On Penang Island, George Town is Malaysia’s second-largest city, but you wouldn’t know it by the intimate, UNESCO–listed center. You’ll soon realize how historically important the city is, though, as exploring mansions, forts, museums, and temples is one of the best things to do in George Town. Established by the British East India Company in the late 18th century due to its strategic location, George Town has seen centuries of global commerce, migration, and political power struggles, all making it what it is today: a colorful, tasty, fascinating city.
George Town is located on tropical Penang Island, so it’s quite hot, humid, and prone to rain year-round. Peninsular Malaysia’s west coast experiences its monsoon season between September and November, while January–February and June–July are drier. These drier months tend to be busier with tourists, but they’re the best time to visit Penang’s beaches on day trips from George Town. The week-long George Town Festival—showcasing visual and performance arts and music—is held annually in July or August.
Few areas are pedestrianized, but the historic center is quite compact and walkable if you have the stamina and agility to dodge traffic and sidestep obstructions in the limited sidewalks. A convenient free bus—Central Area Transit, or CAT bus—connects the Weld Quay Bus Terminal with major George Town attractions. Taxis and rideshare services are available for getting between more spread-out attractions or to Penang’s beaches and rainforest.
George Town’s street art is a major attraction and goes beyond murals and graffiti—look out for sculptural works, too. Street art maps can be found online, and many cafés, shops, tourist information offices, and hotels also offer printed maps. You can find a lot on your own, simply strolling through George Town’s historic center, but a map will lead the way to works you might otherwise miss and provide context on the artists.
