George Town Penang: What to See, Eat, and Do in This UNESCO City

I grew up in Singapore, just a short flight away from Malaysia, but it took me years to finally visit Penang. The moment I landed in George Town, Penang, I realized why people from all over the world fall in love with this island. Penang is often called the food capital of Malaysia, but it is also a place where history, culture, and natural beauty come together. From its UNESCO-listed old town to its beaches and hills, Penang is what I define as an experience that stays with you long after you leave.

A UNESCO Treasure

In addition to Georgetown being Penang’s capital, it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking its streets is like stepping back in time. The old shophouses, colonial architecture, temples, and mosques tell stories of centuries of trade and migration. But what really makes Georgetown stand out is how it refuses to stay still. You’ll see heritage buildings next to trendy cafés, centuries-old temples across the street from quirky art galleries.

But why is Penang’s Georgetown a UNESCO World Heritage Site? The answer is simple and it is thanks to is amazingly preserved architecture and cultural heritage you can’t easily find anywhere in the world. The city was officially given this title in 2008.

What makes it stand out is the way the city has preserved centuries of history while still being a living, modern place.

The title of UNESCO World Heritage Site isn’t just any ordinary label dished out like that. This title is a global recognition that’s such a big deal. Only a handful of cities in the world hold this title such as Rome of Italy and Kyoto of Japan.

What happens is that countries nominate their most important cultural or natural places, and UNESCO’s experts carefully evaluate them. The final decision comes from the World Heritage Committee, made up of several member countries, who meet once a year to decide which sites truly have “Outstanding Universal Value”.

In 2008, Malaysia’s nominations for George Town in Penang and Melaka were approved, making them both UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their unique blend of architecture, culture, and living traditions.

Experiencing UNESCO Recognition Firsthand

As I walked through the streets of George Town, it became clear why UNESCO recognized this place. The shophouses stood side by side with temples and mosques, their colors fading yet still full of life. Families were sitting on five-foot ways sharing meals, while just around the corner, I stumbled upon street art that brought the walls to life. It wasn’t just old buildings preserved for tourists, it was a city still living its history.

Best Things to Do in George Town, Penang

I stayed in a hotel right in the heart of George Town, and it turned out to be the best decision. Every morning I could step outside and instantly feel the city’s energy. The smell of food and the sight of old shophouses lined up like they’ve been there forever were beyond amazing! It didn’t take long before I realized that George Town isn’t the kind of place you rush through. You slow down and you let the city reveal itself to you one step at a time.

Here are some of the best things to do in George Town, based on what I discovered while staying right in the middle of it all.

1. Hunt for Street Art

George Town’s murals are world-famous. From Ernest Zacharevic’s iconic Children on a Bicycle to hidden sketches down quiet lanes, the city feels like an open-air gallery. For me, wandering with no map is the best way to discover them.

2. Explore Armenian Street

This lively street is full of boutique shops and art galleries. There are also a ton of food stalls here. Furthermore, it is home to some of the most photographed street art in the city. Perfect for slow walks and people-watching.

3. Visit Pinang Peranakan Mansion

Step inside this restored mansion to see how the wealthy Peranakan (Straits Chinese) once lived. Being partly Peranakan, this truly interested me. It’s a fascinating blend of Chinese and European influences, filled with antiques and colorful tiles.

4. Tour Cheong Fatt Tze’s Blue Mansion

Known as the Blue Mansion for its indigo walls, this heritage building offers guided tours that reveal the story of Cheong Fatt Tze. I’m sure you might be wondering who Cheong Fatt Tze was. Cheong Fatt Tze (1840 – 1916) was a Chinese businessman and political figure who rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential men in Asia during his time. Born in Guangdong, China, he migrated to Southeast Asia when he was only a teenager. He mad this move with very little money. However, he eventually built his fortune in Penang, Indonesia and Singapore.

Cheong Fatt Tze, the man behind Penang’s iconic Blue Mansion.

He reportedly started small, selling goods, but moved into banking and shipping, becoming so powerful that Westerners called him the “Rockefeller of the East”. As his fortune increased, he grew beyond a businessman into a very significant political leader, serving as China’s consul in Penang and Singapore.

The Blue Mansion (also known as Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion) in George Town was his home, built in the late 19th century. The mansion became a symbol of his success and international connections.

Cheong Fatt Tze died in 1916 and today his mansion remains one of Penang’s most iconic landmarks. It actually has a total of 38 rooms!

5. Climb Komtar Tower

For a modern contrast, head to Penang’s tallest building. The top floor has an observation deck with sweeping views of George Town and beyond. The glass skywalk isn’t for the faint of heart.

6. Walk Along Clan Jetties

These stilt villages are home to Chinese clans who have lived by the sea for generations. Chew Jetty is the most famous, with wooden walkways, small shrines, and houses overlooking the water.

7. Visit Khoo Kongsi Clan House

This grand clan house is one of the most ornate Chinese buildings in Malaysia, with detailed carvings and courtyards. You visit this place and you get a fantastic glimpse into the cultural pride and traditions of Chinese families in Penang.

8. Experience Little India

The moment I stepped into Little India, it felt like the streets wrapped me in color and sound. Kinda of reminded me a bit of my country’s own Little India. Bollywood music spilled out from shopfronts and the smell of fresh spices hung in the air. Everywhere I looked, I could literally see stalls overflowing with saris and garlands. And then there were the sweets too. I couldn’t resist sitting down for a meal. I enjoyed a banana leaf rice piled high with curries. And do take note of the fact that to truly enjoy it you have to eat with your hands the traditional way. Later, I grabbed a hot samosa from a street vendor, still crispy and steaming, and it tasted really amazing.

9. Taste Hawker Food at Kimberley Street

When the sun goes down, Kimberley Street becomes a food lover’s paradise. I recommend visitors try duck kway chap and char kway teow. For desserts give tong sui a try.

10. Wander the Night Markets

At night, George Town takes on a whole new energy. The streets fill with the smoke and sizzle of hawker stalls. Put simply, it comes alive at night. I wandered through Chulia Street Night Market, where every few steps meant another tempting smell – satay grilling, noodles frying, sweet desserts waiting to be scooped into bowls. Between the food stalls, vendors were selling clothes and souvenirs, all under the glow of bright streetlights. It felt less like shopping to me and more like stepping into a festival.