THE 15 BEST Things to Do in George Town
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Things to Do in George Town
Check out must-see sights and activities:
Penang Hill, Pinang Peranakan Mansion, Flea & Street Markets, Eco Tours. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
Penang Hill, Pinang Peranakan Mansion, Flea & Street Markets, Eco Tours. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Book these experiences for a close-up look at George Town.
Day Tripsfromper adult (price varies by group size)AU$144
Private and Luxuryfromper adult (price varies by group size)AU$89
Eco Toursfromper adultAU$48
Car Toursfromper adultAU$100
Day Tripsfromper adultAU$146
Street Food Toursfromper adultAU$72
Historical Toursfromper adultAU$11
Day Tripsfromper adult (price varies by group size)AU$104
Cooking Classesfromper adultAU$151- fromper adult (price varies by group size)AU$135
Trams
Scenic hilltop destination featuring panoramic views, a variety of dining options, and a cable car ride. Highlight includes a unique monkey cup garden and native wildlife.
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History Museums
Historical mansion with well-preserved Peranakan antiques and vibrant jewellery exhibits. Features detailed guided tours and insights into colonial life and customs.
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Historic Sites
Historic Sites
Vibrant street art and historic architecture line this bustling neighborhood, with eateries and local shops ideal for cultural exploration and photography.
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Speciality Museums
Historic clan house displaying a blend of Chinese, Peranakan, and Malay influences through intricate carvings, colourful decorations, and a museum detailing the local clan's history.
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Tranquil botanical retreat with thematic gardens, waterfalls, and serene walkways. Home to diverse flora, fauna including monkeys, and historical tropical landscapes.
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Neighbourhoods
Traditional fishing village ambiance on stilts, with local eateries and quaint shops. Provides cultural insight with scenic harbor views and a vibrant community vibe.
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Religious Sites
Tranquil Southeast Asian-style temple adorned with colourful Buddhist decorations, expansive grounds, and a striking golden Buddha. Displays cultural and historical significance in Pulau Tikus.
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Religious Sites
Tranquil Thai temple with a striking 33-metre reclining Buddha, vibrant sculptures, and Thai-style architecture. Rich in history and cultural charm, ideal for a serene visit.
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Shopping Malls
Trendy shopping complex with an array of international luxury brands and local boutiques. Features a vibrant food court showcasing cultural culinary diversity.
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Historic Sites
Historic street lined with heritage shophouses, temples, and bustling eateries, providing a sensory journey through diverse, authentic local cuisine and vibrant cultural tapestry.
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Other Top Attractions around George Town
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What travellers are saying
- manish pKathmandu, Nepal78 contributionsView from the top was great… it gets crowded so better to go early.. you can walk around at the top but not too many things to doWritten 21 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- SudrabfoxKyoto, Japan7 contributionsIf you’re in Penang and not visiting the Pinang Peranakan Mansion, what are you even doing? This place is like walking straight into a time capsule—but not the dusty kind. Think opulent, colorful, and absolutely dripping with stories of the Peranakan (Straits Chinese) lifestyle.
The mansion itself is a jaw-dropper. Every corner screams, “Take my picture!” From the intricate carvings on the doors to the antique furniture that looks straight out of a royal drama, you’ll feel like you’ve been cast in a period film. The details here are next-level: gold-leaf accents, hand-painted tiles, and chandeliers so grand they make the palace at Versailles look humble.
The best part? The guided tours. If you’re lucky enough to snag a passionate guide, you’re in for some real tea about Peranakan culture, from their lavish traditions to the cheeky superstitions that make you wonder how people even survived the Victorian era of Asia. Bonus points to the guide who referred to the massive wedding bed as “Instagram-worthy but cursed.”
And the jewelry collection? Let’s just say it’ll make you wish you lived in an era where wearing gold the size of a small plate was socially acceptable.
A quick tip: Go early to avoid the crowd and get those “I have the mansion to myself” photos. Also, don’t rush! There’s so much to take in that you’ll want to spend at least an hour here, if not more.
Bottom line: If you love history with a side of drama and a whole lot of glam, Pinang Peranakan Mansion is a must. Don’t miss it—and don’t forget to look up at the ceilings. They’re just as extra as the rest of the place. 10/10, would get lost in the beauty all over again.Written 28 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - S KSingapore, Singapore432 contributionsWe arrived just before 3.30 pm and was advised the guided tour is sold out. Not wanting to wait till 4.30 pm for the audio tour, we took the option of a high tea for 2 there. The high tea was good and allowed us the option of exploring the beautiful interiors of the Blue Mansion at our own pace. The hotel section was out of bounds. Relative to the Peranakan Mansion which is a lot bigger and visually more captivating, the same entrance fee ( with guided tour) at 25 myr per pax appeared high here. The high tea is reasonable at 88 myr for 2 pax ( Mon-Thurs) .Written 2 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ian FNorthern Ireland, UK706 contributionsPleasant walking area with many attractions/shops etc to see. Food was available to suit your wishes and needs. Having come off a cruise plenty of taxis are available to bring you here. Most of the traders take credit cards so no issues spending.Written 25 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Paul ChoongPenang Island, Malaysia127 contributionsKhoo Kongsi: A mesmerizing 19th-century Chinese clan temple, where intricate carvings, vibrant colors, and rich history converge to create an unforgettable cultural experience.Written 30 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- DavidjellisLowestoft, UK9,498 contributionsMy wife and I visited on a cruise ship excursion and we had just under an hour here to enjoy the pretty surroundings. It's an easy walk and fairly flat. There are many interesting plants and trees to see, and our guide explained that the gardens were mainly known for its trees and plants, in contrast to botanical gardens elsewhere that focused on flowers.
There are wild macaque monkeys here...just don't go too near or wave any bags around as they will try to grab the bag on the premise there might be food inside. We loved the fascinating cannon ball trees, the cannon balls are really odd plants that apparently smell rotten on the inside. We could have easily spent longer here but we were on a tight timetable.
The gardens are located at Jalan Kebun Bunga and it is Malaysia’s only botanic gardens. There are many ferns and cactus houses too, including some rare species.
The Botanic Gardens is open every day from 5 a.m. until 8 p.m and there is parking available.Written 30 January 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Paul ChoongPenang Island, Malaysia127 contributionsA vibrant, historic wooden jetty in Penang showcasing the unique Clan Jetty culture. Explore fascinating architecture, local life, and scenic vistas.Written 30 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Abovetheclouds2,321 contributionsI loved this. I had been to Myanmar some years ago and I felt like I was back in Yangon. Huge grounds and different parts to see. I spent around 45 minutes walking around. Very peaceful and relaxing. Active temple so be respectful and remove footwear when entering. I suggest also going to the Golden Pagoda Bell Tower at the back and climbing to the top. There is a lift too. You can get a lovely overview of the temple and Wat Chayamangkalaram opposite. There is information so I learnt a lot too. I really enjoyed this. The murals and the various statues of Buddha were quite something. I wasn't expecting something like this. Suggest combining this and Wat Chayamangkalaram opposite. Take a Grab if you are staying near George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site, super cheap and less than a 10 minute drive.Written 28 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Abovetheclouds2,321 contributionsHighly recommend. I felt like I was back in Thailand. Noted for the large gold plated Reclining Buddha. It was huge. August, 2024 and opening times are 08:00 to 16:00. There are various sections that you can visit. Just remove footwear before going in. Very relaxing and peaceful. The Dhammikarama Burmese temple is located opposite so do both together. I did the Burmese temple first as this was a lot bigger and needed more time. You can take a Grab. Cheap and less than a 10 minute drive from the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site.Written 28 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- LeonhknyHong Kong, China22,582 contributionsThis is an upscale shopping mall right outside George Town city center. Popular among locals, Gurney Plaza is the perfect place to understand local lifestyle. There are some local brands for clothing as well as both Malaysian and international dining options.Written 20 January 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- KerryR290Indented Head, Australia343 contributionsChulia St itself has high traffic volume so if you are picking a hotel right on Chulia st make sure the windows are double glazedif the traffic doesn’t keep you awake the doof doof at the bars will.
The area is great for eating out, all varieties, all price brackets from st food to casual bars to fine dining.
Visiting the old mansions is a must.
Allow 3 daysWritten 29 April 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Abovetheclouds2,321 contributionsI absolutely loved this! Food is a big part of Malaysian culture. The museum is very interesting but also fun and interactive with the colours and displays. Great for children too. Easy to navigate. Information is in English as well. There are two floors but the museum is small. Allow maybe 45 minutes. You learn about the importance of food in Malaysian culture, the traditions, the history and there is also basic general information about food, the most expensive dishes in the world and more. I had a great time and learnt a lot. I came out smiling having lived with an eating disorder most of my life, it made me appreciate food more and not to 'fear' it. Staff are friendly and helpful. They will take photographs of you along the way if you want. They have WIFI as well. Located right near Little India so good to combine the two.Written 27 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above hotel descriptions. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in one of these AI-generated descriptions is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
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