Curator’s statement
George Town, the capital of Penang in Malaysia, is a city that seamlessly blends rich cultural heritage with modern-day charm. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers a captivating glimpse into Malaysia’s colonial past, with well-preserved architecture, vibrant street art, and a multi-ethnic history shaped by Malay, Chinese, Indian, and European influences.
One of the most unique aspects of George Town is its pace—life moves slowly here, especially when you’re driving.
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Where to stay in George Town
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Things to do in George Town
Street food
Nature & Heritage
Penang Botanical Gardens: A lush retreat with tropical flora, scenic walking trails, and the iconic lily pond. Keep an eye out for playful macaques!
Penang Hill: Ascend via funicular or hike from the Botanical Gardens for panoramic views, cool breezes, and attractions like The Habitat’s canopy walk.
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (Blue Mansion): A UNESCO-awarded heritage home blending Chinese and European architecture, now a boutique hotel and museum.
Khoo Kongsi: An ornate Chinese clanhouse showcasing intricate carvings and rich history, reflecting Penang’s multicultural heritage.
Art & culture
Street Art Trail: Wander George Town’s lanes to discover murals and wrought-iron caricatures narrating local stories—perfect for photo ops.
Penang Peranakan Mansion: Explore the opulent lifestyle of the Straits Chinese with antiques, costumes, and restored interiors in this heritage museum.
Street food & hawker delights
New Lane Hawker Centre: A bustling evening spot offering local favorites like Char Koay Teow, Curry Mee, and Apom Manis.
Penang Road Teochew Chendul: Famous for its refreshing cendol—a dessert of shaved ice, green jelly noodles, red beans, coconut milk, and palm sugar.
Gurney Drive: A seaside promenade lined with food stalls serving Asam Laksa, Rojak, and other Penang specialties.
Coco Island Street Food: A lesser-known gem offering a variety of local dishes in a vibrant setting.
Places to eat & drink in George Town
Spicy
Must-try hawker stalls
New Lane Hawker Centre (Lorong Baru): A bustling evening spot offering a variety of local favorites like Char Koay Teow, Curry Mee, and Apom Manis.
Air Itam Asam Laksa: Located near Kek Lok Si Temple, this stall is famed for its tangy and spicy asam laksa, a Penang specialty.
Sister Yao’s Char Koay Kak: Operating for over 40 years on Macalister Lane, this stall serves delicious stir-fried radish cakes with preserved radish, bean sprouts, and eggs.
Kheng Pin Café: Known for its lor bak—marinated minced pork wrapped in bean curd skin and deep-fried to perfection.
Line Clear Nasi Kandar: A legendary spot on Jalan Penang offering rice with a variety of curries and side dishes, reflecting Indian Muslim culinary traditions.
Authentic Peranakan (Nyonya) restaurants
Kebaya Dining Room: Situated in the Seven Terraces Hotel, this restaurant offers a refined Peranakan dining experience with dishes like smoked beef rendang and pandan crème brûlée.
Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery: A beloved spot serving traditional Nyonya dishes such as Chicken Curry Kapitan and Asam Prawns in a nostalgic setting.
Ivy’s Nyonya Cuisine: A Muslim-friendly establishment offering both set and à-la-carte menus, featuring homemade dishes like Nasi Ulam and Chicken Rendang.
Ceki Nyonya Restaurant: A hidden gem praised for its authentic and flavorful Nyonya cuisine, offering a cozy dining atmosphere.
Bibik’s Kitchen: Located on Sri Bahari Road, this restaurant serves a variety of Nyonya dishes, maintaining traditional flavors in a homely setting.
Need to know
One of the most unique aspects of George Town is its pace—life moves slowly here, especially when you’re driving. Roads are often narrow and congested, and walking requires attention due to uneven sidewalks, open holes, and unexpected steps. Yet, this slower rhythm encourages visitors to take their time and soak in the details: colorful shophouses, ornate temples, and buzzing hawker stalls offering world-famous street food.
Despite the bustling streets, the city is impressively clean. Locals take pride in keeping their environment tidy, and it’s rare to see litter. The warm, tropical heat—especially in the daytime—takes some getting used to, but it’s part of the authentic Penang experience.
George Town is also incredibly accessible for Western travelers. Most signs use the Roman alphabet, making navigation straightforward, and English is widely spoken, a legacy of British colonial rule. Whether you’re drawn by the food, the history, or the art, George Town is a city that invites you to explore at your own pace and rewards you with depth, flavor, and charm.
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Malaysia page.
Travel Advisor
Nancy Pappas
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