Top 10 Things to Do in Penang You Can’t Miss (Plus What to Skip!)

Looking for the top 10 things to do in Penang? George Town is the kind of place that grabs you from the moment you step onto its streets. It’s a city where the past and present collide in the most dazzling way—heritage buildings sit next to trendy cafés, colorful street art brightens up colonial facades, and the scent of sizzling street food fills the air. Whether you’re here for the history, the food, or just to soak up the atmosphere, George Town delivers in spades. But with so much to see, do, and eat, how do you make the most of your time? Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with this ultimate guide to the best experiences in George Town, plus a few things you can safely skip.

Key takeaways

• Walk the streets of George Town, taking in the varied architecture and stunning street art. Stop regularly for delicious food and refreshing coffees
• Visit a bygone era at the Clan Jetties, with different jetties offering different levels of tourism and authenticity
• Book a tour to see the stunning Blue Mansion, one of the most beautiful buildings in Malaysia and a favourite for Asian film sets

Is George Town worth visiting?

Absolutely yes! George Town, Penang is one of the most vibrant cities I’ve visited. Thrumming with energy, it contrasts old and new in a way that’s dizzyingly beautiful. It has a thriving cultural scene, and is one of the top picks in Southeast Asia for food!

Having visited other cities across Malaysia, including Kuala Lumpur and Malacca, George Town was easily my favourite. It’s walkable, it’s beautiful and its history is much more layered and evident than Kuala Lumpur.

There’s plenty to do there for a longer stay as well. You’ll never run out of places to eat or coffee shops to chill out in, and it would take a long time to see all of George Town’s beautiful street art.

History of George Town

George Town was founded in 1786, when Captain Francis Light of the British East India Company founded the settlement on Penang Island. He named it George Town in honour of King George III. Due to its strategic location, George Town became Britain’s first colony in Southeast Asia, serving as a vital port in the lucrative spice and opium trade routes.

Over the 19th and early 20th centuries, George Town flourished and attracted immigrants from China, India, the Middle East, and Europe. Alongside Singapore and Malacca, it became one of the Straits Settlements. This created the multicultural city we can see today, with British colonial buildings, Chinese shophouses, mosques, Hindu temples and churches all standing side by side.

In 2008, George Town, along with Malacca, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its “living multicultural heritage” and well-preserved colonial-era townscape.

There are some really excellent historical novels set in George Town, including the incredible The Gift of Rain by Tan Twan Eng. Check out my list of books about Southeast Asia to find out more about the history of Penang.

How to get to George Town

It’s easy to get to George Town from across Malaysia, including Kuala Lumpur, and from a variety of destinations across Southeast Asia, via Penang airport. There are also buses, trains and flights available.

My top 10 things to do in Penang:

1. Admire the street art

George Town is famous for its street art. The city has actively invested in street art, bringing famous artist Ernest Zacharevic in 2012 to revitalise the city’s streets. The result is streets which take you by surprise every moment, with street art hidden in the most unexpected places. There are also the more famous spots. In some, you will have to queue to take your photo, particularly at weekends. But it makes the city a delight, and you can enjoy it either just walking around, or by following the street art trail (leaflets available in most hotels).

If you’re a big fan of Zacharevic’s work, he later revitalised the street art scene in nearby Ipoh as well!

2. Bathe in George Town, Penang’s multi-cultural history

Beyond the murals and modern creativity, George Town’s history runs deep. Walking through the streets feels like stepping through different eras, with each building telling its own story.

Like much of Malaysia, George Town has three distinct cultures living side by side – Malays, Indians and Chinese. This is then layered with the influence of British colonisers who lived in the city for many years, until after the second world war. George Town is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, with many historic buildings having survived the Second World War. Spend time walking around, keeping your eyes on the buildings to enjoy diverse architecture. Many buildings even have their founding dates on them.

3. Visit the stunningly reconstructed Blue Mansion

One of the most beautiful buildings in George Town, and all of Malaysia, is the Cheong Fatt Tze House, also known as the Blue Mansion. This glorious building is a must-see in George Town. Built by one of George Town’s most successful Chinese merchants around the turn of the 20th century, it fell into disrepair as the family’s fortunes declined. Bought in 1989 on the death of his last surviving child, the new owners reconstructed the house as authentically as possible. For example, they sourced materials from the original manufacturers wherever possible. This resulted in awards including UNESCO’s Most Excellent Project in the Asia Pacific Heritage Awards.

The house is now a luxury hotel, but you can visit on a guided tour 2 or 3 times a day – book ahead for this as numbers are limited. The tour guide takes you around the public areas of the house, explaining the history of the family and how the house has been used in many films since the 90s, most recently in Crazy Rich Asians.

You can find out details of tours here.

4. Visit a bygone era at the Clan Jetties

There are 5 Clan Jetties in George Town, Penang. These long jetties protrude into the sea, each historically owned by a single extended Chinese family, or clan. It’s now possible to visit all of them. I recommend visiting two: the Chew Jetty and the Tan Jetty.

The Chew Jetty is the primary jetty visited by tourists. With a beautiful temple at the start, it’s beautifully decorated in typical Chinese style and full of tourist shops and street art. While there are still a few homes, most have been converted into shops or restaurants. It can get crowded, but it’s a great spot for Instagram-worthy photos.

For a more authentic feel, visit the Tan Jetty. It provides a stark contrast, appearing much as it likely did a century ago. It’s clear that people are still living in almost all of the houses and it’s easy to imagine that the houses have been passed down generation after generation.

The end of the Tan Jetty forms a nerve-wracking walk out into the sea, a narrow walk ending in a wider platform. Walking along the narrow, creaking boards of Tan Jetty, I couldn’t help but wonder—was I about to fall into the sea? Thankfully, I made it to the end, rewarded with a stunning, breezy view.

5. Visit Kek Lok Si temple

Situated outside the town, near to Penang Hill, this temple is a must see. Built in 1891, the Buddhist temple is one of the largest in South East Asia, and the largest in Malaysia. One of the original donors was Cheong Fatt Tze of the Blue Mansion. 

The temple is spread out over several levels and features a number of different architectural styles. There is a cable car and golf buggies to help you tackle the different levels without struggling too much with the heat.

For full disclosure, I didn’t actually make it there as I was unwell the day I was due to go. I did though hear amazing things from other travellers I met in George Town. 

The best way to go to the temple is to take a Grab. I would advise going early in the morning – it’s a big site and this will help you to avoid the heat. In addition, traffic in George Town gets bad later in the day and I found that Grab prices often rose accordingly. 

6. Admire Khoo Khongsi Clan House

One of the most beautiful structures in George Town itself is the Khoo Khongsi Clan House. Take half an hour to wander around this elaborate building, marvelling at the decoration and workmanship. This is the largest Hokkien clan house in Malaysia, and the elaborate building was a sign of the wealth and power of Chinese families within George Town.

Originally built in 1851, it was destroyed by fire in 1901, and the Chinese believed this was due to its hubristic resemblance to the Emperor’s Palace. The current, less elaborate version (although this is hard to believe) was finished in 1906.

It’s not very well known within George Town, so it’s likely to be less crowded than other areas as well.

7. Eat Penang’s famous street food

The food in George Town is legendary. Restaurants of every cuisine abound, and you can sample high-end French food as easily as the local street fare. However, it’s the street food that you can’t miss in George Town – everything else you can try elsewhere.

True to Malaysia’s multicultural heritage, there are three main cuisines to try – Malay, Chinese and Indian. Indian restaurants are clustered in Little India, while there are Chinese street food markets/halls near the clan jetties.

Street food is so famous in George Town that the city provides a map of different spots spread out around the city, available in many hotels, and this is a great place to start. Make sure you take the time to try local specialities such as Laksa, Nasi Lemak, Curry Mee, Roti Canai and Char Koay Teow.

8. Escape from the heat in George Town’s vibrant cafe scene

The midday sun in George Town is relentless, the kind that makes you dart from shade to shade, desperate for an iced coffee break. Luckily, like Chiang Mai in Thailand and Hanoi in Vietnam, George Town has a thriving cafe scene. You can take your pick from the ultra modern to the more laid back, and even head to the more traditional coffee houses (though these are less likely to have aircon). Some of my favourites:

• Bean Sprout Cafe – this is opposite the Goddess of Mercy temple, making it a good stop off before or after your visit. While it does have aircon and fans, it’s retained a more historic vibe in keeping with the old shophouse that houses it. Take your time chilling out and enjoying the leafy, laid back atmosphere.
• Kota Express – right on the corner of Armenian Street, this ultra modern cafe absolutely blasts out its aircon. Step into the pristine white exterior to take a break from the crowds outside and get in some people watching while you’re at it.
• The Black Kettle – this is a huge space which provides full meals as well as coffees. It’s a great place to get some work done if needed, and I loved that it also sells books by Malaysian authors.

9. Visit the oldest Chinese temple 

On the edge of Little India, the Goddess of Mercy Temple dates to 1728. It’s a fascinating glimpse into George Town’s Chinese past. It’s also clearly still an active site of worship, and while I was there, was showcasing traditional Chinese plays inside.

10. Understand Penang’s colonial past at the Eastern and Oriental

There’s no getting away from the British colonial influence in George Town. The British ‘founded’ George Town in 1786, and you can check out the statue of founder Captain Francis Light in the Cornwallis Fort on the seafront. One of the most enduring colonial relics is the Eastern and Oriental Hotel, more commonly known as the E&O. Once the haunt of the British colonial elite, it has transformed into a luxury modern hotel. However, it retains its colonial history, and you can experience this by having a tea, drink or dinner in one of the hotel’s restaurants.

Some things to do in Penang you could miss if you’re short on time

There are so many things to do in Penang that it can be hard to narrow down your options. I was there for long enough to visit a few things that wouldn’t make my list of recommendations for first timers. I’ve laid them out below to help you organise your time while you visit.

1. Penang Hill – expensive and overhyped 

Once where the British colonial elite had their second homes to escape the heat, Penang Hill has become a major tourist attraction. You can take the Funicular up the hill – the steepest in the world and spectacular on a par with the one at the top of Mount Fansipan in Vietnam. You’ll then find yourself in an almost theme-park like atmosphere, with attractions including The Habitat nature reserve and a Little Village. There are also a number of restaurants. While I enjoyed the Funicular, I found the top of the hill to be the kind of tourist attraction that has no soul. I did though see some incredibly cute Dusky Leaf Monkeys, which are peaceful and chill, more like the Thomas Leaf Monkeys I saw in Sumatra than the naughty macaques found at the Batu Caves and in Bali.

If you fancy trying Penang Hill – not least because it’s often cooler – you can take a Grab to the Funicular station. There are also RapidPenang buses from the waterfront for 2RM each, although it can be hard to find timings for these.

2. The Upside Down Museum – great for families but otherwise average

George Town’s Upside Down Museum was my first experience of an Upside Down museum, which is a common attraction in cities across Asia. If you’ve done one before, you will find it much the same. However, if like me this is a novelty for you, it can be a good way to spend an hour, especially if you have kids.

Once you’re inside, you follow a route around the museum into different upside down scenes. Staff take pictures for you in each, advising you on how to stand to create the best picture.

3. The waterfront – too industrial and polluted

While George Town is on the water, I found that the waterfront itself left a lot to be desired. Primarily industrial, it’s crowded with boats and the water is clearly dirty. There is also a lot of plastic waste. While there is an esplanade, it’s not something I would prioritise.

4. Fort Cornwallis – underwhelming

Fort Cornwallis was created by the ‘founder’ of Penang, Francis Light, when he came across the area in 1786. The pentagonal fort was originally made of wood, and later converted to brick, and has survived ever since. While I appreciated the importance of this site for the history of George Town, Penang, I didn’t find my visit scintillating. There is relatively little information inside, and no interesting displays. The only point of interest is the statue of Francis Light himself. I would have been ok just viewing the Fort from outside.

George Town is the kind of place that lingers in your memory long after you’ve left. Maybe it’s the punchy flavors of a perfect bowl of Laksa, the quiet beauty of the Clan Jetties at sunset, or the thrill of stumbling upon a new piece of street art around an unexpected corner. Whatever it is, this city has a way of getting under your skin—in the best way possible. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a week, you’re in for an adventure filled with history, culture, and seriously good food. So find out everything you need to know to get there, and get ready to fall in love with George Town, Penang.

Have you been to George Town? What was your favorite spot—or what are you most excited to see? Drop a comment below and let’s swap travel tips!