Design - George Town - Penang

6 transformed heritage spaces to visit in George Town

Photo: Over & Above.

George Town, Penang, is where heritage upsells modern businesses. Whether it’s restored colonial mansion hotels or design-forward cafรฉs, the city’s transformed heritage spaces blends architecture, and luxury travel into one inspiring destination.

1. Macalister Mansion

A masterpiece of heritage and modern design, Macalister Mansion features curated suites combining antique furnishings, contemporary artwork, marble accents and tropical greenery. Its elegant faรงade and serene interiors make it a top choice for design-minded travellers.

Macalister Mansionโ€™s colonial architecture meets contemporary design in George Townโ€™s luxury boutique hotel/Marriott.

2. Studio Howard

Started by Howard Tan, this minimalist shophouse is part concept store, part design studio. Artisan furniture, ceramics and glassware showcase Penangโ€™s creative talent. New products are introduced several times a year, and they occasionally host art events as well.

3. Seven Terraces

Occupying restored 19th-century Anglo-Chinese terrace houses,ย Seven Terracesย merges Peranakan luxury with modern comfort. Antique teak furniture, hand-painted tiles and a courtyard pool showcase heritage restoration at its finest.

Seven Terraces offers an elegant Peranakan-inspired retreat in the heart of George Town/Seven Terraces.

4. P.66

A design-led cafรฉ and concept store, P.66 features curved architecture, natural timber and abundant daylight. Guests can sip specialty coffee, browse curated homeware and enjoy the slow-living ethos in a restored heritage space.

5. Over & Above Cafรฉ

A contemporary cafรฉ featuring geometric tiles, high ceilings and sleek interiors, perfect for Japanese-inspired brunches or evening cocktails. The stylish ambiance reflects Penangโ€™s modern cafรฉ culture.

Over & Above/Facebook.

6. HIN Bus Depot

This adaptive reuse project transforms a former bus terminal into a hub for art, pop-up markets and creative events, showcasing Penangโ€™s thriving contemporary art scene. George Town’s foremost fine dining experience โ€“ Au Jardin restaurant โ€“ is also located here.

MORE: Moving on from transformed heritage spaces, now let’s check out the best farms to visit for fresh durian in Balik Pulau.


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Shermian Lim's avatar

Writer, traveller, and plant collector.

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