To get to Jonker Walk and the Dutch Square, I took bus M100. They have a tap-on/tap-off system, so you can pay by credit card or in cash. The price was 2.20 MYR as of 2025. You can find a route map on the Causewaylink Website (although at the time of writing, it isn’t perfectly accurate).
LONG-DISTANCE BUSES IN MALAYSIA
The bus system in Malaysia is really good, with several companies driving routes that span the whole of the mainland. The bus stations almost always have English-speaking agents, making it easy to purchase tickets in person. For route times and availability, it’s worth checking online before you head to the station.
It’s also safe to purchase online from a reputable company, but make sure you arrive early, because you’ll still need to head to a kiosk to print off the actual ticket from a ticket agent. This is usually free, except in a few states like Perak, where it’s a 1 to 2 MYR fee.
Here are the online companies I used or were recommended when in Malaysia:
RedBus.com / BusOnlineTicket.com / Easybook.com
WHERE TO STAY IN MELAKA
The Cardamom Hostel & The Haven Inn | Two budget-friendly hostels that share the same owner/manager. My partner and I stayed at the Cardamom in a private room for about a week and found it to be a well-located, calm, and cozy accommodation.
Liu Men Melaka | A gorgeous mid-range hotel set in the historic district. It’s clean, comfortable, and only a few steps away from Jonker Street.
Casa Del Rio Melaka | The go-to luxury hotel in Melaka. It sits right on the river and has a pool, fitness center, and spa. They also have a daily breakfast buffet and occasionally a nighttime barbecue featuring a whole suckling pork roast.
Check here for more options.
