Exploring Georgetown, Penang: A City Guide You’ll Actually Use
PeNANG IS special. This Malaysian island is full of flavor, color, and history — and its capital, George Town, is the perfect base to explore it all. In this guide, we’ll show you the best things to see, do, and eat, so you can LOVE IT AS WE DID.
HOW MANY DAYS | 3 to 5
BEST TIME TO VISIT | December to March
WHERE TO STAY | RumahKu Georgetown
TOP THINGS TO SEE | Penang Hill, Kek Lok Si Temple, Pinang Peranakan Mansion & Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion
HOW TO GET AROUND | Walk around or take a Grab
Penang quickly became one of our favorite places in Malaysia. It’s where cultures blend in the most beautiful way: Chinese, Malay, Indian, and colonial influences are part of everyday life. We loved how you could visit a temple, explore a colonial mansion, and grab incredible street food all on the same street.
We stayed in George Town, and honestly, we didn’t want to leave. The whole city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with street art, friendly locals, and hidden food stalls that blew us away. Whether we were wandering through narrow alleys or relaxing at the beach. If you're coming to Malaysia, this is one stop you definitely shouldn’t miss.
THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN GEORGE TOWN
George Town is a mix of cultures, history, and character. As you walk through the streets, you’ll see colorful shophouses, colonial mansions, Chinese clan houses, mosques, temples, and churches all standing side by side. The architecture reflects Penang’s diverse past from British colonial times to Chinese and Indian influences.
What makes George Town special is how well these old buildings have been preserved. Many have been restored into cafes, boutique hotels, museums, and homes, without losing their charm.
You can explore on your own and go at your own pace, or hop on one of the popular rickshaws with a local guide. It’s a fun way to see the city without getting exhausted in the heat. Plus, you’ll get helpful insights and explanations along the way as you pass by the main sights.
BOOK | Penang Full-Day Tour Private Tour
Explore the Most Beautiful Heritage Mansions
Visit Pinang Peranakan Mansion and the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (Blue Mansion) to explore unique antiques, traditional furniture, and the lifestyle behind two of Penang’s most iconic heritage homes. Peranakan culture, also known as Nyonya-Baba culture, comes from the descendants of Chinese immigrants who settled in Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia and married local Malays. Over the centuries, they developed a unique culture that blends Chinese and Malay influences, with touches of Indian and colonial elements.
We loved how each house told its own story, with creaky wooden floors, antique furniture, and hidden courtyards. Our personal favorite was the Pinang Peranakan Mansion.
You can only visit the Blue Mansion with a guided tour or self-guided tour. Our tip is to join both guided tours of the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion and the Pinang Peranakan Mansion to understand all the small details. You can actually stay overnight at the iconic Blue Mansion. Check prices and availability here.
BOOK | Reserve tickets for the Blue Mansion at least a week in advance through their website.
TIP | Arrive at the Pinang Peranakan Mansion at 9 a.m. to enjoy it without the crowds.
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Go Café & Restaurant Hoping
One of our favorite things to do in George Town was hopping from one café or restaurant to the next. The food scene here is seriously impressive from trendy coffee shops in restored heritage houses to small to local stalls selling authentic Malaysian dishes. We loved starting the day with a great breakfast in a stylish café, then moving on to lunch at a Nyonya restaurant or street food stall.
Nyona cuisine is a mix of Chinese ingredients with Malay spices and cooking styles. Everything is close by, so you can easily explore new flavors and spots every few hours. Whether you're into fusion menus, plant-based options, or classic hawker food, George Town is full of surprises for food lovers.
What really helped us dive deeper was joining a local food tour. We got to try dishes we’d never have known to order and learn the history behind them. If you’re into food even just a little, this is something you have to do in Penang.
BOOK | Penang Food Tour 15+ Dishes
TIP | Our favorite Café was Narrow Marrow
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Hunt for the Prettiest Doors in George Town
One of the most fun and unexpected things we did in George Town was going on a little “door hunt.” The city is full of colorful facades, vintage shutters, and intricately carved wooden doors that make every street feel like a photo backdrop. We wandered around with no real plan, just stopping every time we saw something that caught our eye from pastel Peranakan townhouses to bold red Chinese doors with lion knockers. Some are hidden down quiet alleys, others are right on busy streets. It’s a great way to explore the town slowly and notice the little details that make it so charming.
TIP | Start walking from the Goddess of Mercy Temple and follow the Stewart Lane and then the Muntri Lane until the crossing with Leith street.
Discover George Town’s Sacred Sites
What makes George Town special is how you can visit a church, mosque, Chinese and Hindu temple all within the same neighborhood. It really shows how different cultures and religions have lived side by side for centuries. We loved just walking from one to the next. Our favorites were the Goddess of Mercy Temple, Kapitan Keling Mosque, Sri Mahamariamman Temple, Church of St. George and Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi.
TIP | Remember to dress accordingly covering your shoulders and knees.
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Take Pictures with the Street Art & Murals
The best way to see George Town’s famous street art is to just walk around and explore. Some murals from old guides are gone, and new ones pop up all the time. Don’t stress about finding every single piece just enjoy the hunt, take your time, and you’ll stumble upon some amazing art in the most unexpected corners.
TIP | If you’re short on time, pick up a map of the downtown sights at the tourism office.
Dare to Try Durian
Durian is known as the “king of fruits” in Southeast Asia. It’s big, spiky, and has a very strong smell, so strong that it’s banned in many hotels, public transport, and airports. But don’t let that scare you off. If you’re curious, Penang is one of the best places to try durian. The fruit grows locally here, so it’s super fresh and much cheaper than in other parts of Asia. The season runs from May to August, when roadside stalls and markets are packed with different varieties.
Almost like in a café, you get to choose the type you want, and they open it fresh for you. Just remember, you can’t take it with you! Most hotels don’t allow durian because the strong smell stays in the room. So eat it on the spot and enjoy this truly local experience. Locals love it for its creamy texture and rich, sweet taste. We became addicted and loved trying many different types.
TIP | Start with Musang King or Black Thorn as they are sweeter and creamy like ice cream.
WHERE | Gunung 500 Durian Balik Pulau
BOOK | If you want to see how durians grow, join this Durian Farm Tour
WHERE & WHAT TO EAT IN GEORGE TOWN
Penang’s food scene blew us away. It’s one of those places where you can eat incredibly well without ever stepping into a fancy restaurant. We discovered the following restaurants during our time in Penang and absolutely loved what we tried. Each spot had its own charm and flavor, and they gave us a deeper appreciation for the island’s diverse food culture. We hope you get to dive into Penang’s culinary scene too and if you try any of our recommendations, let us know if you fell in love with them just like we did!
We loved this spot for breakfast. Their 100% fresh fruit and detox smoothies were the perfect way to start the day. The apple brie sandwich quickly became our favorite, and the vegan breakfast was just as delicious. They don’t serve pork, and there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options on the menu. A great place if you’re looking for something light, healthy, and tasty.
This nostalgic café quickly became our favorite lunch spot in George Town. They serve classic Nyonya dishes like Nasi Lemak, a fragrant coconut rice dish with sambal, anchovies, peanuts, boiled egg, and sometimes chicken or rendang. The Claypot Lou Shu Fun is a comforting noodle dish served in a hot claypot, made with short rice noodles that look like silver needles, usually cooked with minced meat and soy sauce. And of course, their Char Kway Teow is a must-try – stir-fried flat rice noodles with prawns, eggs, bean sprouts.
We visited this spot because it was right next door to Loong Fong Cafe, and we ended up loving it. The food is delicious and super affordable. They serve Malaysian classics and crowd favorites like Assam Laksa, a tangy fish-based noodle soup with tamarind and herbs, Chicken Chop, crispy fried chicken served with gravy and sides, and Nasi Lemak.
This is a delicious vegan restaurant with a big menu full of Asian favorites like sushi, fried rice, and ramen. It’s a small and cozy place, but everything we tried made us want to come back. The flavors felt a bit milder and more tailored to foreign taste buds, so it’s a great intro spot if you’re new to Asian food.
Via Pre Penang Italian Restaurant
If you’re feeling a bit homesick or just want a break from Asian flavors, this cozy Italian spot really hit the spot for us. We loved their gorgonzola gnocchi and tuna pizza: comforting, cheesy, and full of flavor. The whole place has a vintage Italian vibe that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a little trattoria.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN PENANG
Take the Funicular to Penang Hill
Penang Hill is one of the top spots to enjoy amazing views over Georgetown and the ocean. You can only reach it by taking the funicular train up. Once at the top, stroll around the colonial-era buildings, visit The Habitat for lush rainforest walks and canopy bridges, and check out the Curtis Crest Treetop Walk. There’s also a mosque, Hindu temple, and lots of viewpoints for sunset. You can easily spend half a day here.
We were a bit hesitant to enter The Habitat at first, since it required a separate ticket and we weren’t sure if it would be worth it. But we’re so glad we went. The walk through the forest was peaceful, the views were stunning, and even on a weekend, it felt like we had the place to ourselves. The entrance ticket includes a buggy ride back, which was a nice bonus.
Don’t skip the coffee shop Kopi Hutan at the end of – we had the basil lime cheesecake and a pot of tea. Nestled in the jungle, this café is a real gem!
TIP | Try to avoid visiting on weekends, as the lines for the funicular can take up to 2 hours both ways. It’s best to book your tickets with a time slot in advance to skip some of the waiting.
OPENING HOURS | 6:30 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
PRICE | RM 30 | €6 | US$6 p.p. return ticket
BOOK | The Habitat Ticket & Funicular Ticket
Visit the Kek Lok Si Temple
The Kek Lok Si Temple is one of the most iconic landmarks in Penang and one of our favorite things to do in Penang. It's the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia and feels more like a temple complex, with different prayer halls, gardens, and a massive statue of the Goddess of Mercy. You can walk up or take a funicular lift to the top, where the view over the city and hills is incredible. We recommend going early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds.
We explored on our own, but thanks to our travels in Asia we already had some background in Buddhist and Chinese architecture. If it’s your first time visiting a temple like this, we definitely recommend joining a guided tour. It’ll help you better understand the rituals, symbolism, and architecture — plus, the ride is usually included.
OPEN | 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
PRICE | RM 2 | €0.40 | US$0.45 pagoda entrance
WHERE TO STAY IN GEORGE TOWN?
The best area to stay is in the center of the old town. Here you’ll have street art, temples, cafés, and restaurants all within walking distance. George Town is compact and safe to explore on foot, and many boutique hotels are set in restored heritage buildings, giving you both comfort and character. If you’re wondering where to check in, here are some of our favorite stays in George Town:
BUDGET | Stay at RumahKu Georgetown for stylish, modern home that offers private or shared rooms, plus common areas like a cozy living room and a sunny terrace.
COMFORT | At the Artist Heritage Penang UNESCO Home you’ll stay in a beautifully designed apartment. It’s full of vintage charm and local details, and the best part is it’s just a short walk from Armenian Street.
ESCAPE | Campbell House is a heritage home turned boutique hotel, and it’s the kind of place that makes you feel at ease right away. The mix of vintage charm and classy modern style is done so well. Breakfast here is something to look forward to, with bold flavors and a presentation that feels special.
HOW TO GET TO PENANG?
Penang has its own airport (PEN) with connections to Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, and several cities in Asia, making it the easiest option if you’re flying in from overseas. If you’re traveling onward through Malaysia, George Town is linked to the mainland by an easy 15-minute ferry to Butterworth, or via the Penang Bridge by car or bus. From Butterworth, you can catch trains and buses to places like Ipoh, the Cameron Highlands, or farther south. Book your bus ticket through 12.go here.
Since trains are faster and more convenient, they often sell out a few days in advance. Make sure to reserve your tickets early through the official website.
AIR | Find the best deals on flights to Penang with kiwi.com
HOW TO GET AROUND PENANG?
Getting around Penang can be a bit tricky, especially if you’re driving—traffic can get heavy, so always allow extra time. The historic center of George Town is very walkable, and exploring by foot is one of the best ways to soak in the street art and heritage buildings. If you want a more relaxed ride, hop on a trishaw for a tour through the old streets. For longer trips or visiting sights outside the city, using the e-hailing app Grab is the easiest and most convenient option.
For added convenience, having mobile data through an eSIM from Saily ensures you can book rides, check routes, or look up schedules on the go—all without searching for Wi-Fi or a local SIM.
BEST TIME TO VISIT PENANG
The best time to visit Langkawi is from November to April, when the weather is mostly sunny and dry. Perfect for beaches, waterfalls, and boat trips. The driest months are December to March, offering the most reliable weather for outdoor adventures. We visited in July, during the rainy season, and while the island was beautifully green, the weather was unpredictable. Some days were perfect, others rainy and cloudy.
Be ready for all kinds of weather and check out what we packed for Malaysia in our complete packing guide.
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3 to 4 days is ideal if you want to see George Town and explore the island.
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Plan your visit during the dry season (December to February) to enjoy street art and outdoor markets comfortably. Early mornings or late afternoons are perfect for less crowded streets.
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From our experience, George Town felt really safe. We didn’t have any problems with crime, though we stayed alert for pickpockets in busy spots. We mostly used Grab to get around, which made moving through the city super easy.
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Yes! Penang has a few beaches, mainly along the Batu Ferringhi stretch, which are perfect for a stroll, watching the sunset, or enjoying a drink at a beachside café. There’s also Penang National Park, where you can hike to secluded beaches—but honestly, they’re not as pretty as the ones on islands like Langkawi.
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The most widely spoken language in Penang is Malay, but English, Hokkien, and Mandarin are also commonly used.
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