The old buildings are cool, but the tourist sites are just trinket shops and ice cream sellers. If you walk outside the famous spots, you see far more interesting sights. Overall only worth an hour and a lunch.

Definitely a place to visit in georgetown penang. The whole area has a lot of cafes, shops, restaurants, and many murals on the walls. Rickshaw ride is probably a thing to do to get around or just for fun. Most of the buildings are old heritage building, and very well maintained

（2025/1/7） 喬治城世界遺產街區，能看到各式文化風格的建築及壁畫，隨處都是風景。

I visited Georgetown, the old town of Penang for a weekend and LOVED it. Ended up more recently returning for 3 weeks. The entire old town is a UNESCO site and is beautifully kept. Lots to see, do and visit, as well as outside of the Old Town and all around the island.

During almost any visit to Penang, the 'Georgetown UNESCO Historic Site' will be the highlight. A lovely warren of roads and alleys to walk around and explore, which could take anything up to a week to do thoroughly. There are lots of interesting shops, bars, historic sites, parks, mosques and temples to be wondered at. I was amazed - after a 40 year gap since my first visit - to find it just how I remembered it, thanks to UNESCO. A 'must visit' if you can make it.

A truly unforgettable experience, memories from the past, colonial era, an authentic old atmosphere in this area , carefully preserved from the modernization and globalization. An inquisite mix of Malay, Indian and Chinese influences makes this quarter absolutely unique. Whether you're into History, good food, architecture, urban walks, exploration: this is the place to visit while in Georgetown Penang.

Step Back in Time in Georgetown, Penang Georgetown’s old town is like a living museum, transporting you back to colonial times with its beautifully preserved heritage buildings and charming facades. It’s no surprise that this historic enclave has earned its place as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains a favorite destination for visitors to Malaysia. Beyond its architecture, Georgetown offers a rich tapestry of food, culture, history, and the warm hospitality of its people—making it a truly unforgettable experience.

Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia is one of my favorite cities I’ve ever visited. At first, I didn’t know what to expect—I was just looking for a cheap place to stay before heading to Bangkok from Kota Kinabalu. But I’m so glad I stumbled upon this city. Walking around Georgetown feels like walking through an open museum. It gives off two completely different vibes—one during the day, and another at night—making it feel like you’ve visited two places in one. The architecture is colorful, well-preserved, and beautifully maintained. I love how they’ve kept the original structures intact, even as modern businesses now occupy them. The food scene is fantastic—delicious and affordable. There are plenty of cafes, food stalls, hotels, and restaurants to choose from. Transportation is easy, and the place feels generally safe. I highly recommend visiting this charming city.

Great architecture, even better cafes, restaurants and street art, but usually it’s way too hot to stroll around at daytime….

Nie wiem czym się wszyscy zachwycają. Najgorsze miasto w jakim byłam. Brudno, obskurnie, mnóstwo spalin, brak chodników

Great guy very informative and has some great currencies across the world! Old and rare. Very helpful and great experience.

George Town’s UNESCO World Heritage Site is a vibrant and fascinating place that perfectly captures the spirit of Penang. Walking through its streets feels like stepping into a living museum where Chinese shophouses, British colonial buildings, Indian temples, and Malay mosques all coexist in harmony. The blend of cultures here is not only visible in the architecture but also in the sounds, smells, and tastes around every corner. The area is full of character—street art pops up in unexpected places, quirky cafes sit beside timeworn temples, and traditional markets buzz with local life. Highlights for me were the beautifully preserved Khoo Kongsi clan house, the Clan Jetties, and the famous mural trail that gives the city a unique, artistic soul. The food is another huge draw—hawker stalls and small eateries serve up some of the best char kway teow, nasi kandar, and Hainanese chicken rice I’ve ever had. It’s a place that invites wandering. Each alleyway seems to hold a story or hidden gem, and there’s a laid-back charm that makes it easy to spend hours just exploring. Still, George Town is an unforgettable experience—a must-visit for culture lovers, history buffs, and foodies alike.

Historical place but too crowded and too much plastic grab for sale.

I wish I had more time to linger and enjoy and explore, but only had a short time (on a business trip...). Wonderful restaurants, places to shop, mosques, street art, performers, and just the feel of Malay culture, language and living.

We expect at a more colonial style old town with more beautiful buildings Portuguese and English aera. Wouldn’t fly there again, but if in Malaysia worth a short visit.

Had such a nice walk around the UNESCO site in Penang on a Sunday night. The atmosphere was calm and charming, with beautiful old buildings and streets full of character. It’s a lovely place to just stroll, take in the lights, and enjoy the vibe of the city. Definitely worth visiting, whether you love history, culture, or just a peaceful walk. Penang never disappoints! And of course, on the way back, don’t forget to stop by the legendary prawn mee stall that’s open until midnight — perfect way to end the day! Delicious food to match a beautiful night.

Murals, Memories, and Magic: Living the Layers of George Town Wandering through George Town, Penang, is like turning the pages of a living, breathing storybook. Each lane whispers centuries-old tales, each wall reveals echoes of art, and every turn surprises with a vivid interplay of history and modernity. As a traveller and an artist by heart, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was more than just a destination — it was a soulful immersion. Located in the heart of George Town, my stay at the Armenian Heritage Hotel placed me right at the crossroads of time and culture. From here, it was effortless to explore the meandering lanes where history hadn’t just been preserved — it had been embraced, painted, performed, and immortalized. George Town’s history is layered and rich, shaped by centuries of trade, colonisation, and migration. Established in 1786 by Captain Francis Light of the British East India Company, the city became a melting pot where Malays, Chinese, Indians, Eurasians, and later the British left indelible marks on its architecture, cuisine, language, and spirit. Walking through it, one doesn’t just see colonial buildings or Chinese clan houses — one feels the pulse of coexistence, a city built not just of bricks but of stories. One of the most fascinating aspects is its ability to wear its past so proudly. The shophouses, for instance, are not just relics of another time; many have been revived as cafes, galleries, or homes, continuing to live and breathe. In every colourful tile, intricate wooden shutter, or rusted wrought iron grill, there is an aesthetic harmony between preservation and progress. There’s trivia tucked in every corner. Did you know that George Town has over 1,700 heritage buildings within its core zone alone? Or that it was named after King George III? And then there’s the story of how its street art, once a quirky side-attraction, is now one of its biggest cultural icons — thanks in part to Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic, whose murals brought whimsical characters and childlike wonder onto forgotten walls. I found myself tracing walls like canvases, each mural a moment caught in time. Children riding bicycles, a boy peeking out of a window, cats lounging in corners — art here isn’t locked away in galleries; it’s scattered across the streets like treasure waiting to be discovered. This city doesn’t ask you to look at art — it wants you to walk through it, interact with it, pose beside it, and feel part of it. Beyond the walls, the living arts flourish. In hidden courtyards, I stumbled upon old men crafting traditional lanterns, and women weaving intricate beadwork. Music spilled from cafés, sometimes classical Chinese strings, other times old Tamil film songs or the lively rhythms of Peranakan folk. The sounds, like the people, were never in competition — they blended into a cultural symphony that felt both intimate and infinite. And oh, the colours. George Town is a city that never forgot how to be vibrant. Be it the riot of hues on its colonial facades, the pungent vibrancy of its spice markets, or the kaleidoscope of faiths expressed in mosques, temples, and churches standing side by side — it is a feast for the senses. The scents of incense mingled with the aroma of street food — char kway teow sizzling beside Indian roti canai, Hainanese chicken rice stalls standing shoulder to shoulder with nasi kandar spreads. As an artist, I found myself sketching corners, photographing cracked walls, and scribbling verses in cafés where time seemed to slow down. The city doesn’t scream for your attention — it invites you gently, asking only that you look a little longer and listen a little closer. To walk its streets is to journey through culture, time, and soul — and to leave with a little piece of it etched in your own. For more on F&B, visit www.foodfunda.net And follow on Instagram Foodfunda_net

So colorful and lively place .The ancient buildings were expressing a lot to us without any word. People are so welcoming & gentle.