With its UNESCO-protected streets lined with heritage buildings, world-class dining options and some of the most diverse religious and cultural experiences on the planet, the city of George Town in Penang is one of those places that travellers discover, fall in love with and then keep on returning to. You’re never short of things to do in George Town, with culture, sights, activities and history each vying for your attention.
As with all great cities, George Town is changing and evolving with the times and, whilst the old favourites will never go out of fashion, new places and attractions are appearing all the time and are worthy of some of your precious sightseeing time. In particular, modern air-conditioned concept museums seem to be popping up across the city and, whilst perhaps not a traditional Penang activity, they still make the list.
We’ve built up a collection of the best 20 things to do in George Town, hopefully offering a fun-filled and contrasting selection of activities and sights which showcase the past, present and future of this truly unique city.
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This article suggested focuses specifically on things to do in George Town, Penang. If you are looking for ideas for what to do elsewhere on Penang Island, then check out our guide for things to do in Penang.
Wondering what to do in Penang? Whether you’re seeking adventure, or need to relax and unwind, here we provide a detailed guide to all the things to do in Penang, so that you can get the most out of your visit. From heritage landmarks to epic viewpoints, we’ve got you covered.
1. George Town self-guided walking tour
READ OUR GUIDE: George Town walking tour
The best way to get acquainted with George Town is by following the George Town walking tour. This self-guided walking tour includes a map, and step-by-step instructions with photos. It starts at Penang Town Hall, close to Fort Cornwallis and winds its way through six kilometres of history, religion and architecture before ending at The Blue Mansion. You will also see much of George Town’s famous street art en route.
As a general guide, the walking tour takes about 3 or 4 hours to complete, with a stop for some food and drink along the way. Whilst the walk itinerary passes by several activities and landmarks, we wouldn’t recommend trying to visit all of them this time. Some (e.g. visiting Fort Cornwallis or Khoo Kongsi), are one-hour activities in their own right, and there aren’t enough hours in the day to do them justice and complete the full walking tour.
Instead, treat the walking tour as an introduction to the best of George Town, make a mental note of your favourite places and plan to visit them another day.
2. Trishaw around George Town
If you want to cover ground more quickly around George Town and aren’t up for walking, one of the best ways to explore George Town and take in all the main sites is on a trishaw.
Trishaw drivers hang around either end of Armenian Street (here and here) and cost RM40 for 30 minutes or RM80 for 60 minutes. Two adults can fit snugly into one trishaw with passengers at the front and your driver/cyclist behind. There’s a umbrella that shades the cyclist, but not quite passengers. Take sunglasses and a hat for sun protection.
In an hour, your trishaw will take you towards Clan Jetties, all around Little India, past the various churches and temples, and along the back streets around Love Lane, passing lots of Penang street art along the way.
It really is a lovely way to take in George Town, and a great option for those short on time.
3. George Town food tour
Penang is known as one of the food capitals of the world, and George Town is where you’ll find the concentration of the best food the island has to offer.
Whilst we recommend wandering around George Town and seeing what takes your fancy, if you really want to get a local’s insight into Penang food, the best way is on a local street food tour.
Over four hours you will be lead around the backstreets of George Town to hawker stalls and food carts to sample Malay, Chinese, and Indian dishes. Tours can be tailored to your requests (specifically any dietary requirements)
4. Check out the street art
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Over the past 15 years, the buildings and streets of George Town have been used as a canvas for wall murals and wire structures, creating an open-air street art gallery around the city. Now one of the most popular activities in George Town, the numerous pieces of art dotted around can sometimes appear in the most unexpected of places, but they’re guaranteed to make you stop and appreciate a new perspective to the city.
Focusing on the George Town’s heritage, culture and history, some are slowly fading away while others offer a vibrant explosion of colour, but all are helping to breathe new life into the city’s urban landscape.
The locations and a map of the best artworks can be found in our Penang street art guide.
5. Clan Jetties of Penang
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Handily located a short walk from central George Town, the Clan Jetties offer a unique opportunity to see how the traditional Chinese communities live and work in Penang. Built by Chinese immigrants in the 19th century, traditionally each jetty belonged to one family (clan). Chew Jetty is the most popular for visitors and is the most touristy. Neighbouring Tan Jetty offers a more rustic feel with stunning open views at the far end.
The wooden buildings built on stilts jut out into the water, still busy with activity as the local community goes about their day. Visit early in the morning when it’s at its quietest; whilst many inhabitants now have jobs in the city, you’ll see witness this fascinating traditional community come to life.
Allow time to stroll around, take photographs, visit temples situated either end of each jetty, or sample local food at one of the small, family-run restaurants. The Clan Jetties of Penang really are a very unique area of the island.
6. Cheong Fatt Tze, The Blue Mansion
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Two tours daily at 11am and 2pm, or book a self-guided audio tour
Painted in distinct indigo-blue, Cheong Fatt Tze (more commonly known as ‘The Blue Mansion‘) is an impressive Chinese historical mansion in George Town.
Built at the end of the 19th century by the merchant Cheong Fatt Tze, who was once regarded as the richest person in Malaya, this mansion is now a boutique hotel (and one of the best hotels in Penang) and also offers tours for visitors to marvel at the architecture and understand more about Chinese history on the island.
There are two tours daily at 11am and 2pm, lasting 45 minutes. Numbers are capped at 35 and the tours are very popular, so pre-booking is advised.
Alternatively, you can also book online for a self-guided audio tour. You are able to enter the mansion between 11am and 6pm, although there is a maximum of 12 per day, so again, pre-booking is advised. This is the much more relaxed way to enjoy a tour of the Blue Mansion, but unfortunately there is no guide to ask questions to. Ensure you download the tour app onto your smartphone before your visit (a link is provided when you book your ticket) and that you have earphones to connect and listen.
7. Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi
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Open daily from 9am to 5pm, including public holidays
Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi, or Khoo Kongsi for short, is arguably one of the grandest Chinese clan community centres in Malaysia. The temple, which is the focal point, is beautifully ornate and stunning to walk around.
You will also find here a small museum providing information on the history of clan buildings and culture, as well as Chinese history on Penang, plus a souvenir and snack shop.
No need to pre-book. Just turn up and pay the entrance feel (RM15) at the ticket booth at the entrance, just along Lebuh Cannon, opposite the ‘boy on a chair’ street art.
8. Red Garden Food Paradise
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Ideally located next door to the Blue Mansion, the Red Garden Food Paradise is often considered the best food court in George Town and is usually filled with a lively atmosphere each evening, especially from around 8.00pm and on the weekends (opening hours are 5.00pm to 1.00am).
Busy (but in a good way), you’ll be familiar with the concept if you’ve visited other food courts around Southeast Asia so simply grab a table, wander around the food stalls and order whatever looks tasty (beers and other drinks are sold by vendors who will find you once you sit down). The food is then delivered to your table and you pay there and then (cash only).
Later in the evening, there is live entertainment ranging from acrobats to karaoke, all of which confirms this place as a fun place to eat in George Town. Dishes are varied and showcase the best of Penang’s street food, including nasi lemak, dim sum and hokkien mee; many visitors eat here on their first night and keep returning night after night, never sampling the same dish twice.
9. Afternoon tea at The E&O
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Serving 3pm to 5pm every day
The Eastern & Oriental Hotel, commonly known as the E&O Hotel, is an iconic and historic landmark situated in the heart of George Town. Established in 1885 by the Sarkies Brothers, who also founded the Raffles Hotel in Singapore, the E&O Hotel exudes an old-world charm that transports guests to a bygone era.
It’s one of Penang’s most luxurious hotels, but you don’t need to pay the hefty price tag to enjoy its grandeur. Afternoon tea at The E&O is a must-do activity in George Town, and a relaxing indoor activity for a rainy day or beating the heat.
The three-tiered English afternoon tea that is served every afternoon between 3 and 5pm is the quintessential E&O experience. Please not that there is a dress code after 3pm; smart-casual attire is required (Polo T-shirts are acceptable but guests are discouraged from wearing shorts, singlets, flip flops and gentlemen’s sandals).
Pre-book your afternoon-tea online to guarantee a table.
However, a little tip… You don’t have to book for afternoon tea to experience The E&O. You can actually pop into the Palm Court (next to the lobby) earlier in the day for just a standard tea or coffee costing just RM18. Lunch is also served here from 12pm.
10. Jalan Kek Chuan: the 17th prettiest street in the world
READ: Jalan Kek Chuan, Penang: 17th most beautiful street in the world
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For an Instagram-worthy burst of colour, head to Jalan Kek Chuan, which has been awarded 17th place for the prettiest street in the world according to housebeautiful.com (a home inspiration magazine from the United States). 40 streets were selected and only one other street in Southeast Asia (in Phuket) made the list.
George Town, the capital of Malaysian island Penang, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with lively street art and even more famed street food. If it’s architectural eye candy you’re after, head to Jalan Kek Chuan to peruse the ornately detailed shops that blend Eastern and Western designs.
housebeautiful.com
The panel may have been swayed by the paint colours and we can think of a few other streets in Penang that are perhaps more worthy of the title, but we’ll leave that for you to decide.
11. Pinang Peranakan Mansion
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Open 9:30 am to 5 pm every day
With it’s distinctive green façade, Pinang Peranakan Mansion is a Chinese heritage mansion displaying the rich history of the Peranakans, also known as the Babas and Nyonyas, who were a prominent community of acculturated Chinese unique to this part of the world. They adopted selected customs and way of local Malays and colonial British to create a unique lifestyle and tradition.
Within the opulent house are over 1000 antiques from the era on display. But the house itself, which has been lovingly restored, is a fascinating architecture mix of Chinese woodwork, English floor tiles. and Scottish ironwork.
Tickets at RM25 per person (discounts for children).
12. Kapitan Keling Mosque
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The stretch of road starting from Malay Central Mosque Lebuh Acheh all the way to St. George’s Anglican Church, has to be one of the most religiously diverse streets in the world, with a mix of temples, mosques and churches.
Half way along is Kapitan Keling Mosque, the larges mosque in George Town, built in the 19th century by Indian Muslim traders. The mosque is named after Caudeer Mohideen Merican, popularly known as Kapitan Keling, the leader of the Indian Muslim community during the early 19th century.
Outside of prayer times, non-Muslims are allowed inside Kapian Keling Mosque. This is unusual for many mosques around the worth, and so worthwhile taking the opportunity. Please cover your arms and legs, and ladies cover your heads. Don’t worry if you’re not suitably attired as you can borrow clothing for free at the entrance.
13. Enjoy a beer down Love Lane
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Exploring George Town on foot can be thirsty work. If you fancy a beer or three, we recommended heading to Love Lane. At the Chulia Road end of Love Lane you will find a selection of backpacker / tourist bars serving your favourite alcoholic beverages. There’s also a good selection of laid-back Western eateries around here.
It’s very quite along here during the day. If you’re looking for more of an atmosphere, best to head here in the evening.
14. The Top at the Komtar
Rainbow Skywalk & Observatory Deck is open every day (10:00am to 10:00pm, although closes at 7pm on Tuesdays)
The tallest building in Penang, Komtar divides opinion after its controversial construction displaced residents and destroyed many heritage buildings in the 1970’s. Whatever your viewpoint, Komtar is instantly recognisable and has become a symbol of the changing face of Penang. For the visitor, the majority of the building (housing offices) is of little interest until you reach the top of the tower and find the fittingly named ‘The Top’.
An entertainment centre and indoor theme park, The Top has plenty to offer families especially, including a Skywalk, Dinosaur research centre, karting, children’s soft play, museum, aquarium, and much more besides.
In all honesty, it feels a little bit tacky. However, don’t miss the Rainbow Skywalk, which offers a bird’s eye view of George Town and beyond. Found at Level 68, on the rooftop of Komtar Tower, experience walking on glass 816 feet above sea level. If heights aren’t your thing, you can still take in the views in the air-conditioned Observatory Deck at Level 65, which also features a glass walkway that lets you watch the world go by below.
Also on the rooftop, Top View restaurant & lounge @ 68th offers great tapas food and cocktails as well as a great view.
We should also point out Tech Dome Penang (the science museum) is also in the Komtar building. Although we’ve added this as a separate George Town activity below, so you don’t miss it.
15. Upside Down Museum
READ OUR GUIDE: Penang Upside Down Museum
Open daily from 9:30am to 6:30pm
Create crazy photographs and defy gravity in a world where everything is the wrong way up. Then share your photos with family and friends back home to really confuse them.
Located in George Town, Penang’s Upside Down Museum is great fun for a hour to escape an afternoon downpour or the heat. Although if you’ve been to others around the world (they are particularly popular in Southeast Asian cities) then it may lack a little novelty.
16. Glow Planet Penang
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Open 10am to 6:30pm every day
Glow Planet Penang is an indoor interactive and immersive experience, cleverly squeezed into a traditional Chinese building in George Town. As the name might suggest, Glow Planet is all about the neon exhibits that glow in the dark, creating quite the contrast to the bright Penang sunshine outside.
In total, there are almost a dozen different rooms and exhibits to explore. Some are optical illusions, others play with your sense of perspective and the rest are intricately-designed glowing installations which wouldn’t look out of place in a modern-art museum.
Don’t expect a long visit, even with time to stop, look around and absorb the displays, you’re unlikely to be here for more than an hour.
17. Tech Dome Penang
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Open daily from 10am to 7pm
Tech Dome Penang is Penang’s Science Museum, showcasing 120 interactive science and technology exhibits all under the one roof. This is a superb Penang indoor activity for any science-buffs!
Understand gravity with the G-Drop, code your bot around a maze, try an escape the laser beams, float balls with air, and take on the climbing wall. This science museum is brilliant fun and will get you thinking.
Tech Dome Penang is on Levels 4 and 5 of the Komtar building. The main entrance is on Level 5 where you’ll find the ticket gates. On the same level, near the main entrance, is the ticket office where tickets can be bought for the Tech Dome (and all the other activities in the Komtar building).
18. Ghost Museum Penang
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Open 10am to 7pm every day
Sometimes, you just need a change of pace, and a change of scenery. The heritage streets of George Town are wonderful places to soak in the history and culture of Penang, but if you need a break for an hour, the Ghost Museum on Malay Street might just be what you’re looking for.
Don’t expect a relaxing visit though, this three-storey museum is full of ghoulish models, scary stories and realistic zombie rooms. It’s a world away from what you’d normally experience in George Town so, if for no other reason than that, it might be worth some of your time.
Be warned, the Zombie room on the top floor is particularly scary and not a place we’d recommend taking young kids.
19. Penang 3D Trick Art Museum
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Open 9am to 6pm every day
With Glow Planet and The Upside Down Museum, you’d think that there was enough trickery-art museums in George Town. However, there seems to be room for another in the way of a 3D Trick Art Museum.
Let your imagination run wild and snap mind-bending photos and interact with the artwork as much as you want. There are over 40 optical illusion paintings and sculptures at this museum. Pose in front of a traditional Malaysian house, pretend to boat and fish along the river, or pretend to take on extreme sports!
We recommend visiting Glow Planet or The Upside Down Museum first. But if you’re particularly loving this style of museum, then Penang 3D Trick Art Museum. However, the novelty may have worn off by the third.
20. Wonderfood Museum
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Open 9am to 6pm every day
Believe it or not, there’s another quirky museum in George Town with art installations set up for photography. We’re not sure how these museums are so popular in George Town, but tourists seems to love them! And maybe in a town known for it’s superb food, we can let them off with a museum all about food.
Wonderfood Museum features oversized replicas of traditional Malaysian dishes across three galleries. It’s actually a great way to learn more about Malaysian food.
21. Asia Camera Museum
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Open 10am to 6pm every day
Considering that George Town offers so many interactive museums that encourage you photography, it seems apt that here your will also find the Asia Camera Museum.
This is a rather more serious museum where the visitor can explore a variety of cameras and photographic accessories from around the world, including Germany, Sweden, America, and Japan. Learn how films were developed in dark rooms, play around with tools that were used to repair cameras in the 1960s, and get to hold and feel vintage cameras.
The entrance fee is RM25 and includes a guided tour.
22. Batik Painting Museum Penang
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Open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 6pm (closed Sundays and Mondays)
Walking along Armenian Street, you’d be forgiven for not noticing this unassuming gallery and museum, as many tourists no doubt do on their way to and from the Penang street art.
Set over three floors, she Batik Painting Museum Penang is more gallery than museum, showcasing as it does almost one hundred original batik paintings, although it also gives visitors an introduction and understanding of this exquisite art form.
Before you start looking around, you’ll be offered the chance to watch a ten-minute film explaining the batik painting process and some of the techniques used. It’s well worth watching and helps you to understand just how much skill and patience is needed to bring these detailed pieces of work to life.
23. Gurney Plaza
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Open daily from 10am to 10pm
The beauty of Penang is its juxtaposition between old and new, and what better way to experience modern Penang than at its premier shopping mall, Gurney Plaza. Admittedly it’s not as huge as some of the malls in Kuala Lumpur or Singapore, but for a small island, this mall is pretty impressive
Spread over nine floors, Gurney Plaza offers both high end and Western high street shops (such as Marks & Spencer) as well as restaurants and a 12-screen cinema (there are always Western films in English showing).
24. Chaiya Mangalaram Thai Buddhist Temple and Dhammikarama Burmese Temple
Only a few minutes drive away from central George Town (located here), you can find two stunning temple complexes hidden amongst the skyrise buildings behind Gurney Drive. Located across the road from each other (on land originally donated by Queen Victoria), the Thai and Burmese temples are slightly off the usual Penang tourist trail, although they can both still be quite busy at the weekends or (particularly) around religious festivals.
Both temples are within walking range of the malls on Gurney Drive, otherwise a Grab taxi can drop you directly outside them both. Opening hours are from 8.00am to 6.00pm with free entry, although donations are welcomed. You should expect to spend around one hour at both temples.
If you’ve visited Thailand, then Wat Chayamangkalaram will transport you straight back there, it’s certainly a slice of Thailand dropped into the middle of Penang. There are several temples to visit and observe, although the highlight is no doubt the elegant reclining 33m long Buddha.
When you’ve finished with Thailand, it’s time to cross the road and enter Myanmar/Burma and visit the Burmese temple, which is the larger of the two and will need a little more of your time. Stroll through the covered walkway to view the paintings and ornate statues, then continue past the water features and other temples. The level of detail and attention which has gone into the gold leaf designs is mesmerising, and rewards a leisurely wander around. The striking stupa that’s visible from the main road is actually less impressive inside than you might expect, but it’s still a treat to get up close to this landmark.
Before your go, check out these useful reads for your visit:
The best things to do in Penang
15 BEST restaurants in Penang
Top tips for visiting Penang
One day Penang itinerary
Best hotels in Penang
How to get around Penang
A brief history of Penang