George Town

Travel Guide

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.

Where to stay in George Town

Find the best George Town areas and neighborhoods 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

Downtown George Town is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like KOMTAR and 1st Avenue Mall.

A traditional Chinese temple complex with pagodas, ornate architecture, and lush greenery.

Batu Ferringhi

Batu Ferringhi is beloved for its stunning beaches. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Batu Feringghi Night Market and Ferringgi Beach.

A historic clock tower with a dome and a sign reading "Bangunan Dewan Melayu Pulau Pinang."
Photo by Karen Fil Reyna
Open Photo by Karen Fil Reyna

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 neighborhood.

A wooden walkway with red lanterns hanging overhead, surrounded by buildings and parked motorcycles.
Photo by Geraldine Soh
Open Photo by Geraldine Soh

Clan Jetty

Clan Jetty is well-liked for its historic 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.

JEN Penang Georgetown by Shangri-La

JEN Penang Georgetown by Shangri-La

4 out of 5
Magazine Road George Town Penang
$92 nightly
The price is $101 total per night from Oct 12 to Oct 13
$101 total
Oct 12 - Oct 13
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in George Town. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"The place is nice and staffs are helpful. Love it. Recommended place to stay"

Reviewed on Sep 16, 2026

JEN Penang Georgetown by Shangri-La
The Prestige Hotel Penang

The Prestige Hotel Penang

5 out of 5
8 Gat Lebuh Gereja George Town
$121 nightly
The price is $134 total per night from Oct 7 to Oct 8
$134 total
Oct 7 - Oct 8
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in George Town. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (657 reviews)
"Second time staying at The Prestige. We mainly went back for the Spa and the room. I liked the water pressure and also they have filtered water tap in the room so I can refill my bottle. The room is very spacious and comfortable for two pax, however the carpets do have some stains but not too obvious. ..."

Reviewed on Sep 21, 2026

The Prestige Hotel Penang
Shangri-La Golden Sands, Penang

Shangri-La Golden Sands, Penang

4 out of 5
Jalan Batu Feringgi George Town Penang
$110 nightly
The price is $121 total per night from Oct 19 to Oct 20
$121 total
Oct 19 - Oct 20
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this golf resort in George Town. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
Shangri-La Golden Sands, Penang
See all 913 properties in George Town
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
1926 Heritage Hotel Penang By The Unlimited Collection

1926 Heritage Hotel Penang By The Unlimited Collection

4.5 out of 5
227, Jalan Burma, George Town
Book a stay at this luxury aparthotel in George Town. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Popular attractions Gurney Drive and KOMTAR are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (5 reviews)
"The heritage hotel is newly renovated, so as you’re welcomed you’ll see the space has been really nicely done and feels modern whilst also keeping the heritage of the original space. It’s in a pretty good location, with local street food around the corner and a short Grab to the centre of Penang. ..."

Reviewed on Aug 30, 2026

1926 Heritage Hotel Penang By The Unlimited Collection
lyf Georgetown Penang

lyf Georgetown Penang

4 out of 5
No. 2A Jalan Penang, Seksyen 14 George Town Penang
Stay at this aparthotel in George Town. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions KOMTAR and Gurney Drive are ...
lyf Georgetown Penang
Century Bay Private Residences

Century Bay Private Residences

4 out of 5
5, Lintang Pantai Jerjak, Sungai Nibong George Town Penang
Book a stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in George Town. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions KOMTAR and Penang ...
6.6/10 (217 reviews)
"Very good residential building. nothing around the properly except a small grocery shop. Great view and great amenities."

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2024

Century Bay Private Residences
See all properties in George Town
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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)
During your trip to George Town, you can do some window-shopping at Gurney Drive. While in this family-friendly area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.
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Things to do

Cycling along the beautiful river

Half-Day Penang Countryside Cycling Tour

$32
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Half-Day Penang Countryside Cycling Tour
The Habitat Penang Hill Admission Ticket

Malaysia: Penang Habitat Entry Ticket

$13
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Malaysia: Penang Habitat Entry Ticket
George Town, Penang: Malay Countryside Cycling

George Town, Penang: Malay Countryside Cycling

$33
per adult
George Town, Penang: Malay Countryside Cycling
Guided Tour of Cheong Fatt Tze's Blue Mansion in George Town

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

$6
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Guided Tour of Cheong Fatt Tze's Blue Mansion in George Town
Penang countryside Balik Pulau Half Day Tour

Penang countryside Balik Pulau Half Day Tour

$57
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Penang countryside Balik Pulau Half Day Tour
Penang: 3 hours Heritage Highlights Tours & Trishaw Ride

Penang: 3 hours Heritage Highlights Tours & Trishaw Ride

$102
per adult
Penang: 3 hours Heritage Highlights Tours & Trishaw Ride
See all activities in George Town

Frequently asked questions

Is George Town worth visiting?
George Town is worth visiting for its standout attractions, including Gurney Drive and KOMTAR. Travelers can enjoy a diverse food scene with excellent Asian and seafood dining options, and explore distinct neighborhoods like Downtown George Town and Batu Ferringhi, each offering unique experiences.
When is the best time to visit George Town?
George Town is enjoyable year-round, with consistently warm weather from January through December. Travelers can expect pleasant conditions throughout the year. For fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of May through August are a good option.
Where are the best neighborhoods to explore in George Town?
The best neighborhoods to explore in George Town depend on what you want to see:

  • Downtown George Town features shopping at Gurney Plaza, the KOMTAR tower, and the historic Pinang Peranakan Mansion.
  • Batu Ferringhi is known for its night market, Ferringgi Beach, and Eden Parade Shopping Centre.
  • Bayan Lepas offers attractions like RECSAM and Institute Pendidikan Guru, Pantai Teluk Bayu, and the Penang International Sports Arena.
  • Gelugor is home to the University of Science-Malaysia, the Penang Bridge West End, and THE LIGHT Waterfront Penang.
  • Tanjung Bungah features the Tanjung Bungah Market, the Penang Avatar Secret Garden, and Miami Beach.

What is George Town known for?
George Town, also known as Penang City, is known for being a UNESCO World Heritage site. Named after George III of Great Britain, it offers a rich Asian food culture. Travelers can explore neighborhoods like Downtown George Town and visit prominent spots such as Gurney Drive, KOMTAR, and Gurney Plaza.
What is a good itinerary length for George Town?
A good itinerary length for George Town is two to three days to explore Downtown George Town, enjoy food and heritage tours, and see Gurney Drive, KOMTAR, and Gurney Plaza. An extended stay of four to five days allows travelers to also visit areas like Batu Ferringhi and Bayan Lepas, offering more time for exploration and relaxation. See George Town Activities.
What are the top things to do in and around George Town?
George Town offers a mix of culinary delights, historic exploration, and natural beauty for travelers:

  • Explore the city's heritage and flavors on a Penang Street Food Walkabout Tour.
  • Tour George Town's historic sites with a Penang Heritage Bicycle and Trishaw Tour.
  • Relax at Ferringgi Beach, known for its natural setting.
  • Visit Penang Hill for scenic views and nature.
  • Discover the history and culture on a Georgetown Heritage Walking Tour.

How do I plan a trip to George Town?
To plan your trip to George Town, search for places to stay in areas like Downtown George Town, Batu Ferringhi, or Bayan Lepas. Book flights, rental cars, and activities like food and heritage tours in advance. Plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.
What cuisines can you find in George Town?
In George Town you can find Malay cuisine, with dishes like Nasi Lemak, Laksa, and Satay. Travelers also enjoy other Asian options such as Chinese and Indian dishes, fresh seafood, and a variety of vegan and vegetarian choices. You can also find Latin American and European flavors.
Can I book a refundable hotel in George Town?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in George Town by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to George Town with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your George Town trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in George Town?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in George Town can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my George Town trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your George Town trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my George Town trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your George Town trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to George Town?
If it's your first trip to George Town, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my George Town hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your George Town hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near George Town

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

Bukit Jambul

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

Jerejak Island

A colorful temple with intricate carvings and statues, surrounded by lush greenery and a clear blue sky.

Little India

A large dragon float in a street.

Chinatown

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