ExploreTravel GuidesMy Trips
    de|en
    All Places & RegionsAbout FernwehFAQPrivacy PolicyImprint
    ExploreTravel GuidesMy Trips
    • Neighborhoods & highlights
    • Eat & drink
    • Culture
    • Nightlife
    • Getting around
    • Accommodation
    • Plan trip
    • Nearby
    George Town
    CityCulture

    George Town

    The capital of Penang Island was founded in 1786 by the British East India Company and, along with Melaka, has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2008.

    More
    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. Malaysia
    7. Penang
    9. George Town
    The capital of Penang Island was founded in 1786 by the British East India Company and, along with Melaka, has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2008. In the old town, Chinese clan houses, Indian temples, mosques, and colonial buildings are only a few streets apart. George Town is considered one of the top destinations for street food in Southeast Asia.
    George Town city encompasses the entire island of Penang with around 800,000 inhabitants, but tourist interest focuses on the compact Old Town at its northeastern tip. Here lie the clan houses, temples, and mosques, the Clan Jetties, and the colonial buildings around Fort Cornwallis, all within just a few square kilometers. The best way to explore the alleys is on foot, early in the morning or from late afternoon, when the heat subsides. The city is also known for its street art: murals and wire sculptures depict episodes of the city's history on many building walls. You can reach Kek Lok Si and Penang Hill in the suburb of Air Itam in about 20 minutes by bus or Grab.

    Sights in George Town

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Khoo Kongsi
    Museum

    1Khoo Kongsi

    Malaysia's most magnificent clan house belongs to the Khoo Clan of Fujian. The current 1906 building is lavishly adorned with wood carvings, stone reliefs, and murals. A small museum on the ground floor explains the history of Chinese clan associations in George Town.
    Open in Google Maps
    Chew Jetty
    Attraction

    2Chew Jetty

    The largest of the Clan Jetties: On wooden jetties over the water, families of the Chew-Clan have lived in stilt houses since the 19th century. The jetty is publicly accessible, many houses sell snacks and souvenirs. As people live here, you should respect their privacy.
    Open in Google Maps
    Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (Blue Mansion)
    Attraction

    3Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (Blue Mansion)

    Merchant Cheong Fatt Tze had the indigo-blue mansion built in the late 19th century, adhering to Feng Shui principles. After decades of neglect, it was elaborately restored and now serves as a boutique hotel. You can explore its interior and courtyards on regular guided tours.
    Open in Google Maps
    Kek Lok Si Temple
    Place of Worship

    4Kek Lok Si Temple

    The large Buddhist temple complex on Air Itam's slopes originated in 1890 and was expanded over decades. Its landmark is the seven-story pagoda, combining Chinese, Thai, and Burmese stylistic elements. Above it stands an approx. 30-meter-high bronze statue of the goddess Kuan Yin, accessed by an inclined lift. For Chinese New Year, the complex is lit with thousands of lanterns.
    Open in Google Maps
    Pinang Peranakan Mansion
    Museum

    5Pinang Peranakan Mansion

    This green-painted late 19th-century city mansion once belonged to tin magnate Chung Keng Quee. Today, as a museum, it showcases about a thousand antiques, furniture, jewelry, and porcelain, providing a vivid insight into the living culture of wealthy Peranakan families.
    Open in Google Maps
    Fort Cornwallis
    Historic Landmark

    6Fort Cornwallis

    The star-shaped fort stands where Francis Light landed in 1786. Its early 19th-century brick walls house preserved cannons, a powder magazine, and a small chapel. Next door are the Esplanade and City Hall.
    Open in Google Maps

    Restaurants in George Town

    1

    Tek Sen

    This lively spot on Lebuh Carnarvon has been serving Cantonese and Hokkien home-style dishes for sharing for decades. It's known for its double-fried pork belly with chili and vegetables with shrimp paste. Expect a wait at lunch and dinner.
    Show on Google Maps
    2

    Jawi House Cafe Gallery

    The cafe on Armenian Street is dedicated to the cuisine of the Jawi Peranakan, descendants of Indian-Muslim traders and Malay families. The menu features dishes like Nasi Lemuni and curries made from old family recipes, alongside rotating exhibitions on the community's history.
    Show on Google Maps
    3

    ChinaHouse

    Three interconnected, historic shophouses between Beach Street and Victoria Street house a café, restaurant, bar, and gallery. ChinaHouse is famous for its long cake counter. Evenings often feature live music in the back.
    Show on Google Maps
    4

    Nasi Kandar Line Clear

    One of the city's most famous Nasi Kandar stalls, located in a narrow alley off Jalan Penang. You choose meat, fish, or vegetables from the display, accompanied by rice and a mix of curries. The eatery is open 24/7 and popular with locals, even late at night.
    Show on Google Maps
    5

    Gurney Drive Hawker Centre

    Gurney Drive's large open-air food court on the waterfront opens early evening. Dozens of stalls offer Penang classics like Char Kway Teow, Asam Laksa, Rojak, and Oyster Omelette. It's just outside the old town, reachable by Grab in minutes.
    Show on Google Maps
    6

    Kheng Pin Cafe

    An old Kopitiam on Jalan Penang, with multiple stalls cooking under one roof. It is known for Lor Bak, deep-fried five-spice meat rolls, and Hainanese Chicken Chop. It usually operates only from morning until early afternoon.
    Show on Google Maps

    Culture and Cityscape

    Shophouses and Clan HousesThe cityscape is defined by two-storey shophouses with shops on the ground floor and living spaces above, connected by covered walkways, the so-called Five-Foot-Ways. Interspersed are the assembly houses of Chinese clans like Khoo Kongsi, which once helped newcomers from the same home region.Little India, around Lebuh Queen and Lebuh Chulia, is characterized by spice shops, sari fabrics, and South Indian restaurants. In summer, the George Town Festival takes place, featuring theatre, music, and art in historical buildings. The streets are particularly lively for Chinese New Year and Thaipusam.

    Nightlife

    1

    Sora Penang

    Cocktail bar in the Old Town near Beach Street, also serving small dishes. Good for a drink after dinner at the street food stalls.
    Show on Google Maps
    2

    Sphere Rooftop Bar

    Rooftop bar with views over the rooftops of George Town. Especially popular at sunset.
    Show on Google Maps
    3

    Beach St Bistrot

    Wine bar and bistro on Beach Street with European cuisine. A quieter spot for a glass of wine in the Old Town.
    Show on Google Maps

    Travelling in George Town

    The Old Town is small enough to reach everything on foot. Expect to take breaks due to the heat.The free CAT-Bus (Central Area Transit) does a loop through the World Heritage Area.Rapid-Penang buses depart from Weld Quay and Komtar and travel to Batu Ferringhi, Air Itam, and the airport.Grab is affordable and the easiest option for rides to Gurney Drive or Penang Hill.The ferry to Butterworth departs from Raja Tun Uda Ferry Terminal, and from there trains run to Kuala Lumpur.

    Accommodations in George Town

    Find perfect stay in George Town

    Booking.com* (Affiliate link)
    Search Hotels
    Agoda* (Affiliate link)
    Search Hotels
    Airbnb
    Vacation Rentals

    * Affiliate link: if you book through it, we earn a small commission. The price stays the same for you.

    Plan your trip to George Town

    Save places, build a route and plan your city trip, all in one place.

    1. 1
      1234

      Round trip

      12 days · 4 stops

      Saved

      Pick a route

      Take a ready-made round trip or build your own from saved places.

      Open bookmarks
    2. 2

      Trip to George Town

      Live
      • 1Khoo Kongsi3 days
      • 2Chew Jetty4 days
      • 3Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (Blue Mansion)5 days
      Budget

      Plan your trip

      The planner sorts stops, days and budget. Plan together in real time.

      Start trip planning
    3. 3
      9:41 No signal
      Available offline

      Use it on the road

      Download the guide to your phone and use it offline on location.

    Nearby

    Penang

    Penang

    Penang Island, off the northwest coast of the Malay Peninsula, is renowned for George Town: Its Old Town, with Chinese clan houses, Indian temples, and colonial architecture, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Other attractions include Penang Hill, a small national park with beaches, and a street food scene considered one of Malaysia's best.
    Penang Hill (Bukit Bendera)
    Hzh / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

    Penang Hill (Bukit Bendera)

    George Town's Mount rises to about 830 metres and was a retreat from the heat even in colonial times. A funicular takes you to the top in just a few minutes, where it's noticeably cooler. From the viewpoints, gaze over the city to the Penang Bridge and mainland; the Habitat nature trail leads through ancient rainforest.
    Batu Ferringhi

    Batu Ferringhi

    Penang's most famous beach resort is located on the island's north coast, about 30 minutes from George Town. Hotels line the long sandy beach, and in the evenings, a night market opens along the main road. The water is not always suitable for swimming due to jellyfish, but water sports and a trip to Penang National Park are popular.
    Pulau Dayang Bunting
    Gregorio02 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

    Pulau Dayang Bunting

    The second largest island of the Langkawi Archipelago lies south of the main island and is uninhabited except for a few fishermen. It is known for the freshwater lake Tasik Dayang Bunting, the Lake of the Pregnant Maiden, between forested limestone hills. The island is part of almost every island-hopping tour from Pantai Cenang.
    Kuah
    SNN95 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

    Kuah

    Kuah is Langkawi's main town, with a ferry port, government offices, duty-free shops, and markets. Its landmark is the giant eagle statue at Dataran Lang, right by the harbor. Most travelers stay on the beaches and come here for shopping or when arriving by ferry.