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

Name: Courtyard by Marriott Melaka
Address: Melaka, Malaysia
Price range: SAR 364
Rating: 9.1

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

8.7/10Very Good2639 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|0.83km dari pusat bandar

No free parking for hotel guests — not recommended for those driving. Front desk service needs improvement; staff showed attitude and failed to provide proper explanations even after we mentioned it was our first time here. Ground staff such as the bellboys and concierge were generally okay. The hotel room does not feel like it matches a 5-star rating. Breakfast quality is also below what you would expect from a 5-star hotel.

DariSAR 221

DoubleTree by Hilton Melaka

8.9/10Very Good1115 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|2.12km dari pusat bandar

This hotel is genuinely good. You can see the Strait of Malacca, and in the evening, you can head up to the rooftop bar to enjoy the sunset – their pizza is quite nice. Just a heads-up, you'll need to use a different elevator entrance from another part of the building to get there. The hotel is conveniently located, within walking distance or a short taxi ride to Jonker Street. Malacca isn't a large city, so it's easy to explore. There are plenty of places to eat and drink, and you can simply stroll around. Massage services are quite affordable, ranging from 60-90 MYR per hour. You'll find many Chinese specialty restaurants nearby, and there are also two durian stalls in the vicinity.

DariSAR 309

Holiday Inn Melaka

8.5/10Very Good353 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|0.78km dari pusat bandar

Stayed on the 17th floor — the room was clean, quiet, and very comfortable for a good night’s rest. Overall, the hotel offers a pleasant experience with good facilities and cleanliness. The only downside is the traffic outside the hotel; getting to Taman Laksamana requires a big detour, which can be a little inconvenient. Still, a great place to stay if you're looking for comfort and peace. The buffet breakfast variety was limited, and the dim sum section only served different of pau.For a 5 star hotel, the buffet breakfast needs improvement.

DariSAR 315

Casa del Rio Melaka

9.3/10Great320 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|0.1km dari pusat bandar

Amazing indoor and outdoor living experience in this hotel. Love the private balcony facing Melaka River. I can spend my entire afternoon there with good coffee and snacks (coffee machine and snacks provided free in room). Tried their Kaya thost during breakfast. I gave 10/10! At night soak yourself in the bathtub with essential oil provided. Awesome experience! Every single detailing the room can wow you with such a specious and comfortable space. The best part is the hotel car park is just within minutes reach from your hotel room. So, it is so convinient after check out. All tourist attractions and restourant surrounding are within walking distance. Will definitely come back next time.

DariSAR 589

The Majestic Malacca Hotel - Small Luxury Hotels of the World

9.3/10Great505 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|1.02km dari pusat bandar

The hotel is beautiful and the service is excellent. The air conditioning is also very quiet. We arrived early for our 3 PM check-in, and since our room wasn't ready, we left our luggage at the front desk. Once the room was cleaned, the hotel staff kindly brought our bags up to the room for us, which was a very thoughtful touch. There are several Hong Kong-style cafes around the hotel, making dining and getting around quite convenient.

DariSAR 377

Courtyard by Marriott Melaka

9.1/10Great1079 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|1.25km dari pusat bandar

Courtyard by Marriott is a spacious hotel with welcoming lobby, easy to maneuver parking spaces, and spacious hotel room. The hotel is new and clean. We especially like the beds which were firm and comfortable. There’s also a selection of pillows to choose from. We opted for the buckwheat pillow. The services were friendly and we were greeted and felt welcome throughout the stay. The location of the hotel is pretty convenient especially if you drive. It is located right next to the St Peter’s church. Parking for hotel guests are located on L5 and L6. For those driving electric vehicles, there are 2 EV chargers on Level 6 of the carpark. Please note that the lift lobby to the carpark is separate from the the lift to the hotel rooms. There’s also pool located on L8 had a good view of the city. We could even see Fort A Famosa. We didn’t try their gym but spotted some guests exercising whenever we went to the pool. There’s also an ATM at the side of the hotel. Overall, this is a great hotel to stay.

DariSAR 364

Elf Lovely Home, Bali Residence SeaView Netflix

/100 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|1.67km dari pusat bandar

DariSAR 145

The Straits Premium Malacca Sea View By I Housing

/100 Ulasan

Melaka Raya Melaka|1.05km dari pusat bandar

habis dijual

Business travel

Eco Tree Hotel, Melaka

8/10Very Good691 Ulasan

Melaka Raya Melaka|1.26km dari pusat bandar

Quite clean if you compare to other similar standard hotels in the area, booked it at a cheap rate so cannot complain much for the price paid… Soap is somehow 3-in-1… Wifi was good when I checked in, but got pretty bad when i returned from dinner… not sure what happened… lazy to go down to the reception so just slept early Overall, it was alright. Location was amazing tho, 10 mins to the nearest mall, heng chicken rice balls across the street :)

DariSAR 76

Bayview Hotel Melaka

8.5/10Very Good993 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|1.04km dari pusat bandar

Always be my first choice when I visit to Malacca, very helpful staff and good location, multi level car park is provided, room is clean and air conditioner is working well, many food stall are around the walking distance. will come back again if I visit Malacca again, thank you for the good hospitality.

DariSAR 82

The Shore Hotel & Residences

8.3/10Very Good1352 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|0.89km dari pusat bandar

A family of 5 adults stayed from Friday to Sunday (3D2N). Pros: 1. Great service attitude from all the hotel staff, especially the facilities intern guy, lift concierge guy, and the front receptionist day shift lady. 2. Good location if you prefer to stay away from the Hatten/Jonker crowds. 3. Good room size and views (we stayed in a 3-bedroom apartment on level 36) Cons: 1. Super slow lift (average waiting time 5 minutes). 2. Faulty door upon check-in. The facilities guy spent about an hour to handle it. 3. TV will always lose the signal. Need to go to the TB settings and do the Digital Auto Tuning. Which will take about 30 minutes. 4. Low shower water pressure (rain shower works slightly better). 5. The apartment has a washer dryer (but is unable to dry completely even with the dryer mode). No rack is available. Clothes hanger can't be removed from cabinet, so one will need to be creative. 6. The apartment has a kitchen but only provided 3 sets of plates and mugs, 5 small bowls (enough to fill a serving of rice). No cooking utensils are available. Working oven, fridge, and water kettle. 7. The hotel is unable to help if you need additional anything (utensils, cutlery, drying rack, etc..). Overall, the stay is okay, but we won't be back. The quality of stay is not worth the price we paid.

DariSAR 100

Imperial Heritage Hotel Melaka I City Centre

8/10Very Good1535 Ulasan

Melaka Raya Melaka|0.85km dari pusat bandar

I booked a deluxe room for 2nights at about RM450 on the weekends. The room is ok, air con and lightings are working well but there is nothing much to shop in the shopping centre across the street, most of the shops are for rent. The traffic outside the hotel might be busy. The hotel carpark has a security guard on duty at level 1 & there is a link bridge for guest between the hotel & carpark at level 3. Best thing is the carpark is free for guests, unlike some others in that area.

DariSAR 99

Estadia Hotel

8.2/10Very Good614 Ulasan

Melaka Raya Melaka|0.94km dari pusat bandar

Convenient location, right where the bus from Singapore have a stop at. It's also where the Buses back to Singapore will pickup passengers. Also just a short walk to multiple malls, including a sheltered 10min walk all the way to A Famosa, and another 10min walk to the Jonker Street entrance. Also close to multiple great restaurants (Atlantic Nyonya, Ee Ji Ban) and massage places. Service was friendly and helpful, and though my checkin was delayed by 30min as the room wasn't ready, they allowed checkout till 1230pm so net-net I guess haha! Although I didn't have any meals at the restaurant, the staff was kind enough to provide utensils and a bowl when I requested one for my grabfood. Room-wise, it was sufficient and decent for its price. Bed was comfortable, Aircon was cool, and cleanliness passable. Only a few minor issues like some stains at the corner of the bedsheets, no shaver set, and the poor quality TV. I think the most bothersome was that the walls and door let in sounds so easily and we had the misfortune of having elderly Vietnamese tourists staying around us who talk so loudly and with a tendency to chat along the hallway. Otherwise, really recommend Estadia Hotel for anyone looking for an affordable and comfortable stay at Melaka!

DariSAR 124

Swiss-Garden Hotel Melaka

8.7/10Very Good1954 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|0.99km dari pusat bandar

Swiss Garden Hotel Melaka is a wonderful place for a relaxing getaway. The rooms are clean, spacious and comfortable, with a beautiful view of the city and river. The location is superb — close to popular attractions, shopping areas and great food spots. The staff are friendly, helpful and always ready to assist. The facilities, especially the pool and breakfast, are enjoyable and perfect for families. Overall, a pleasant and satisfying stay. Highly recommended!

DariSAR 131

ibis Melaka

8.4/10Very Good753 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|0.68km dari pusat bandar

The hotel is nicely located at their little India. Not too overwhelming as the little india is not too big. It is walking distance to the St Francis Xavier Catholic church and we can walk to jonker street. City center is not too far away.

DariSAR 195

The Pines Melaka

8.6/10Very Good547 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|1.26km dari pusat bandar

good to be back here after a while. but the room doesn’t have a bath tub like i wish. never mind, it’s OK. maybe I made mistakes during the booking process. the surrounding was good. keep it up. spacious room, spacious parking lot, easy access to nearby location such as Kg Morten and Bandar Hilir. will repeat again and again in the future. thanks!

DariSAR 196

Breakfast

Hotel Sentral Riverview Melaka

8/10Very Good438 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|1.5km dari pusat bandar

Hotel very nice and near with bustain and easy to find restaurants and staff very kind

DariSAR 76

Hallmark Crown Hotel

8.2/10Very Good312 Ulasan

Melaka Raya Melaka|1.3km dari pusat bandar

For me it nice comfy to stay with,, food also nice.. location ok... you can walk from the hotel to jonker street but hence it's my first time went in malacca I took grab.. but when I realised can walk actually but the sun ray too much so I haven't walk. Spacious also. With iron you can iron your cloths.. but if you want to watch tv, it's not smart tv.. 😅 but It's OK.. I don't watch. Will stay again there. & it's safe.. although room is not sound prof. But it's OK... if u are in deep sleeping ofcourse u can't hear anything. So I will give 7/10.

DariSAR 108

The Sterling Boutique Hotel Melaka

8.6/10Very Good581 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|0.57km dari pusat bandar

We really enjoyed our stay at Sterling Hotel. The best part is definitely the location — it’s just a short walk to the Red House and Jonker Street. This saved us so much time since we didn’t have to worry about finding parking around Jonker, which can be a real headache. The room was comfortable and the staff were friendly, making the whole stay pleasant. If you’re planning to explore Melaka’s heritage area, this hotel is super convenient and makes everything easier.

DariSAR 142

Moty Hotel

8.7/10Very Good456 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|0.62km dari pusat bandar

Hotel is well equipped and furnished, but parking could be a problem during peak holiday season. Breakfast is so so; they use knock-off branded cereals that tastes a bit off. Egg station is always vacant/unmanned, half boiled egg is not properly cooked. Will I return? For the stay, yes. But only during off peak season and without opting for the breakfast.

DariSAR 146

Hotel Sentral Melaka @ City Centre

7.7/10Good393 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|1.25km dari pusat bandar

My favourite hotel due to walking distance to kg morten for dining with riverview and melaka cruise. Affordable price, nice room with basic amenities. Will come again.

DariSAR 132

Grand Swiss-Belhotel Melaka

8.5/10Very Good536 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|1.42km dari pusat bandar

I am truly pleased with the Grand Swiss-Belhotel Melaka, Malaysia for their warm hospitality and very clean accommodations. The staff went above and beyond to extend their assistance, even helping me with important matters such as bank transfers—going so far as to use their own personal accounts to ensure everything was taken care of smoothly. A special appreciation goes to Mr. Rifkarl, the security personnel, for his remarkable support and genuine care, which truly reflects the hotel’s commitment to excellent service. This experience is a testament to the dedication of the entire team, making my stay not only comfortable but also memorable. I am deeply grateful and will surely recommend this hotel to others.

DariSAR 192

Arenaa Deluxe Hotel

7.9/10Good401 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|2.06km dari pusat bandar

Stayed at Arenaa Deluxe Hotel for a recent business trip with a co-worker, and it offered a pleasant and convenient experience. The room was clean, comfortable, and suited for a short business stay. We appreciated the quiet environment, which allowed us to get work done efficiently. The location was strategic, with easy access to nearby eateries and essential services. While it's a no-frills hotel, it served its purpose well for our business needs. A solid choice for budget-conscious business travelers.

DariSAR 48

Prima Hotel Melaka

7.6/10Good302 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|0.66km dari pusat bandar

Good Value for money. Friendly Staff. Parking amenities available. Food outlets easily available. Very Quiet Area. Buffet Breakfast was decent and simple. My 2nd time here. I will be back. Thanks to the staff especially Alexander.

DariSAR 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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