What to do in George Town

Activities, attractions and tours

A traditional temple with ornate architecture, a sign reading "Yap Temple," and a gate with a plaque.
A coastal cityscape with a prominent tall building, dense urban architecture, and a clear blue sky.
A traditional Chinese temple with ornate dragon decorations and red lanterns.
A cannon on a grassy embankment overlooking a coastal road with vehicles and a bus.
A historic fort with cannons and a tall observation tower.

Things to do

The Top Penang Admission Ticket

Penang: The Top Penang Entry Ticket

฿435
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Penang: The Top Penang Entry Ticket
eSIM: Airalo Malaysia Package

eSIM: Airalo Malaysia Package

฿74
per traveller
eSIM: Airalo Malaysia Package
The Habitat Penang Hill Admission Ticket

Malaysia: Penang Habitat Entry Ticket

฿443
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Malaysia: Penang Habitat Entry Ticket
Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm

Malaysia: Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm

฿480
per adult
Malaysia: Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm
ESCAPE

Malaysia: ESCAPE Penang Entry Ticket

฿1,774
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Malaysia: ESCAPE Penang Entry Ticket
The Top Komtar Penang Observation Deck and Rainbow Skywalk Ticket

The Top Komtar Penang Observation Deck and Rainbow Skywalk Ticket

฿703
per adult
The Top Komtar Penang Observation Deck and Rainbow Skywalk Ticket
Comfortable seating at the Penang International Airport Lounge in Malaysia

Plaza Premium Lounge at Penang International Airport (PEN)

฿1,457
per traveller
Plaza Premium Lounge at Penang International Airport (PEN)
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Top places to visit

1. KOMTAR

The observation deck on KOMTAR’s 60th floor offers a unique chance to cast your eye across the rooftops of Penang towards the hills and ocean beyond. At 761 feet (232 meters) high, the building towers over all the city’s other structures, offering unrivaled skyline views. Pop a coin in one of the telescopes to get a close-up look at the distant hills, or step back and take it all in with your camera lens.
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A cityscape with a prominent tall building, a variety of colorful rooftops, and a clear blue sky with scattered clouds.

2. Penang Hill

Towering high above bustling George Town on Penang Island is Penang Hill. Come here for cool sea breezes and amazing views. You’ll also get to see the remaining rainforest on Penang Island.
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A blue and yellow train on a stone bridge surrounded by lush greenery.

3. Kek Lok Si Temple

As you make your way through the lively marketplace at the entrance of Kek Lok Si smells of laksa and noodles fill the air, while hawkers at the numerous craft and souvenir stalls vie for your attention. Stop to feed a turtle or release one into the pond, a Buddhist tradition said to ensure good luck. Gaze up at the 98-foot (30-meter) high pagoda, on which the figures of 10,000 Buddhas are carved. Walk or take the elevator up the steep mountainside to enjoy sweeping views of the city as well as a close-up view of the giant bronze statue of Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy.
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A traditional temple with a golden spire, red lanterns, and lush greenery.

4. Pinang Peranakan Mansion

The Pinang Parankan Mansion is a beautifully decorated replica of a 19th-century, upper-class home. You won’t miss the building as you make your way along Church Street, in Georgetown, as its mint green walls and carved wooden doors inlaid with gold make the intended bold statement to passersby. The opulence continues inside as you make your way through a grand entrance hall filled with Asian lacquerware boxes and trays, Chinese prints and antique European furniture. Dining areas complete with exquisite English china settings add to the sense of luxury.
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A traditional Chinese interior with ornate furniture, patterned flooring, and red drapery.

5. Penang City Hall

Stroll along Georgetown’s wide Esplanade and your eye is drawn to the magnificent white façade of City Hall. The tall, narrow arches and white colonial-style columns recall a time when British influence was strong here.
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A yellow building with the inscription "TOWN HALL" on its facade.

What to do in George Town

Stay near popular George Town attractions

A city skyline with tall buildings along a waterfront at dusk.

Gurney Drive

8.0/10 (1,315 reviews)
This seafront promenade dazzles with Malaysia's most celebrated hawker stalls serving authentic Penang cuisine. Arrive at dusk to savour char kway teow and assam laksa while watching the sunset over the Malacca Strait.
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Where to stay in George Town

Find the best George Town areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about George Town
Learn more about George Town
A traditional temple with ornate architecture, a red roof, and golden decorations.

Downtown George Town

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from The Top at Komatar to KOMTAR – discover Downtown George Town, a destination also famous for its shopping.

A beach at sunset with people, boats, and a kite.
Photo by Adriana Arif
Open Photo by Adriana Arif

Batu Ferringhi

Travellers to Batu Ferringhi praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Batu Feringghi Night Market and Ferringgi Beach.

A traditional ornate temple with a red roof and golden decorations.
Photo by Sch_Lauri
Open Photo by Sch_Lauri

Historic George Town

If you're spending some time in Historic George Town, Pinang Peranakan Mansion and Raja Tun Uda Ferry Terminal are top sights worth seeing.

A coastal scene with multiple tall residential buildings, numerous traditional boats, and large rocks along the shore.

Tanjung Tokong

Tanjung Tokong is well-regarded for its beaches, abundant dining options and seaside views, and you might also want to make a stop by Ibox Museum of Glass Penang, a top sight in the neighbourhood.

A narrow alleyway with ornate metal arches and red lanterns, flanked by traditional buildings with wooden railings.
Photo by Vicknesharajan Amarthalingam
Open Photo by Vicknesharajan Amarthalingam

Clan Jetty

Clan Jetty is well liked for its historical sites. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Little India area, you might plan a trip to Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi or Raja Tun Uda Ferry Terminal.

Day trip destinations from George Town

A cityscape at dusk with a bridge spanning a body of water, surrounded by hills and dense urban areas.

Bukit Jambul

A pier extending into calm waters with a mountainous backdrop under a cloudy sky.

Jerejak Island

A brightly lit pagoda with traditional Chinese architecture, surrounded by numerous red and yellow lanterns.

Air Itam

A coastal cityscape with dense urban architecture, including historic buildings and a prominent lighthouse.

Jelutong

A wooden bridge leading to a beach with clear turquoise water and a forested hill in the background.

Balik Pulau

A bowl of soup with noodles, vegetables, and a spoon.

Kampung Baruh

Frequently asked questions

Is George Town worth visiting?
With a blend of hiking and nature, there's no shortage of things to do in George Town. While you're here, visit Penang Hill, a major attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in George Town?
Once you've visited top attractions like Penang Hill and ESCAPE Adventureplay, spend some time discovering George Town's retail and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in George Town?
Don't go home without exploring Penang Hill, rated the top tourist attraction in George Town.
Is three days enough to stay in George Town?
Three days in George Town is more than enough to visit the city's major highlights. Many guests spend three days on average. Penang Hill, Penang State Museum and The Top at Komatar are highly rated sights. Want to experience more? Stick around a while longer to visit nearby hotspots like Batu Ferringhi.
Is George Town a walkable city?
It all comes down to what you'd like to do and see in George Town. Several key sights, such as Penang State Museum and The Top at Komatar, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of George Town's neighbourhoods, Downtown George Town is 0.48 kilometres away from downtown, while Historic George Town is 0.97 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in George Town with kids?
Whether you're travelling with young explorers or playful teenagers, a fun-filled itinerary makes all the difference. Browse our recommendations for what to do in George Town with kids.

What to do in George Town for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in George Town, with entertainment for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Padang Kota Lama or Penang International Sports Arena.
Are there free things to do in George Town?
From checking out parks to wandering around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's simple to discover free things to do in George Town. If you're looking for inspiration, get some tips from a local tour guide. Hin Bus Depot Art Centre is a great spot for anyone wishing to save on their travel adventures.