Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, has had a short but eventful history. Founded by Chinese tin miners in the late 19th century, the city has lived through British sovereignty, Japanese occupation, national independence and global economic development in the space of a century. Here are the top 10 things to do in Kuala Lumpur.

1. Take a historical tour. Start at Merdeka (Independence) Square, the heart of colonial Kuala Lumpur, then walk to the city’s oldest and most beautiful mosque, Masjid Jamek. A few blocks away, The Central Market, is a terrific stop for traditional crafts and within walking distance of Chinatown, which houses the Sri Mahamariaman temple, the oldest Hindu place of worship in Malaysia.

2. Visit Petronas Towers. These twin skyscrapers feature an observation bridge, a shopping center, restaurants, a petroleum museum with interactive exhibits and Kuala Lumpur City Center, with gardens, a playground, fountains and wading pool.

3. See Kuala Lumpur Bird Park. Here is the world’s largest free-flight aviary with the indigenous species especially fascinating.

4. Visit Butterfly Park. A favorite place for residents and visitors to bring their children.

5. Lunch at the Coliseum. A British hotel home of long-gone colonial ambience, the Coliseum reputedly was the hangout of novelist Somerset Maugham (“Of Human Bondage” and “The Moon and Sixpence”).

6. Visit Chinatown at night. Every KL visitor should make an excursion to Petaling Street, the city’s Chinatown. Haggle with the vendors and savor local fruits and food.

7. Stretch your shopping dollar. Kuala Lumpur features some of the best bargains in Asia, from apparel to cameras to crafts.

8. Learn batik at the Craft Center. Batik printing is but one of the traditional skills that visits can learn at the downtown cultural center.

9. Risk a jungle walk. Less than an hour’s drive from KL, the Forestry Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM) offers numerous jungle treks of varying skill levels of difficulty.

10. Go underground at Batu Caves. Discovered about 100 years ago, these 400-million-year-old limestone caverns lie about half an hour’s drive from the city center.