An insider’s guide to Penang: where to stay, eat, and explore beyond the tourist trail

For a more relaxed side of Penang, head north to Batu Feringghi and check into DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang. Overlooking the Straits of Malacca, this family-friendly resort offers a welcome escape from the bustle of George Town while still keeping the city's attractions within easy reach.

Families will appreciate the spacious communal areas, two swimming pools and activities for all ages, from a giant chessboard and traditional Malaysian games like congkak to TeddyVille Museum, where larger-than-life teddy bears recreate iconic Penang scenes.

While it's tempting to spend your days lounging by the pool, the hotel also makes an excellent base for exploring the island. George Town is just a half-hour Grab ride away, and complimentary shuttle services from Fridays to Sundays make getting around even easier.

While Batu Feringghi offers beaches and resort life, George Town is where Penang truly comes alive. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008, George Town is a fascinating blend of Malay, Chinese, Indian and European influences. Start with a stroll along Armenian Street, where you'll find some of Penang's most famous street art and murals, including those by Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic.

From there, it’s also just a short walk to the nearby Clan Jetties. Originally built by Chinese immigrant communities over a century ago, these waterfront settlements offer a glimpse into a way of life that still survives today.

No visit to Penang is complete without understanding its Peranakan roots. The Peranakan, also known as Straits Chinese, emerged from centuries of cultural exchange between Chinese settlers and local Malay communities, creating a unique culture expressed through food, fashion, architecture and language.

One of the best places to experience this heritage is Pinang Peranakan Mansion. Filled with antiques, intricate furnishings and traditional costumes, the museum offers a fascinating look into the lives of Penang's wealthy Peranakan families. Visitors can even dress up in traditional Nyonya attire for photographs.

You can't talk about Penang without talking about hawker food. Near DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang, New KK99 Cafe is a convenient introduction to some of the island's best-loved dishes. Here you'll find Michelin-recognised Awesome Char Koay Teow, where smoky noodles are wok-fried to perfection with prawns, egg and lap cheong.

For another local favourite, seek out Duck Blood Curry Mee, a rich and fragrant bowl that showcases Penang's love affair with bold flavours. Ah Boy Koay Teow Th'ng is also another institution worth visiting for comforting bowls of clear noodle soup. No foodie pilgrimage would be complete without a stop at Deen's Maju Nasi Kandar. Expect long queues, generous portions and deeply flavourful curries that have made it one of Penang's most beloved dining institutions.

But what keeps us returning to Penang isn't just the hawker food, it's the new generation of chefs redefining what dining on the island can look like. One of our favourites is Nep!, a tiny wine bar serving natural wines alongside small plates inspired by local ingredients.

Another standout is Rembar. The menu takes inspiration from Southeast Asia while playfully incorporating global influences. Highlights include the prawn-filled pani puri, a deeply flavourful seafood lei cha with century egg and a comforting seafood tom kha soup.

For something newer, visit Lazy Ember. Opened in early 2026 by a chef formerly from Kuala Lumpur's acclaimed Bakar, the restaurant focuses on open-fire cooking. The menu is concise but thoughtful, with nearly every dish enhanced by subtle smoky flavours.

Penang has also developed a reputation as one of Malaysia's leading café destinations. Coffee lovers should make time for OME by Spacebar Coffee and AE Coffee, both of which have helped shape the island's specialty coffee scene. For pastries, head to Kwason Boulangerie, where beautifully laminated croissants are crafted by a baker who trained at Le Cordon Bleu. Nearby, Le Petit Four Pâtisserie is another excellent stop for French-inspired pastries and desserts.

Penang's bar scene is still relatively small, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in creativity. At Steep Social, tea takes centre stage. Spirits, wines and cocktails are infused with carefully selected teas, resulting in drinks that feel uniquely Penang. The cosy space, complete with chinoiserie wallpaper and warm wooden lamps, makes it easy to spend an entire evening here. Just down the road, The Nest takes inspiration from Japan. Expect thoughtful cocktails featuring imported Japanese ingredients, precise technique and elegant presentation.

Penang's creative community is thriving, and nowhere is this more apparent than Hin Bus Depot. Once an abandoned bus depot, the space has been transformed into a creative hub filled with galleries, cafés, design stores and regular markets featuring local makers and artisans.

If you're visiting over the weekend, don't miss the popular creative market. Browse stationery and paper goods at Kazimi Paper or pick up locally designed gifts at Suka-Suka Store.

Beyond Hin Bus Depot, visit Batik Row by Rerotan for contemporary takes on traditional batik, or browse Mano Plus Store for carefully curated lifestyle goods and fashion finds. Mucco is another favourite for beautifully customisable notebooks and stationery.

The island is also a paradise for vintage lovers. Fujiyama and Kenyaku Store are among our favourite thrift shops, offering everything from Japanese workwear to one-of-a-kind vintage pieces.

These recommendations are just the start. We’ve pulled together a Google Maps list with even more insider spots – save it for your next trip, and you’ll have a running guide to the best attractions, bars, and restaurants that locals love. 

Ready to experience Penang like a local? Book your perfect stay with Hilton now.