Historic Kuala Lumpur Photo Gallery

KL's most beautiful colonial buildings are clustered around Merdeka Square, where independence was declared in 1957. Most of the architecture bears the design of Anthony Norman, who infused Eastern Moorish styles, although it looks a lot more Indian Moghul.

The Sultan Abdul Samad Building was built in 1897 as the British colonial headquarters. With a 41m clock tower and 2 smaller towers, it is now home to the High Court.

The city's first bank was the original occupant of this 1891 building, which is now the National Music Museum. Next to it is another historic relic from 1899, once the Government Printing Office and was last the City Gallery, which has closed.

The Royal Selangor Club was established in 1884 but their building is a reconstruction after fire and flood. With a mock Tudor style, this 1980 building still welcomes the city's elite and is members-only.

Rounding off the square is St. Mary's Cathedral, built in the English Gothic style.

Central Market was built in 1888 as a wet market. It expanded along with the city and the vendors were relocated in the 1980s. The government then supported a revitalization scheme to turn it into a tourist attraction, selling souvenirs and food in the heart of the city.