Top 7 Must-See Attractions For Malacca Sightseeing

If you are a history enthusiast, foodie, or simply an adventurer, then Malacca sightseeing will definitely fascinate you. Malacca, also known as Melaka, is a bustling city on the southwest coast of Malaysia that has successfully paired its historic colonial heritage with its contemporary lifestyle. Founded in the 1300s by a Sumatran prince on the run, Malacca was ruled by the Chinese, Portuguese, and Dutch before the British came along.

The Peranakan people, who have a unique combination of traditions, customs, cuisine, and way of life, still thrive and do well in Melaka. You may see ancient buildings coexisting with state-of-the-art commercial malls. From the verdant Ayer Keroh to the bustling city of Melaka, these are the best tourist places in Melaka that no traveler should miss on their travel itinerary.

Best Tourist Places In Melaka

Melaka sightseeing places include an abundance of stunning sights and the rich legacy of this quaint city. Melaka is easily explored on foot or by trishaw, allowing visitors to discover its numerous unique destinations.

To help you learn more about this historical gem, we have curated a list of the best tourist places in Melaka that you cannot miss during your visit.

Christ Church

Christ Church is the most popular church in Malacca, located not far from Jonker Street. In a city dotted with old historic religious buildings, the dusty red of Christ Church makes it stand out.

Designed in the eighteenth century to take the place of the deteriorating Portuguese church, Christ Church is still one of Malacca's most iconic buildings from the Dutch Colonial era. This building was painted red in the early 1900s. It is a centerpiece of the wider Red Square and is currently the oldest Anglican church in Malaysia.

When you visit Christ Church, you can see the single bell that is attached to the top. The interior of the church features 200-year-old handcrafted pews, decorative fanlights, and plaques honoring locals and Dutch soldiers. There is a gift shop behind the church where you can pick up some lovely souvenirs.

Christ Church is the most popular church in Malacca

Jonker Street

Jonker Street, often called Jonker Walk, is one of the best tourist places in Melaka. A highlight is the Jonker Walk Night Market, which has a large variety of stalls, courteous and friendly hawkers, lots of deals, and live music throughout the place. 

There are still a lot of manors from the seventeenth century here, in addition to many shops, restaurants, and other amenities. Decorative accents such as a grand archway in the Chinese style were built when the large Chinese population came there. Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night, the roadway is blocked off to become a pedestrian-only night market.

Jonker Street is one of the best tourist places in Melaka

St. Paul’s Church

On the site of the last Malaccan sultan's istana (palace), St. Paul's Church was ruins built in 1521. Built in honor of the Virgin Mary, it was constructed by Portuguese fidalgo (nobleman) and captain Duarte Coelho during a storm at sea.

Originally known as Nossa Senhora da Annunciada (Our Lady of the Annunciation), it was covered in ferns and had no roof. Despite lying in ruins for over 150 years, this beautiful and airy haven is situated next to the A Famosa's remnants. You can see the ruins after climbing a steep flight of stairs.

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Menara Taming Sari

This revolving tower has many similarities to Seattle's Space Needle and accomplishes similar purposes, making it a perfect spot for Malacca sightseeing. The Menara Taming is an excellent way to receive a general overview of ancient Malacca as well as new and planned improvements to the city. 

The gyro tower can accommodate 80 people at a time and takes seven minutes to complete. There are lots of additional things to try at the foot of the tower, like electric car rentals, carnival rides, and pony rides. You can purchase a ticket to the tower along with passes to Melaka sightseeing places through package deals.

The Menara Taming is an excellent way to receive a general overview of ancient Malacca

Cheng Hoon Teng Temple

The Cheng Hoon Teng Temple is Malaysia's oldest surviving temple, having been established in 1646. Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism are the three traditional Chinese doctrines that are practiced there.

The temple welcomes visitors with an elaborate entrance adorned with Chinese lions and is located along Harmony Street, which is also the location of numerous other mosques and temples. The main prayer hall of the temple is devoted to Kuan Yin, the goddess of mercy.  Ancestral tablets are housed in smaller halls that pay homage to the gods of wealth, propagation, and prosperity.

The Cheng Hoon Teng Temple is the oldest surviving temple in Malaysia

The Stadthuys

Next on our list of the best tourist places in Melaka is the Stadthuys. It is a large, iconic riverbank building, painted a vibrant terracotta red.  It is thought to be the oldest Dutch building still standing in the East. It was formerly the official house of Dutch governors and officers.

Imagine a building built right on top of an old fort! That's what happened with The Stadthuys in Malacca. Built by the Dutch between 1641 and 1660, it was like the city hall for many different European countries for over 300 years! Today, it's a museum filled with amazing things.

Inside, you can explore the Museum of History & Ethnography. It tells the story of Malacca, showing you all about its people, their customs, and the traditions they passed down through generations.

Right behind it is the Museum of Literature. Here, you'll find old maps, drawings, and pictures that tell exciting stories about Malacca's past, including some cool local legends!

Melaka Sultanate Palace

This replica museum, built in 1984, was designed to showcase the rich history of the region, particularly for those interested in Malacca sightseeing. The building was constructed from historical accounts of Mansur Shah's palace, which governed Melaka from 1456 until 1477.

The palace has a series of dioramas that show what a typical day might have looked like there. Around the main hall stand supplicants, soldiers, and sellers, ready to receive offerings and make requests from the sultan. The remainder of this historical museum consists of about 1300 period objects and a scale model of the building.

This replica museum, built in 1984, was designed to showcase the rich history of the region

Best Time For Malacca Sightseeing

Malacca is a place where it rains a lot! You can expect some showers almost every day of the year.

The rainiest months are April to May and September to November, so you might want to visit during the drier months. July and August are super popular because the weather is a bit nicer.

Even though it's hot and humid, there are lots of ways to cool off! You can relax at the beach or have some fun at a water park.

If you want to see some exciting events, try visiting in July for Independence Day celebrations, or in September and October for the Mid-Autumn Festival and the Malacca by the Sea Carnival. December is also a great time to visit because of Christmas and New Year's Eve. Just be prepared for lots of people and higher prices!

Melaka gained notoriety in 2008 due to its inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List and Historic Cities of The Straits of Malacca. Put differently, Melaka boasts an abundance of historical, cultural, and culinary attractions. As a result, you will not need to worry about where to go in Melaka because there are many recommended Melaka sightseeing places in this article. 

Make sure your itinerary includes these best tourist places in Melaka, and your trip to Malaysia will be perfect and unforgettable. Finally, but just as importantly, remember to apply for a Malaysia eVisa to ensure a smooth travel experience!