George Town is the colourful, multicultural capital of the Malaysian island of Penang. It was once a vital Straits of Malacca trading hub. Today, the city is known for its British colonial buildings, Chinese shophouses and mosques.
If you are planning a weekend getaway, try visiting George Town, it is full of exciting attractions, good food, and great company. Here are the 10 best things to do in George Town to further spice up your trip!
Why Is George Town a Must-Visit Destination?
George Town is a must-visit destination because there are many things to do and sights to see in George Town. At George Town, you can stroll along the Chew jetty and admire the Penang street art. Aside from that, you can also have fun at the Wonderfood Museum and revisit history at the Pinang Peranakan Mansion.
What Food Is George Town Famous For?
George Town is a food haven for foodies. It is famous for a variety of hawker food such as char koay teow, laksa, curry mee, and Hokkien mee. Aside from that, George Town is also famous for its Nyonya cuisine. Also, check out the 8 Best Char Kuey Teow In Penang and the 11 Best Laksa in Penang.
When Was George Town Named As a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
George Town was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 7 July 2008. The decision was based on the Outstanding Universal Value of cultural diversity embodied and embedded in the living heritage and built heritage of George Town.
10 Best Things To Do in George Town 2023
1. Visit the Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi
The Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi is a large Chinese clan house with elaborate and highly ornamented architecture, a mark of the dominant presence of the Chinese in Penang, Malaysia. The famous Khoo Kongsi is the grandest clan temple in the country. Furthermore, it is also one of the city’s major historical attractions. The clan temple includes an association building, a traditional theatre and the late 19th-century row houses for clan members, all clustered around a granite-paved square.
Operating Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm daily
Address: Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi, 18, Cannon Square, 10450 George Town, Penang
Phone No: 04-261 4609
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KhooKongsi
Check Info On Website2. Have Fun At the Wonderfood Museum
The Wonderfood Museum in George Town displays a variety of local food in Malaysia. This one-of-a-kind museum has over 100 replicas of local street food spread across three sections: the Info Zone, Wow Zone, and the Educational Zone. There are giant and miniature replicas with various food-related backgrounds and setups for visitors to interact with and take pictures. At the same time, visitors can learn about the history of Penang’s local cuisine. With its fantastic food art, this fascinating food museum is an excellent place for family fun.
Operating Hours: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm daily
Address: 49, Lebuh Pantai, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Phone No: 04-251 9095
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/Wonderfoodmuseum/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wonderfoodmuseum/?hl=en
Refer Info On KLOOK3. Revisit History At the Pinang Peranakan Mansion
The Pinang Peranakan Mansion, a typical home of a rich Baba a century ago, was recreated to offer a glimpse of their opulent lifestyle and many customs and traditions. With over 1,000 pieces of antiques and collectables of the era on display, the mansion incorporates Chinese carved wood panels and English floor tiles and Scottish ironworks. Having survived many decades of neglect and decay, the mansion has now been restored to its former glory of a stately home.
Operating Hours: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm daily
Address: Pinang Peranakan Mansion, 29, Church St, 10200 George Town, Penang
Phone No: 04-264 2929
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Pinang-Peranakan-Mansion/100063782430533/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pinang_peranakan_mansion/?hl=en
Website Info4. Stroll Along the Chew Jetty
The Chew Jetty is the biggest of the waterfront settlements in George Town. When the wooden piers were built, they were divided between the different surname-based clans such as “Lim”, “Tan”, “Lee”, “Yeoh”, and finally, “Chew”, which was the most famous of all. Chew Jetty has also become one of Penang’s focal points of the Chinese New Year celebrations.
Operating Hours: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm daily
Address: Chew Jetty, 45, Pengkalan Weld, 10300 George Town, Penang
Phone No: 011-6246 2884
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
View website5. Admire the Penang Street Art
Get a hold of the Street Art Map, usually available at most hotels in Penang, and hit the streets to admire its street art. Some murals are somewhat challenging, so searching for them feels like a treasure hunt. It also makes for a fantastic photoshoot opportunity around George Town. Also, remember to enjoy the delicious street food and cafes you come across.
Operating Hours: All-day
Address: Penang Street Art, 316, Beach St, 10300 George Town, Penang
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
6. Brave the Rainbow Skywalk At the TOP Penang
The Rainbow Skywalk offers stunning seamless views of George Town and beyond. Located at George Town’s highest point, the open-air Rainbow Skywalk is at Level 68, on the rooftop of Komtar tower, offering visitors the thrilling experience of walking on air 816 feet above sea level. It would undoubtedly be a thrilling experience that you will never forget.
Operating Hours:
11:00 am – 10:00 pm (Monday – Friday)
10:00 am – 10:00 pm (Weekends)
Address: Rainbow Skywalk, Penang Attractions, 1, Jln Penang, 10000 George Town, Penang
Phone No: 04-375 9800
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thetopofpenang/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetoppenang/
View website VIEW KLOOK7. Enjoy Penang Hawker Food At New Lane Street Food Stalls
The New Lane Street Food Stalls has a wide variety of hawker food to satisfy your cravings. There is char koay teow, satay, prawn omelette, curry mee, lor bak, and more. The char koay teow is a must-try dish when you visit George Town, as each plate is perfectly fried and filled with eggs, prawns, and oysters. You can also try their satay, which is well-marinated and flavourful.
Operating Hours: 4:00 pm – 11:00 pm (Thursday – Tuesday) Closed on Wednesday
Address: New Lane Street Foodstalls, Lorong Baru, 10450 George Town, Penang
Phone No: 016-443 7463
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
8. Try Hokkien Mee At the Famous Green House Prawn Mee Corner
Green House Prawn Mee Corner is famous for its delicious Hokkien mee or prawn mee cooked with roast pork. The broth is fragrant, and its braised egg is a nice touch to the dish. The restaurant is separated over two lots, and the dining area is opposite a temple. When you arrive, order and pay first, then sit at the dining area where your food will be served.
Operating Hours:
9:00 am – 12:30 am (Monday – Saturday)
11:30 am – 12:30 am (Sunday)
Address: Green House Prawn Mee Corner, 133A, Jalan Burma, 10050 George Town, Penang
Phone No: 016-269 1717
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Green-House-Prawn-Mee-Corner/
View website9. Stay a Night At the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion
The Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion offers old-world grandeur with a hint of modern-day conveniences. Eighteen rooms have been restored in this 130-year-old heritage mansion, and each room is uniquely decorated according to its theme. In addition, guests of the mansion also can enjoy an unforgettable dining experience at the Indigo restaurant, a courtyard dining room.
Address: 4, Lebuh Leith, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Phone No: 04-262 0006
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBlueMansion
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheongfatttzemansion/
View website VIEW KLOOK10. Go Bargain Hunting At Penang Little India
Penang Little India is a shopping and food haven if you want anything related to Indian goods, such as clothing, accessories, snacks, kitchen utensils, groceries, and more. Penang Little India has everything within walking distance, from small humble stalls to restaurants. If you love exploring and finding unique trinkets sold at affordable prices, this is the place for you.
Operating Hours: 8:00 am – 9:45 pm daily
Address: Penang Little India, Lebuh Pasar, 10450 George Town, Penang
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
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