15 Best Things to Do in George Town, Penang for Tourists

George Town is a vibrant city in Penang that blends culture, history and local food scenes. This city offers some of the best things to do in Penang, making it one of the must-visit cities for tourists. If you’re planning a trip soon and looking for the best things to do in George Town, Penang, we have curated a list just for you. Read on to find out more!

 

1. Visit Penang Street Art

Source:https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=944965440997550&id=100064523091205&set=a.474028931424539

George Town is widely known for its vibrant street art scene, scattered throughout the streets. One of the things to do in George Town, Penang, is to visit the Penang street art. Some iconic masterpieces include Ernest Zacharevic’s murals – “Little Children on a Bicycle” and “Boy on a Bike”. Get creative and take memorable pictures with these murals!

 

Address: 316, Beach St, Georgetown, 10300 George

Operation hours: Open 24 hours

 

2. Visit Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi

Source: https://onpenang.com/leong-san-tong-khoo-kongsi/

The Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi or Khoo Kongsi for short, is the largest Hokkien clanhouse in Malaysia that boasts impressive architecture and rich cultural heritage. It is one of the stops you can make while exploring George Town, to learn more about the history and culture of the Chinese society in Penang.

 

Address: 18, Cannon Square, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang

Operation hours: Monday - Sunday, 9am - 5pm

 

3. Eat Penang Street Food

Source: https://mypenang.gov.my/food-lifestyle/food-beverages/char-koay-teow/?lg=en

George Town offers plenty of delicious and mouthwatering street food. Indulge in a culinary adventure and be sure to visit the local street hawker centres, such as Gurney Drive and Chulia Street Hawker Food, to try all the local delicacies. Some of them include Char Koay Teow, Penang Asam Laksa, Cendol, Rojak and many more!

 

Address: 172, Solok Gurney 1, Pulau Tikus, 10250 Jelutong, Pulau Pinang

Operation hours: Monday, Thursday - Sunday, 5pm - 12am

Wedneday, 5.30pm - 12am

Closed: Tuesday

 

4. Explore Penang Armenian Street

Source: https://www.medisata.com/wisata/armenian-street-penang

The Armenian Street is one of the popular tourist attractions in Penang, George Town known for its street art, historic buildings and cultural heritage. The street offers a captivating glimpse into the city’s multicultural past. Here, visitors can find plenty of shops that sell antiques, souvenirs,  and local art and crafts, as well as eateries where visitors can stop for a break after exploring the street.  

 

Address: George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang

 

5. Explore Komtar @ The Top Penang

Source: https://thetop.com.my/

Located at The Top Penang, explore the open-air Rainbow Skywalk and Observatory Deck at Komtar, which offers a bird’s eye view of Penang. The Observatory Deck is air-conditioned and features a glass walkway where visitors can walk on and observe the bustling city below. Visitors can take photos and even dine in at the Top View restaurant on the rooftop.

Book The Top Komtar ticket here.

 

Address: Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang

Operation hours: Monday - Sunday, 10am - 10 pm

Tuesday, 10am - 7pm

 

6. Discover the Clan Jetties of Penang

Source: https://mypenang.gov.my/experience-2020/20-must-see-places-in-penang/view/the-clan-jetties/?lg=en

Another place worth visiting in George Town is the Clan Jetties, where there are unique wooden stilt houses built over the waters since the 19th century. There are six of these villages in total, and each of these villages represents a clan. Visitors can visit the wooden piers and learn more about their traditional lifestyles, including their morning rituals. 

 

Address: Pengkalan Weld, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang

Operation hours: Monday - Sunday, 9am - 9pm

 

7. Visit Penang State Museum

Source: https://gtwhi.com.my/penang-state-museum-farquhar/

If you’re into history and art, visit the Penang State Museum, which offers insights into Penang’s diverse history and culture. The museum opened in 1962 and displays fine collections of old photographs, maps, charts, documents and various other historical relics. It’s a great place to learn about the history, culture and art of Penang. 

 

Address: Lebuh Farquhar, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang

Operation hours: Monday - Sunday, 9am - 5pm

Closed: Friday

 

8. Take a stroll at Penang Botanic Garden

Source: https://phbr.penanghill.gov.my/penang-botanic-gardens/

The Penang Botanic Garden is a popular place for joggers and anyone who enjoys walking and spending time in nature. Commonly known as the “Waterfall Gardens”, the botanical garden is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, offering lush greenery and hundreds of species of flora. 

 

Address: Bangunan Pavilion, Kompleks Pentadbiran, Jalan Kebun Bunga, 10350 George Town, Pulau Pinang

Operation hours: Monday - Sunday, 5am - 8pm

 

9. Take a Hike to Moongate 5 Penang

Source: https://thebackpackingfamily.com/the-best-penang-hill-hiking-trail/

If you’re up for an adventure, take a hike up one of the popular hiking trails in Penang. Starting from the Moongate arch located at the Penang Botanic Garden entrance, it’s the perfect place to get some fresh air surrounded by lush forest. It’s also suitable for all hiking levels, making it an excellent place to visit where hikers can enjoy the stunning views of the city.

 

Address: 673A, Jalan Kebun Bunga, Pulau Tikus, 10350 George Town, Pulau Pinang

Operation hours: Open 24 hours

 

10. Try Local Cafes in Georgetown

Source: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=938663191640689&id=100064910490959&set=a.564832192357126

George Town is also known to have many beautiful cafes that offer more than just food. One of the cafes worth visiting is China House, a traditional compound of three heritage buildings, linked by an open-air courtyard that has been converted into 14 spaces including shops, cafes, restaurants, galleries, live music, as well as a bakery. Don’t forget to try their delectable cakes too!

 

Address: 153, Beach St, Georgetown, 10300 George Town, Penang

Operation hours: Monday - Sunday, 10am - 12.30am

 

11. Take a Stroll at Penang Esplanade

Source: https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2022/05/18/esplanade-walkway-designed-for-people-to-feel-the-tide-says-council

For leisure walks overlooking the waterfront, take a stroll along the Penang Esplanade. Keep in mind that the walk can take as long as a few hours because it is about 3.2km long! The Esplanade also offers views of historic landmarks such as Fort Cornwallis. With the breeze and scenic views, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a long day.

 

Address: Medan Renong, 11, Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang

Operation hours: Open 24 hours

 

12. Explore Wonderfood Museum

Source: https://www.mypenang.gov.my/culture-heritage/directory/1407/?lg=en

If you’re looking for more fun things to do in George Town, this one-of-a-kind museum in Penang tells the history of Penang’s street food through its oversized replicas of local dishes such as Asam Laksa, Penang Nyonya Kuih, Cendol, Ice Kacang and more. They’re not only mouthwatering but also interactive, creative and allow visitors to be creative with their photos!

Book Wonderfood Museum Penang ticket here. 

 

Address: 49, Lebuh Pantai, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang

Operation hours: Monday - Sunday, 9am - 6pm

 

13. Lunch at Padang Kota Lama

Source: https://www.loka.my/attraction/padang-kota-lama

Padang Kota Lama is a go-to spot for both locals and tourists to savour local delicacies. This open-air food court has plenty of restaurants that serve various delicious local food such as Nasi Padang, Nasi Kandar, Mee Sotong, Yong Tau Fu and many more. It’s a must-visit spot for any foodie!

 

Address: Jalan Padang Kota Lama, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang

Operation hours: Depending on the restaurant.

 

14. Visit Hin Bus Depot

Source: https://mypenang.gov.my/all/directory/1414/?lg=en

If you’re into arts and culture, visit Hin Bus Depot, a contemporary art and event space in George Town. It used to be an old bus depot but has now transformed into an art building that showcases artwork by various artists. Occasionally, they also host a variety of art and culture events so be sure to keep yourself updated so you don’t miss out on anything!

 

Address: 31A, Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang

Operation hours: Monday - Sunday, 10am - 10pm

 

15. Visit Heritage Culture 

Source: https://www.mypenang.gov.my/experience-2020/20-must-see-places-in-penang/view/fort-cornwallis/?lg=en

With Penang being rich in culture and heritage, explore Penang Heritage Culture, such as the Fort Cornwallis, one of the most interesting historical landmarks in Penang that was built in the 18th century. It is one of the tourist attractions in Penang, George Town worth visiting, especially for those who are history buffs. Fort Cornwallis is the largest standing fort in Malaysia and offers insights into Penang’s colonial past. 

 

Address: Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang

Operation hours: Monday - Sunday, 8am - 8pm

Tuesday, 8am - 7pm

 

Explore George Town, Penang with Wahdah!

George Town offers many things to do, from visiting the street art to hiking at Moongate 5 Penang. Whether you enjoy exploring historical sites, exploring the street art, visiting the clan jetties or savouring delicious delicacies, it’s the perfect destination for a weekend trip!

To make the most of your trip to George Town, rent a car in Penang with Wahdah for a convenient and hassle-free experience. Renting a car allows you to travel at your own pace without the need to rush, which also means making your trip stress-free. Book our affordable online car rental services now and start planning your adventure!