Malacca (also written Melaka) is a popular city to visit in Malaysia. To be honest, I heard mixed reviews about it before visiting – a friend said it was nothing special, another one liked it.
After visiting, I can wholeheartedly recommend stopping by for a couple of days during your Malaysia trip. There are enough things to do in Malacca to keep you busy for a few days.
Malacca is a city where history meets culture, with a fantastic mix of colonial landmarks, vibrant street markets, and unique local flavors. Together with George Town in Penang, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, packed with attractions that showcase its Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences.
The vibe is unique – truly multicultural, which I believe is what made me appreciate it so much. And of course this multiculturalism is reflected in the many flavors you can try (a street food tour is an absolute must).
Many tourists visit Malacca on day trips from Kuala Lumpur (it’s a 2-hour drive, or a 3-hour train ride), but I recommend staying longer to enjoy everything the city has to offer.
Curious to find out more? In this post I explore the unmissable things to do in Melaka, and share some practical tips to help you make the most of the city.
Are you traveling to Malaysia soon? Make sure to also read my posts The Best 2-Days Itinerary For Kuala Lumpur and What To See And Do In George Town Penang to discover all the unmissable things to do.
If you are heading to Borneo, my post What To Know Before Your Trip To Borneo is another must read.
The Best Things To Do In Malacca
Go to A Famosa Fort
Close to the Sultanate Palace, the A Famosa Fort can’t miss from your Malacca itinerary. The fort is a symbol of the city’s tumultuous colonial history.
Originally built in 1511 by the Portuguese, it was later modified by the Dutch and British. A Famosa was once a sprawling fortress designed to protect the Portuguese trade routes. It was among the oldest European architectural structures in Southeast Asia.
The fort changed hands with each wave of colonial rule. The Dutch added their own architectural touches, while the British demolished most of it in 1807, leaving only the gate we see today – the Porta de Santiago, which stands as a reminder of the city’s strategic importance during the Age of Discovery. Its walls are adorned with inscriptions.
Most people visit the A Famosa Fort as this is one of the places to see in Melaka during guided tours – which usually also stop at St. Paul’s Hill and the Stadthuys in Dutch Square. It’s free to visit.
Visit St Paul’s Church
St. Paul’s Church sits atop St. Paul’s Hill, and it’s one of the places to go in Melaka offering not just panoramic views but also a glimpse into Malacca’s layered past. Though now a ruin, it remains a powerful reminder of the city’s colonial history and its role as a key trading hub.
The church was built in 1521 by the Portuguese as a chapel, and it’s the oldest church building in Southeast Asia. Later, the Dutch repurposed it but it then fell in disuse.
Inside the ruins you can see intricately inscribed tombstones, many belonging to European settlers. You will also see the church’s altar and statue of St. Francis Xavier, a missionary buried here temporarily.
While it’s a rather famous place in Melaka, the church remains a quiet spot. The views from there are impressive. You can see Malacca’s skyline, the Strait of Malacca, and other historic landmarks in the city.
You can access the church via a short walk up St. Paul’s Hill – there’s no fee to visit. Most (if not all) guided tours of Malacca also stop at this church.
Wander around the Stadthuys/Clock Tower
The area of Stadthuys/Clock Tower is one of the best places to visit in Malacca. The Malacca Clock Tower, also known as the Tan Beng Swee Clock Tower, is located at the center of Dutch Square and stands out with its striking red façade.
The tower was built in 1886. It was a gift from a wealthy Chinese tycoon, Tan Beng Swee, as a contribution to the city. The tower was painted in the same red color of the other Dutch-style buildings around it such as the Christ Church and the Stadthuys, and it’s a testimony of Malacca’s multicultural history (and present).
The clock itself is a British import, adding a layer of European influence.
It’s a popular meeting point in the city for locals and tourists alike, and one of the most photogenic spots in Malacca. It’s also very lively (and honestly quite crowded with tourists), as all tours of the city pass by at some point (including the rather loud trishaws that are so popular in Malacca).
I recommend visiting as early in the morning as possible to avoid the crowds, or around sunset for a better light. It’s also a fun spot to see at night.
Visit Christ Church
Christ Church is one of Malacca’s most iconic landmarks, instantly recognizable by its red exterior and prominent location in Dutch Square. Built in 1753 by the Dutch to commemorate a century of Dutch rule, it replaced a Portuguese chapel.
This is the oldest functioning Protestant church in Malaysia and a key part of the city’s colonial heritage. If you think about it, the church has witnessed Malacca’s transformation through Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial periods.
The church is actually quite simple, at least compared to the Baroque churches we have in Italy. There are tombstones with inscriptions in Dutch and Armenian. The interior is understated, with minimal ornamentation, a plain wooden ceiling, and a large, striking brass altar Bible.
Visiting the church is free, and it’s easy to include it in your Malacca itinerary as it’s in Dutch Square, surrounded by other important attractions such as the Stadthuys and Malacca Clock Tower.
Explore the Sultanate Palace
The Sultanate Palace in Malacca is a replica of Sultan Mansur Shah’s 15th-century wooden palace, and one of the most famous places to visit in Melaka, especially for history lovers. It’s not just a building; it’s a window into the glory of the Malacca Sultanate during its peak.
What’s special about it is that the entire palace is built without nails, elying on traditional wooden craftsmanship. The intricate carvings are a testament to the skill of Malay artisans. Inside, you’ll find the Cultural Museum of Malacca, showcasing artifacts, dioramas, and exhibits about the sultanate’s golden age.
You will be able to spot life-sized models of royal ceremonies; testimonies of daily life during the 1400s; a collection of traditional weapons, attire, and jewelry. When visiting, you should also plan to explore the garden surrounding the palace.
The Sultanate Palace is located at the base of St. Paul’s Hill, close to the A Famosa Fort. There is a small fee to visit.
Check out the Jonker Walk Night Market
There is no doubt that one of the best things to do in Malacca at night is visiting the Jonker Walk Night Market. This is an incredible hub of street food, shopping, and entertainment that takes place in the city every weekend (from Friday to Sunday).
Jonker Walk hosts a bunch of street food stalls selling all sorts of local flavors – satay, fried ice cream, stuffed squid, fresh juice and more. Spend time wandering along the street to taste the food, and look for souvenirs, antiques, clothing and more.
There also are live performances from traditional music to street buskers. It’s incredibly lively – if perhaps a bit chaotic if you are not used to this kind of scene. Make sure to bring cash – small notes are preferable.
Go on a street food tour
Speaking of the Jonker Walk Night Market, I should add that a street food tour is one of the most fun things to do in Malacca, and it’s a great way of fully appreciating the many cultures that mingle in this city.
The city’s culinary heritage is enormous. You can enjoy Peranakan classics, chicken rice balls (it’s literally boiled chicken served with rice balls), laksa (a spicy and creamy noodle soup that’s a blend of Chinese and Malay cuisine) and satay celup, skewers of meat – usually chicken – or seafood, vegetables, and other bite-sized goodies cooked in peanut sauce.
We also tried Putu Piring, a very simple snack made of rice flour and coconut milk, and cendol, a refreshing snack made of shaved ice, coconut milk, palm sugar syrup, and green jelly noodles. There’s also a variant made with red beans – though we didn’t really like that one!
Then there are noodles, soups, fried pastries, juices, roasted squid. The choice is enormous.
However, the best way to appreciate all the street food offer in Malacca is to have a local guide you.
We found a tour on WithLocals and wandered the city with Joseph, who proved to be an excellent guide. He took us to the places where he goes on a regular basis. We shared tables with a local older woman in a place where we tried pork noodles; we had a delicious oyster omelette, and all the food was delicious (and left us stuffed).
And on a trishaw ride
I could tell you that the trishaws – three-wheeled pedicabs – in Malacca are a popular mode of transport among locals, but to be honest when we visited they looked more like a tourist attraction than anything else. Once upon a time, trishaws were part of Malacca’s streets since the colonial era, now they are just used by tourists.
The trishaws are decorated with colorful lights, flowers, and cartoon themes from Hello Kitty to superheroes – and other characters especially loved by children. They are a fun way to explore the historic streets of Malacca, and drivers usually play very loud music too, making the experience even more fun (if only a tad tacky).
Most rides take you past landmarks like Dutch Square, Jonker Street, St. Paul’s Hill, and A Famosa. Some offer riverfront views, depending on the package.
Rides aren’t costly, but be sure to bargain a bit for a better fare. In terms of when to ride – we went in the afternoon and it was very hot, so I recommend going earlier in the day or around sunset. Keep in mind that they are fairly small so no more than 2 passengers can sit on a trishaw.
Visit the Baba & Nonya Heritage Museum
If you only visit one museum when in Malacca, it has to be this one. My sister and I visited at the very end of our guided tour of the city (my brother in law was exhausted by the heat and decided to go back to the hotel) and we enjoyed it.
The Baba & Nonya Heritage Museum offers an intimate look at the rich culture of the Peranakan Chinese community. Housed in a beautifully preserved Peranakan townhouse, it showcases the unique blend of Chinese and Malay traditions that defines this heritage.
This museum isn’t a replica; it’s a restored home from the late 19th century, originally owned by a wealthy Peranakan family. The intricate furniture, ornate décor, and household items all help you get a better understanding of the Peranakan life.
We didn’t actually do a guided tour inside, but we regretted it as it’s a good way to learn more about the customs, fashion, and daily routines of the Baba (men) and Nonya (women). The museum’s collection includes antique porcelain and stunning wood-carved furniture.
The museum is located close to Jonker Street, on Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, also known as “Millionaire’s Row.” There’s a small fee to visit that you can pay directly at the door, where you can also enquire about guided tours.
Go on a Malacca River cruise
One of the best things to do in Malacca around sunset time is hopping on a river cruise. The cruise lasts about 45 minutes and goes past Kampung Morten (a traditional Malay village), and you will see many murals, reflecting Malacca’s multicultural heritage.
Cruising along what once was a vital trade route for Malacca, you’ll get a chance to get a different perspective on the city, gliding through its historic heart. The river has now transformed into a lively hub lined with colorful murals, cafes, bars and restaurants.
Of course you can go on a river cruise throughout the day, but I don’t recommend it as it’s really too hot. We loved seeing the sunset over the city from the river, that would be my personal recommendation. You can also go at night, to see the city beautifully illuminated.
You can get tickets at the Melaka Tourist Information Kiosk in Dutch Square – they are not expensive. Cruises depart from either the Taman Rempah or the Muara Jetty near Dutch Square.
Pop inside Flora de la Mar Maritime Museum
The Flora de la Mar Maritime Museum is another interesting place to visit in Malacca if you have some time to spare. The museum is located on the Malacca river, close to Dutch Square, and housed inside a massive replica of a Portuguese ship that sank off Malacca’s coast, and highlights the city’s role as a thriving port during the Age of Discovery.
You can explore the ship’s decks, imagining life aboard during the 16th century. There are displays about Malacca’s maritime history, with historical maps and navigational tools, and artifacts that the city would trade such as textiles, ceramics and spices.
It’s a good place to visit to appreciate the key role Malacca had as a port that connected East and West. There’s a small fee to visit that you can pay directly at the door.
Go up the Taming Sari Revolving Tower
Going up the Taming Sari Tower, or Menara Taming Sari, is one of the unmissable things to do in Malacca if you’re into incredible views and a bit of novelty. It’s a 110-meter-tall (that’s more than 360 feet) revolving gyro tower that offers panoramic sights of this historic city.
The tower is modeled after the famous Taming Sari keris (a traditional Malay dagger), tying it to the region’s rich heritage. It’s also the first and only revolving tower in Malaysia so of course this adds to the fun of visiting.
We went up during a guided tour – we were actually meant to go on a different skyscraper, but we saw the revolving tower and asked the guide to take us there instead. We loved it, and since it’s really close to the center of town and quite budget friendly, there’s no reason not to do it!
The ride lasts about seven minutes, slowly lifting you to the top while the cabin rotates. From above, you get a full 360-degree view of Malacca, including landmarks like the Strait of Malacca, St. Paul’s Hill, and the bustling Jonker Street.
I’d advise you to go for sunset, but must admit we went just before lunch time and we still enjoyed it, though the heat was almost unbearable. You can get tickets directly at the door.
Explore the Portuguese Settlement
The Portuguese Settlement in Malacca is a small but vibrant community that preserves the unique traditions of Malaysia’s Eurasian population. It’s a famous place in Melaka to get a good mix of history, culture (these people have their own distinct language and Catholic traditions) and fantastic seafood.
People that live there are actually Kristang, a creole and indigenous ethnic group with Portuguese and Malay descent, as well as Dutch, British, Chinese, Indian ancestry and even Jewish ancestry. They are based mostly in Malaysia (though they are also found in Singapore and Australia).
If you happen to visit around the Christmas holidays, it’s an interesting spot for the unique celebrations and decorations which can appear a bit at odd with the surroundings.
The Portuguese settlement is about 10 minutes drive from the city center. I recommend using Grab (South East Asia’s version of Uber, extremely convenient) to get there.
Visit Cheng Hoon Teng Temple
To appreciate the traditional Chinese architecture of Malacca, make sure to visit the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, located in Harmony Street (Jalan Tokong), close to the Kampung Kling Mosque and Sri Poyatha Moorthi Temple.
It was built in 1645 and has served the local Chinese community for centuries and remains an active place of worship, dedicated to Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism, making it a harmonious blend of Chinese spiritual traditions. It is also one of the most important Chinese temples in Malaysia.
The temple is designed following strict feng shui principles. Stop for a moment to spot the statues of deities like Guanyin (Goddess of Mercy) and other Taoist figures. You can also see the Chinese calligraphy and paintings that adorn the walls, depicting religious themes and symbols of prosperity.
Visiting is free, but remember that you need to be dressed modestly (cover your chest, shoulders and knees) to enter.
Visit the Church of St. Francis Xavier
Finally, consider stopping by the Church of St. Francis Xavier. It’s built in striking Gothic-style architecture and is known for its historical significance.
The church dates from 1849 and was built by French missionaries in honor of St. Francis Xavier, known as the Apostle of the East – a Catholic missionary who played a pivotal role in spreading Christianity across Asia.
It’s still an active church, where the simple interior is contrasted by the intricate Gothic Revival design of the exterior.
As it is located close to the Malacca River and Jonker Street, it’s an easy place to add to your Malacca itinerary – you can spot it during a river cruise, or simply visit after you are done exploring the Dutch Square area. Visiting is free.
Conclusions: Is Malacca Worth Visiting?
As I said at the beginning of this post, before visiting I heard mixed reviews of Malacca – people either love it or find it nothing special. We loved it. It has a unique history, a friendly vibe and the food scene is fantastic.
One thing I have to warn you about is the heat, and unfortunately there’s hardly any way to escape it – contrary to George Town where you can at least go up Penang Hill where the temperatures are milder.
My recommendation is to drink lots of water and juices to keep hydrated, wear a hat and try to explore early in the morning and towards sunset time, and go back to your hotel (and air-conditioned room) during the central hours of the day.
I am sure that you will love Malacca as much as we did!
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