20+ Best (MUST TRY) Things to Do When You're Visiting Melaka

Oleh Trip.com

1 April 2025

Melaka – our beloved historical city where every corner tells a story, every bite reminds you of home, and every weekend trip somehow ends with a food coma.

For most Malaysians, Melaka is the go-to short getaway spot. Why? Because it’s got everything we love:
✅ Rich history – A mix of Malay sultanate, Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences.
✅ Amazing food – You haven’t lived until you’ve had authentic asam pedas here.
✅ Chill vibes – No need to rush; just walk, eat, and repeat.

I’ve been to Melaka more times than I can count (mostly for the food, let’s be real). But over the years, I’ve realized something – many of us keep doing the same things: Jonker Walk, chicken rice balls, maybe a boat ride. But Melaka is so much more than that!

So in this guide, I’ll share not just the must-visit places but also some hidden gems and local tips to make your next trip extra special. Whether you’re a history geek, a foodie, or just someone looking for a fun weekend escape – there’s something here for you. 💙

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Historical & Cultural Must-Visits

Melaka’s history is like a rojak – a mix of cultures, rulers, and stories, all blending together into something uniquely Malaysian. If you want to really feel the city’s soul, these are the places you must visit:

📍 A’Famosa & St. Paul’s Hill

The OG landmark of Melaka. You’ve seen it in history books, now it’s time to climb up St. Paul’s Hill and take that classic tourist photo in front of the A’Famosa ruins. The view from the top? 10/10. The stairs? Maybe not so much.

🔥 Pro Tip: Go in the evening when it’s cooler. Also, be ready for some unexpected leg day exercise.

Book a Tour around A'Famosa

📍 Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum

Want to see how the Melaka Sultanate lived before the colonial times? This museum is a must. It’s a gorgeous wooden replica of the Sultan’s palace, filled with historical artifacts and stories about the golden days of Melaka.

🔥 Pro Tip: If you love Malay heritage and legends (Hang Tuah, Hang Jebat, siapa betul?), this place is a goldmine of info.

📍 Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum

Inside of the baba nyonya heritage building

Ah, the Peranakans – one of the most fascinating cultures in Malaysia! This museum takes you inside a real Baba-Nyonya house, complete with antique furniture, intricate designs, and stories about their traditions.

🔥 Pro Tip: Take the guided tour – the stories they tell make all the difference! Also, if you love Peranakan-style OOTDs, this is the place to flex.

📍 Cheng Hoon Teng Temple

This is the oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia (founded in 1645!), and it’s still an active place of worship. Even if you’re not religious, the architecture alone is worth the visit – think intricate carvings, stunning murals, and a peaceful vibe.

🔥 Pro Tip: If you visit during Chinese festivals, the atmosphere here is super lively and beautiful.

Best Time to Visit & Entry Fees

Attraction 🏛️	Best Time to Visit ⏰	Entry Fee 🎟️
A’Famosa & St. Paul’s Hill	Evening (cooler weather)	Free
Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum	Morning (before crowds)	RM5 (locals)
Baba & Nyonya Museum	Anytime (guided tour recommended)	RM18
Cheng Hoon Teng Temple	Morning (quiet & peaceful)	Free

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Cheap Hotels in Melaka

5 star

Hatten Hotel Melaka

8.8/10Very Good3350 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|0.83km dari pusat bandar

City center hotel. Easy access to A Famosa, Dataran Pahlawan, Jonker Walk, it's convenient because everything is within walking distance. The staff are also friendly, asking about room upgrades or add-ons. Everything was handled smoothly. Housekeeping is also quick. Breakfast is always delicious.

Dari€ 31

Casa del Rio Melaka

9.3/10Great341 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|0.07km dari pusat bandar

*Great stay at Casa Del Rio!* We had a wonderful time here. Upon arrival, Ms. Nana at the reservation counter was so helpful and arranged connecting rooms for our family without any hassle. The rooms aren’t big, but they’re clean, comfortable, and very convenient for a family stay. The staff throughout the hotel were polite and attentive, and the location couldn’t be better – everything is within walking distance to Melaka’s main tourist attractions. We’ll definitely recommend Casa Del Rio to friends and family visiting Melaka. Thank you for making our stay comfortable and easy! 🤗

Dari€ 143

The Majestic Malacca Hotel, Melaka - an SLH Hotel

9.3/10Great639 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|1.01km dari pusat bandar

Overall, I really liked this hotel with its strong Nanyang (Southeast Asian) charm. From the exterior to the room decor, everything felt great. It's within walking distance to attractions and close to the TBS bus station, just a fifteen-minute drive away. However, there were a few things I wasn't happy about: 1. I didn't realize beforehand that breakfast here is à la carte and only starts at 7:00 AM. It also takes a while for the food to be prepared. Since we had already booked our bus back to Kuala Lumpur for 9:00 AM, there was no time to eat. It was a shame, and we couldn't get a refund either. The staff kindly packed two boxes of bread for us, but for a breakfast costing several hundred for four people, it wasn't worth it. If you want to enjoy breakfast properly, definitely plan your time carefully. 2. We were three adults and one child, but we were required to book two rooms. Even though the rooms were spacious, we couldn't add an extra bed. 3. The soundproofing in the rooms was very poor. We could clearly hear our neighbors showering and flushing the toilet at night, and it was quite noisy. 4. We were charged 600 RMB for the two rooms upon check-in. I paid with a credit card, but upon check-out, I was told the refund would take 15 business days to be credited back to my account. That's quite annoying.

Dari€ 87

Elf Lovely Home, Bali Residence SeaView

8/10Very Good17 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|1.67km dari pusat bandar

The room decor was very thoughtfully done, with many small ornaments and board games, making it perfect for family travel. The living facilities are complete, with a fridge and induction cooktop, so you can buy seafood from the market and cook it yourself. The room has a great view; you can see the city at night and the sea during the day. The host was very enthusiastic, and the location is excellent, close to supermarkets, restaurants, and the pier.

Dari€ 37

The Straits Premium Malacca Sea View By I Housing

7.2/103 Ulasan

Melaka Raya Melaka|1.05km dari pusat bandar

Comfortable stay. Host was friendly and helpful

Dari€ 232

Asteria Melaka by Attic Suite

9.3/10Great592 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|1.61km dari pusat bandar

The hotel had just opened, and the room was incredibly spacious. There was plenty of room everywhere, and the balcony offered a lovely sea view. It was very relaxing to sit there in the morning. Our room's balcony faced directly towards the ”Encore Melaka” landmark. Breakfast was decent and quite varied. Downstairs, there were many food options and a supermarket, and getting a taxi to anywhere was convenient.

Dari€ 45

GYDEN STAYCATION #Plaza Melaka Raya Serviced Apartment

7.1/103 Ulasan

Melaka Raya Melaka|1.57km dari pusat bandar

Floor was dirty and bedsheets had a weird smell. Owner was quick to send a cleaner to help upon request but I feel it should have been done before check in.

Dari€ 19

Happy Home @ Atlantis Residences [Pool View]

10/10Outstanding2 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|1.73km dari pusat bandar

Gonna repeat again next time. Host very friendly, helpful and most important is house is very clean.

Business travel

Eco Tree Hotel, Melaka

8.1/10Very Good786 Ulasan

Melaka Raya Melaka|1.26km dari pusat bandar

This hotel isn't too far from Jonker Street, nor is it too close; it's quite near Dataran Pahlawan. A great and affordable dining option nearby is Family Corner. The hotel is very comfortable, with a swimming pool and a gym. All the in-room facilities worked well. The only downside is the carpeted floor, which can be a bit inconvenient as carpets are prone to getting dirty. Service was good.

Dari€ 17

Bayview Hotel Melaka

8.5/10Very Good1095 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|1.04km dari pusat bandar

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I had a wonderful stay at Bayview Hotel Melaka. The room was spacious, clean, and comfortable, with all the essential amenities provided. The bed was very comfortable, allowing me to have a good night's sleep. The hotel staff were friendly, welcoming, and always ready to assist with a smile. The location is excellent, close to many popular attractions, shopping areas, and great local food, making it very convenient to explore Melaka. The breakfast offered a good variety of delicious local and international dishes. Overall, the hotel provides great value for money with excellent service and a comfortable stay. I would definitely recommend Bayview Hotel Melaka to anyone visiting Melaka and would be happy to stay here again.

Dari€ 34

The Shore Hotel & Residences

8.3/10Very Good1898 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|0.89km dari pusat bandar

First off, upon arrival, we had a bit of trouble finding the hotel's parking entrance. I recommend asking the hotel guard directly for the free parking area if you can't find it, and definitely avoid parking in the paid spaces outside. Secondly, I suggest staying on a lower floor. Waiting for the elevators can be an issue, especially since it's a high-density building (hotel and residents), even if higher floors might offer better views. Thirdly, there's usually a queue for breakfast. While it moves pretty fast, you'll still have to wait unless you go later to avoid peak hours. However, I genuinely think their food is good. Fourthly, some of the hotel's rooftop restaurants were already closed. So, if you're specifically going for one of those Instagrammable spots, you'll need to confirm in advance if your desired restaurant is still open. The rooftop operating hours are 12 pm-10 pm. Next up are the gym and swimming facilities. The outdoor pool was crowded (on a Saturday), but the indoor one was less so. The gym equipment is basic but decent. There's also a tennis court.

Dari€ 22

Estadia Hotel

8.4/10Very Good880 Ulasan

Melaka Raya Melaka|0.94km dari pusat bandar

Superb location. Near to major shopping centre and places of interest. Is a small hotel with no swimming pool. Except a small fitness studio. Highest floor is level 6. Use to hv direct access from hotel to the shopping centre. But it is closed after COVID. Some tips for the prospective customers. If you are going to the Dataran Pahlawan shopping centre. Please take the lift to G floor walk towards Hatten hotel entrance, walk towards the Baun Buffel direction, u saw a lift near to their sales gallery. Took to 2nd floor (before 9pm) and walked towards the Dataran Pahlawan shopping centre. GSC cinema at L5. Walk inside the shopping centre where you saw a common area where you saw Mixue or Levis boutique. Walk towards the Brands outlet and you will see an exit. Took that exit it will lead you to the farmosa, red square, St Paul fort, Jonker street.

Dari€ 22

Swiss-Garden Hotel Melaka

8.7/10Very Good2409 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|0.99km dari pusat bandar

Overall, everything was good. However, I was very disappointed because I had specifically requested a room with a Kampung Morten view, but instead I was given a room overlooking the swimming pool, which was not very appealing and was quite noisy due to the children playing. I stayed for 3 days and 2 nights, checking in on a Friday. Given the length of my stay, I find it hard to believe that there wasn’t a room available that matched the request I had made in advance. What disappointed me the most was that I had also requested a simple decoration for our anniversary, but unfortunately, there was no decoration at all. This shows that the hotel was not attentive to the requests made by its guests. Overall, this experience was quite unsatisfactory, and I hope the management will take steps to improve their service and pay closer attention to guests’ requests in the future. Last but not least, I would also like to give special recognition to the housekeeping staff who cleaned my room. His service was exceptional, and I gladly gave him a tip because he worked with genuine care and dedication. He even asked me two or three times if there was anything else he could assist me with, which made me feel truly valued as a guest. Kudos to the housekeeping staff for the excellent service.

Dari€ 32

ibis Melaka

8.4/10Very Good671 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|0.68km dari pusat bandar

The rooms are set up to a standard, which is really good. There's also staff at the front desk who speak Chinese, and the hotel's laundry service is very efficient. In terms of location, it's just a few minutes' walk to the Dutch Square (Red Square) and Jonker Street, which is super convenient. The surrounding amenities are also great, and it's relatively quiet at night, making it a good choice for those with light sleep.

Dari€ 42

The Pines Melaka

8.5/10Very Good887 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|1.26km dari pusat bandar

Excellent stay! The room was spacious, clean, and comfortable. The staff were friendly and provided great service throughout my stay. The location is convenient, and the facilities were well maintained. Great value for money, and I would definitely stay here again. Highly recommended!

Dari€ 51

Hotel Sentral Riverview Melaka

7.5/10341 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|1.5km dari pusat bandar

a great budget hotel find for anyone looking for a comfortable stay without breaking the bank. the room was really cozy. got upgraded for a bigger room for f.o.c and it came fully equipped with a tv, iron and kettle nor mineral water. as a muslim travelers, they also provide a clear qibla direction sticker. the aircond was superb too, really cold and perfect for a good night's sleep. the bathroom was the best part, it was clean and the water pressure was really strong which makes showering so refreshing plus most importantly, it has a bidet hose, which is a huge plus. the elevators are okay so no long waits. the staff are very friendly and welcoming also theres plenty of parking space, not to worry about finding a spot for parking. hotel location very strategic & located in the middle a city & convenience store for restaurants, i have to walk a little bit, but it’s a manageable distance. one minor downside, the room soundproofing isnt the best, i can occasionally hear noise from the hallway or outside the room. if youre a light sleeper, you might want to take note of that. overall i highly recommended for those who want comfort on a budget

Dari€ 16

Breakfast

Hallmark Crown Hotel

8.3/10Very Good422 Ulasan

Melaka Raya Melaka|1.3km dari pusat bandar

Great for families. Luas dan kemas, cuma lantai tempat shower agak licin dan jamban leaking, jadi toilet always basah 🫠🫠 kawasan yang strategik mudah cari makan even 1 pagi. parking agak susah, just double park anywhere dekat kawasan parking. idk if toilet ada exhaust fan sebab bau dia terperangkap saja even lepas mandi, but oklah sebab ada tingkap besar, even alas kaki tak cukup. ada 1 saja. ez. overall ok saja cuma toilet saja

Dari€ 15

The Sterling Boutique Hotel Melaka

8.7/10Very Good729 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|0.57km dari pusat bandar

The lobby has a Nanyang-style design, the environment is great, and the hygiene is also good. The service is attentive. The only minor drawback is that the water pressure for showering is a bit low, but it's acceptable.

Dari€ 25

Moty Hotel

8.7/10Very Good456 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|0.63km dari pusat bandar

I was very satisfied with my stay at Moty Hotel! The location is convenient, making it easy to visit nearby attractions and find food. The room was spacious and comfortable, with a large, very comfortable bed, and the bathtub was a real bonus. The breakfast was delicious, and the staff were friendly and provided excellent service. The hotel also has an indoor swimming pool and sauna, so the facilities are very complete, and I had a very comfortable stay. Overall, it offers great value for money, and I would definitely stay here again next time I'm in Malacca. Highly recommended! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Dari€ 37

Hotel Sentral Melaka @ City Centre

8.1/10Very Good362 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|1.25km dari pusat bandar

I stayed for 4 nights. The staff were friendly, the room was clean and quiet, and the air conditioning was nice and cold. Basic amenities were provided, making it good value for money. The only downside was that the bathroom floor was always wet because the shower area had no divider, allowing water to splash throughout the toilet.

Dari€ 16

Grand Swiss-Belhotel Melaka

8.1/10Very Good491 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|1.42km dari pusat bandar

The beds are comfortable, the rooms are clean, and there's a good variety for breakfast. It's close to everything, and the area is strategic. If you're coming to Melaka, Grand Swiss Hotel is the perfect choice. Thank you to all the staff.

Dari€ 43

Sunday Malacca Formerly Tun Fatimah

7.1/10273 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|0.67km dari pusat bandar

Perfect location, but overpriced for its current condition The location of Sunday Malacca is absolutely great—right in a prime area with plenty of restaurants just steps away. However, the hotel is older and feels overpriced for its current state. I noticed mould on the ceilings and heavily stained carpets in the passages. They are currently undergoing renovations, and the staff are clearly trying their best, but management should lower the price until updates are complete. I could only overlook the wear and tear because the location is so convenient. Wifi also needs upgrade connection issue very unstable.

Dari€ 11

Euro Rich Hotel Melaka

8/10Very Good279 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|0.7km dari pusat bandar

Sorry, I won't be returning to this hotel. I booked a king bed, but when I arrived, I got two single beds pushed together. Then the staff let me change to a second room, but the air conditioning was noisy, which really disturbed my sleep. So the staff let me change rooms again, but the third room was in really poor condition. The bed was broken, causing the mattress to sag downwards. The floor was peeling, the dressing table was old and shabby, and the AC wires were scattered behind the bed. I was traveling with a small child, which made it even worse. What bad luck! I've never had to change rooms three times before. Luckily, the staff's response was good, and we got an upgrade to a family room. The room was okay, and the air conditioning was fine, but I definitely won't be coming back.

Dari€ 11

Baba House Melaka

9.1/10Great905 Ulasan

Jonker Melaka|0.33km dari pusat bandar

The hotel entrance isn't grand, but inside, it boasts numerous rooms. All are decorated in traditional Baba Nyonya style, reflecting the rich heritage of Chinese culture. The hotel is clean and hygienic, and upon check-in, guests receive tokens for two complimentary welcome drinks. Breakfast offers authentic Southeast Asian specialties. Next door, a tenant owns a vintage grand piano with ivory keys, valued at over a million Malaysian Ringgit. Guests are welcome to play it during their leisure time and chat with the owner.

Dari€ 60

Foodie Paradise 🍜

Okay, let’s be honest – the real reason most of us go to Melaka? THE FOOD. 😍

Melaka’s food scene is legendary. Spicy, tangy, sweet, and full of history, every dish here tells a story. If you’re not leaving Melaka with a full stomach and a packed container of kuih for the drive home, you’re doing it wrong.

Here are the must-eat foods (with insider tips on where to get the best ones!):

🔥 Asam Pedas Power – The Sourest, Spiciest, Best Thing Ever

If you love your food pedas kaw and full of flavor, asam pedas is a must. This fiery fish stew, cooked with tamarind, chili, and spices, will wake up your soul and clear your sinuses.

📍 Where to go?
✔️ Asam Pedas Claypot Kota Laksamana – Spicy, tangy, served bubbling hot!
✔️ Asam Pedas Selera Kampung – More homey, less touristy.

🔥 Pro Tip: Order extra rice. You will need it.

🥥 Klebang Coconut Shake – The Ultimate Hot Day Refreshment

One word: legendary. This is not just any coconut shake – it’s blended fresh coconut, vanilla ice cream, and magic in a cup. Perfect for cooling down after walking around Jonker.

📍 Where to go?
✔️ Klebang Original Coconut Shake – The OG, but be prepared for a queue!
✔️ Coconut Shake Batu Berendam – Equally good, less waiting.

🔥 Pro Tip: Get the special one with extra ice cream on top. #NoRegrets

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🍢 Satay Celup – It’s Like Lok Lok, But Better

Imagine skewers of meat, seafood, and vegetables dipped into a boiling pot of thick, nutty satay sauce. It’s communal, fun, and delicious!

📍 Where to go?
✔️ Ban Lee Siang Satay Celup – Local favorite, less touristy.
✔️ Capitol Satay Celup – More famous, but expect long lines.

🔥 Pro Tip: The sauce gets better the more people dip into it. It’s like hotpot, but with satay vibes!

🍜 Nyonya Kuih & Laksa – Sweet, Savory, and Full of History

Melaka is the heartland of Baba-Nyonya cuisine, and you need to try their colorful kuih and laksa. The kuih is soft, fragrant, and not too sweet, while the laksa is a perfect mix of creamy coconut and spicy broth.

📍 Where to go?
✔️ Kuih: Baba Charlie Nyonya Kuih – Hidden in a kampung house, but 100% worth the hunt!
✔️ Laksa: Donald & Lily’s – Thick, flavorful broth that hugs the noodles perfectly.

🔥 Pro Tip: Bring some kuih home – your family will love you for it.

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