Melaka has always been a popular destination for road trips and short getaways for Malaysians and tourists alike. There's a plethora of sights to see, things to do and food to eat! ? But with THIS recent news, Melaka just got a whole lot better: parking charges are nulled on weekends and public holidays! Credit: Giphy Of course, this only applies to Melaka Historical City Council's (MBMB) public parking bays and other non-privatised parking spots along the tourism belts which puts an end to the touts collecting illegal parking fees menacingly. It seems that a trip to the historical city now will cost less during weekends and public holidays ? To make the best of it, here are 3 awesome places in Melaka you need to visit!

1. Bandar Hilir - Check out the UNESCO World Heritage Site

Credit: Phalinn on Flickr A short drive in town will have you gawking at the historical attractions in Bandar Hilir. You'll notice the red brick building that's synonymous with Melaka. This is the Stadhuys - and it's the oldest Dutch building in town! ? Within walking distance is St. Paul's church, A Famosa fortress, and Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum. A visit to Menara Taming Sari is also not to be missed! You'll be treated to a colourful, panoramic view of this historical city. ? Take a walk in this area and you'll also find shops homed in the red buildings that gives off a nostalgic vibe.

2. Taman Melaka Raya - Here's a place to stay, shop and try the famous chicken rice balls

Get your shopping on

Credit: @dataranpahlawan on Instagram When you need to take a break out of the hot sun, head over to the nearby shopping malls - Mahkota Parade and Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall. You'll find your everyday brand Uniqlo and Zaza alongside stalls selling Melaka's traditional snacks and goodies! That's souvenirs all sorted out ?

Ee Ji Ban chicken rice balls

Credit: @l.o.v.e.sally on Instagram This humble restaurant is so famous it has out-of-town Malaysians flocking here every weekend! And it's located right across from the malls. You'll find many eateries selling chicken rice balls but THIS is the only Halal certified one in Melaka ? Rice balls served in chicken broth soup with a side dish of roasted (or steamed) chicken makes for a perfect meal in sunny Melaka - and is essentially Malaysia's favourite chicken rice revamped! ? Address: 275, Jalan Melaka Raya 3, Taman Melaka Raya, 75000 Melaka Operating hours: Open daily, 10am-9.30pm Halal status: Halal certified

Best places to stay

Credit: Del-Uks on Flickr You'll have your pick of hotels to book if you're planning to stay overnight. Whatever your budget, they have it all in Taman Melaka Raya ? Just a 5 minutes drive away from all the hustle and bustle of downtown Melaka, these hotels offer you a good night's sleep without the hum of traffic outside your window ? Here are my personal picks with price per night: Hallmark Crown Hotel (RM95) Eco Tree Hotel (RM147) Novotel Melaka (RM193) Estadia Hotel (RM225)

3. Jonker Walk - Stroll through the night market and find more good food!

Jonker Street

Credit: @tabrizihussin on Instagram During daytime, the historic Jonker Street is a place to buy souvenirs, unique artworks and authentic traditional Melaka kuehs. Come night time, the street transforms into a huge market filled with traders selling cheap goodies and Malaysian street food! ? From char kuey teow and Chinese carrot cake to sago Melaka and fish and chips on a stick, you'll have a hard time saying no to them.

Jonker 88

Credit: @mariarubydastas on Instagram Tucked away on this street is a famous kopitiam named Jonker 88. It's been serving us good, creamy cendol and yummy nyonya cuisine for decades (and hopefully decades more) ? This small shop would surely catch your attention because there'll be a long queue down the street awaiting for their bowl of cendol and ABC (air batu campur). While you're here, try their nyonya laksa! You won't regret it, I promise. ? Address: 88, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka Operating hours: Open daily, 9.30am-5.30pm Halal status: Halal meat available

Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum

Credit: @edeline.and.more on Instagram

This stunning museum showcasing the Baba Nyonya (or Peranakan) culture used to be a home to the Chan family in 1861. Four generations later, the Chan family repurposed it into a museum in 1985. While they dress like Malays (in kebayas and sarongs), the Baba Nyonya is actually a subgroup within the Chinese communities. Even if you're not a museum lover, this place is worth a visit during your trip to Melaka. ? Marvel at the interior design that's heavy with wood carvings and gold coatings. Have a closer look at the design and you'll see plenty of tigers, birds and flowering trees ?? Address: Operating hours: Open daily, 10am-1pm and 2pm-5pm

Melaka River

Credit: Ariyaphol on Facebook

The Melaka River appears almost picture perfect ? Located at the end of Jonker Street, it makes for a beautiful stroll by the riverside. There's a river cruise you can take to get a better look at the beautiful shophouses alongside the river. Graffitis, works of art, quaint cafes and local homes line the river, transporting you to a different time ?

Bonus: More mouthwatering eateries nearby

Pak Putra Tandoori

Credit: @azraazni on Instagram 5 minutes drive from Jonker Street is this Pakistani restaurant that serves the BEST naan cheese in Malaysia (I kid you not)! ? The fluffy naan bread filled with loads of melted cheese is a treat you deserve after a long day of sightseeing. Served with tender chicken tandoori and mint sauce, it makes for a perfectly regular meal. If you want to try something different, order a side dish of their flavourful mutton curry or delicious beef keema for a truly fantastic dining experience! ?? Address: Jalan Kota Laksamana 2/3 & Jalan Kota Laksamana 2/4, Taman Kota Laksamana, 75200 Melaka Opening hours: 5.30pm-1am Tuesday to Saturday, 5.30pm-12am on Sunday. Halal status: Halal certified

Asam Pedas Pokok Besar

Credit: @kuintanfarida on Instagram You can't leave Melaka without indulging in some good ol' asam pedas ? Spicy and sour at the same time, this gravy dish unique to Melaka is sought after all around Malaysia! All you need to enjoy this dish is a steaming plate of white rice. Although you could order the usual asam pedas with ikan kembong or fish head asam pedas, I find the best, most savoury one is asam pedas beef tetel. The beef fat somehow made the gravy so much more tasty. That plus half of a salt-cured egg and ulam (raw kampong vegetable) is the best Malay Melaka dish ever. Be warned, it's very spicy! ? Check out more Melaka food here. Address: Jalan Taman Kota Laksamana 6, Taman Kota Laksamana, 75200 Melaka Operating hours: 6pm-4am Tuesday to Saturday, 5pm-12am on Sunday. Halal status: Halal certified Credit: Giphy There's tons of things to do in Melaka - revisit history, indulge in a bit of shopping and savour good, authentic food found at every corner ? So when you make your way here, remember to head to MBMB's parking bays that can be found near tourist hotspots for free parking (and the best road trip ever)! ?? [iframe seamless="seamless" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" height="450" width="100%" scrolling="no" src="https://pollbuzz.co/frame/2362?type=poll"][/iframe]

Melaka Now Has Free Parking - Here’s 3 Places You Should Go