View of metropolitan George Town city
A home to a famous skyscraper and world renowned historical landmarks, this modern city of George Town is one of the most visited cities by local and international tourists in Malaysia. Due to its historical ties and colonial past, the city was included in the list UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2008 together with Malacca.
From nature parks to historic sites, George Town has a variety of attractions that makes visitors flock the city throughout the year.
Let us take a look at the top 10 things you can do while visiting this beautiful modern city.
Buddhist temple Kek Lok Si in Georgetown
George Town city view from Penang Hill (Night View)
Railway Ride At Penang Hill
Penang Hill Tram Car
A funicular train on it’s way up to Penang Hill, Malaysia
At 821 meters above sea level, Penang Hill is a group of summits in Penang, which is 6 kilometers away from George Town’s city center. It is one of the most visited locations by tourists especially during the night when you will be able to witness the breathtaking view of George Town’s bright lights.To reach the top where David Brown’s Restaurant & Tea Terrace is located, you have to ride the Penang Hill Railway. You will not only enjoy taking pictures of the hill’s beauty, but you can also dine delicious cuisines from this English Colonial-style restaurant.
Visit Penang State Museum & Art Gallery
With history dated back in 1821, this museum and art gallery in George Town was declared as a heritage building and is now visited by locals and tourists who wish to learn about the city’s rich history. While at the museum, you will see maps, historical relics, Chinese furniture, and other collections from the city’s past events.
The museum also houses an art gallery where paintings of old Penang painted by local artists are on display. You can also buy a variety of merchandises sold in the museum as souvenirs.
Visit The Blue Mansion
Cheong Fatt Tze the Blue mansion
Exterior view of Cheong Fatt Tze Blue Mansion. Credit: gracethang2
Located within George Town’s UNESCO district, The Blue Mansion (Cheong Fatt Tze) is recognized as one of the best valued and top rated locations in the city. It is the best place to stay if you are looking for a place in George Town where you can experience living in the old Penang. Aside from overnight stays, the Blue Mansion also offers a day tour to those who want to take a walk and discover the stories of the Blue Mansion.
It has won awards from UNESCO and has been featured in different films locally and internationally. It is also one of the best choices for tourists to stay because it can be easily accessed from the other significant heritage locations in George Town.
Walk Along Chew Jetty
Chew Jetty which is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Penang. Credit: gracethang2
A wooden plank walkway along with a restaurant on the Chew Jetty fishing village
Having a short walk along Chew Jetty will help you learn about the city’s trading history. The stilt houses by the sea show how the Chew Clan community was able to survive and remain after a long period. The site on this above-water village also gives visitors a lot of information about other jetties that are already gone.
Residents also built cafes and stalls in the area where you can buy food and souvenir items.
Visit The Camera Museum
If you are a fan of photography or cameras, you will find visiting the Camera Museum fun and exciting. It has a collection of fantastic antique cameras that even those with no interest in photography will find the displays interesting. Their knowledgeable guides will also let you inspect the cameras carefully. There are also cafés and stores nearby that are worth the visit.
Café Hopping
Love lane, Penang’s backpacker’s street fills with budget hotels and coffee shops. Credit: Alan Tan Photography
traditional Kopitiam cafe in Chinatown, George Town, Penang, Malaysia. Credit: Elena Ermakova
George Town is also a home of some of the best coffee shops in Malaysia. From vintage to modern style coffee shops, you will find it enjoyable to visit these cool cafés if you are a coffee lover. One of the most popular to travelers is the Mugshot Café. Aside from serving coffees, they also have a variety of teas, yogurts and sweet treats to choose from.
The Mugshot café is a perfect place if you are craving for coffee or just simply want to relax and get some works done.
Bike Around George Town’s Street Arts
One of the famous murals on the walls of the old town of George Town in Malaysia. Credit: Lev Levin
Street Mural titled ‘Children on the Swing’ painted by Louis Gan. Credit: manzrussali
One of the best ways to release stress or have fun while in George Town is to indulge in the city’s beautiful street arts.You can stroll around the area and take pictures of these fascinating street arts by walking or by renting bicycles. These impressive artworks make both art enthusiasts, and tourists take an endless amount of photos to add to their collections. It is surely one of the best areas of George Town to visit.
Wall artwork called “Brother and Sister street art” in George Town, Penang. Credit: Joey Santini
A mural ‘Boy on a Bike’ painted by Ernest Zacharevic. Credit: manzrussali
Visit Penang Botanical Gardens
Penang Botanical Gardens Waterfall
Because of the pouring waterfall nearby, Penang Botanical Gardens is also known as Waterfall Gardens by locals. It has a collection of rare plant species, beautiful landscapes, and a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Aside from hiking and sightseeing, Penang Botanical Garden is also a popular spot for locals and tourists who want to do jogging, trekking, and other recreational activities.
Address: 673A, Jalan Kebun Bunga, Pulau Tikus, 10350 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Phone: +60 4-226 4401
Shopping At KOMTAR
The KOMTAR skyscraper is 231m tall and is the 6th tallest building in Malaysia. Credit: Lee Snider
66-story Komtar Tower dominates the skyline of the city. Credit: jirawatfoto
Located in the heart of George Town, this 65-storey building is one of the tallest buildings in the city and one of the most notable landmarks of the state of Penang. It is also a location of numerous stores selling different types of apparels, house items, and more. Besides being a location of retail outlets, it also has Penang’s tallest skyscraper, administrative offices, auditoriums and a transportation hub.
Address: Georgetown, 10450 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Contact: +60 4-264 22703
Food Marathon At Gurney Drive
Night Scene Gurney Drive. Credit: sorawit pramokchutima
Beautiful sunset at Gurney Drive
Known as the center of food heaven in the northern part of Malaysia, it is one of the main reasons why a large number of tourists are flocking the city every year. One of the most popular places to eat different cuisines in the city is the Gurney Drive.There are numerous stalls along the road which offers a variety of dishes that you will surely enjoy. Among the most popular dishes sold in the area are the Penang Asam Laksa, Curry Noodles, and more.Aside from great food, the seafront is also a favorite spot for families and friends who want to relax.
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Food or Fruit truck in Georgetown, Malaysia. Credit: dherrmann79
Street food at Kimberly Street Food Night Market.
Street food at Kimberly Street Food Night Market. George Town, Penang, Malaysia. We hope you’ll enjoy George Town!