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 Good3394 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.

DariAU$ 47

Casa del Rio Melaka

9.3/10Great340 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.

DariAU$ 227

The Majestic Malacca Hotel, Melaka - an SLH Hotel

9.3/10Great638 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.

DariAU$ 135

Asteria Melaka by Attic Suite

9.3/10Great634 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|1.61km dari pusat bandar

The room was spacious, clean, and tidy, and I could see the sea as soon as I drew back the curtains. It was very convenient for getting around; just a few steps from the hotel, there were Sichuan restaurants, wonton noodle shops, Chaoshan hot pot, and coffee shops. It took about 7-8 minutes to get to Jonker Street by taxi, and the value for money was excellent. The breakfast was decent and generally met our needs.

DariAU$ 65

The Lisbon Melaka, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

8.6/10Very Good170 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|2.63km dari pusat bandar

The hotel is simple and clean. It looks newly refurbished with the paint still looking fresh. It is conveniently situated in the Portuguese Settlement area of Melaka and a short drive/grab away from Jonker street. Perfect for a short weekend trip. Side note: there is a home based Portuguese restaurant a few houses down that was really good.

DariAU$ 66

Eco Tree Hotel, Melaka

8.1/10Very Good796 Ulasan

Melaka Raya Melaka|1.26km dari pusat bandar

Positive : Good location, good price, I booked twin room , room and bathroom size just nice for 2 guess. negative: hotel looks a bit run down, bathroom no lock .. which is a bit inconvenient when travelling with friends, the escalater not working, the corridors to the room so dark at night, they off the lights to save the cost but feel a bit unsafe as lady traveller , front dest guys was not friendly at all... i just asked a bit earlier 2.30 check in , he answered so rude .. hotel reception mean need to smile at least even if the answer is no .. actually its weekdays and the entire hotel only a few guests..can give.. i hv many hotel give at 2 pm if room available.. i hate the hotel doesn't give early check in but strictly mk early check out even not super low season.. and this hotel is only 3star level .. its not 4 star .. but the swimming pool is good

DariAU$ 27

Bayview Hotel Melaka

8.5/10Very Good1113 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|1.04km dari pusat bandar

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A very satisfying experience! The service at Bayview Hotel Melaka is truly excellent. The staff are very friendly, approachable, and helpful. The room is comfortable and clean, and the location is strategic. It's definitely worth the price paid. Will surely come back to stay again! 👍😊

DariAU$ 41

The Shore Hotel & Residences

8.3/10Very Good1959 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|0.89km dari pusat bandar

The Shore Hotel & Resident Melaka— ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Everything was excellent! The room was clean and comfortable, the facilities were well maintained, and the staff were friendly, helpful and professional. The location was also convenient, making the stay even more enjoyable. Overall, a wonderful experience from check-in to check-out. Highly recommended! Definitely a place I would love to return to. ❤️👏

DariAU$ 35

Business travel

Estadia Hotel

8.4/10Very Good906 Ulasan

Melaka Raya Melaka|0.94km dari pusat bandar

The room was spacious and comfortable and the location was quite good . Very convenient to travel around and explore area. The only one thing disappointed us that experience during check out. We had informed the front desk in person as we needed a late check out till 2pm and then had paid RM50 for it . The front desk took our keycard and room number to update after payment. So Despite this , around 1.15 pm , one of the hotel staff come to our room and rang the bell to tell us that it’s already over the check out time . We feel that the staff should have checked their system or confirmed with the front desk before coming to our room and inform us we exceed the check-out time. Anyway, we enjoyed our stay there and liked the spacious room and convenient location.

DariAU$ 40

Swiss-Garden Hotel Melaka

8.7/10Very Good2457 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|0.99km dari pusat bandar

Had a really pleasant stay here! The room was clean, spacious, and comfortable. The facilities were great and everything was well-maintained. The location was also convenient. Overall, I really enjoyed my stay and would definitely come back again!

DariAU$ 51

ibis Melaka

8.5/10Very Good663 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|0.68km dari pusat bandar

This hotel is located within walking distance to Jonker Street. Built Melaka, and Stadhuy's, as well as to many cafes and eateries. While one may point to many other hotels populated there. Ibis Melaka stands out above most others with clean and working facilities and amenities. I have stayed in a number of hotels there and I can safely say that the hotel will meet the expectation of many people. The reception staffs are efficient. The cleaning staffs are hardworking. I had a restful stay there.

DariAU$ 69

The Pines Melaka

8.5/10Very Good893 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|1.26km dari pusat bandar

The environment is very comfortable... it's perfect for a stay... and it's also very close to tourist attractions... I'll definitely stay at this hotel again next time I visit... it's really, really comfortable and convenient.

DariAU$ 59

Hotel Sentral Riverview Melaka

7.5/10348 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

DariAU$ 24

Hallmark Crown Hotel

8.2/10Very Good437 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

DariAU$ 25

The Sterling Boutique Hotel Melaka

8.7/10Very Good742 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|0.57km dari pusat bandar

Great location, within walking distance to many attractions. The hotel is well-decorated, and the staff are friendly and provide excellent service. The room is spacious, and the air conditioning is very comfortable.

DariAU$ 41

Moty Hotel

8.7/10Very Good450 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.

DariAU$ 60

Breakfast

Hotel Sentral Melaka @ City Centre

8/10Very Good381 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|1.25km dari pusat bandar

For two nights I stayed at the Central Melaka Hotel, it's convenient to go to food shops in front of the hotel, just cross the delicious food, Prata Bread, fried noodles, fried kwetiau, Tosai, pull tea drinks, halia tea and also coffee ☕️ you can also walk to Mortan village If you want to have breakfast at the hotel you can also .The hotel staff is friendly thank you

DariAU$ 25

Grand Swiss-Belhotel Melaka

8.1/10Very Good465 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.

DariAU$ 78

Sunday Malacca Formerly Tun Fatimah

7.2/10275 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.

DariAU$ 16

Euro Rich Hotel Melaka

8/10Very Good285 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.

DariAU$ 16

Baba House Melaka

9.1/10Great918 Ulasan

Jonker Melaka|0.33km dari pusat bandar

This was my first time staying at Babahouse, and I really loved the concept and traditional style of the hotel. From the moment we arrived at the lobby, we were warmly greeted and welcomed with a complimentary drink coin for the entire stay — 1 coin per person, per room. Since we had 2 rooms for 2 days, we received 4 coins in total. A nice little touch that made us feel welcomed. When we entered our rooms, they were generally clean, tidy and comfortable. However, in one of the rooms, we noticed some mould on the towel and also on the bed. We understand that this can happen if a room has been unoccupied for some time, especially with the humid weather. We also noticed that only some of the room windows have coverings, which may contribute to the room condition. Hopefully, the management can pay extra attention to this. The weather outside was extremely hot, with no rain for the whole week, so the first thing we did was turn the air-conditioning on full blast! We also tried the gym and really enjoyed it. Although the gym is small, the space is sufficient for a simple workout. They also provide towels and drinking water, which is very convenient. Around the hotel, there is Rumah Kechik Café and also a hidden bar on the side, which adds to the overall charm and experience. During our stay, we didn't drive around much. We mainly went out to Jonker Street and simply walked from the hotel. It was easy and convenient, and it also saved us time from dealing with traffic and finding parking. Overall, I really enjoyed my first stay at Babahouse. I love the traditional concept, atmosphere and location. With a little more attention to room maintenance and cleanliness, I believe the experience could be even better. Definitely a place I would consider staying again when visiting Melaka.

DariAU$ 96

ASIA MELAKA HOTEL managed by The Straits Hotel & Suites

8.3/10Very Good391 Ulasan

Melaka Raya Melaka|1.05km dari pusat bandar

Located in a town area therefore convenient with easy access to nearby amenities Room was spacious and comfortable which made the stay more relaxing The highlight was the TV sport channel. Very enjoyable as it coincided with the World Cup season. Will be more entertaining if have TV in the room too. Breakfast was served buffet-style with an adequate selection of food options. Not extensive but sufficient and satisfying Overall had a pleasant staycation

DariAU$ 57

1825 Gallery Hotel

9/10Great483 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|0.53km dari pusat bandar

The location is truly strategic. It's right in the heart of Bandar Hilir, and walking along the Melaka River is just a short distance behind. There are also many delicious eateries next door and in front, so it's definitely worth it. The room was comfortable. This is the only hotel I've stayed at that actually provides conditioner! I was so impressed. The hotel has a Bali vibe – very beautiful and peaceful. The only scary part was the parking 😅, it was really narrow. I hope the hotel management finds more suitable parking for guests, because I will definitely be staying here again for my next vacation 🫣

DariAU$ 46

Rosa Malacca

8.9/10Very Good784 Ulasan

Melaka City Center Melaka|1.42km dari pusat bandar

Had a short 1 night stay, last min booking. Main reason I choose to stay here is due to availability of parking. TV is a Google TV that can play any media via USB, if you have one. WiFi in the room is complimentary for guests, but speed wise is not the best, I ended up using my mobile data for better experience. Hot water is consistent and pressure is good, however the room I stayed in had an issue with the drainage which makes you stand in a puddle of water while showering. They provide toothbrush and shaver, which is good. However, if you need to use their iron, they only provide the basic iron without steam function. Not ideal for business travelers, lucky for me my shirt already ironed from home. What I don’t like about the room is they don’t have master switches on the bedside for you to switch of the lights. The master switches is located at the wall near the keycard insert. Breakfast starts at 7am the earliest, and the choices are okay. Their teh tarik is good though. But their room rate is really competitive, so can’t complain much for the price paid.

DariAU$ 64

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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