Malacca, a state in Malaysia, is rich in culture and history. It was once an important trading post for the East and West. This is evident in the architecture of the city, which reflects a mix of Malay, Chinese, and European styles. These days, Malacca is a popular tourist destination and UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was also the filming location for the famous Singapore-made TV drama, The Little Nonya.
There’s no shortage of beautiful places to snap a photo in charming Malacca. Here are our top picks:
10 Instagram-Worthy Spots in Malacca
1. Melaka Red Square
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The first stop on our list is the iconic Red Square. The Red Square is located in the heart of Malacca and is home to many historical landmarks. The most popular landmark in the square is the red-painted Christ Church. The church was built by the Dutch in 1748 and is one of the oldest surviving buildings in Malaysia.
Other notable landmarks include the Stadthuys, a former town hall that now houses a museum, and the Porta de Santiago, a 16th-century Portuguese fort. The Red Square is also a great place to take pictures of traditional Malaysian architecture and street art.
The Red Square is just a 2-minute walk from Jonker Street.
2. Jonker Street
We’re sure you’d heard of Jonker Street even before you arrived in Malacca, it is one of the most popular tourist spots in Malacca. This bustling street is lined with heritage buildings, colourful murals and traditional shops selling a variety of goods. It is the perfect place to take a stroll and snap some pictures for your Instagram feed. The Jonker Street market comes alive at night with colourful lights, stalls selling street food and handicrafts, and live music.
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3. The Chee Family Mansion
The Chee Family Mansion was built in 1784 and is one of the oldest Chinese homes in Malaysia. It is an ancestral home of the Chee family, an old Peranakan clan residence located along Heeran Street. The residence’s architectural style is influenced by the Dutch, Portuguese, British, and Chinese cultures. Today, it remains a private residence for reunions of the Chee family. The residence facade resembles a neoclassical castle which sets itself apart from the heritage shophouses. The Chee Family Mansion is a 5-minute walk from Jonker Street and located right opposite a 2-star hotel – The Baba House.
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4. Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum
Malacca is rich in the Peranakan culture, which is a fusion of Chinese and Malay traditions. This can be seen in the city’s architecture, food and art. Check out the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum located in a beautiful Peranakan house and discover the local history and culture of the Peranakans. The museum is a stone’s throw away from Jonker Street.
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5. Malacca River Walk
The Malacca River runs through the center of Malacca and is lined with colonial-style buildings, restaurants and cafes. The river walk is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Be sure to take some time to enjoy the view and snap some photos!
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6. The Shore Sky Tower Melaka
The tallest building in Malacca, the Shore Sky Tower is located on the waterfront and offers stunning 360 views of the city and surrounding area. The tower is also home to a sky deck, which is perfect for getting that perfect Instagram shot!
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7. Freeport A’Famosa Outlet
Home to over 200 brands, Freeport A’Famousa Outlet is a popular spot for shopping and dining. This Portuguese fort was built in the 16th century and is now a popular spot for history buffs and instagrammers alike.
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8. Melaka Straits Mosque
Melaka Straits Mosque is one of the most popular places to take pictures in Malacca. The mosque is located on a man-made island and is surrounded by the Straits of Malacca. The mosque was built in 2006 and can accommodate up to 12,000 people. The architecture of the mosque is simply stunning and it is definitely worth a visit!
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9. Sin See Tai
It’s easy to miss this hole-in-the-wall cafe, dubbed the smallest cafe (16-seater) in Malacca. Sin See Tai is a coffee roastery and cafe located near the Malacca River. Its rustic facade and cosy nook have been luring Instagrammers. But that’s not all to it, they serve pretty good cuppa and waffles!
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10. Malacca Sand Dunes
Locally known as Padang Pasir Klebang, this site is referred to as the sand dunes or the white desert of Malacca. It’s located on an unnamed road, off Jalan Klebang Utama. You have to walk quite a distance to get to the sand dunes when you travel via Grab or Taxi and drop off at Malacca Sand Dunes Carpark. We recommend visiting during the sunset hours because the heat can be unbearable in the afternoon. Remember to bring food and drinks along to enjoy the sunset view. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen! 
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Excited to discover what Malacca has to offer? It’s time to start planning! If you’re wondering how to travel from Singapore to Malacca, you can check out this guide.
