The best bars and cafés Kuala Lumpur

If the centre of Kuala Lumpur lacks a certain charm, at nightfall, admiring its illuminated skyscrapers is a pure delight. The Traders Hotel has installed a bar on the top of its floors that offers a breathtaking view of the Petronas towers, located just across the street. We like the large bay windows separated by concrete partitions and in which large red benches slide in or laze around while sipping a cocktail. At your feet, the hotel's long swimming pool, fortunately closed to swimming in the evening.

Popular with backpackers staying in Chinatown, this darkly atmospheric bar is always busy. Brick walls, subdued colored lights, a long bar and wooden tables and chairs, it's more like a speakeasy in the suburbs of Boston than a straw hut in Kingston. The owners make up for this by playing King Bob Marley and his disciples. On weekends, the bar comes alive with live concerts. You'll bump into a lot of travelers on the road. Perfect if you're looking for good deals and last-minute information.

Like all Bukit Bintang bars, it's also possible to dine here. But we prefer to come here for a glass of wine or a cold beer, accompanied by a few well-crafted tapas, as in Spain. This address is one of the city center's great classics, and it's sometimes hard to find a table here on weekend evenings. The atmosphere is lively and the waiters will greet you with an ola. Beware, the long list of tempting tapas, from jamon to patatas bravas, can quickly run up the bill.

Fancy going for a drink outside, while enjoying a breathtaking view of the Kuala Lumpur skyline? Not so obvious. But this former heliport converted into a rooftop bar offers a most original setting and, above all, a 360-degree view of the capital and the Menara Tower opposite. It's the perfect place to admire the sunset and wait for the stars to come out. Remember to arrive early (access to the rooftop becomes chargeable after 9pm) and, for gentlemen, proper evening dress is required (no flip-flops or shorts).