This excellent modern museums offers a good primer on Malaysia's history, from prehistoric to present-day. The country's geological features and prehistory are tackled in one gallery (which features a replica of the 11,000-year-old Perak Man, Malaysia's most celebrated archaeological discovery). The gallery of modern history is even more interesting, with recreations of temple walls, royal beds and ceremonial garb from across the centuries.

Outside, look for a traditional raised house; ancient burial poles from Sarawak; a regularly changing exhibition (extra charge); and two excellent small side galleries, the Orang Asli Craft Museum and Museum of Malay World Ethnology.

Inhabiting a building every bit as impressive as its collection, this museum showcases Islamic decorative arts from around the globe. Scale models of the world's best Islamic buildings, fabulous textiles, carpets, jewellery and calligraphy-inscribed pottery all vie for attention; the 19th-century recreation Damascus Room is a gold-leaf-decorated delight. Don't forget to gaze up at the building's intricate domes and tile work.

Also on site is a good Middle Eastern restaurant and one of KL's best museum gift shops, with handmade gifts and excellent books on Islamic art.

With the 2011 opening of the new RM800 million Istana Negara (National Palace; official residence of Malaysia's head of state) in the city's north, the former palace became the Royal Museum. You can tour the first two floors of the mansion, originally built as a family home in 1928 by Chinese tin tycoon Chan Wing. The palace exterior, with its eclectic European style, looks much the same as it did in Chan Wing's day.

Used as the Japanese military's officers' mess during KL's WWII occupation, in 1957 it became the National Palace, the residence of the king and queen of Malaysia. The interior was obviously altered to suit both royal tastes and royal needs. There are major and minor waiting rooms, a small throne room (for royal events), an office for the king, a family room, and a dozen or so bedrooms for guests and family alike. Floral wallpaper, upholstered furniture, thick carpets, crystal chandeliers and some gaudy posters reveal the Downton Abbey–meets-'70s-suburbia tastes of the royals, though Malay colours and motifs remind you of where you are.

National Mosque is the uniquely designed mosque embodies a contemporary expression of traditional Islamic art, calligraphy and ornamentation. Its most striking feature is the multi-fold umbrella-like roof which symbolizes the aspirations of an independent nation, standing prominently against the skyline is the sleek and stylish 73m high minaret.