Must-see entertainment in Kuala Lumpur

  • Top Choice
    Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre

    Part of the Sentul West regeneration project, this modernist performing-arts complex puts on a wide range of progressive theatrical events including…

  • Top Choice
    No Black Tie

    Blink and you’d miss this small live-music venue, bar and bistro, hidden as it is behind a grove of bamboo. NBT, as it's known to its faithful patrons, is…

  • Istana Budaya

    Large-scale drama and dance shows are staged here, as well as music performances by the National Symphony Orchestra and National Choir. The building's…

  • Dewan Filharmonik Petronas

    Don’t miss the chance to attend a show at this gorgeous concert hall. The polished Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra plays here (usually Friday and…

  • Panggung Bandaraya

    Originally designed as City Hall by British colonial architect AB Hubback, this handsome 1896 building with distinctive black domes has been refitted into…

  • Bee

    The stage at this chilled and popular cafe-bar is well used for various events, including live music, film screenings and open-mic nights. They also serve…

  • Sutra Dance Theatre

    The home of Malaysian dance legend Ramli Ibrahim is also a showcase for Indian classical dance as well as a dance studio, painting and photography gallery…

  • Bobo KL

    Live jazz lovers speak highly of this intimate performance space. Resident and guest artists usually take to the stage around 9pm. There's no cover charge…

  • fono

    The events space in the Zhongshan Building hosts live performances including sets by local DJs and musicians. Check out the Facebook or Instagram streams…

  • KL Live

    A boon to KL’s live-music scene, this spacious venue packs in rock and pop fans with a decent line-up of international and local big-name artists and DJs.

  • Temple of Fine Arts

    Classical Indian dance and music shows take place here throughout the year. The centre also runs performing-arts courses; see the website for schedules.

  • Alexis Ampang

    At weekends this bistro becomes one of the city's top venues for live jazz. Shows begin at 10pm.

  • GSC Mid Valley

    This branch of the GSC multiplex cinema chain includes a 277-seater screening room.

  • Golden Screen Cinemas Pavilion KL

    Expect to queue to see a movie at this 13-screen multiplex in the popular Pavilion KL mall. This is one of the few multiplexes in the GSC chain that has…

  • Slate @ The Row

    The redevelopment of Jln Doraisamy's row of old shophouses into the contemporary dining and shopping destination the Row includes this events space where…

  • MABA Stadium

    Check the MABA website to find out about matches held at the headquarters of the Malaysian Basketball Association. There's also a training court on the…

  • Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre

    The largest of the convention centre's conference rooms and events spaces is Plenary Hall, which is sometimes used for concerts and seats up to 3000.

  • Saxophone Store

    This space functions as a musical instrument store during the day and hosts regular jazz gigs come night. Check the Facebook page for the schedule.

  • Coliseum Theatre

    One of KL's oldest still-functioning cinemas, this art deco–style building dates back to 1920 and screens Tamil and other Indian-language movies.

  • TGV Cineplex

    Take your pick from the mainstream offerings at this 12-screen multiplex. Book in advance or be prepared to queue, particularly at weekends.