12 Things To Do In George Town Penang (First-Timers Guide)

I visited George Town (sometimes written Georgetown, the main city in Penang, Malaysia) during a trip to South East Asia with my sister and my bother in law. We arrived there by land from Thailand (but there are also direct flights from Bangkok), and it took us about a second to fall in love with it. We were sad to leave to go to Kuala Lumpur (though we loved that too).

This is a colorful, culturally rich and at times chaotic city has a lot to offer to all kinds of travelers. We only spent two days there, but we found many fun things to do in George Town Penang that kept us busy, and we made the most of the city despite the heat (and the rain).

Together with Melaka (which you may know as Malacca), the other city of the Straits of Malacca, George Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is a feast for the senses —you will find vibrant murals, mouthwatering street food, and a mix of colonial charm, local traditions and quirky spots.

Here’s my selection of the things to do in George Town Malaysia that you should not miss during your trip.

I have also written a detailed Guide To The Unmissable Things To Do In Malacca that you may want to read as you are planning your trip, and a post with the Best Borneo Travel Tips if you are heading in that direction.

George Town Penang: What Not to Miss

Here’s a quick overview of the unmissable things to do in Georgetown Penang:

• Walk the UNESCO historic center
• See the clan jetties and Chinese clan houses
• Hunt for street art and murals
• Eat hawker food: char kway teow, assam laksa, nasi kandar
• Explore Little India and Armenian Street
• Visit key temples, mosques, and heritage buildings
• Stop at traditional kopitiams and wet markets
• Use George Town as a base for Penang Hill and Air Itam

Map of Things To Do In Georgetown Penang

If it’s the first time you visit Georgetown Penang, you may want to get a better idea of where all the best things to see in Georgetown Penang are located. For that, I have created a map that you can use.

How to use this map of things to do in George Town Malaysia: This map points out the attractions in Georgetown for first timers. To enlarge it, just use your computer mouse on desktop or laptop, or your fingers on your smartphone. If you want to save the map to your Google Maps account, simply click on the star next to the title. You can then view the saved map by clicking on “Your saved maps” in your Google Maps. For a larger version, you must click on “view larger map” in the top right corner of the screen.

Top Things To Do In George Town Penang

Check out the Street Art on Armenian Street

There’s no doubt that one of the unmissable things to do in George Town Penang is exploring its street art.

Armenian Street is the hotspot for street art lovers. It’s one of those places where you can walk a few steps and discover something new painted on a wall. The artwork blends history, culture, and humor, creating a lively open-air gallery that is fun to explore. It’s also part of George Town’s identity, so you really can’t miss it.

The most famous mural here is “Little Children on a Bicycle” by Ernest Zacharevic. It captures the playful spirit of the city and has become an iconic symbol of George Town – so much so that there’s often a line to take photos. Of course, we had to pose for one too.

The street art of George Town isn’t just about beauty; it tells stories. Some murals highlight Penang’s heritage, featuring trishaws, local markets, and scenes of everyday life. Others have a more modern twist, with bold colors and abstract styles. It’s a mix of past and present, just like the city itself – and probably what we loved the most about it.

While you’re wandering, look out for smaller, lesser-known pieces tucked away in alleyways or painted on doors. They often surprise you when you least expect it.

Armenia Street is also a good spot for shopping, in case you are looking for some unique gifts to bring home.

To make the most of George Town street art go early in the morning or later in the afternoon, when it’s not so hot and there are less people. We explored on our own, but you may want to consider a full day guided tour of Penang such as this one to make the most of what the city has to offer.

Go to Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi

Close to Armenian Street and easy to fit in a walking itinerary of the historic center of Georgetown, Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi is one of the most important clan houses in the city. It was built by the Khoo clan, whose members arrived here from southern China and became influential traders and administrators.

The complex is centered around an open courtyard facing a richly decorated ancestral hall. The structure combines Southern Chinese architecture with local materials, featuring carved granite pillars, gilded wood panels, ceramic roof figures, and stone reliefs. Decorations here depict the clan history, Confucian values, and traditional moral stories.

Khoo Kongsi functioned as a social, religious, and administrative hub. It hosted ceremonies, provided welfare support, and reinforced clan identity among migrants in a foreign port city. Today, it’s a good place to visit to appreciate the role of clan associations in early Chinese settlement in Penang.

Go on a street food tour

My friend Margherita – who’s been to Malaysia many times – kept telling me about George Town’s street food and how legendary it is, so I was expecting to have a delicious experience. All I can say is that she was right.

The city is often called the food capital of Malaysia, and it’s easy to understand why. Here, hawker stalls and kopitiams (coffee shops) aren’t just places to eat—they’re where locals gather, recipes are perfected, and flavors reflect Penang’s multicultural roots.

Needless to say, eating street food is one of the best things to do in Penang – and I recommend joining a street food tour for an even better experience. A local guide will be able to pick the best vendors and the best dishes to try.

Here are a few you may want to keep in mind:

Char Kway Teow is a must-try. For some of the best, head to Siam Road Char Koay Teow – it’s so good that is listed as a Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide. This roadside stall is famous for its smoky, flavorful noodles. There will be a line, but it’s worth waiting for your serving!

Another dish you should have is the Penang Assam Laksa. It’s a tangy, sour and spicy noodle soup with fish flakes. We tried it at Pasar Air Itam Laksa near Kek Lok Si Temple – it was delicious.

We also loved Hokkien Mee, a noodle and pork soup that’s packed with flavor. The best place for that is Ah Soon Kor Hokkien Mee at Carnarvon Street.

When we walked on the Chew Jetty we came across a stall where a man kept calling out for the best muah chee in town. We had no idea what it was but were intrigued, so we bought a portion. It is a snack of rice flour with sugar and peanuts that’s very simple yet very satisfying. It’s sold everywhere in George Town.

There are many hawker centers where you can explore the city’s street food scene. We went to the New Lane Hawker Center the night we arrived and enjoyed it – most of the people there are locals, so you can be sure that the food you are having is top quality and authentic.

Since street food is one of the highlights of visiting George Town, you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to street food tours. I recommend this food tour with 15 tastings as it includes all the best flavors in the city. It runs in the afternoon and lasts up to 4 hours, and it’s one of the most popular activities.

Have drinks at the Mandarin Bar

If you are thirsty after all the food, head to the Mandarin Bar for a drink. This is a speakeasy that has become a part of George Town’s vibrant nightlife scene. Located at 3B, Jalan Irving (Irving Road), The Mandarin is located in a rather anonymous building. It’s honestly very easy to miss if you don’t know it’s there, as there are no signs at all.

Once you are in, the vibe is cozy yet sophisticated, and they play great music (mostly rock) – which makes things even better.

There’s no set menu. The bartender will simply ask you about your preferences and create a cocktail on the spot, just for you, using a variety of liquors, local fruits, spices and other ingredients. We went there two nights on a row – the photos above are the drinks I got after I said I wanted something with tequila on a pretty glass (that’s literally what I said).

You will have to be patient as the drinks can take quite some time as they are all made from scratch and just for you.

Visit Kek Lok Si Temple

Kek Lok Si Temple is one of Southeast Asia’s largest Buddhist temples and one of the top things to see in George Town Penang. It’s located in Air Itam, a short drive from George Town, across a hillside from where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

The temple is divided into multiple levels, each with its unique features. There’s the Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas, a seven-tiered pagoda that blends Chinese, Thai, and Burmese architectural styles and is the most iconic sight in the temple.

You will also see the Goddess of Mercy (Kuan Yin) Statue, a bronze statue surrounded by a pavilion and which measures 36.5 meters (almost 120 feet).

Finally, you can pop inside the Prayer Halls and Shrines to admire the bright lanterns and check out the turtle pond.

When visiting the temple, remember that modest clothing is required: you’ll need to cover your shoulder, chest and knees. You can get there from George Town by cab (we called a Grab, which works pretty much like Uber), but there are also local buses to Air Itam, from where you can walk.

If you feel like you need more guidance, you can consider this guided tour that also goes to Penang Hill. You’ll have a local guide and pick-up included.

Ride the funicular to Penang Hill

Penang Hill, or Bukit Bendera, is one of the unmissable places to visit in Penang. It’s a fantastic mix of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and panoramic views of George Town. We went after visiting Kek Lok Si Temple as we had heard it would be cooler than in the city – and we wanted to escape the heat.

In fact, its located at 833 meters (about 2,733 feet) above sea level and it’s much cooler there than in the city. This was a colonial retreat, and you can still see the Colonial Bungalows.

The most popular way to reach the summit is via the Penang Hill Funicular Railway, one of the world’s steepest funicular systems – of course we decided we’d ride that. It takes about 5 minutes to reach the top, and the views are impressive along the ride. You can also hike to the top via the Moongate Trail if you can bear the heat.

Once at the top, there’s quite a bit to do.

Our favorite spot was The Habitat Penang Hill (more about that in a bit), but there’s also the Sky Walk and The Viewing Deck, from where you will get sweeping views of George Town, the mainland, and even Langkawi on clear days (we weren’t so lucky); and the Kek Lok Si Viewpoint from where you can see the famous temple.

You can buy the funicular tickets directly on the site once you get there – there are options for skip-the-line tickets which are more expensive but particularly convenient when it is crowded. I also recommend wearing comfortable shoes as there’s quite a bit of walking to do, bringing a rain jacket and an umbrella in case the weather turns for the worst.

Go for a walk at The Habitat on Penang Hill

The Habitat is my favorite attraction on Penang Hill (there’s a fee to visit). It’s one of the places to visit in Penang for nature enthusiasts and anyone seeking a tranquil escape. It’s a beautifully preserved rainforest experience that showcases Penang’s rich biodiversity and at the same time offers incredible views of the surroundings.

My favorite spot here was the Curtis Crest Tree Top Walk, which is the highest viewing platform in Penang. It offers unobstructed 360° views of Penang Island, the Straits of Malacca, and even neighboring landscapes on clear days – though we weren’t so lucky to see that far as it started raining as soon as we arrived.

There’s also the Langur Way Canopy Walk, a 230-meter-long (754 feet) walkway suspended among the treetops. It’s meant to be a great place to spot local wildlife (for example monkeys) – but again, we weren’t lucky with the weather.

Check out the Blue Mansion

This is one of the things to do in George Town Penang that requires a bit of advanced planning. We were only be able to see it from the outside because – guess what – we did not plan it in time.

The Blue Mansion, also known as Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, is one of George Town’s most iconic landmarks. Located on Leith Street, it is a stunning heritage building offers a glimpse into Penang’s rich history, and it blends Chinese craftsmanship with colonial influences.

It was built in the late 19th century by Cheong Fatt Tze, a Chinese merchant, politician, and philanthropist, and its architecture reflects traditional Feng Shui principles. There’s a central courtyard, a symmetrical layout, and careful use of water elements.

The color which gives the mansion its name is due to a simple practical choice: protect the building from the incessant heat of the city.

The mansion is now a boutique hotel – and it’s not too expensive to stay there (check out the prices of a stay). You can also go there to dine at the Indigo Restaurant. If you just want to visit the interior you need to book a guided tour via the official website.

Visit Pinang Peranakan Mansion

Pinang Peranakan Mansion is one of the best places to visit in Georgetown to understand Peranakan (Baba–Nyonya) culture. Housed in a restored green mansion near the waterfront, it recreates the home of a wealthy Peranakan family in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Inside, rooms are arranged as living spaces rather than gallery displays. You can see carved teak furniture, English floor tiles, Chinese porcelain, wedding beds, jewellery, and ceremonial objects. The collection focuses on daily life—family structure, etiquette, marriage customs, and the role of women.

Most visitors move through the house independently, but you may hire a guide at the entrance for a short guided explanation.

As it is fully indoors, it’s a good place to visit during midday heat or rain.

Walk along the Clan Jetty/Chew Jetty

The Clan Jetties are located along Weld Quay and are a unique and fascinating part of George Town’s heritage, dating back to the 19th century. They literally are are wooden villages built on stilts over the water, originally established by Chinese immigrants who worked as laborers and traders.

Each jetty was associated with a specific Chinese clan, and today, several of them still exist, including the Lim, Tan, Yeoh, and Chew Jetties – the Chew Jetty is the most famous and the best preserved one, and one of the unmissable attractions in George Town.

Once on the jetty, take your time to walk along the wooden walkway. There are traditional houses, small shops that are fun to visit, and shrines, and even some street food stalls (it’s where we got the Muah Chee from). There’s also a temple right at the entrance of the jetty.

Finally, the Chew Jetty is a nice place to catch sunset views.

Visit Fort Cornwallis

Fort Cornwallis is one of the most important historical landmarks in George Town, Penang, and the largest standing fort in Malaysia. You will find it near the waterfront along Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah. It is a testament to Penang’s colonial past.

The fort was built in the late 18th century by Captain Francis Light, the founder of Penang, when the island was under British control.

The fort was originally made of timber, but was later reconstructed with brick and stone. Its purpose was to defend against potential attacks from pirates and neighboring powers – though admittedly the fort was never involved in any significant battle.

You can visit the fort independently (there’s a small admission fee to visit, payable by card only), and guided tours are also available directly on site. Once inside, make sure to admire the walls, an example of classic military architecture; the cannons, the chapel and the storehouse.

Outside the fort you can admire views of the Esplanade and Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower.

Have fun at the Upside Down Museum

For something completely different, head to the Upside Down Museum. We visited on our last morning in George Town as it we had a few hours to kill and it was a lot of fun. This quirky and interactive attraction is literally meant to flip your perspective.

You will visit a beautiful house – except everything is upside down. There are even a café, a market and a pool club.

Once inside, you will be asked to take off your shoes and the staff will follow you along your visit, and take photos of you – suggesting poses and videos to take.

It’s one of the best things to do in Georgetown Penang for visitors of all ages.

2-Day George Town Penang Itinerary For First Timers And Foodies

Here’s a practical, food-first walking route designed for anyone visiting Georgetown Penang for the first time.

Day 1: Historic Core + Hawker Classics (Walking Only)

Morning

• Start near Armenian Street – check out street art, shophouses, and small temples.
• Walk to Khoo Kongsi – keep it a short visit, with a strong cultural context.
• Continue to Chew Jetty – go early to avoid the crowds.

Lunch (nearby hawkers)

• Have Assam laksa or char kway teow.
• Eat where locals line.

Afternoon

• Wander around Little India
• Visit Kapitan Keling Mosque area
• Coffee break at a traditional kopitiam

Evening

• Dinner: nasi kandar or Chinese stir-fries
• Optional cocktails at The Mandarin

Day 2: Markets, Culture + Optional Views

Morning

• Wet market visit (early)
• Penang Upside Down Museum

Lunch

• Nyonya restaurant or hawker center

Afternoon (choose one)

• Grab to Kek Lok Si Temple
• OR head up Penang Hill for views and cooler air

Evening

• Return to George Town for dinner

Practical tips:

• Start early to beat the heat and crowds
• Wear breathable clothes and good walking shoes
• Carry cash for hawkers
• Grab works well to get to Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si Temple

Where To Stay In George Town Penang

There are many excellent places to stay in George Town, whatever your budget. Here are my top recommendations:

Budget

• My Guesthouse 109 – Super welcoming hostel where you have the option to sleep in a dorm or in a private room. It’s spotless, and there are a kitchen and laundry facilities for guests.
• Heritage Villa – Minimalist hotel with modern fixtures in the heart of Georgetown.
• Aayu Stewart – Perfect, cozy spot in the center of Georgetown. Facilities are basic, but the price is unbeatable.

Mid Range

• Ren I Tang Heritage Inn – Gorgeous, cozy rooms with traditional furnishing. For something uber stylish, book a loft room.
• Victoria Garden Hotel – Close to the Jetty, it has spacious, comfortable rooms.
• East Indies Mansion – Incredibly spacious, stylish rooms set around a small but well-kept inner garden.

Luxury

• Noordin Mews – Contemporary-furnished, and very spacious rooms, cozy common spaces and a pool where you can relax during the hottest hours of the day.
• Cheong Fatt Tze – The Blue Mansion – Legendary boutique hotel in George Town, it’s been the set of many movies. It’s classic and gorgeous.
• 88 Armenian – Stylish rooms with lavish bathrooms and luxury touches.

Where To Eat In George Town

We are massive foodies, and we obviously enjoyed eating our way through George Town – after all, Malaysia is one of the best countries for food.

You literally can find a bit of everything in the city – local street food (many locals don’t even have kitchens at home, and just eat at one of the many hawkers’ centers – food courts), small local eateries, fast food chains, international restaurants, and fine dining.

Georgeown is also a great place to try Nyonya food (also called Peranakan cuisine), which comes from the Chinese–Malay communities of Malaysia and Singapore.

It blends Chinese techniques with Malay spices and herbs.

Good to know: In Malaysia, Nyonya refers to a Peranakan woman—part of the Chinese community that settled in the Malay world and adopted local customs. Nyonya = female; Baba = male.

We also saw many recommendations for Italian food restaurants, but we decided to skip those to try more local flavors (and to avoid disappointments).

Here are our favorite places to eat in George Town Penang:

• My Own Café – This Michelin Bib-Gourmand spot is small and family-run. It is known for its Penang asam laksa, Nyonya laksa, and fried spring rolls. Everything on the menu is fresh. It’s really budget-friendly, and the atmosphere is relaxed.
• Kebaya Dining Room – A heritage-house restaurant focused on refined Peranakan (Nyonya) cuisine with subtle French and regional influences. Dinner is set menu only, served family-style in an elegant space blending heritage charm with creative flavors.
• Tek Sen Restaurant – We truly loved this heritage Chinese eatery that first opened in the 1960s. You will find wok-fried classics and home-style Cantonese, Teochew, and Peranakan dishes. Make sure to try the double-roasted pork and sambal kangkung. Expect a line at peak hours; it’s a favorite of locals.
• Two Frenchies Café Bistrot – My sister wanted to have something “not Asian” one night, so we ended up at this French-style bistrot. Here you’ll find classics like duck confit and boeuf bourguignon in a relaxed setting. They have a good wine selection, too.
• Junk Café – We enjoyed this quirky bar-style café. It has truly eclectic vintage decor, lively music, and it serves delicious burgers (I know, not really local). It’s a nice spot to have coffee, beer, or a cocktail.
• Bao Tek Tea House – If you want to have Dim Sum when in Georgetown, this is the place to go. You will find classic Cantonese yum cha with handcrafted dumplings, baos, and premium Chinese teas. The restaurant is located in a beautifully restored heritage building.
• BaBa Phang – This is one of the best restaurants in Georgetown, Penang, to try Nyonya cuisine. It serves authentic Peranakan dishes like nasi ulam, kapitan chicken, and otak-otak.

How Long To Spend In Georgetown?

You can check out the main things to see in Georgetown Penang in 2–3 days; however, I recommend staying longer if you have time.

First of all, the weather is unforgiving: it’s really hot and humid, and you will want to just stay in your room during the hottest hours of the day. Besides, depending on when you visit, you may also get torrential rain during the central hours, which makes exploring more difficult.

Having said that, the food alone can fill weeks. If you have the time, 4–5 days are ideal to explore at a slower pace, have more delicious meals, and explore beyond the city.

How To Get To Georgetown

Getting to George Town, on Penang, is straightforward.

Here’s how to get to Georgetown Penang:

By air

• Fly into Penang International Airport (PEN) in Bayan Lepas.
• Direct flights from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok, and many other major Asian hubs.
• Take a taxi or Grab to George Town: it takes between 25 and 40 minutes, depending on traffic.

By train

• Take the KTM Intercity or ETS trains to Butterworth on the mainland.
• From Butterworth, cross to Penang by ferry (15 minutes, pay by cash only) or by car via the bridge.
• The ferry arrives near George Town’s historic center.

By bus

• Long-distance buses run from Kuala Lumpur and other Malaysian cities, such as Malacca, to Butterworth.
• Transfer to the ferry or local transport after arrival.

How To Get Around Georgetown

Getting around George Town is easy, especially within the historic center.

Here are the various options:

On foot

• Most sights in the UNESCO zone are walkable.
• Streets are flat, but sidewalks can be uneven.
• Walking is the best option to see street art, temples, and food stops.

Grab (ride-hailing)

• Widely used and reliable.
• Affordable for short and medium distances.
• Useful in the heat or rain, and at night.

Public buses

• Operated by Rapid Penang.
• Routes connect George Town with beaches, suburbs, and the airport.
• Cheap but slower; schedules can be irregular.
• CAT (Central Area Transit) bus loops the core sights.

Bike

• Bike lanes exist in parts of the city.
• Bike-share schemes and rentals are available.
• Heat and traffic make it better for short distances.

Overall, walking plus Grab covers most needs efficiently.

What To Wear In Georgetown

When deciding what to wear in Georgetown Penang, take into account that it’s a hot, humid, and culturally mixed environment. In general, practical, modest, and breathable clothing keeps things simple.

Here are a few things you need to know.

Climate

• Year-round heat and humidity.
• Light, breathable fabrics work best: cotton, linen, and moisture-wicking blends.
• Expect sudden rain; pack a compact umbrella and a rain poncho.

Daily sightseeing

Here’s what to pack for Georgetown Penang:

• T-shirts or loose tops.
• Shorts, skirts, or lightweight pants.
• Comfortable walking shoes or sandals with grip.

Temples and mosques

When visiting temples, keep in mind that:

• Shoulders and knees must be covered.
• Carry a light scarf or overshirt for quick cover.
• Shoes must be removed at entrances.

Evenings

• Casual dress is fine in most restaurants.
• Air-conditioned places can feel cold; bring a light layer.

Footwear

• Streets can be uneven and wet.
• Closed shoes help during long walks.

Expert tip: I find that wearing plain flip-flops is actually better in heavy rain. Your feet may get wet, but they dry within minutes after it stops raining, whereas regular shoes get soaked and may take days to dry.

FAQs About Georgetown Penang

Final Considerations

George Town was our first stop during the 2 weeks we spent in Malaysia, and we loved it. It’s an incredibly lively city, with diverse cultures, lots of unique sights and a fantastic food scene, bars and shops to keep you entertained for days.

If you are planning a trip to Malaysia, George Town should definitely be included in your itinerary and I truly hope this post will help you plan your visit.