Major destinations include the House of Parliament, Kuala Lumpur Tower, Putra World Trade Centre, Dataran Merdeka, Tugu Negara, Istana Negara, Istana Budaya, mosques such as the Masjid Jamek, Masjid Negara and the Federal Territory Mosque,   Muzium Negara, and other tourist attractions including Aquaria KLCC, Batu Caves, Makam Pahlawan, National Science Centre, Zoo Negara, and events such as the Chinese cultural festivals at the Thean Hou Temple and the Thaipusam procession at the Sri Mahamariamman Temple.

The Golden Triangle, the commercial hub of the city, contains the Petronas Twin Towers and has a distinctive nightlife.  Trendy nightclubs, bars and lounges, such as Hard Rock Cafe, Zouk, Thai Club, Beach Club (voted Best Bar in Asia), Luna Bar, Rum Jungle, Nuovo,  Espanda and many others are located within and around Jalan P. Ramlee,

Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Ampang. Hotels, from five-star to budget types, have cropped up everywhere to accommodate the influx of tourists each year.  While there are many hotels near Kuala Lumpur's entertainment and business districts, some have chosen to veer away from the hustle and bustle.

Penang's historic architecture is centred mainly in George Town.  Its rows of 100 year-old shophouses and colonial villas give George Town its distinctive atmosphere.

Penang was the venue for several historical movies, such as Anna and the King and the French film Indochine.

The best way to capture Penang’s mixed heritage is to stroll around town. The aged buildings are noted for their faded colours and crumbling walls.  Old houses have columns or multi-coloured Peranakan tiles. The Aceh Mosque is the oldest house of worship in the city.  The smell of incense drifts in the air amidst gold settings of Burmese, Thai and Chinese temples.

The Khoo Kongsi is a traditional form of Chinese art with its delicately carved wooden panels. Other long-time occupants include elderly Chinese shopkeepers, colourful Indian food stalls and trishaws with their drivers.