Hotels near Merdeka Square

Merdeka Square (Dataran Merdeka, Independence Square) is the historic colonial heart of Kuala Lumpur where Malaysia declared independence from British rule on 31 August 1957. The 100-metre-tall flagpole at the southern end is among the tallest in the world; the cricket pitch is preserved from the colonial era. The square is bordered by some of KL's most striking colonial buildings.

Standout buildings around the square: the Sultan Abdul Samad Building (1897 Moorish-style government building, the most photographed colonial structure in KL), the National History Museum (free, in the former Town Hall), and the Mountbatten Building (now KL City Library). The Saturday Royal Selangor Club lawn cricket matches still happen in season. Free to wander 24/7. Allow 90 minutes including the surrounding heritage buildings.

Pro Tip: Visit on a Sunday morning when the area is closed to traffic and locals come for picnics. The free 2-hour KL Heritage Walking Tour starts here at 09:00 most days from the Information Centre on Jalan Raja - the best free city tour in KL.