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.

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📍 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

8.7/10Very Good3513 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|0.83km dari pusat bandar

Here's a review of the hotel: **Pros:** 1. **Excellent Location:** Situated in the main city area of Malacca, directly above a large supermarket and a street filled with local eateries. Everything you need for food, drinks, and entertainment is easily accessible. It's also not far from major attractions like the Dutch Square (Red House) and Jonker Street. 2. **Cleanliness and Amenities:** Although the interior decor feels a bit dated, the hotel maintains good cleanliness and is tidy. Both the rooms and the entire hotel are very spacious with comprehensive facilities, easily meeting the standards of a domestic four-star hotel or higher. It's also very quiet, ensuring a peaceful and restful night's sleep. 3. **Extensive Breakfast & Large Pool:** The breakfast offers a wide variety of options, though it might not entirely cater to Chinese tastes. The swimming pool is also quite large. 4. **Good Service:** The hotel staff provides good service and is friendly towards Chinese guests. **Overall:** Considering the price point of 300-500 yuan, this hotel offers excellent value for money. The stay experience was very good, and I personally recommend it.

DariJPY 5,220

DoubleTree by Hilton Melaka

8.9/10Very Good1377 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|2.12km dari pusat bandar

We had a very pleasant stay at DoubleTree by Hilton Melaka. Everything was good from check-in to check-out. The room was clean, spacious, and comfortable, and the bed was especially nice after a long day out. The staff were friendly and welcoming, and the service throughout our stay was good. We also enjoyed the breakfast, which had a nice variety of choices. The hotel facilities were well maintained, and the overall atmosphere was relaxing and comfortable. Overall, it was a lovely and enjoyable stay. We would be happy to stay here again when visiting Melaka.

DariJPY 12,671

Holiday Inn MELAKA by IHG

8.6/10Very Good363 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|0.78km dari pusat bandar

The hotel's location is great, right by the sea. It's a ten-minute walk north to the cruise terminal and Dutch Square, and then across the river to Jonker Street. Heading south along the coast takes you to the Straits Mosque. The rooms are quite spacious, and the facilities and cleanliness are very good. The breakfast is extensive, and all the food stalls are run by Chinese chefs. The afternoon tea is excellent value for money (45 MYR for two people). The staff are all very friendly, and one person at the front desk speaks Chinese.

DariJPY 11,461

Casa del Rio Melaka

9.3/10Great327 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|0.07km dari pusat bandar

Facilities: Very charming, with a strong Nanyang (Southeast Asian) vibe. Cleanliness: Excellent. Environment: Great. The location right by the river makes it convenient for walks, and it's not far from Jonker Street, so you can easily explore all the attractions on foot. Service: Excellent. They offer service with a smile, and the staff are very warm and helpful, even opening doors for guests.

DariJPY 28,001

The Majestic Malacca Hotel, Melaka - an SLH Hotel

9.3/10Great657 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|1.01km dari pusat bandar

I've stayed at The Majestic in both Malacca and Kuala Lumpur. The one in Malacca isn't huge, but the common areas and rooms are very nice. My window overlooked the Malacca River. The gym, though small, had a good range of equipment, and the swimming pool was on the smaller side. The breakfast restaurant had a pleasant atmosphere, and breakfast was à la carte with unlimited orders. However, I felt it was one of the more average breakfasts I had during this trip; perhaps it just didn't suit my taste. The service was good too. It's definitely worth experiencing if you're visiting Malacca.

DariJPY 17,631

Courtyard by Marriott Melaka

9/10Great1390 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|1.25km dari pusat bandar

Overall, this hotel really shines with its service, which saved the day. The location is a huge plus, only about 2 kilometers from the main attractions, so you can pretty much get anywhere by taxi in under 10 minutes, making getting around super convenient. Even though the property was just renovated in 2023, some of the facilities aren't very user-friendly. The shower is a tub-style, with grooves on both sides for drainage, but it drains quite slowly. After a shower, the entire bathroom floor is flooded and very slippery. The biggest inconvenience was the lack of movable or extra hangers in the room. After handwashing towels and underwear, we had nowhere to dry them. This would be a nightmare for guests with kids or those staying for an extended period. Also, the infinity pool isn't really true to its name; there's no spectacular view. In fact, the higher floors of the apartment hotel behind it have a much better orientation and theoretically should offer direct views of the Strait of Malacca. However, the hotel definitely has its bright spots. The food at their in-house restaurant is delicious and reasonably priced. Breakfast ordered on-site is 45 MYR per adult, and kids eat for free, which is great value for money. The service attitude is excellent. Because our child had online classes at noon, we communicated with the front desk, and they seamlessly arranged a late checkout for us. This experience was fantastic. Just a heads-up, it seems like most big hotels in Malaysia no longer provide bottled water. This hotel has a direct drinking water system, so you'll need to bring your own cup to fill up.

DariJPY 14,522

Asteria Melaka by Attic Suite

9.3/10Great696 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|1.61km dari pusat bandar

Excellent location and service! Generally the room is clean, just that there were certain areas (e.g. basin) that were not cleaned thoroughly as compared to our previous stay. Spacious room and nice seaview! Breakfast was also worth the value!

DariJPY 8,163

The Lisbon Melaka, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

8.7/10Very Good196 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|2.63km dari pusat bandar

Trip.com is truly unscrupulous, pushing this trashy hotel just for ad money, completely disregarding their conscience. 1. It's not a five-star; at most, it's a three-star. There's no service. On the first rainy day, the staff were actually gathered in a corner of the hotel smoking. A five-star rating isn't earned just by having an outdoor pool. 2. The hotel was renovated, not newly built in 2025. Who on earth has a five-star room with a window air conditioner? The walls are dirty, and the room door can't be deadbolted. Except for the lobby on the first floor, there's no air conditioning in the hallway on the second floor. There's no elevator, and you have to ask staff to help with luggage. Overall, it's a defective hotel where Wyndham seemingly ran out of money for a full renovation, started operating halfway through, and the operations can't keep up either. I'm guessing the staff's salaries aren't high, so they don't bother managing it, looking utterly idle. The weeds in the courtyard are as tall as grave grass—are you even going to clean them? My two biggest complaints: 1. Even if the AC isn't great, why does it blow directly at your head? And you dare claim to be five-star? 2. You clearly didn't bother with soundproofing, did you? Not only is there no soundproofing in the corridor, but when you converted the rooms, you just slapped a plywood board in a suite and dared to sell it? I can hear the whispered conversations from the bed next door. How am I supposed to sleep? Seriously, can these two issues send you straight to hell? To anyone reading this review: don't be fooled by '2025' or 'five-star.' You won't get a bargain (at least I didn't, and 400 yuan a night isn't exactly a steal). What makes it worthy of three stars: The bedding is relatively clean, the towels (though I didn't use them) seem to be of decent quality, the pool is barely usable, and the breakfast is edible.

DariJPY 7,522

Business travel

Eco Tree Hotel, Melaka

8.1/10Very Good808 Ulasan

Melaka Raya Melaka|1.28km dari pusat bandar

I've stayed at this hotel many times before, and my overall experience this time was still quite good. The location is excellent, making it convenient for getting around, and it offers good value for money. However, compared to previous stays, I noticed that the hotel facilities are a bit older now, and the air conditioning in the room wasn't cold enough. Overall, if location and price are your main priorities, this hotel is still worth considering.

DariJPY 3,085

Bayview Hotel Melaka

8.5/10Very Good1161 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|1.04km dari pusat bandar

Hotel is clean, spacious and have a big window view, bed is very comfy and cozy. Everything was ok for me. There are different lights and have a lamp on bed side which I like. I would suggest to give better quality toilet paper. Receptionist helped us to charge out phones at lobby while waiting to go back. Breakfast at hotel is nice with affordable price, meet our expectations. Location is not very far from Malacca attractions.

DariJPY 4,675

The Shore Hotel & Residences

8.3/10Very Good2048 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|0.89km dari pusat bandar

suka check in sini bilik besar ada sofa bed. hotel strategic nearby melaka town. bawah hotel ada 7E kedai mamak kedai makan (walking distance ) breakfast variety byk choice. kunci sliding door rosak tak boleh kunci, call receptionist maintance dtg repair. settle. kolam besar ada 3 jenis tp masa check-in sini pool kids under maintenance.

DariJPY 4,437

Imperial Heritage Hotel Melaka I City Centre

7.8/10Good1631 Ulasan

Melaka Raya Melaka|0.85km dari pusat bandar

This hotel is fantastic! It's beautiful and very comfortable. The service was excellent, and the staff were very friendly. The rooms are clean, spacious, and cozy. The hotel has a great atmosphere, and the surrounding area is also lovely.

DariJPY 4,224

Estadia Hotel

8.5/10Very Good963 Ulasan

Melaka Raya Melaka|0.94km dari pusat bandar

The resort offers an excellent environment for a relaxing vacation away from the city, with a wonderfully cool atmosphere in the forest. To improve the guest experience, I highly recommend upgrading the indoor gym, enhancing room service, and providing transportation services. The remote location poses a challenge for elderly guests or those with health conditions. Additionally, while most staff are friendly, front desk service needs improvement. The reception team should be more knowledgeable and prepared to thoroughly brief first-time guests regarding hotel amenities and local activities.

DariJPY 4,414

Swiss-Garden Hotel Melaka

8.7/10Very Good2564 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|0.99km dari pusat bandar

Our high-floor room experience exceeded expectations! The room was very spacious, giving a great sense of open space 👏👏👏🇲🇾. The price was excellent, and the entire room was spotlessly clean – very satisfying. The hotel service was thoughtful and attentive, with warm and friendly staff. The high-floor view was superb, and having a balcony to admire the city landscape was a real plus. Getting around was convenient, with Jonker Street in Malacca just a 15-minute drive away. Overall, our stay was comfortable, offering great value for money for our trip.

DariJPY 6,075

ibis Melaka

8.4/10Very Good649 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.

DariJPY 6,905

The Pines Melaka

8.6/10Very Good948 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|1.26km dari pusat bandar

Great value for money, a high floor, and best of all, the room is exceptionally large. The front desk service was excellent, and the breakfast was delicious. The only downside is that the soundproofing is a bit poor, and the room connects to the next one (the connecting door didn't seem to be locked).

DariJPY 18,461

Breakfast

Hotel Sentral Riverview Melaka

7.8/10Good354 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|1.5km dari pusat bandar

Hey fellow travelers! If you're planning a two-day trip to Melaka and will be spending most of your time out and about, the Hotel Sentral Riverview Melaka could be a simple option for an overnight stay. Our room was on the 7th floor, with a window overlooking the city and the roofs of a neighboring building. The internet worked well, but the bed linen has definitely seen a lot of guests – there were ingrained stains and it was noticeably worn out. However, there were no unpleasant odors or signs of mold, so the main complaint is really about the condition of the textiles. It's not a luxurious hotel, but for a ”sightseeing all day – sleeping at night” kind of trip, it's a perfectly functional option. 😄 🎥 For more honest hotel reviews, check out the Pikart Travel YouTube channel.

DariJPY 2,800

Hallmark Crown Hotel

8.3/10Very Good466 Ulasan

Melaka Raya Melaka|1.3km dari pusat bandar

The hotel lobby staff were very kind and friendly, and the bed was comfortable. The hairdryer was broken, and the front desk quickly brought a replacement when contacted. The air conditioner was problematic, blowing directly onto the bed, and attempts to adjust it were ineffective.

DariJPY 3,322

Moty Hotel

8.7/10Very Good451 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|0.63km dari pusat bandar

Nice environment and convenient location, about 5 minutes from Jonker Street. Plenty of parking right in front of the hotel. The disappointing part was the parking. We attempted to pay using both the MBMB app and Touch ’n Go, but encountered system errors and were unable to complete the payment. Unfortunately, we only discovered after checkout that we had received a parking summon. Since the hotel does not provide dedicated parking, it left a rather unpleasant ending to an otherwise enjoyable stay.

DariJPY 6,004

Hotel Sentral Melaka @ City Centre

8/10Very Good393 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|1.25km dari pusat bandar

Cleanliness needs to be improved as the carpet quite dirty. Window should be sound proof or at least can reduce the noise from the outside. They provide basic toiletries. For muslim, prayer mat is provided with qiblat direction. There is no water bottles as you use common water purifier outside the room. Price is cheap during my stay around RM100. Malacca river is just a walking distance from the hotel. I rated as 3 star.

DariJPY 2,824

Grand Swiss-Belhotel Melaka

8/10Very Good428 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.

DariJPY 7,095

Sunday Malacca Formerly Tun Fatimah

7.4/10265 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|0.67km dari pusat bandar

The hotel is located by the river with excellent views. Room 604 directly overlooks the Malacca River. I was very lucky to catch three big firework shows directly from the hotel during the Qingming Festival. However, the room's color scheme is quite oppressive, so I wouldn't recommend it for those who are sensitive. There's a secret door in the room; I asked the front desk and they said it can only be opened from the other side if mine is open. From the outside, it looks like it's for pipe repairs or something.

DariJPY 1,946

Euro Rich Hotel Melaka

7.9/10Good287 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|0.7km dari pusat bandar

This hotel is affordable, yet the space is so comfortable and beautiful. It's also super convenient to get around, especially since it's close to Kapal Samudera – you can even walk there if you want to avoid traffic. The front desk staff were very friendly. Thank you! I'd definitely repeat my stay here again.

DariJPY 1,993

Baba House Melaka

9.1/10Great921 Ulasan

Jonker Melaka|0.33km dari pusat bandar

Well, first of all, they didn’t give the Jonker area a proper name. It’s not a walk or a street it’s a whole district. If you’re a visitor to Malacca, you definitely want to be spending most of your time here. And that’s why this hotel is perfectly located. But more importantly, it completely vibes the spirit of Malacca. Good breakfast as well with a good combination of local and standard continental breakfast. Their listing says no parking available because although they do have parking, they can’t promise a lot for everyone. But we had no trouble parking there with our rental vehicle.

DariJPY 8,471

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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