Things to Do at Stadthuys

The Stadthuys is probably Melaka's most photographed building, and once you see that distinctive salmon-pink facade, you'll understand why. Built by the Dutch in 1650 as their administrative center, it's the oldest known Dutch building in the East. The building served as the residence of Dutch governors and later British administrators, making it a living testament to Malaysia's complex colonial history. Today, the Stadthuys houses the History and Ethnography Museum, which gives you a decent overview of Melaka's multicultural heritage. The building itself is as much of an attraction as what's inside - those thick walls, heavy wooden doors, and distinctive architecture create an atmosphere that transports you back a few centuries. It sits right in central the UNESCO World Heritage zone, so you're likely to find yourself here whether you planned it or not.

The Stadthuys sits dead center in Melaka's historic district-you can't miss it. Most visitors walk here from their hotels since everything clusters within a few blocks of each other. Traffic crawls through these narrow streets. Coming from outside old town? Take any bus to Melaka Sentral, then catch the free GO Melaka shuttle to Red Square stop. Taxis and Grab drivers know the area well, though they'll get stuck in the same jams as everyone else. Forget driving here. Parking spaces are rare, and you'll spend more time hunting for a spot than exploring the building itself. Walk instead-you'll find good spots along the way.