Market life is the real draw in Kota Bharu. The city is known for hand-printed batik, silverwork, traditional kites, and local food products. Modern malls exist but the traditional markets are where the character is.
Pasar Siti Khadijah is the central market and the best place to start. Local produce, spices, dried fish, and batik fill the four storeys. The night market on Jalan Pintu Pong is equally good for food and local goods. For modern shopping, the Kota Bharu Trade Center (KBTC) and KB Mall offer air-conditioned retail, and the KBTC is a good place to browse hand-printed batik.