Melaka's historic centre is compact enough to explore on foot in a day, but dense enough to reward two days or more. The UNESCO-listed heritage zone covers the Red Square area around the Stadthuys and the neighbouring hillside, the Chinatown streets around Jonker Street, and the Portuguese settlement district.
Start at the Red Square and work outward. The Stadthuys and Christ Church anchor the colonial quarter; St. Paul's Church and the A'Famosa gate are five minutes' walk uphill. The Chinatown quarter around Jonker Street is a short walk across the Melaka River. Evening is best for Jonker Street — the night market runs on Fridays and Saturdays when the whole street comes alive.