Street art is ubiquitous in this city, and understandably one of Penang’s top tourist attractions. People love to pose with these charming murals, admire them, and “Instagram” their finds. Two must-sees here are “Little Children on a Bicycle” by Ernest Zacharevic, on Armenian Street, and “Brother and Sister on a Swing” by Louis Gan, on Step by Step Lane.

(For more tips on Penang art, read our art lover’s guide to Penang art or refer to this step-by-step walking guide.)

A holiday here wouldn’t be complete without a serving of Penang’s famous chendol. This sweet dessert is made of a mixture of coconut milk and palm sugar, topped with wriggly strands of bright green jelly. To savour yours, head to Chowastra Market and look for a street-side cart parked opposite Joo Hooi coffee shop, with a signboard that says “Penang Famous Teochew Chendul.” The queue here is perpetually long but as the saying goes: good things are worth the wait.

Since you’re near Joo Hooi Coffee Shop, you might as well tuck into some serious Penang hawker fare – the Char Kuay Teow. This flavourful dish of flat rice noodles fried with sinfully rich lard is smokingly good.

But wait, there is more. Penangites love their Assam Laksa. The good folks at Sin Hwa Coffee Shop have mastered it to simmering levels of perfection. This rich, reddish, and seriously addictive dish comes with thick rice noodles in a fish-flavoured broth that is spicy, sour, and savoury at the same time.

If you’re visiting the Georgetown area, you’d be glad to know there are places for you to dine like a king. For a list of recommendations of Penang’s fine dining establishments, read our guide to where to dine like royalty in Penang.

 

Get directions to Chowrasta Market

Get directions to Joo Hooi Coffee Shop

Get Directions to Sin Hwa Coffee Shop 

After all the sightseeing, it’s time to reinvigorate both body and mind at St. Gregory. The award-winning spa offers a range of therapeutic treatments such as the Balneotherapy Hydrobaths, which draws on a powerful water massage therapy to enhance the healing properties of herbal and flower extracts to purify the body, or the Malaysian Local Spa Experience, which is a traditional Malay urut (massage) that relaxes the nerves and mind.

Discover more of Penang's hidden gems with our Destination Insights guide on PARKROYAL Penang Resort, packed with exciting attractions and activities.