George Town
George Town
4
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience George Town
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,463 within 5 kms
Attractions
180 within 10 kms
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
495 reviews
Excellent
237
Very good
178
Average
52
Poor
14
Terrible
14
donavan94563
Orinda, CA186 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
Had one day in Panang during a cruise. Traveling with a family of 4 with college kids.
Combine three distinct and ancient cultures with indigenous and colonial architecture, shake for a few centuries, and garnish with some of the best food in Southeast Asia, and you've got the irresistible urban cocktail that is George Town a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
George Town is the colorful, multicultural capital of the Malaysian island of Penang. Once an important Straits of Malacca trading hub, the city is known for its British colonial buildings, Chinese shophouses and mosques.
Due to the intermingling of the various ethnicities and religions that arrived on its shores, George Town acquired a large eclectic assortment of colonial and Asian architectural styles. It also gained a reputation as Malaysia's gastronomic capital for its distinct and ubiquitous street food. Moreover, the city hosts unique cultural heritage, such as the Peranakans, whose legacies are still visible on Penang's architecture and cuisine.
The cruise ship terminal is conveniently located at the water's edge of George Town adjacent to the Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower providing easy walking access to the sites of George Town.
Although most of George Town is old and not up to modern day western standards, the charm of Georgetown lies in its hidden alleys and architectural details. A way to navigate through the area is via the graphic street art depicting the life of the people of Penang.
An article by Maartje Hensen gives a detailed guide to George Town Street Art Area with map which includes the murals within the main part of George Town.
The article highly recommends starting your murals-hunt from Chew Jetty, and slowly make your way to the famous art street: Armenian Street. It’ll take you on a journey from faded (and repainted) art to the classics!
As you scavenger hunt for the murals you will meander through the eclectic mix of British colonial buildings, Chinese shophouses and mosques. I loved how modern day cafe's, bakeries and restaurants have inhabited many of these old buildings providing refreshing air conditioned breaks along your journey. Be also adventurous and try the local food stalls and cafes.
All in all, a great way to spend the day at Penang/George Town with a family.
Combine three distinct and ancient cultures with indigenous and colonial architecture, shake for a few centuries, and garnish with some of the best food in Southeast Asia, and you've got the irresistible urban cocktail that is George Town a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
George Town is the colorful, multicultural capital of the Malaysian island of Penang. Once an important Straits of Malacca trading hub, the city is known for its British colonial buildings, Chinese shophouses and mosques.
Due to the intermingling of the various ethnicities and religions that arrived on its shores, George Town acquired a large eclectic assortment of colonial and Asian architectural styles. It also gained a reputation as Malaysia's gastronomic capital for its distinct and ubiquitous street food. Moreover, the city hosts unique cultural heritage, such as the Peranakans, whose legacies are still visible on Penang's architecture and cuisine.
The cruise ship terminal is conveniently located at the water's edge of George Town adjacent to the Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower providing easy walking access to the sites of George Town.
Although most of George Town is old and not up to modern day western standards, the charm of Georgetown lies in its hidden alleys and architectural details. A way to navigate through the area is via the graphic street art depicting the life of the people of Penang.
An article by Maartje Hensen gives a detailed guide to George Town Street Art Area with map which includes the murals within the main part of George Town.
The article highly recommends starting your murals-hunt from Chew Jetty, and slowly make your way to the famous art street: Armenian Street. It’ll take you on a journey from faded (and repainted) art to the classics!
As you scavenger hunt for the murals you will meander through the eclectic mix of British colonial buildings, Chinese shophouses and mosques. I loved how modern day cafe's, bakeries and restaurants have inhabited many of these old buildings providing refreshing air conditioned breaks along your journey. Be also adventurous and try the local food stalls and cafes.
All in all, a great way to spend the day at Penang/George Town with a family.
Written 2 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Poddy
Perth, Australia289 contributions
Sep 2022
Easy to travel by local transport or just walk around the area, spent a day in the area just checking out all the Murial's, steel art and eating spots. Local transport in the form of free hop on hop off buses, a good way to get orientated with the area. Lots of History here.
Written 6 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Yisipsam
Geneva, Switzerland8 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Really cool place, many things to do all over the island (trekking, swimming, chilling, eating...) Don't miss Kek Lok Sii temple in Air Itam. And don't forget your driver licence because im Georgetown you'll have to walk... on the road.
Written 8 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Harrison F. Carter
Cologne, Germany10,777 contributions
Aug 2020
Really loved our time here - wandering the streets, stopping in cafes and restaurants and seeing the sights. So much to see and do... and all on foot.
Written 15 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
macedonboy
Glasgow, UK165,953 contributions
Jan 2020
I love visiting for the mix of British Colonial and Chinese architecture, not to mention the endless choices of street food, even for a vegetarian. The place is a little tourist, but fortunately, it’s never kitsch and the town has preserved so much of the old world charms.
Written 19 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ysp_lelyana
Malang, Indonesia548 contributions
Aug 2019
I fall in love with George Town of Penang. Always wants to return to this nice heritage place. Yummy food is everywhere, safe and clean. Public transportation even free one will help the visitors to wander around. Go to Penang Hill and trekking to Penang National Park. It's fun!
Written 18 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nathalia
1 contribution
Dec 2019
Colonial buildings, live streets, good food, and most of the attractions are within walking distance. I love Penang chocolate and white coffee. Try it!
Written 5 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Maputo2016
Maputo, Mozambique28 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
What great to walk around small streets of George Town. Cultural heritage.
Visited Little India and also other areas around. Dont miss this
Visited Little India and also other areas around. Dont miss this
Written 5 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Travel & Treasures
Munich, Germany210 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
We went to George Town as a layover day on our way to Langkawi and found it perfect for a day trip. The street art is easy to find and can be spotted everywhere around the district. Small artsy cafes and restaurants along with crafty souvenir shops create a nice easy going experience. Of you’d like to see all art pieces I’d recommend to get a map and look them up beforehand.
Written 4 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ASIYA U
1 contribution
Dec 2019
The place was dirty and rubbish was plentiful. There were open sewers/drains that smelled. I was amazed that cooking stalls were set up next to these as well as tables at restaurant tables. There were broken sidewalks and in some places no sidewalks. I was VERY disappointed. The toilets were nightmares, rarely any tissue paper and water (urine?) all over the floor. The commodes were filthy too. This was our third city in Malaysia. I am shocked at the low level of hygiene. We stayed at a resort but the surrounding area there was equally disgusting.
Written 31 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Elizabeth1955
London, UK6 contributions
Are there any beaches in George town or nearby
Kevin T
Auckland, New Zealand1,069 contributions
Georgetown is on the coast but any beach is pretty average. Head north to Tanjung Tokong it gets better the further u go. Around 4ks north of Georgetown, taxis very very cheap and all over the place.
Mandy
Toronto, Canada169 contributions
Hi, we are planning to stop by one day in Penang and like your suggestion to ride on Trishaw. How much is a trishaw ride of 1 or 2 hours?
George B
East Fremantle, Australia2 contributions
You can get a tri shaw ride for Ringett $35 per half hour,ride into the Heritgae Market..the tri shaw riders know where to go in that time.Safe ,exciting and a great thing to do to visit "old Penang".
GEORGE TOWN (Penang) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about George Town
- We recommend booking George Town tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 34 George Town tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience George Town:
- Penang Island 4 Hours City Tour (From RM 226.38)
- Half Day Penang City Tour (5 Hours) (From RM 226.38)
- Penang City & Temple Tour with Penang Hill(Fast Lane) & Kek Lok Si (From RM 437.99)
- Penang: George Town City Half-Day Attractions (From RM 268.43)
- Penang Full Day Tour (From RM 392.36)
- Restaurants near George Town:
- (0.02 km) Boru
- (0.04 km) Rang8
- (0.04 km) I Love K-bab
- (0.05 km) Downtown Art Heritage Cafe
- (0.06 km) Nan Yang Chinese Cuisine