Travel Insider Malaysia

Photo: Kek Lok Si Temple by Geraldine Ng.

Island city vibes, opulent Peranakan culture and mouthwatering street food only scratch the surface of what George Town in Penang has to offer. When it comes to charm, George Town – Penang’s Unesco-listed capital – stands in a league of its own. A captivating blend of old-world heritage and modern life, this Malaysian island city is where culture, creativity and cuisine come together.

Why George Town in Penang belongs on every traveller’s list

George Town sits on Penang Island, off Malaysia’s northwest coast. It was founded as a British trading post in 1786, but after receiving Unesco heritage status in 2008, the state government has leveraged that title and propelled George Town into one of Southeast Asia’s most distinctive cities.

The city is walkable to some extent, especially the areas close to the Esplanade and main thoroughfares like Armenian Street and Carnarvon Street. Renting a bicycle or a rickshaw is also a good way to see the central area of George Town. Weathered colonial shophouses, art-filled back lanes and bustling food courts are some of the city’s biggest attractions, but so are clan mansions and enclaves, chic modern cafes and hidden nightlife. As a first-time visitor, here’s everything you need to know to explore George Town like a pro.

✈️ When to visit George Town

Penang enjoys a tropical climate year-round, but the best time to visit is December to April when the weather is warm and dry. The city also hosts several key events worth checking out, like the George Town Literary Festival usually held in November, and the arts- and culture-led George Town Festival, usually held in July or August.

🏨 Where to stay in George Town

Regardless of your budget, you’ll find plenty of heritage stays – historical buildings refurbished into hotels and homesteads with modern amenities – right in the heart of George Town. Imagine sleeping in a room where original doors, windows and fittings from over a century ago remain intact, yet you still enjoy clean hot water, soft bedding, air conditioning and Wi-Fi. Highly rated budget homestays are often just as clean and culturally rich as premium stays, so you’ll get great value for your money in any price category.

1. 💸 Budget stays (RM500 and below)

Carnarvon House is a budget-friendly heritage stay on Carnarvon Lane, averaging around RM100 per night. Set in a restored 19th-century Straits-Chinese house with comforts like air-conditioning, Wi-Fi and clean rooms, its value and location are unbeatable.

Heritage Villa by Aayu effortlessly blends heritage architecture with modern minimalist decor. Stay in stylish rooms in a traditional shophouse setting and join unique experiences like walking tours, arts and crafts workshops or meditation and incense-making sessions. Book for an average of RM120 per night.

Macalister Terraces Hotel offers a bright, airy and modern heritage homestay experience. Framed contemporary art pieces line the walls of the common areas and are available for purchase. Rooms are priced at around RM200 per night.

Muntri Grove is another project by Chris Ong. Restoration efforts began in 2011 to convert the building into elegant suites featuring high ceilings, recycled timber and botanical décor. Guests can also enjoy a serene tropical courtyard with a pool. Book for an average of RM250 per night.

Muntri Mews was once a carriage house for drivers and horses before it was transformed by hotelier Chris Ong into a stylish boutique stay in 2009. Savour details like salvaged marble floors, vintage photos and tropical garden pavilions during your stay. Book for around RM290 per night.

23 Love Lane Hotel is set in several restored 1800s buildings reflecting five architectural eras. Discover 10 heritage rooms, green courtyards, a cosy library and the adjoining SteakFrites@23 restaurant. Rooms average at around RM430 per night.

2. Splurge stays (RM500 and above)

The Edison George Town – a restored, stately 1906 mansion on Lebuh Leith – offers 35 elegant rooms, a courtyard pool, an all-day lounge and a cosy library. Book a room for around RM600.

Seven Terraces is a row of restored Anglo-Chinese terrace homes near Armenian Street. They offer opulent Baba-Nyonya suites, antique furnishings and Peranakan dining at Kebaya Restaurant, for about RM550 per night.

The Cheong Fatt Sze (Blue Mansion) captures the imagination thanks to its striking royal blue façade. The mansion’s history and antiques offer a glimpse into the Straits Chinese elite lifestyle. Rooms are priced at around RM725.

Macalister Mansion is a gorgeous, all-white colonial manor on Macalister Road with less than 10 rooms available. Enjoy fine dining at Restaurant Blanc or cool off with a dip in the vintage-tiled pool on the front lawn. Rooms are priced around RM700.

88 Armenian served as a 19th century guesthouse and is now converted into a stylish and modern boutique hotel. For about RM1000 per night, you’re staying in the heart of the action, surrounded by trendy food, shopping and nightlife.

*Room prices for all hotels mentioned are just estimates. Rates vary depending on the season and time of year.

🍜 What and where to eat in George Town

Penang’s traditional street food is legendary, and while locals have their favourite spots, George Town is recognised as the epicentre of Malaysian street dining. The food scene has also evolved to include modern cafes and not-to-miss fine dining gems.

1. Street Food

Chulia Street Night Market is a must-visit for first timers to sample top favourite night market food like wantan mee, curry laksa and apom balik. In Penang, some street markets aren’t pedestrian-only, so watch out for cars passing through.

Sri Weld Food Court on Beach Street is well-known for its Nasi Lemak stall. People arrive as early as breakfast time for the best dishes. During lunch, people also eat nasi kandar, claypot rice and more.

New Lane Hawker Centre is another bustling open-air street-food lane. The seafood char kuey teow attracts a long line of customers. Other must-tries are satay, orh-chien (oyster omelette), cendol and grilled stingray.

Deens Maju Nasi Kandar serves many choices of curries, veggies and fried chicken in a cafeteria-style setting. Staff will help pile as much as you want on top of a mountain of rice before your plate reaches the cashier.

2. Malaysian Restaurants

Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Kueh Heritage Kitchen is hidden in an unassuming shophouse on Chulia Street. They specialise in kuih, traditional Malaysian desserts, offering over 22 handcrafted varieties.

Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery is as charming as its name in real life. The menu is a deeply authentic Peranakan cuisine crafted from generations of recipes – earning a Michelin star – making it a must-visit for heritage flavour lovers.

Jawi House Cafe Gallery is located on Lebuh Armenian in George Town. This heritage-café showcases rich Jawi-Peranakan cuisine. Malay, Indian and Arab influences combine in a charming restored shophouse setting.

Tek Sen Restaurant is a George Town institution serving mainly Teochew Chinese-style comfort food. Some favourites of patrons include the double-roasted pork with caramelised sauce and stir-fried kangkung (water spinach) in a slightly spicy shrimp paste.

3. Modern Cafes

ChinaHouse is a charming maze of restaurant, scenic open air courtyard and live music bar. Don’t miss their legendary 30-cake display – try the tiramisu.

Urban Daybreak is a Melbourne-style brunch café on Lebuh Bishop. Sip specialty coffee and eat crispy fried chicken and waffles in a stylish ambiance.

The YardHouse Kitchen Cafe & Bar is a cosy farmhouse-style eatery on Jalan Magazine, George Town. Try the signature French toast or pasta dishes.

Founders Hutton is housed in a restored 1890s Indo-Malay bungalow on Hutton Lane. Their artisan bagels and cinnamon rolls are menu highlights.

📸 Top things to do in George Town

1. Explore Armenian Street and the Street Art Trail

Start at Armenian Street, the heart of George Town’s UNESCO zone. This is where Ernest Zacharevic’s famous murals – like Children on a Bicycle – first drew attention to George Town’s street art movement. Keep an eye out for hidden murals and steel-rod caricatures tucked in side alleys.

2. Visit Khoo Kongsi

One of Penang’s grandest clan houses, Khoo Kongsi dazzles with intricate carvings and gilded ornamentation. It’s a testament to the wealth and artistry of the Chinese community that once shaped the city.

3. Step into the Pinang Peranakan Mansion

A replica of a typical home of a Straits Chinese elite family from a bygone era that now functions as a museum, complete with antiques, porcelain and heirloom jewellery. Rent or buy traditional Peranakan outfits to wear in the mansion.

4. Stroll around Chew Jetty

Long ago, seafaring Chinese families built homes along the jetties where they landed. The most well-preserved enclave is Chew Jetty, where wooden walkways, stilt houses and glimpses of local clan life create a one-of-a-kind experience.

5. Discover Hin Bus Depot

What was once an abandoned bus depot is now one of Penang’s coolest creative hubs featuring open-air art exhibits, weekend artisan markets, indie shops and a café scene buzzing with local energy.

6. Escape to Penang Hill & Kek Lok Si Temple

For panoramic island views, take the funicular up Penang Hill. Nearby, the sprawling Kek Lok Si Temple – Malaysia’s largest Buddhist temple – is an architectural marvel filled with prayer halls, gardens and pagodas.

🧭 Essential travel tips

• Getting around: Most attractions are walkable. Otherwise, use Grab or rent a bicycle.
• Dress smart: Lightweight clothes and sunscreen are musts under Penang’s tropical sun.
• Bring cash: Many hawker stalls and markets are still cash-only.
• Stay central: Accommodations near Armenian Street or Love Lane give easy access to George Town’s best attractions.