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 Tourist Attractions & Activities

If you’re searching for an exciting holiday, count on Expedia.com.au to help you find interesting attractions, enlightening experiences, and tons of other fun things to do in George Town . From first-rate tours to incredible deals on sightseeing trips – our extensive selection of local things to do and places to visit is just a few clicks away.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re travelling alone, alongside your main squeeze, or with your favourite friends or family members, Expedia has the inside scoop on what to see and do while in this corner of the world. And our search tool makes it simple to score the best deals around. So regardless of if you are on a tight budget or prefer to spare no expense, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for by browsing over activities in George Town, Penang.

The intuitive booking system here on Expedia.com.au makes planning your holiday easier—and more affordable—than ever before. And not only can you discover all the best George Town attractions from , but you can also book flights, hire cars, and reserve hotel rooms all in just a few moments. A world of wonder awaits you and your travelling companions. Count on Expedia.com.au to help you plan the holiday of your dreams, and you’ll have the time of your life.

Activities

The Top Penang Admission Ticket

Penang: The Top Penang Entry Ticket

AU$19
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Penang: The Top Penang Entry Ticket
Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm

Malaysia: Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm

AU$21
per adult
Malaysia: Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm
eSIM: Airalo Malaysia Package

eSIM: Airalo Malaysia Package

AU$3
per traveller
eSIM: Airalo Malaysia Package
The Habitat Penang Hill Admission Ticket

Malaysia: Penang Habitat Entry Ticket

AU$19
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Malaysia: Penang Habitat Entry Ticket
ESCAPE

Malaysia: ESCAPE Penang Entry Ticket

AU$76
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Malaysia: ESCAPE Penang Entry Ticket
Guided Tour of Cheong Fatt Tze's Blue Mansion in George Town

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

AU$9
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

AU$45
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Half-Day Penang Countryside Cycling Tour
George Town, Penang: Malay Countryside Cycling

George Town, Penang: Malay Countryside Cycling

AU$47
per adult
George Town, Penang: Malay Countryside Cycling
TeddyVille Museum

Malaysia: TeddyVille Museum Entry Ticket

AU$9
per adult
Malaysia: TeddyVille Museum Entry Ticket
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Top places to visit

1. Penang Hill

Towering high above bustling George Town on Penang Island is Penang Hill. Come here for cool sea breezes and amazing views. You’ll also get to see the remaining rainforest on Penang Island.
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A blue and yellow train on a stone bridge surrounded by lush greenery.

2. KOMTAR

Standing at 232 metres, KOMTAR towers over all the city's other buildings, affording visitors unrivalled views of the city skyline and the hills and oceans beyond. Telescopes in the observation deck on the 60th floor offer a closer view of the distant hills while clear windows make it easy to capture panoramic Penang on your camera.
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A cityscape with a prominent tall building, a variety of colorful rooftops, and a clear blue sky with scattered clouds.

3. Penang City Hall

It would be hard not to notice the elegant City Hall with its magnificent Corinthian columns and grand windows, reminiscent of British colonial times, as you are walking along Georgetown's expansive Esplanade.
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A yellow building with the inscription "TOWN HALL" on its facade.

4. Pinang Peranakan Mansion

With its mint green walls, carved wooden doors inlaid with gold and wrought-iron balconies, the Pinang Peranakan Mansion is a sight to behold. Venture into this replica of a 19th-century, upper-class home for an insider's look at the grandeur enjoyed by wealthy Straits Chinese in the past. The grand mansion houses more than 1,000 antiques and collectibles, and you will notice gorgeous Asian lacquer ware boxes and trays, Chinese prints, and antique European furniture as you stroll through the grand entrance hall. The luxurious dining hall recreates a sumptuous Chinese dinner with its teak furniture and exquisite European dinner service.
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A traditional Chinese interior with ornate furniture, patterned flooring, and red drapery.

5. Kek Lok Si Temple

As you ascend the stairway to the bright and elaborate Kek Lok Si Temple, you will find yourself amidst a bustling market filled with craft and souvenir stalls and the unmistakeably delicious scent of laksa noodles enveloping the air. Once within temple grounds, the cacophony of sounds fade away as serene gardens and sacred ponds greet your sight. Stop to feed a turtle or release one into the famous Liberation Pond, a Buddhist act of spiritual liberation believed to bring about good luck. Above you stands the lavish Ban Po Thar, a seven-tier, 30-metre high pagoda, on which 10,000 Buddhas are carved. An imposing giant bronze statue of Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy, presides over the pinnacle of the steep mountainside. Walk or take the small inclined lift up to get a close-up view, and be doubly rewarded with arresting views of the city.
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A traditional temple with a golden spire, red lanterns, and lush greenery.

Recommended things to do in George Town

Number of things to do
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
:
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

Our guide on 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 Armenian Street.

 

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 cityscape at dusk with a bridge spanning a body of water, surrounded by hills and dense urban areas.

Bukit Jambul

A wooden pier extending into calm water with boats docked on either side.

Kampung Batu Uban

A large colonial-style building with a red-tiled roof, surrounded by lush greenery and palm trees.

Kampung Titi Serong

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

Mukim 16 Ayer Hitam

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 kilometres away from downtown, while Historic George Town is 0.97 kilometres 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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