Melaka (Malacca), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a charming and historically rich city in Malaysia that offers a unique blend of cultures, architecture, and cuisines.
I have a particular affinity to this city because it’s where my dad grew up and where many of his family still live. I attribute my early childhood visit to Melaka a pivotal point in my life. At seven years old, being my first time in Asia, I realised the world had so much more to offer than the small, sleepy town in Yorkshire that I had only known until that point.
The world suddenly appeared so much bigger and was infinitely more exciting. For the first time in my life, I saw people outside my immediate family who shared the same facial features as me, who ate the same food as me, and who embraced me with affection. Although I couldn’t express it back then, all these things mattered to me. Stepping foot in Melaka, I felt true wanderlust for the first time. I knew there and then that I wanted to see the rest of the world. Even though I don’t live there, a part of my heart does.
The cultural diversity of Melaka
Located along the Strait of Malacca, the city was a major trading hub for centuries, attracting Portuguese, Dutch, Chinese, Indian and British influences, all of which are reflected in its distinct historical sites and the the cuisine. If you travel to eat, it’s safe to say that your taste buds are in for a treat. Want to know more about why Maleka is the perfect foodie destination, I recommend reading: Why Is the food in Melaka So Delicious?
Spending two days in Melaka is the perfect way to explore its rich past, vibrant street life, and beautiful riverside ambiance. Here’s a comprehensive guide to making the most of a two-day trip to Melaka. Note that you will find hotel and guest house recommendations at the end of the article.
Day 1: Exploring Melaka’s Historical Core
Morning: Arrival and River Walk
Start your first day with a lovely Melaka River Walk. The river, which cuts through the heart of the city, was once the lifeline of trade. Today, its banks are lined with colorful murals, cafes, and boutique hotels. A stroll along the river in the early morning is quiet and scenic, offering a perfect way to ease into the day.
Walk all the way along the river to Kampung Morten which is a historical Malay village showcasing traditional wooden houses on stilts. Its raised position from the ground helps to prevent wild animals from entering the home, and during monsoon season this prevents the house from flooding. My aunty told me that it also helps keep the building well ventilated without AC. Malay houses are smartly built with the environment in mind!
Late Morning: Dutch Square, A’Famosa Fort, and St. Paul’s Hill
After the river walk, head to Dutch Square, a lively area marked by its vibrant red buildings, including Christ Church and the Stadthuys, which served as the Dutch administrative centre during colonial times. These buildings are prime examples of Dutch architecture, painted in iconic red with white trimmings. If you wish to know more, The Stadthuys houses the History and Ethnography Museum, provides insight into Melaka’s colonial history.
Avoid the crowds: Dutch Square is the busiest part of Melaka, and with the addition of flamboyant tuk-tuks, it can feel touristy. As expected, Melaka is busier on the weekends, so bare that in mind if you prefer to avoid the crowds. Saying this, Jonker Street night market takes place over the weekend which I recommend experiencing. I guess you have to weigh out your preferences.
From Dutch Square, walk up St. Paul’s Hill to visit the ruins of St. Paul’s Church. This church, originally built by the Portuguese in 1521, offers a glimpse into Melaka’s Portuguese past and provides panoramic views of the city and the coastline.
Nearby, you’ll find the remains of A’Famosa Fort, a Portuguese fortress that once protected Melaka from invaders. While most of the fort has been destroyed, Porta de Santiago, one of the original gates, still stands.
Lunch: Local Delicacies at Jonker Street
After a morning of historical exploration, head over to Jonker Street for lunch. This famous street is the heart of Melaka’s Chinatown and is known for its diverse food offerings.
Try Chicken Rice Balls, a local specialty where chicken is served with compact rice balls instead of traditional steamed rice. You’ll also find other well-loved dishes like Nyonya laksa, asam pedas, and cendol (a sweet dessert made from shaved ice, coconut milk, and palm sugar syrup). If you dare, try a durian!
🍧 See this list of tasty dishes → 12 Dishes You Must Try in Malaysia
In the last several years, a burgeoning number of hipster cafes have burst onto the scene. So if you’re looking for a coffee break or refreshing drink, options are plenty.
🌟 Top Pick: For tasty treats head inside The Daily Fix (address: 55, Jalan Hang Jebat). The interior is full of character and old-world charm. The prices are more aligned with Europe as you might expect from any hipster hang out. The quality of the drinks and food menu combined with the atmosphere can justify the prices though I think. I wasn’t expecting to eat one of the best cheese cakes I’ve ever had in Melaka, but there you go.
Afternoon: Jonker Street, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple & Street Art
After lunch, spend the afternoon exploring the lively shops and cultural landmarks along Jonker Street. Be sure to explore all the streets that run parallel with it such as Harmony Street known for its myriad of small temples and mosques, and Heeran Street that are home to some of the most well-preserved Dutch colonial houses. The area is full of antique shops, craft boutiques, and souvenir stores.
Honestly, I could spend the whole day in this area just looking inside all the beautiful antique shops. There are so many, all crammed full of interesting trinkets and objects, in particular Chinese porcelain, jade jewellery and antique furniture.
I ended up buying a clock from around the 1950s depicting Mao Zedong, with a crowd of waving people, and one of the waving hands is used to tell the time. He’s a controversial guy, but it fits alongside my collection of candles depicting world dictators. I’m waiting for the right occasion to watch my bust of Stalin melt into a puddle of wax. I’m not sure when I’ll eventually set that the wix a light, but one of Mao’s minions will be waving in celebration when I do.
Don’t miss Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, the oldest functioning Chinese temple in Malaysia. This beautifully preserved temple, built in 1645, reflects traditional Southern Chinese architecture and is dedicated to multiple deities.
Next, visit Kampung Kling Mosque, an important landmark for Melaka’s Muslim community. The mosque, with its unique architectural blend of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences, reflects the multicultural nature of the city.
🌟 Highlight: Melaka’s old town is brimming with beautiful wall murals depicting local culture and decorative art. Check out this blog post dedicate just to street art in Melaka.
Evening: Melaka River Cruise and Night Market
As the day winds down, experience Melaka’s scenic beauty by taking a Melaka River Cruise. The boat ride offers a different perspective of the city’s colorful riverside murals and historical buildings. The cruise lasts about 45 minutes and is particularly enchanting as the city lights up in the evening.
End your day by immersing yourself in the Jonker Street Night Market (available on weekends). The market comes alive with street vendors selling local street food, crafts, souvenirs, and clothes. This vibrant atmosphere, accompanied by live music and performances, makes for a perfect way to conclude your first day in Melaka.
Alternative: If you’re in Melaka during the week, I recommend heading over to nearby Wild Coriander. The restaurant dishes up yummy local cuisine from within tastefully decorated space complete with draping plants and vibrant wall murals.
Day 2: Immersing in Culture and Relaxation
Morning: Breakfast In Little India
Located just around the corner from the Dutch Square you will find Little India. As the name suggests, the area is small, probably the smallest Little India I’ve seen. However, its authentic with many things written in Tamil and small business selling India spices, sariees, and floral garlands to honour their gods. The main reason to come is Restoran Selvam (address: 3 Jalan Temenggong), one of my favourite cheap-eats in Melaka.
Food here is served on a banana leaf on he table. Locals eat with their hands, but if you don’t feel confident, cutlery is also provided. Dal, curry, raita served from large pots then rice piled on with sambhar and poppadoms. You can also get a variety of paratha either plain or stuffed with cheese and what not served with coconut and chutneys.
To Europeans this might seem like a lot for breakfast, but most places in Asia subscribe to the proverb that you should eat like a king in the morning. The only problem in Malaysia that is you’ll want to eat like a king for lunch and dinner too. Yes, all diets are thrown out of the window in this country.
Late Morning: Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum
After breakfast head back to the historical centre to visit the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum, a beautifully preserved townhouse that offers insight into the Peranakan (Straits Chinese) culture. The Peranakans are descendants of Chinese settlers (Baba) who intermarried with local Malays (Nyona), and their hybrid culture is a significant part of Melaka’s identity. The museum showcases their rather opulent lifestyle, with intricate furniture, porcelain, and fashion from the early 20th century.
The highlight of the museum for many is the house itself which has been beautifully well-preserved and has remained in the same Peranakan family for generations.
Tip: If you’d like to see inside another wonderfully preserved building, take a look inside The Royal Press, located around the corner on Jonker Street. From an interior design point of view, I think this building was my favourite. Very stylish and minimal and has a real aura from a bygone era.
Refreshment stop: The Daughter
Sit down to enjoy a coffee or refreshing fruit drink at The Daughter (address: 13, Jln. Bunga Raya), a quirky cafe that is like no other in the city. Nearly everything you see is for sale. I’ve not even seen a cafe like this in London, despite something like this probably doing very well against the backdrop of vintage shops in Brick Lane where I live.
Afternoon: Sultanate Palace & Melaka Straits Mosque
In the afternoon make a quick pit stop to the Melaka Sultanate Palace, a replica of the 15th-century wooden palace of Sultan Mansur Shah. The palace houses a museum that showcases the history of the Malay Sultanate and offers insight into the and traditions of pre-colonial Melaka. If not too fussed about going inside, just take a peek at the palace from the outside.
In the afternoon, make your way to the Melaka Straits Mosque, located on Pulau Melaka, a man-made island. This beautiful mosque appears to float on the water during high tide and offers vast views across the sea. Remember to cover up if you want to go inside, and check the entry times online, otherwise admiring the facade and the sea might be enough for you. It’s also a great place to watch the sunset which typically starts from around 6.30pm. Catch a Grab to get there for approx 12 ringgits one way.
Evening: Portuguese Settlement and Seafood Dinner
In the evening, explore the Portuguese Settlement, a unique area of Melaka where descendants of the Portuguese colonists still live today. The area retains much of its Portuguese heritage, and the influence is reflected in the food, culture, and festivals.
End your second day with a seafood dinner at one of the many restaurants in the Portuguese Settlement. Try ikan bakar(grilled fish) or devil’s curry, a spicy Portuguese dish that reflects Melaka’s cultural fusion. Dining by the water, with the sound of the waves in the background, is the perfect way to finish your two-day journey in Melaka.
Where to stay in Melaka
I recommend staying close to the action in the historical centre. There are a number of boutique hotels and guest houses to cater for different budgets.
I’m probably biased towards recommending Heeran Street because my father grew up on this street so there’s a connection there. However, it has the most wonderful old-world charm and the buildings have so much character. It runs parallel to Joker Street, but it doesn’t have the touristy vibes. It’s close to all the action but benefits from a much more peaceful atmosphere.
Best value: Hotel Puri Melaka on Heeran Street hits all the right notes. The hotel is beautifully furnished, retaining many original features while having the comforts of a modern boutique hotel. Prices start from approximately £50 per night, which comparative to European prices is very good value. A few minute’s walk from all the main attractions.
Splurge: If you can treat yourself, 5 Heeren Street Museum Residence, transports you into the opulent world of Peranakan Heritage complete with some of the finest Perenken furniture you’ll find. No detail has been left to chance. If you went to the Baba-Nyona Museum, picture that, only you get to stay inside your very own room with all the trimmings for a memorable and unique stay. Prices start at around £120 per night.
Budget: If you’re on a small budget, but want to stay nearby, Layang Layang is a great guest house with rooms starting from just £17 per night. Decorated to a nice standard, particularly in the common areas. Rooms are private but the bathrooms are shared.
