Things To Do
in George Town
George Town, Penang's capital, is a UNESCO-listed historic city known for its eclectic architecture and vibrant street art. Its skyline blends colonial, Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences, creating a living museum of heritage. The food scene is a culinary playground, from hawker stalls to fine fusion eateries, drawing visitors from around the world.
The city is remarkably walkable, with colorful walls, lively markets, and a waterfront that invites sunset strolls.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a leisurely stroll through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed streets of George Town, admiring the intricate architecture of colonial buildings. Stop by the famous Kapitan Keling Mosque to appreciate its stunning design and rich history. As you wander, indulge in a traditional breakfast of kaya toast and kopi at a local café.
After lunch, delve into the vibrant street art scene by exploring the famous murals scattered throughout the city. Visit the Penang Peranakan Mansion to learn about the unique culture of the Straits Chinese and their opulent lifestyle. Take a break at a nearby café and try some local delicacies before continuing your exploration.
As the sun sets, make your way to the Gurney Drive promenade for a delightful seafood dinner at one of the bustling hawker stalls. Stroll along the waterfront, enjoying the sea breeze and the lively atmosphere of the night market. End your evening with a visit to the Penang Street Art for an enchanting view of illuminated murals.
Start your culinary journey with a guided food tour through George Town, where you'll taste local breakfast favorites like Nasi Kandar and roti canai. Visit traditional markets to see fresh ingredients and learn about local spices from the vendors. Engage with local chefs as they share their cooking secrets and stories behind their dishes.
Continue your food adventure by visiting the famous Chulia Street for a variety of hawker stalls serving local dishes such as char kway teow and asam laksa. Join a cooking class in the afternoon to learn how to prepare traditional Malay dishes, using ingredients you picked up earlier. Enjoy your homemade lunch and gain a deeper appreciation for Penang's culinary heritage.
In the evening, explore Little India and savor delicious Indian cuisine, such as banana leaf rice and murtabak. Experience the vibrant atmosphere filled with music, colorful lights, and bustling crowds. Cap off your night with a sweet treat from a local dessert shop, enjoying the flavors of traditional Indian sweets.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive local restaurant | $3-7 |
| ☕Coffee/tea at cafe | $1-3 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $40-120 |
| 🚕Taxi or rideshare start fare | $1-4 |
| 🍽️Dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant | $15-30 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich heritage and UNESCO-listed streets
- World-class street food and hawker culture
- Walkable city with frequent photo opportunities
- Hot and humid climate can be exhausting
- Crowded in peak hours and during festivals
- Traffic congestion and parking challenges in the city center
- "Selamat pagi" - Good morning
- "Terima kasih" - Thank you
- "Tolong" - Please / Help
- "Berapa harganya?" - How much is this?
- "Di mana tandas?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Boleh saya dapatkan menu dalam bahasa Inggeris?" - Could I get the menu in English?
- "Saya tidak faham" - I do not understand
Places to Visit in George Town
Visit one of these nice places.
A grand pink-and-blue courtyard mansion with a distinctive façade, perfect for architectural photography.
Elaborate Chinese clan house with intricate carvings, red-and-gold detailing, and atmospheric courtyards.
A public gallery of Ernest Zacharevic murals and witty wall art across the old streets.
A well-preserved Straits Eclectic house with period interiors and decorative rooms.
Traditional stilt houses along the waterfront, offering scenic waterfront views at sunrise/sunset.
Colorful stalls and backstreets with dynamic lighting, perfect for candid food photography.
Food in George Town
George Town Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Stir-fried flat rice noodles with seafood, egg, and Chinese sausage; best from vibrant hawker stalls near the city core.
Must-Try!
Tangy fish-based noodle soup with tamarind and herbs; iconic and widely found in hawker centers.
Rich prawn broth with thick noodles, pork slices, and fried shallots; a Penang staple at many stalls.
Curry-rice with a choice of toppings like fried chicken, fish, and vegetables; classic at many Indian eateries.
Iced dessert with pandan-flavored jelly, coconut milk, and palm sugar syrup; perfect on hot days.
Fruit and vegetable salad with a tangy peanut dressing; commonly found at street stalls.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A seaside hub with a wide range of Chinese, Malay, and Nyonya dishes; ideal for tasting multiple bites in one place.
A bustling street-side venue offering affordable, authentic Penang flavors and local beverages.
A famous late-evening street market known for snacks, satay, and popular local bites.
A lively stretch near the old town with stalls selling local street foods and souvenirs.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A brief nod or handshake is common; in Malay culture, polite phrases in Malay are appreciated.
Dress modestly; remove hats and shoes where required; ask for photography permission in religious spaces.
Keep noise to a considerate level in residential areas; comfortable, respectful dress in temples and mosques.
Avoid pointing feet at people or sacred objects; use your right hand for giving or receiving items; avoid talking loudly in preserved alleyways.
Safety
Tipping in George Town
Ensure a smooth experience
Tips are appreciated but not always expected; 5-10% is common in full-service restaurants; many places factor a service charge.
Cash is widely accepted, but cards and popular e-wallets (Touch 'n Go eWallet, GrabPay) are common at larger venues; small hawker stalls often prefer cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with intermittent sea breeze; pack light clothing, sun protection, and stay hydrated; rain is possible but less frequent than in monsoon.
It brings heavier rainfall and stronger winds; plan indoor visits and have flexible plans for outdoor activities during downpours.
Generally drier with lower rain but higher temps; ideal for outdoor sightseeing and beach time.
George Town at Night
Hiking in George Town
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Classic ascent to Penang Hill with scenic views; accessible by funicular included in many tickets.
Coastal hike to a pristine sandy beach and occasional wildlife sightings.
Remote beaches with nature trails and a chance to see wildlife.
Coastal trail with cliff views and a lighthouse at the end.
Airports
How to reach George Town by plane.
Located in Bayan Lepas, about 15–25 minutes (depending on traffic) from George Town; well-connected to regional hubs and major cities.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Form a large portion of George Town’s population, contributing to the city’s commerce and culinary scene.
Represent a significant portion with mosques and traditional Malay communities.
Active presence in commerce, cuisine, and culture; Tamil and other South Asian communities are visible in markets.
Growing community of international residents and digital nomads attracted by culture and cuisine.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular pastime in homes and clubs across Penang; many parks have courts open to the public.
Loved by locals; local leagues and parks host weekend matches.
Common in community centers and clubs; casual play at public sports halls.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting George Town.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many Penang dishes are meat-free or can be adapted; ask for no meat stock and opt for vegetable curries and tofu-based dishes.