The 10 Best Walking Tours in George Town, Penang

November 21, 2021 Russell Mellin

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. Street of Harmony Walking Tour from Penang

Tour & Incentive Travel
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Where else in the world can you find a street lined with so many places of worship of different faith, all within a perimeter of one kilometre. The walking tour begins from St. George’s Church, oldest in Malaysia, to Taoist Goddess of Mercy Temple which survived the last two world wars. Across the street is Little India with its colourful Sri Mahamariamman Temple decorated with 40 statuettes of Hindu Gods. Further down is Khoo Kongsi, a Chinese ancestral clan house cum museum. Then view the nearby Kapitan Keling Mosque, the first Arab-Indian Muslim mosque built in Penang. ​

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop off, English speaking driver cum guide, Entrance fee

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By NikoCherry

The famous street in Penang and most of the travelers will visit it in George Town. i enjoyed taking pictures there.

2. 3-Hour Heritage on a Plate Lunch Hop in George Town Penang

Ren I Tang Heritage Inn, 82 A, Lebuh Penang, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia Heritage on a Plate
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5.0 based on 25 reviews

The best way to eat and see Penang. Enjoy a 3-hour walking food tour full of delicious dishes, storied history and eclectic culture. Immerse yourself in the story of George Town's inception - a story of migrants and sailors, trade and war, peace and strife. Explore the streets and landmarks, eat great food and gain new insight into this amazing city.

Inclusions: Professional English speaking tour/host, Lunch and beverages, Local taxes

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Personal expenses

Reviewed By siobhanf662

It has taken me far too long to write this review, but in a way, it means more that my partner and I still remember this food tour as a stand out highlight of our time in Malaysia and Penang. (NOTE we went in Nov 2019 but I can't pick that option!) From the moment we met Danny, his passion and knowledge about Penang stood out. Such varied cultures allow Danny to craft a wonderful tour, taking in the sights, smells and tastes of the 2nd biggest city in Malaysia, whilst reminding you of its humble origins. It gave us new eyes on the town and we went back to many of the stops in the following days. Thank you Danny for loving the city in a way that you were so willing to share with us. We hope you are keeping safe in the difficult times 2020 has brought and we will be back soon! Siobhan and Stefano x

3. Food Tour at George Town 5 hours - Eat Like a Local, Feel Like a Local

Penang City Hall, Jalan Padang Kota Lama, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia TEOH SHAN TATT TIGER
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Penang is the food capital of Asia, the cultural diversity here have contributed to a wide variety of food option. Chinese, Malay, Indian and Even Western Cuisine just popping out every where around the whole island. Either you looking for a High Class fine Dining option to Heritage Culture Vibe Cafe, you will be amaze with the amount of option you will be flooded with. However, the best food of Penang came from the street side. Street Hawker that being operating for tenth of years and some inheriting from the cooking skill from their fore parents. These Stalls on the street side might look simple, it may not provide you the comfort of seats but the taste of food might be comparable or better to those Michelin Star Restaurant. Lets join me to explore the wonders of this street food and learn on how to be a local foodies.

Inclusions: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Coffee and/or Tea, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By cynthiawZ5860OD

The tour guide tiger was well informed and made the tour interesting and memorable Would highly recommend him

4. History Walk Around George Town

Penang City Hall, Jalan Padang Kota Lama, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia TEOH SHAN TATT TIGER
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

The Harmony Street, is a short street about 300meter, but you can find different religious structures such as Anglican Church, Buddhist Temple, Hindu Temple and Mosque next to each other. I grown up in this wonderful city experience the harmony of different religion and culture come with tolerance and respect. Some of the culture have even blended and create an uniqueness to George Town. Is my passion to bring friends around during my free time.

Inclusions: LIGHT BREAKFAST, 500ML MINERAL WATER, Snacks

Exclusions:

Reviewed By steoh83

I should said, before the tour i have not much expectation. With the thought of it might be just the same eating tour. However i was wrong.. the food experience provide by tiger was excellent, i learned so much on the culture and the history of the penang street food. This is penang is known as the food paradise. The whole tour was exceptional with breaks in between and we got to visit a few sites as well. This make us to have breaks of eating in between so that we could treasure the food more. So if u all are coming to penang, make sure book this food experience with tiger..

5. 3-Hour Heritage on a Plate Dinner Hop in George Town Penang

Ren I Tang Heritage Inn, 82 A, Lebuh Penang, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia Heritage on a Plate
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4.9 based on 79 reviews

Immerse yourself in the experience of George Town's evenings - full of bubbling pans, flaming woks and resting streets waiting to whisper their history. Enjoy delicious food, discover the hidden history of the city and experience an evening of George Town's quiet magic.

Inclusions: Professional English speaking host, Dinner and beverages (non-alcoholic), Local taxes

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Personal expenses

Reviewed By jenbopops20

Do yourself a big foodie favour and make time to do this walking tour around the streets of Penang with Danny. We went at night but day tours are also available. Our personal recommendation would be to do it early in your stay so then you get the chance to go back and revisit places and it also gives you the chance to search out other places that might appeal to you. Really worthwhile and cost friendly. Jennie & Chris

6. 4-Hour Georgetown Food Tour

St. George's Anglican Church, Penang, Malaysia, 1, Lebuh Farquhar, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia Simply Enak - Food Experiences
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4.9 based on 113 reviews

Be a part of an exclusive group as you venture through Malaysia's Georgetown Heritage area. Be hungry for food and knowledge as your local Penang-born tourist and food guide walks you through each step of the way on this food trail. Savor delicious local cuisine which the forefathers of Georgetown has kept alive as we unveil the history and heritage of this area. End the food trail with an optional drink at a local bar.

Inclusions: Beverages, Food tasting, Dinner, Professional guide

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Personal expenses, Gratuities

Reviewed By Lovethyextra

We had a fantastic time exploring the streets of Penang. We ate along the way and learned about the history of Penang and It’s food. The culture of the area Is amazing, especially the clan houses. I would definitely book again.

7. Guided Tour of Cheong Fatt Tze's Blue Mansion in George Town

Cheong Fatt Tze - The Blue Mansion, Lot 22, 14, Lebuh Leith, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia Cheong Fatt Tze - The Blue Mansion
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4.5 based on 179 reviews

Take a walk and discover the story of Cheong Fatt Tze's Blue Mansion. What is it like to go back in time, to live an illustrious life in the grandeur of 19th-century Penang? As you immerse yourself in the history of the Blue Mansion, our trained guides will provide detailed and comprehensive insight into the heritage and eclectic form of architecture of the mansion. You will also get a peek into the lavish lifestyle of Cheong Fatt Tze. A must see if you are visiting George Town.

Inclusions: Guided Tour

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities, Souvenir photos (available to purchase), Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transportation to/from attractions

Reviewed By Manuel V

This place is not a museum, is a house with inspiring history, it has nice decorations that represent mystical, cultural, and economic concepts and includes a hotel and restaurant that are worth visiting. Do not forget to tip the Tour guide!!!

8. Penang Self-Guided Audio Tour

Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower, Lebuh Light, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia Citywalkz Ltd t/a Citywalks World
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4.0 based on 3 reviews

This mesmerizing and informative self-guided audio tour explores the must-do's in Penang while highlighting the diversity and culture of this Island which was a melting pot for merchants and traders from areas such as India, the Middle East, China and Europe. You will also receive a map detailing the area of your tour.

Inclusions: Zip folder and audio files and map, Self-Guided Audio Tour, Downloadable link to download mp3 file and map, Self-Paced

Exclusions: Audio device, Transportation, Food/drinks, Headphones

9. Private Half-Day Heritage Walking Tour of George Town

Be Tourist Malaysia Heritage

Explore the colorful streets of George Town on a private, 4-hour walking tour that takes in the city’s street food, religious landmarks, colonial architecture, and clan jetties. Enjoy the flexibility of a private tour that’s tailored to your interests as you explore the oldest parts of George Town, whose historic streets and buildings are have been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Inclusions: Bottled water and food tasting, Professional guide, Local taxes

Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By afifahdahlia_

I went to Kuala Lumpur with my family for a tour. We felt very happy because this was our first time in Kuala Lumpur. We had a friendly tour guide with full of information but unfortunately the way he presented the information was improper and hard for us to understand. Map was provided but it wasn't distributed properly etc: not everyone received it.

10. An Unmissable Wander Through George Town

Asian Trails Malaysia

A charming gem that bottles an East-meets-West culture as no other destination can. Penang’ strategic location once was the intersection of a thriving trade between continents, from which it developed its diversity of culture, culinary delights and its ever-present trade trail in the form of shophouses. Nowadays, a well-balanced, cosmopolitan vibe is flowing through its alleys and main streets with a local enthusiasm for art and expression. And in the heart of this is George Town; a treasure trove of pedalling rickshaw drivers navigating effortlessly the streets of this UNESCO-inscribed pearl and where former clan houses and temples are engulfed with a continuous stream of joss stick smoke. It is this little gem that is explored from all wind directions as we guide you through a piece of historical heritage.

Inclusions: A half day tour with a professional English-speaking guide cum driver., All applicable taxes and service charges, Entrance tickets to Khoo Kongsi Clan House and Pinang Peranakan Mansion

Exclusions: Any airline tickets, visa fees, additional transportation cost from and to the general meeting point, Hotel accommodation in the destination of commencement., Hotel expenses of a personal nature, should an overnight be included: this includes mini-bar consumption, laundry, room service, any telephone or other communication cost not mentioned in the program, Personal expenses such as meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees and optional tours, unless otherwise stated, Supplements for transfers for customers arriving or departing from any airport or resorts located outside the general pick-up and drop-off locations, Tours, inclusions of any kind and other services that are not outlined in the tour description, Travel insurance coverage for customers (highly recommendable)

Reviewed By Steven L

I am a regular Tripadvisor contributor and don't think the review coverage here is really helping people make easy choices. I hope other reviewers can add more details about different providers and tips. I have done this activity a couple of times and my observations of trying to use a smaller operator this time, NBA Sports (in front of Casa Del Mar resort) are: Pros: - this is a must do trip if you can afford it, great fun - the islands are really worth seeing and you cover all a boat trip would - sometimes you are the only jetski with smaller providers and have more flexibility - despite the other bad reviews our jetski did not breakdown at all - 4 hour tour at MYR800 for two on a 1200cc jetski - reasonable photos and video taken by driver sent free within 2 hours of finishing Cons - booking online in advance is not necessary and overpriced. If you have a few days on Cenang Beach just lock in a trip on your first day. Someone correct me if they were there during a busy time and could not get a tour. - there are loads of jetski operators on the beach not many of whom instil any confidence and even when their equipment looks good what you get on the day is a different story. Our jetski was old, broken mirrors, ill fitting torn beach shoes - our tour guide seemed to have been just someone they found on the day. I suspect the beach stalls just secure bookings take a commission then pass the booking on to the jetski owner who finds a driver. You are left waiting around a lot. - driver had poor english but you do not need much guide talk for the sites, it is mostly visual. He also preferred to hangout with other drivers at each stop with no intent to entertain the customer. Unfortunately, the other bad reviews when you are spending a lot of money, do scare people into just using the main couple of higher priced companies. Even one of those, Seeman, demonstrates a terrible customer attitude when you read how they respond to complaints. I avoided them for this reason. Providers do not appear to negotiate much on price but will 'add' islands onto your trip, 'upgrade' you to a bigger machine, have an english speaking guide. I don't believe any of this comes through because they may pass you off to another company to fulfil the trip. When you get your receipt have them write down all of these promises but I guess the trips are all the same despite the extras. Whoever you choose, it is a really good trip but yes the drivers go fast and the sea gets very turbulent at times so it can be a bumpy ride. If you are the only jetski maybe skip the lake stop, it is boring and not the best use of half an hour.

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