Central Market (Pasar Seni), Kuala Lumpur

Last updated: October 2026

Interior of Central Market Kuala Lumpur with batik stalls and handicraft shops
AddressJalan Hang Kasturi, Chinatown
HoursDaily 10 am – 9:30 pm
ClosedNo closed days
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VerifiedVerified October 2026

About Central Market (Pasar Seni)

Central Market — known locally as Pasar Seni — is Kuala Lumpur's premier souvenir destination. Originally a wet market built in 1888, it was transformed in the 1980s into an indoor handicraft and arts market. The building houses boutiques and stalls organised by cultural zone: a Malay section for batik and songket, a Chinese section for calligraphy and lacquerware, and an Indian section for saris and jewellery. The upper floor houses art galleries and a small theatre.

The best buys at Central Market are batik clothing and accessories (sarongs from RM30, shirts from RM50, scarves from RM25), hand-painted artwork (from RM50), wooden carvings, pewter accessories, Malaysian food gift packs and handmade jewellery. Prices are moderate — higher than Petaling Street but with genuinely better quality and authenticity. Bargaining is acceptable at most stalls, though the starting prices are already reasonable. The annexe section hosts weekend art markets with rotating vendors. Access via the Pasar Seni MRT or LRT station.

Location

Maps Waze

Photos

Entrance at Central Market (Pasar Seni) Inside at Central Market (Pasar Seni) View at Central Market (Pasar Seni) Detail at Central Market (Pasar Seni)

Visitor Reviews

  • Victoria L. ★★★★★
    September 2026

    Central Market is the one-stop shop for KL souvenirs. Spent two hours browsing the three cultural zones. Bought a hand-painted batik piece for RM65, pewter keychains at RM18 each, and a wayang kulit shadow puppet for RM45. Prices are marked but bargaining is possible on bulk purchases.

  • Rizal M. ★★★★☆
    August 2026

    The second floor has more unique finds than the ground level. Picked up handmade silver jewellery from RM40 and a traditional songkok hat for RM35. The batik painting stalls offer custom name paintings from RM30. Quality is generally higher here than at Petaling Street.

  • Karen B. ★★★★★
    July 2026

    Best place for souvenir shopping in an air-conditioned setting. The Malay, Chinese and Indian sections each have distinct crafts. Bought dodol at RM8, BOH tea at RM12, and a carved wooden mask at RM55. The Kasturi Walk outdoor annexe has street food and more stalls.

  • Chong W. ★★★☆☆
    May 2026

    Some stalls have inflated prices for tourists. The fridge magnets at RM8 each are RM3 at Petaling Street. However, the quality handicrafts upstairs are fairly priced and you get genuine artisan work. Bargaining got me about 10 percent off at most stalls. Worth comparing before buying.

  • Nina D. ★★★★☆
    March 2026

    The live batik painting demonstrations are free to watch and the artists sell their work from RM50. Bought a set of Malaysian spice pastes at RM18, a pewter bookmark at RM30, and three packs of kaya for RM24 total. The building itself is a heritage landmark from the 1880s.

Reviews sourced from Google Maps

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Central Market (Pasar Seni)'s opening hours?

Central Market (Pasar Seni) is open Daily 10 am – 9:30 pm. No closed days.

Is Central Market (Pasar Seni) free to visit?

Central Market (Pasar Seni) is free to visit.

How do I get to Central Market (Pasar Seni)?

Central Market (Pasar Seni) is located at Jalan Hang Kasturi, Chinatown. You can use Grab (ride-hailing) or public transport to get there.