Things to do in and around Malacca

Malacca (Melaka in Bahasa) was already famous during colonial times. First the Portuguese set foot here, followed by the Dutch and the English colonials. Especially the Dutch left their marks. There still a great example of Dutch architecture known as ‘Stadthuys’; build in 1660. The Dutch Christ Church was built in 1753. Both buildings are still in use. The city itself has besides the two buildings not that much to offer. It’s best to visit the city for a maximum of two days, and then continue the trip through Malaysia. It will take about 2,5 hours by rental car or taxi to reach Malacca. You can also use the bus or train to get there (though the train doesn’t stop directly in Malacca, but a 30 minute taxi ride from the town). Should you plan to visit Malacca, also consider paying a visit to Gunung Ledang; a beautiful recreational park at a 20 minute drive from the city.

Popular attractions in and around Malacca

Malacca was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, together with Georgetown. Both cities have a wonderful historic center, with typical building styles of former times. Many of the attractions can be found within the limits of the Heritage Site. Below a list with todo’s in Malacca. Besides the historical highlights we also listed a few other fun things to do in the city.

Christ Church

malacca things to do christ church

In Malacca city center you find the beautiful Christ Church. Make sure you visit this attraction when you are in Malacca; though it is difficult to miss.

Stadthuys

malacca things to do stadhuys

The old Dutch Stadthuys is located right next to the square (known as the Dutch Square) where you can also find the Christ Church. There is a guided tour inside the building.

St. Pauls Cathedral

malacca things to do st pauls cathedral

Near the famous Christ Church and the Stadhuys you will see the entrance to the path that leads up to the top of the hill called Bukit St. Paul; where you can find the ruins of the old St. Pauls Cathedral. Visit this attraction in the early morning to avoid the crowds and to enjoy a much cooler weather.

Porta de Santiago (A Famosa)

malacca things to do porta de santiago

Right below Bukit St. Paul there is another sight that you should visit when you are in Malacca; Porta de Santiago or A Famosa. This is where you can see the ruins of a Portuguese fortress.

Jonker Street

malacca things to do jonker street night market

Jonker Street is where tourists can enjoy the popular night market during weekends. Besides many street vendors that sell all kinds of stuff (including typical souvenirs) there are also many places to eat or enjoy a snack or drink.

Cheng Hoon Teng Temple

malacca things to do cheng hoon teng temple

The most important and very beautiful Chinese temple where you can witness devotees doing their daily rituals. Especially pleasant to visit during Chinese New Year. Located along Temple Street.

Portuguese Settlement

malacca things to do portuguese settlement

Located along the coast of Malacca, at a 10 minute drive from the city center. Here you can still breathe the Portuguese atmosphere, this is the place where the descendants of the Portuguese still live. Numerous small hawkers sell fresh fish, Portuguese style.

Malacca River Cruise

malacca things to do river cruise

A nice way to explore the city. The river cruise operates daily until late in the evening. Best time to do the cruise is around sunset. During the first part of the cruise the sun still shines, but on the way back it is already dark outside and the area is beautifully lit (at some sections a bit too much perhaps).

Baba and Nyonya Peranakan Museum

malacca things to do baba nyonya peranakan museum

Learn everything about the Peranakan culture at this wonderful museum. Located near Jonker Street, along Heeren Street.

Taming Sari Revolving Tower

malacca things to do taming sari revolving tower

Enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of the historic city and the coastline. A great way for a different perspective on the city of Malacca.

St. John’s Fort

malacca things to do st johns fort

Not to miss when visiting Malacca. Remarkable because of the cannons that face inlands as in those days the main threat came from the mainland instead of from sea.

Francis Xavier Church

malacca things to do francis xavier church

St. Francis Xavier was renowned for his Catholic missionary work in Southeast Asia during the 16th century. This beautiful Church at just 3 minute walking distance from the Dutch Square was named after him.

Zheng He Tea House

malacca things to do zheng he tea house

The Zheng He Tea House is an absolute delight. Enjoy the tea ceremony with extensive explanations about the history of tea.

Sunday Morning Antique Market

malacca things to do sunday morning antique market

Every Sunday morning until 12pm you can enjoy the little antique market along Jalan Hang Lekir (right next to the popular Geographer Cafe).

Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall

malacca things to do dataran pahlawan melaka megamall

Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall is one of the most popular malls in Malacca. It is located nearest to the Historical Center, at only a 5 minute walk from Jonker Street (& Dutch Square). If you would like to do some shopping, this is the place to go to.

Popular places to eat in and around Malacca

Limau Limau

malacca things to eat limau limau

Limau Limau is a very nice and cozy lounge bar where you can enjoy delicious shakes and tasteful sandwiches. We always drop by for a nice western lunch (or breakfast). Limau Limau is located between Jonker Street and Temple Street (along Jalan Kampung Hulu).

Jonker Dessert 88

malacca things to eat jonker88 dessert

Perfect Cendol, great Sago Gula Malacca and delicious Laksa. At Jonker Dessert 88 you will always enjoy great food and snacks. Famous in and outside Malacca, the huge line in front of the place is proof of that.

Sate Celup

malacca things to eat sate celup

Very fun to experience. Sate Celup is a typical Malaccan way of eating sate skewers with all types of food, varying from meat, fish, seafood and vegetables. Restaurant Ban Lee Hiang along Jalan Ong Kim Wee is very popular among locals.

Hainan Food Street

malacca things to eat hainan food street

This crowded food street can be found along Jalan Hang Lekir (same place of the Sunday Morning Antique Market). At the end of the day all the small hawkers open for business, here you can eat at the small food court.

Mods Cafe

malacca things to eat mods barista

During our most recent trip we discovered Mods Cafe along Jalan Tokong (Temple Street, near the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple). The owner is a genuine Barista. He has all the equipment needed for making the best coffee in town. It is a very nice place with a retro atmosphere. We enjoyed a few fantastic cups of coffee.

Burgers at The Baboon House

malacca things to eat baboon house burgers

Our buddy from Melaka invited us to The Baboon House as he was certain we would enjoy their hamburgers. He was right; those hamburgers are delicious. I you are looking for a good place to enjoy a lunch, head over to The Baboon House on Heeren Street.

Suggestions?

Got any good tips to share with us? Do you know of any great things to do in Malacca, or tips on the best places to eat? Let us know by leaving a reply below!

13 comments on Things to do in and around Malacca

  1. Breakthecodemelaka
    10 years ago
    April 24, 2014 at 3:41 pm

    Hi, we are from Malacca Break The Code would like to introduce our new outdoor activity which is a teamwork game that presents to you 5 challenging yet interactual real life escape game designed for all ages. It is the latest craze and the coolest game in town. Our shop is located above upin and ipin restaurant, infront of Dataran Pahlawan ‘s Macdonald drive thru

    Reply
    • YiLin
      10 years ago
      January 31, 2015 at 3:16 am

      Fun and Challenging. .
      Must visit

      Reply
    • Linda Mak
      9 years ago
      April 6, 2016 at 7:43 am

      Hi,

      Can share your coolest game in Melaka town with me?
      Thank you.
      Linda
      Singapore
      [email protected]

      Reply
  2. Alvin
    10 years ago
    July 6, 2014 at 3:38 am

    Hi great recommendations to go. thanks. but I would like to suggest NOT TO GO to Jonker 88 anymore. It was nice, yummy n fantastic. But not anymore. its bland, standards dropped n too commercialised.

    The neighbouring stalls offers more quality n better tasting chendol.

    Reply
    • Ilya
      10 years ago
      July 6, 2014 at 8:58 am

      Hi Alvin,

      Thanks for the input…can you recommend us a few places then? 🙂

      Reply
  3. rachel
    10 years ago
    December 4, 2014 at 7:24 am

    new attraction in Melaka.. Upside Down House Melaka..

    Reply
    • Ilya
      10 years ago
      December 4, 2014 at 8:36 am

      Have you been there? Where is it located?

      Reply
  4. Richmond
    8 years ago
    May 31, 2016 at 1:56 am

    Since we will be there for only a day, I am planning to make my itinerary all about food in Malacca. This will be the ultimate food trip!!! Thank you for the amazing recommendations!

    Reply
  5. Jynn
    8 years ago
    June 10, 2016 at 12:20 pm

    Hi, I’m Jynn from House of Illusion. Would like to contribute on a tourist attraction in Melaka by the name of House of Illusion.
    House of Illusion is a magic theatre featuring a series of Mind Blowing Magic & Grand Illusions.
    Our showcase consist of dangerous escapes, levitation, teleportation & much more for an incredible night of overwhelming family entertainment.

    Do contact us for further details, we look forward to hearing from you.

    Reply
    • Nelson
      8 years ago
      August 1, 2016 at 12:40 am

      Hi,
      Can pls shared more information and sent to my email address: [email protected].
      I’m planning for a group of 30’s to visit Melaka, over weekend.

      Regards

      Nelson Neo

      Reply
      • Jynn
        8 years ago
        August 1, 2016 at 4:48 am

        Hi Nelson,

        Thank you for your enquiry, we are a Magic Theatre featuring Grand Illusions located in Melaka called the House of Illusion. Perhaps you could click the link to our website to find our more about us in a jiffy. http://www.houseofillusion.com.my

        We are currently having a 50% promotion on our facebook page till 31st August, all you have to do is “Like” our page: https://www.facebook.com/houseofillusionmalaysia/ and flash our 100th Show Celebration artwork at the counter to enjoy your 50% discount. We recommend to RSVP at least 3 days in advance to save a good seat for you and your friends!

        We will be thrilled to have and welcome you and your friends to visit us at the House of Illusion in Melaka this coming weekend!
        We look forward to your reply, have a great day ahead!

        Regards,
        Jynn Looi
        +601123588812

        Reply
  6. grace
    8 years ago
    September 19, 2016 at 7:47 am

    Hi, I would like to ask whether The Baboon House is a halal restaurant? I would like to try their burger 🙂

    Reply
  7. Jesse
    8 years ago
    October 17, 2016 at 5:24 am

    Hi, dear, I have become a big fan of your blog! Actually, I am looking clear information about Malacca and your website has all resources which I want. Thanks dear for all helpful resources and keep it up.

    Reply

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  1. MALACCA PLACES TO EAT/VISIT - www.hardwarezone.com.sg
    10 years ago
    December 23, 2014 at 3:39 am

    […] the route and time taken to reach a place by cab or on foot. Tourist attraction map of Malacca Things to do in and around Malacca | Attractions | Wonderful Malaysia Places to Visit in Malacca – Malacca Attractions Top Melaka Attractions – Here are my […]

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