Top Things to do in George Town
10 Free Things to do in George Town That You Shouldn't Miss
The beauty and rich history of George Town keeps tourists flocking all year round. George Town offers views of the famous Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, Kapitan Keling Mosque and many of the capital's golden crowned Buddhist temples. With museums showcasing the country's rich-historical treasures, restaurants that offer classic Malaysian cuisine and dozens of shopping malls, there's guaranteed to be something for everyone to see.
Restaurants in George Town
1. Dharmikarama Burmese Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 870 reviews
Reviewed By JayashreeR53 - Gurugram (Gurgaon), India
I think this one has the world’s largest standing Buddha - it’s an enormous gold plated statue in a gorgeous golden Buddhist temple with intricate architecture. A must visit.
2. Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 167 reviews
Reviewed By kannan_pasam - Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
During my recent illness I made a vow that I would visit all the old Hindu Shrines in West Malaysia and offer thanksgiving prayers. I wanted to recite the Gayathri Mantra and Om Triambagam prayers 108 times in each of these halls of prayer. I have for many years wanted to visit the Penang Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani ( Waterfall ) temple ; however work commitments made me postpone my plans several times. Finally last week I got to fulfill my vow. We had booked into the Tropics 8 service suites ; the foyer of the hotel provided majestic views of the temple up on the hill. Early the following morning Angie and I climbed the 513 steps up to the temple ; the steps were broad and the gradient was gentle, so the climb did not require alot of exertion though we stopped several times to rest. We were also blessed with good weather - cloudy skies but no rain, so it was not hot when we were climbing. The surrounding trees and shrubs provided shade and our eyes were treated to the beauty of nature. Along the way we had stunning views of the Georgetown skyline. There were several monkeys frolicking but they did not pay attention to us - we had however taken the advice of other Devotees and kept the flowers we had brought as offerings, safely tucked into over back packs - the monkeys are known to have attacked visitors in their attempts to grab the flowers to play. The climb took us 30 minutes and at the end , our efforts were rewarded when the beautiful temple came into view. I would recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. The temple was initially located near the waterfall in the Botanical gardens. Records indicate that the temple was already in existence in 1800 ; local lore states that the temple site was chosen by a holy man, who dedicated it to Lord Murugan - the temple is thus busiest on Lord Muruga's birthday Thaipusam when an estimated crowd of 100000 devotees arrive from around the region to pray and seek His blessings. In 1914, the temple was relocated to its present site and in 1985, the temple rebuilt and the Mahakumbhashegam prayers conducted. It is said to be the largest Murugan temple outside India. Worshipping hours are 7 am to 9 am and 430 pm to 915 pm. There were very few devotees when we arrived early in the morning after having first said our prayers at the Ganesa temple sited at the base of the hill. I could say my prayers in peace and at the end the priest tied the prayer string around my right wrist. We were also privileged to be able to say prayers for some of my friends who were ill - I thus wrote in my whatsapp message to friends that it was a very satisfying visit as I could beseech Lord Muruga's blessings for an ailing father, a friend who was suffering from stage 4 colon cancer and a favorite nephew who was due to undergo a biopsy procedure.
3. Armenian Street
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,563 reviews
Reviewed By pawool73 - Brisbane, Australia
This street is just fabulous, some great street wall art, amazing shops, fabulous coffee, restaurants, character filled and buzzing with tourists, just loved it!
4. Hin Bus Depot
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 142 reviews
Hin Bus Depot is an art and events space located in George Town, Penang. Established in 2014, the space is run by a small creative collective that curates the contents of the space, which includes exhibitions & street art by local and international artists, parties, music gigs, theatre plays, festivals, fashion events, brand launch and a whole lot more. The space started off with only an exhibition space and an outdoor stage, and now expanded with 6 food and beverage outlets, another gallery, 4 artist studios and a few others that will be joining the ‘Hin family’ soon. Hin Bus Depot supports and showcases progressive and upcoming artists, artworks, events and art forms.
Reviewed By Nijgraver - George Town, Malaysia
This is a great Sunday venue for either a solo traveler or all the family with varied art and craft stalls and a number of excellent food and drink outlets. Along with play areas for the children A must to visit on a sunday
5. Queen Street
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 247 reviews
Reviewed By 618sartaja - Penang Island, Malaysia
Queen street come under little India area and Travellers could get economical accommodation since lots of budget hotels are there and famous Kapitan cling mosque near by and also Mahabu mariamman temple in the queen street.Good Indian restaurants are there close to 40 and visitors could enjoy famous Penang for food experience from vegetarian ,non vegetarian, ice karangal,chendool etc.
6. Cannon Street
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 415 reviews
Reviewed By Romaica - Alexandria, Egypt
The street has wonderful architecture and street art in George Town. The best way to explore it is on foot, so you don't miss anything.
7. Kapitan Keling Mosque
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 639 reviews
Reviewed By NikosTheGreat - Singapore, Singapore
Very beautiful and majestic architecture, you can take a stroll at the gardens and take some really nice photos-located quite centrally, next to Little India.
8. Reclining Buddha Wat Chaiyamangalaram
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 761 reviews
Reviewed By JosieC426 - Brighton, United Kingdom
Definitely worth a visit to this and the temple on the other side of the road. This temple is highly decorative and has a wonderful calm atmosphere.
9. Penang Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,390 reviews
Reviewed By julivene - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
So we had a little picnic of my darling in this paradise...we can see the real beauty of envitoenment beautiful trees and plants orchid so many things u will see in this place....i really enjoy such a relaxing day for us...nice weather too....i love it
10. Goddess of Mercy Temple (Kuan Yin Teng)
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 193 reviews
Reviewed By LouisandJudiL - Mijas, Spain
This place was heaving with people on Saturday 25th January. The outside air in the courtyard was full of the scent of joss sticks (both small, large and ginormous), plus candles and flowers. Joss sticks were not allowed inside however. Inside there are altars receiving flowers, fruits, and special candles of remembrance and also paper requests from students wishing to pass their exams etc.... We were lucky enough to stand inside next to a lady who was an official guide to the Chinese temples on any other day of the year, but even on her day off she could not resist telling us about the various altars and the traditions therein. It made our day!!
