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.

George Town Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that George Town has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to George Town, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to George Town with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in George Town

George Town is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in George Town, and make it a breeze to explore George Town and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in George Town to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to George Town, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in George Town.

George Town attractions

George Town has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in George Town to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of George Town.

Looking for things to do in George Town can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of George Town or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to George Town attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

Things to do

The Top Penang Admission Ticket

Penang: The Top Penang Entry Ticket

£10
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Penang: The Top Penang Entry Ticket
eSIM: Airalo Malaysia Package

eSIM: Airalo Malaysia Package

£2
per traveller
eSIM: Airalo Malaysia Package
Guided Tour of Cheong Fatt Tze's Blue Mansion in George Town

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

£5
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Guided Tour of Cheong Fatt Tze's Blue Mansion in George Town
Cycling along the beautiful river

Half-Day Penang Countryside Cycling Tour

£24
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Half-Day Penang Countryside Cycling Tour
Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm

Malaysia: Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm

£11
per adult
Malaysia: Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm
The Habitat Penang Hill Admission Ticket

Malaysia: Penang Habitat Entry Ticket

£10
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Malaysia: Penang Habitat Entry Ticket
ESCAPE

Malaysia: ESCAPE Penang Entry Ticket

£40
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Malaysia: ESCAPE Penang Entry Ticket
George Town, Penang: Malay Countryside Cycling

George Town, Penang: Malay Countryside Cycling

£25
per adult
George Town, Penang: Malay Countryside Cycling
TeddyVille Museum

Malaysia: TeddyVille Museum Entry Ticket

£5
per adult
Malaysia: TeddyVille Museum Entry Ticket
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Most fun & popular experiences in George Town

Tours & day trips

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Discover Penang: City Highlights, Kek Lok Si Temple & Penang Hill

Discover Penang: City Highlights, Kek Lok Si Temple & Penang Hill

Activity duration is 6 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 50 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £115 per adult*
Discover Penang: City Highlights, Kek Lok Si Temple & Penang HillOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 39 activities
Penang Cooking Class:Dive into Malaysian Cuisine with PenangChiak

Penang Cooking Class:Dive into Malaysian Cuisine with PenangChiak

Activity duration is 4 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 60 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £70 per adult
Penang Cooking Class:Dive into Malaysian Cuisine with PenangChiakOpens in new tab

Attractions

See all 13 activities
Penang: The Top Penang Entry Ticket

Penang: The Top Penang Entry Ticket

Activity duration is 9 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Price is £10 per adult
Penang: The Top Penang Entry TicketOpens in new tab

Classes & workshops

See all 7 activities
Penang Cooking Class:Dive into Malaysian Cuisine with PenangChiak

Penang Cooking Class:Dive into Malaysian Cuisine with PenangChiak

Activity duration is 4 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 60 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £70 per adult
Penang Cooking Class:Dive into Malaysian Cuisine with PenangChiakOpens in new tab

Cruises & boat tours

See all 3 activities
Penang: Fascinating 5-Hour Private Local Tour

Penang: Fascinating 5-Hour Private Local Tour

Activity duration is 5 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 13 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £101 per traveller*
Penang: Fascinating 5-Hour Private Local TourOpens in new tab

Recommended things to do in George Town

Number of things to do
183
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
eSIM: Airalo Malaysia Package: £2
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

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.
See properties

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 KOMTAR to 1st Avenue Mall – 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 Raja Tun Uda Ferry Terminal or Pinang Peranakan Mansion.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from George Town

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

Jerejak Island

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

Balik Pulau

A traditional temple with a golden spire, red lanterns, and intricate architecture.

Kampung Cantik

A blue and yellow train on a stone bridge surrounded by lush greenery.

Mukim 16 Ayer Hitam

A temple with red lanterns hanging above and a pig statue in the center.

Mukim 13 Paya Terubong

A table with various dishes, including seafood, vegetables, and a hot pot.

Batu Lanchang

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 kms (0.30 miles) away from downtown, while Historic George Town is 0.97 kms (0.60 miles) 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.

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