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Visit Georgetown

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Greetings from Georgetown University! Founded in 1789, Georgetown is the nation’s oldest Catholic and Jesuit college. Overlooking the Potomac River and the city of Washington, DC, it is certainly easy to understand why Georgetown’s early students often referred to the University as The Hilltop. Please visit our website to learn more about our In-person and Virtual offerings. We look forward to meeting you.

    Traveling to the Hilltop

Given the traffic and congestion of the Georgetown area, we strongly encourage visitors to utilize public transportation. For those arriving by car, we recommend several parking garages in the Georgetown neighborhood, as the University itself has very limited parking. Please view Directions to Campus page for more detailed information.

    Exploring the Campus

We encourage all prospective students to participate in our information sessions and tours. Information sessions are led by members of the admissions staff and provide ample time for you to learn about the admissions process in detail. Tours are an opportunity to learn more about student life and engage with current undergraduate students. Please view Virtual and In-person Visits page for more detailed information.

    Exploring the Georgetown Neighborhood

The campus is nestled in the Georgetown historic neighborhood of Washington, DC. The experience of a Georgetown students seamlessly merge two worlds: the University campus, and the Georgetown neighborhood. We strongly emphasize that prospective students should explore both the campus and the surrounding neighborhood to better obtain a full understanding of the day-to-day life of a Georgetown student. The charming “village” of Georgetown, twelve square blocks in size, retains the spirit of the colonial town in which the University was founded more than two centuries ago. The immediate neighborhood boasts federal-style townhouses and cobblestone, tree-lined streets leading to the intersection of M St. and Wisconsin Ave., which represent the heart of the Georgetown neighborhood.

    Experiencing the Nation’s Capital

No visit to the Hilltop would be complete without exploring the dynamic and bustling city of Washington, D.C. The university rests in close proximity to the White House, Congress, the Supreme Court as well as major theaters, concert halls and museums. In addition to attracting notable guest speakers, Georgetown provides unparalleled access to internship programs across multiple sectors, a wide variety of cultural events, and all that DC has to offer.

While at Georgetown, students develop a more thorough understanding of themselves and of the world around them, not simply a set of professional skills. This is evident in the achievements of distinguished alumni , including many ambassadors, numerous members of Congress, a current Supreme Court justice, and one former U.S. president. To be part of the academic experience at Georgetown is to join a multifaceted dialogue focused on intellectual, personal and spiritual growth.

Below are links to five different categories of activities, all of which will give you a strong picture of the typical experience of a Georgetown student and their favorite places to eat, shop, and explore.

More Information

Virtual and In-person Visits Group Visits Georgetown Comes to You Directions to Campus Self-guided Tour Campus Map Transportation Area Hotels and Visitor Housing

The Best Things to See & Do in Georgetown

A favorite of tourists and locals alike, discover the best things to see, do and eat in dc's historic georgetown neighborhood..

Shopping isn’t the only thing to do in Georgetown . Washington, DC's oldest neighborhood is full of charm, Michelin-approved restaurants, fantastic events for the whole family and plenty of scenic views. Pick your adventure – from the exciting waterfront all the way up to Book Hill – and get exploring in this centuries-old part of the District.

Get active on the Potomac River

        View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Angel & Ronnie Beil (@angel_beil)

Georgetown's waterfront offers a wide range of on-the-water fun , so head down to the banks of the Potomac for your next adventure. Pick up a kayak or standup paddleboard at the  Key Bridge Boathouse  and enjoy Instagram-worthy panoramas of the DC and Virginia skylines while also getting a great workout. Cycle on the water with Potomac Paddle Club 's social, BYOB "cycleboat" experience or simply sit back, relax and let the motor do it's thing.

Tempt your taste buds

A plate for every palate and a bite for every budget. With more than 100 restaurants representing nearly a wide range of ethnicities, Georgetown’s  diverse food and drink scene is only growing. Wherever your taste buds take you, a picture-perfect backdrop awaits – from Georgetown’s vibrant waterfront dining to cozy drinks on tucked-away patios and power lunches among politicos.

Shop to your heart's content

No trip to Georgetown is complete without some retail therapy. Fashionistas know to browse designer duds at Alice & Olivia, Billy Reid and Rag & Bone alongside department store offshoots and local boutiques. You can check out these shops and more in our  Georgetown shopping guide . More interested in snagging a bargain? There's a TJ Maxx/Home Goods on M Street, and a number of upscale secondhand stores in the neighborhood.

Splash, skate and more at Washington Harbour

        View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Brianna Gist (@briheartphoto)

Georgetown’s waterfront is home to tons of great restaurants – many, including Sequoia , Tony and Joe's Seafood Place , Farmers Fishers Bakers  and Fiola Mare , offer patio seating in warm weather – and plenty of outdoor activities. In summer, children (and adults, too) can splash in the sprinkler-style water fountain, watch the boats and feed the ducks. In winter months, one of our favorite places to ice skate  opens for the season.

Tour the gorgeous Tudor Place

DC Gardens

This historic landmark has been a fixture in DC since 1816, serving as a home to descendants of Martha Washington for six generations. Inside the elegant house, discover furnishings, household items and fascinating Washington-related artifacts. The five-plus acres worth of gardens on the estate make for a wondrous and scenic outdoor experience.

Explore the gardens at Dumbarton Oaks

Dumbarton Oaks

Secluded and lush, the grounds of this beautiful park have been described as being like the Secret Garden and it’s no surprise why: Manicured greenery, winding pathways and classical fountains comprise a 27-acre historic park that sits atop the highest hill in Georgetown. An adjacent museum specializes in Byzantine and Pre-Columbian art.

Exorcise and exercise

Sam Kittner / Georgetown BID

Get those demon carbs out of your body and run up all 75 of the super-steep infamous Exorcist steps at the corner of 36th and Prospect streets. The steps had their moment of fame as the spot where Father Karras tumbled to his demise in the in the cult horror classic  The Exorcist . Locals flock to the steps to get their sweat on, so you’ll be in good company.

Ogle famous homes

        View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Artyom Shmatko (@artyomshmatko)

Georgetown has been home to lots of celebrities: Julia Child taught cooking lessons and tested recipes for her legendary first cookbook while living in the yellow wood-frame house at 2706 Olive Street in the 1950s – the home sold for nearly $1 million in 2015. Or learn about the rich history of the Kennedy family in Georgetown – including the house John F. Kennedy lived in at 3307 N Street while running for president.

Walk in the steps of JFK

        View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Adam Brockett (@adam_brockett)

Retrace the steps of one of America’s most iconic presidential couples – John and Jacqueline Kennedy – with a  self-guided Kennedy walking tour around the neighborhood. You can visit the the church where they worshipped and go to  the restaurant  to sit at the booth where JFK proposed in June 1953.

Catch some live jazz at Blues Alley

Founded in 1965 and modeled after the jazz clubs of the 1920s, this supper club-style music venue is hidden away in an alley carriage house and hosts live jazz musicians almost every night of the year. Throughout its history, such legendary performers as Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie and Tony Bennett have taken the stage at the Washington institution.

Book it to Book Hill

_pics_by_josh

Small, independent boutiques, galleries, and restaurants make up the charming area known as Book Hill , located along Wisconsin Avenue from O Street to Reservoir Road. From Book Hill Park you can take in a panoramic view of Georgetown, the Potomac River and Virginia.

Make a memorable lunch date

Georgetown is loaded with beloved lunch spots. If you’re looking for a quick, casual bite, hit up the homegrown chain  Sweetgreen  for healthy-yet-delicious salads,  Good Stuff Eatery  (owned by former  Top Chef  contestant Spike Mendelsohn) for decadent burgers and milkshakes, or  Stachowski’s  for out-of-the-box butcher sandwiches. Don’t forget to swing by  Olivia Macaron , The Bakeshop or Levain Bakery afterwards for sweet treats that are totally Instagrammable.

Get your bocce on at Pinstripes

This  family-friendly game space – which fuses an Italian-American restaurant with a sprawling bowling alley – offers 14 bowling lanes and six bocce courts in an enormous 32,000 square foot space that borders the C&O Canal.

Solve a mystery at Escape Game

Looking for a unique experience? Try this live game, in which a small group of participants must decipher clues to find their way out of a locked room. The Georgetown location has three different themed rooms. Note that reservations are encouraged.

Design the perfect day

Bob Rives / Georgetown BID

Georgetown is home to 30-plus design showrooms and stores, from contemporary to traditional home furnishings and decor. Cady’s Alley anchors the  Georgetown Design District , with more than 20 showrooms and boutiques nestled in a cluster of historic industrial buildings. Enter at 3300 M Street NW, or access the area’s cobblestone walkway from M and 33rd or 34th streets.

Paint the (George)town

Sam Kittner / Georgetown BID

Whether you’re looking for an avant-garde abstract painting or a classic landscape, Georgetown's  neighborhood galleries offer a wide range of styles. A cluster of galleries can be found in Book Hill, while plenty more are sprinkled throughout the neighborhood.

Marvel modern architecture at the House of Sweden

House of Sweden

A spectacular example of modern Scandinavian architecture , this waterfront building – which houses the embassies of Sweden and Iceland – regularly hosts events like yoga and jazz on its rooftop terrace, and exhibits on varied topics, such as an exhibit celebrating Swedish actress Ingrid Bergman.

Take a sweets break with a celebrity cupcake

ehpien via Flickr

Local bakery Georgetown Cupcake  shot to fame when its owners, sisters Katherine Berman and Sophie LaMontagne , became the focus of a TLC reality show. The line for the shop’s sweet treats usually snakes around the block. Looking for more cupcake options in the 'hood? Head down the street to Baked & Wired , a local favorite.

Prepare to be pampered

Four Seasons Hotel, Washington, D.C.

Playtime in Georgetown also means "me time" with a well-deserved visit to one of more than 50  salons and spas . Get the head-to-toe treatment for a day of pampering that will leave you feeling refreshed and ready for even more exploring.

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Reserve Your Spot with Confidence! Full Refunds with 24 Hrs Notice. Reschedule at any point, even after tour, if space allows!

Things to Do in Georgetown, D.C.

What to do, where to eat & shop, and guided tours.

Georgetown is officially just a neighborhood in DC, but it's older than the federal city and has a unique charm - and a LOT to do.

It's on the top of our list of places to see in DC - the oldest family-run restaurant, the homes of celebrities and historical figures past and present.

What to do in Georgetown can depend a lot on YOU - traveling with kids, really into the Kennedys, on a budget, a foodie?

I'll try to include something for everyone (I can be any of these depending on the day, to be honest)

This post will explain our top things to do in Georgetown right now (autumn and winter) but most things can be done year-round.

There will be advice on getting to Georgetown - don't let the lack of Metro worry you! - where to eat, shopping, and of course more about our tours.

• Top Things to See
• Plan Your Visit
• Guided Tours
• Restaurants
• Shopping in Georgetown

TOP 10 PLACES TO VISIT IN GEORGETOWN

What should you see in Georgetown? Everything!

But with so many history, architecture, and pop culture references in this neighborhood, you might not have time to see it all.

Most of these sites are visited or talked about on our Historic Georgetown and Ghosts of Georgetown Walking Tours !

We've put together our Top Ten List of Must-See places in Georgetown:

1. Georgetown Waterfront Park

The original waterfront was lined with sailing vessels and industrial buildings.

Today it has been reclaimed as a relaxing park and boardwalk lined with restaurants and the occasional yacht.

Watch the kayaks and rowing teams along the river.

For younger visitors, there is a splash park in the summer and a meditation walk (which my kids treat as a maze but hey!)

In summer months, the Washington Harbor Fountain lights up with music and a show and in winter it becomes an outdoor skating rink.

Opened in 2011, it has very little historic feel left to it but it's a great place for people watching.

It also offers good food with views of the Kennedy Center, Watergate, Teddy Roosevelt Island, and sunset over the Potomac River.

• Location: Along K St NW between 31st and 34th St NW
• Cost : Open to the public, no cost.
• Hours: Always!
• Fun Fact: You can get a great view of the Kennedy Center from the waterfront! 

2. Chesapeake & Ohio Canal

Used for over a century, the C&O Canal was a lifeline for this port city once the river silted up.

Coal, agriculture, and other raw products traveled down this waterway and canal boatmen and their families created a distinctive community here.

The best place to start is at 1057 Thomas Jefferson Street, NW Washington, DC 20007 - technically the canal extends for 185 miles into Cumberland, MD.

The Georgetown Visitor's Center (closed through renovations) has the most picturesque views of the Georgetown portion of the canal. 

• Location: South of M Street, the entire width of Georgetown. But our favorite block is between Thomas Jefferson St NW and 31 St NW
• Cost : It's a public park!
• Hours: 24/7 to visit the Canal.
• Fun Fact: If you hop on the towpath you can walk or bike all the way to Cumberland, MD!

3. Georgetown University 

This historic school began in 1789 as the first Catholic/Jesuit school in the United States.

The oldest campus building still standing, Old North, is where George Washington, and many subsequent presidents, stood to address the collegiate body.

The most iconic building, Healy Hall, towers at the main gate.

Take our self-guided tour of Georgetown University.

• Location: 3700 O St NW Washington, DC 20007
• Cost : To wander? Free. To attend school? A lot more.
• Hours: Campus grounds are generally open.

Fun Fact: Georgetown's school colors are Blue for Union uniforms and Grey for the Confederate uniforms, adopted by the rowing team in solidarity with all the student and faculty veterans returning after the Civil War.

4. House Hunting

It's like window shopping for reality!

The cobblestone streets with historic row houses of all shapes and sizes with stunning gardens tucked away, this is a great neighborhood just to wander.

You can walk a few blocks and see a variety of architecture.

If you're looking for the cobblestone streets, those can be found on O and P Streets NW on the west side of Wisconsin Avenue.

Technically, they aren't cobblestones, they are setts but still very photogenic.

Some of our favorite places to look at are the historic alleys - Pomander Walk and Cecil Court are often considered the most beautiful spots in Georgetown.

The history of DC alleys is marred with racism and displacement of poorer, Black, and immigrant families.

We suggest knowing more about that as you visit and find these resources helpful:

• https://www.aag.org/stories-of-change-hidden-in-washington-d-c-s-alleys/
• https://mbestebr.wordpress.com/2010/11/10/washington-dc-alley-houses/

5. Exorcist Steps

If you've seen the 1973 film, The Exorcist, then this staircase may look familiar.

They've always been an eerie part of town and were known as the Hitchcock Steps before the movie was filmed here in Georgetown.

The Exorcist House, where the young possessed girl lived, is just to the right of the stairs.

It was movie magic that put the two immediately next to each other.

In reality, there is a small yard and a driveway.

• Location: 3600 Prospect St NW, Washington, DC 20007
• Cost : Just your soul...
• Hours: Whenever you dare.
• Fun Fact: It's not actually haunted. But it is creepy - especially knowing that the movie was based on a true story.

6. Old Stone House

This is the oldest residence in DC still standing, built in 1765, by a German immigrant, Christopher Laymen.

Through the years it has been a clockmaker's shop, a tavern, and a used car sale lot!

Owned today by the National Park Service, the Old Stone House has been restored to its nineteenth-century state.

There is a bookstore and a Park Ranger available during business hours to answer your questions.

Outside of business hours, you can still wander the English-style gardens in the back of the house.

• Location: 3051 M St NW, Washington DC 20007
• Hours: 11 am - 6 pm (various days, depending on the season)
• Fun Fact: This was never George Washington's headquarters, but for many years that was the myth, and a sign-out front advertised visits for a nickel to those who wanted to see where the General slept! 

7. Dumbarton Oaks

This estate sprawls through the north of Georgetown with its magnificent architecture and garden.

Once the home to the Calhoun family amongst other early owners, it was last privately owned by Robert and Mildred Bliss.

They donated both the property and their large pre-Columbian and Byzantine art collection to Harvard University, which runs it today as a research center.

The Bliss' art collection and museum are open to the public, as is its renowned garden (ranked 6th in the world by National Geographic ).

The Washington Conversations were held here in 1944 when the United Kingdom, Soviet Union, China, and the United States all joined together to discuss international peacekeeping and security forces.

It's also known as the Dumbarton Oaks Conference, which would lead to the signing of the United Nations Charter.

• Location: 3120 R Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20007
• Cost : Museum: Free, Garden: $5-8 (March 15 through October 31)/ Free (November 1 through March 14)
• Hours: Museum: 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Closed on Mondays and most Federal Holidays, Garden: 2 pm - 6 pm (March 15 through October 31)/ 2 pm - 5 pm (November 1 through March 14)

8. Tudor Place

Another Federal-style mansion, the residents of this house have always been interested in preserving the history of the house and family. 

Descendants of Martha Washington and relatives of Robert E. Lee, the Peter family that lived here documented family heirlooms and architectural details of the house.

Inside you can see George Washington's Revolutionary War camp stool, the family office from the 1920s with added electricity in a unique place to protect the historic floorboards, and a closet full of clothes from the 1960s.

• Location: 1644 31st Street NW Washington, DC 20007
• Cost : $3-$10 Garden Tours: $3
• Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10 am - 4 pm / Sunday 12 pm - 4 pm. Closed on Mondays, Federal Holidays, and the entire month of January!
• Fun Fact: Tudor Place has only been owned by one family - the Peter Family, from 1806-1983.

9. Oak Hill Cemetery

This rural movement cemetery dates back to 1848 when it was founded by W. W. Corcoran.

Interred here are many well-known DC names: Edwin Station, Lincoln's Secretary of War; Ben Bradlee and the Grahams of the Washington Post; John Howard Payne, composer of Home! Sweet Home!

Listen to more about Oak Hill Cemetery on our podcast (Tour Guide Tell All) episode all about it:

All rest among beautifully maintained walkways, forested areas, and gardens.

Join us on guided tours of Oak Hill Cemetery to learn all about its history and landscapes.

• Location: 3001 R Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20007
• Cost : Free. If you'd like a self-guided walking tour map, you can purchase one at the Gatehouse.
• Hours: 9 am - 4:30 pm Monday-Friday / 11 am - 4 pm Sat / Sun 1 pm - 4 pm. Closed during funerals and federal holidays.
• Fun Fact: The 1850 Renwick Chapel, one of the few Gothic pieces in DC, was designed by James Renwick, architect of St. Patrick's Cathedral in NYC.

10. Take a Walking Tour

Of course, you'll get far more out of a visit to Georgetown if you travel around with an expert guide. 

We offer three tours of Georgetown, from a daytime historic tour to a family-friendly humorous but still historical ghost tour or an Adults-Only true crime of Wicked Georgetown.

You could go directly to our booking calendar to see what we offer and when, or you could click on the tours below for more details.

• Historic Georgetown
• Ghosts of Georgetown
• True Crimes of Georgetown (Adults Only)

If our scheduled times don't fit, check out our self-guided tours .

Dumbarton House

A federal-style house was built in 1800 and is preserved today as the headquarters of The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America.

Through the historical interpretation of the architecture, furnishings, and interior design, you can learn about the earliest time of our Nation and the Nourse family who lived here.

• Location: 2715 Q St NW, Washington, DC 20007
• Hours: 11 am -3 pm. Closed on Mondays and most Federal Holidays

Have a bit more time or specific interests? There are some great off-the-beaten-path sites in the neighborhood.

Georgetown Cupcakes

This popular dessert stop is the home to the cream cheese icing deliciousness on TLC's DC Cupcakes.

It is not the only (and some argue not the best) cupcakery in Georgetown, but you'll often find a line outside attesting to its popularity.

• Location: 3301 M St NW, Washington, DC 20007
• Cost : Depends on how many cupcakes you get!
• Hours: 10 am - 9 pm
• Fun Fact: Special flavors of the day are free for the first 100 people who order them by name - follow them on social media to find out!

The Escape Game

This is a fun addition to Georgetown's nightlife. You can choose from 5 different themed rooms.

• Location: 3345 M St NW, Washington, DC 20007
• Cost : $34.99 per person
• Hours: 1230pm-830pm
• Fun Fact: Escape Game rooms are built from scratch so they aren't like escape rooms you've seen before.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Georgetown should be on your itinerary for a visit to Washington DC.

There is a lot to do here, great restaurants, and DC by Foot has four tours of the neighborhood!

How long to spend in Georgetown?

You could easily spend a full day here and if you have ample time during your stay in DC, you really should plan on it.

Of course, we think you should take a walking tour, which is about 2 hours.

If you want to explore one of the historic houses like Tudor Place, Dumbarton Oaks, or Dumbarton House, plan on at least an hour there.

Save time for a leisurely meal and a stroll along the waterfront after dessert.

Georgetown is very popular on the weekends and if you'd like to avoid the crowds, traffic, and lines, your best bet is to visit on a weekday or morning before the Brunch rush.

• Georgetown Walking Tours
• How to get to Georgetown
• Brief History
• Accommodations

TOURS OF GEORGETOWN

Guided Walking Tours

We are quite partial to our Historic Georgetown Tour for a highlight walk through the neighborhood.

Our tour covers some of the well-known residents and sites, but also some of those you may not know.

For a darker side of the neighborhood, our nighttime Ghosts of Georgetown tour covers eerie coincidences and curses, as well as a few documented haunted houses!

And join our newest tour, the foodie side of Georgetown: Georgetown Cupcakes & Desserts Tour . 

Self-Guided Tours

If you can't take advantage of our guided tour, then consider one of our themed self-guided tours of Georgetown

We also offer Audio Tours of Georgetown as an addition to our Historic Georgetown Walking tour.

• Book an Audio Tour on our Booking Page
• Receive a confirmation email with a .mp3, .pdf, and embeddable Google Map
• Enjoy the tour(s)!

If you like the Georgetown neighborhood, you may also want to take our Self-Guided Tour of Old Town Alexandria.

Trolley/Hop-On-Off Bus Tours

Many of the city's trolley and bus tours drive through Georgetown, with a few select locations to hop on/off.

Click here to compare the different options.

WHERE IS GEORGETOWN? The district of Georgetown is located in the northwest quadrant of Washington, DC, with its easternmost border approximately 1 mile northwest of the White House.

Georgetown has a reputation for being difficult to get to, but with a little know-how - it is very accessible!

Many of the city's trolley and bus tours drive through Georgetown, with a few select locations to hop on/off.  Click here to compare the different options.

By Metro (subway):

Technically, there is no Metro station in Georgetown, but that doesn't mean it isn't Metro accessible. How long and what route you will take really depends on where you're going in Georgetown.

The maps below show the biggest intersection and center of the shopping district at Wisconsin and M Street NW.

• If you're headed towards the Waterfront, Foggy Bottom will be closer and a shorter walk.
• Making your way to Georgetown University, then Rosslyn is a better option.

The main strip of Georgetown, M Street NW, is about a 20-minute walk from Foggy Bottom/GWU stop on the Blue/Orange/Silver lines.

As you exit the Metro, turn left and walk one block up the hill to Washington Circle, follow the Circle left to Penn Ave NW and that will eventually become M Street NW after you cross over Rock Creek Parkway.

If you're trying to get to the western side of Georgetown, you can also walk from the Metro's  Rosslyn station on the Blue/ Orange/ Silver lines.

When you exit the station, head north (right if you're exiting onto Fort Myer Drive and left if you're on Moore St) to cross the Key Bridge.

The bridge dead-ends on the far western part of M St NW.

There are many bus routes that service Georgetown, both down M St NW and northern areas of the neighborhood.

Visit the Trip Planner at WMATA to get specific directions from your location.

The Circulator is only a $1 ride or accepts SmarTrip cards.

The Dupont-Georgetown-Rosslyn line runs from the Dupont Circle to the Rosslyn metro station, with stops along M Street.

The Union Station-Georgetown line runs from Union Station to Georgetown via K Street and back to Union Station with stops on M Street traveling eastbound.

These buses are distinctive red and black buses with similar-looking signs at the bus stops.

Parking in Georgetown

Like many busy parts of the cities, parking in Georgetown can be difficult!

There is street parking throughout the neighborhood.

Street parking is $2/hr Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays and holidays do not have parking enforcement.

When parking, look for rush hour restrictions - parking on Monday through Friday along M Street and on the 1100-1600 blocks of Wisconsin Avenue, NW from 7 to 9:30 a.m. and 4 to 6:30 p.m. will result in a towed car! 

Parking on neighborhood non-metered streets is limited to 2 hours - legally, that is applicable to the whole of Zone 2.

So, moving your car from one spot to another in the same neighborhood may still result in a ticket.

Another easy way to park in Georgetown is through a service called SpotHero.

This website enables drivers to search for, compare, and purchase guaranteed parking spaces ahead of time in garages. They have a bunch of cheap options in Georgetown.  

BRIEF HISTORY OF GEORGETOWN

Founded in 1751 in the colony of Maryland, the town of George was founded as a tobacco port city on the Potomac River.

Georgetown, today, is much larger than the original town boundaries.

What is now N St NW (formally Gay Street) was the northern boundary of the city.

The rest was bordered on the south by the river, east by Rock Creek, and west by what is now Georgetown University.

When the founding fathers decided where to put the new federal district, the port of Georgetown was included in its boundaries.

In 1800, it became Georgetown, DC - still, its own city.

This changed in 1871 when Washington City expanded and Georgetown lost its autonomy.

The streets were renamed and the city council disbanded.

The small town grew with the success of its merchants until the mid-1800s.

With the growth of the federal city, the stress of the Civil War, the silting of the Potomac River, and the failure of the C&O Canal, Georgetown fell into a decline that lasted decades.

After the New Deal-ers moved into the affordable neighborhood, cemented by the presence of the Kennedys, Georgetown became once again a neighborhood of businessmen and politicians.

Diverse is not the word you'd use to describe Georgetown today.

But, throughout its history, it has been the home of leading political figures and simple merchants and enslaved persons, full of Scottish and German immigrants, and a thriving community of freedmen at Herring Hill.

It went from mansions to slums and back again.

A walk through this pre-Revolutionary War neighborhood takes you through 250 years of history, its architecture, and the stories of the people who once and still live there.

If you'd like to learn more, our guide, Canden, has had two books published on Georgetown!

Wicked Georgetown: Scoundrels, Sinners and Spies, and Images of America: Georgetown . Both are available on her Amazon author page !

ACCOMMODATIONS IN GEORGETOWN

As the oldest and one of the most affluent neighborhoods in DC, Georgetown is home to some of the most beautiful and luxurious hotels in the city.

There are many hotels to choose from, but here are some of our favorites.

Rosewood Washington, D.C. Georgetown : 1050 31st St NW, Washington, DC 20007 - $$$$

The Melrose Georgetown : 2430 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20037 - $$$$

Georgetown Inn : 1310 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007 - $$$

Georgetown Inn West End : 1121 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20037 - $$

Looking to learn more about accommodation in DC? Check out the following posts:

• Best Hostels in Washington, DC
• Affordable Hotels in Downtown Washington, DC
• Bed and Breakfasts in Washington, DC

RESTAURANTS IN GEORGETOWN

If you've ever been on Canden's Georgetown tours, you'll hear her talk about one and only one restaurant.

By far all of our favorite places to eat in Georgetown, Martin's Tavern is Canden's only recommendation.

It has great food (their grandmother's recipe for crab cakes is amazing), but what we love most is its history.

Martin's Tavern was opened in 1933 by an Irish immigrant, Billy Martin, and is still run by his great-grandson, also Billy Martin, who can sometimes be found behind the bar, and fifth-generation, Lauren Martin.

If you go there and tell them DC By Foot sent you... nothing will happen, they have no idea who we are but we highly recommend it!

Martin’s Tavern : 1264 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC - American Tavern $$

Shanghai Lounge : 1734 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007 - Dumplings/Chinese $

Sequoia : 3000 K St NW, Washington, DC 20007 - American $$$

Filomena: 1063 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007 - Italian $$$

Moby Dick House of Kebab : 1070 31st St NW - Mediterranean $

Il Canale : 1065 31st St NW, Washington, DC 20007 - Italian $$

Chez Billy Sud : 1039 31st St NW, Washington, DC 20007 -French $$

Chaia : 3207 Grace St NW. Washington, DC 20007 - Taco (Vegan & Vegetarian Options) $

Fiola Mare: 3100 K St NW, Washington DC 20007 - Seafood $$$$  

DESSERTS IN GEORGETOWN:

Join our newest tour, the foodie side of Georgetown: Georgetown Cupcakes & Desserts Tour.

If you have any interest in desserts, you've likely heard of TLC's "DC Cupcake" television show. It is based on the shop, Georgetown Cupcakes on M St NW.

Fan of the show? By all means, go visit the shop. There will be a line - they even have a bouncer!

If you follow them on Twitter/Facebook, the first 100 guests to order the cupcake of the day by name get it for free!

But Georgetown Cupcakes is not the only place dessert place in Georgetown.

Thomas Sweet's Ice Cream & Chocolate : 3214 P St NW, Washington, DC 20007 - Homemade ice cream and fudge

Sprinkles : 3015 M St NW, Washington, DC 20007 - Also known due to a TV show - Cupcakes

Baked & Wired:  1052 Thomas Jefferson St NW, Washington, DC 20007 - our favorite - delicious desserts of all kinds!

Levain Bakery : 3131 M st NW, Washington DC 20007 - This famous cookie bakery from NYC is noticeable by its VERY long line!

Olivia Macron (one of our FAVS!): 3270 M St NW, Washington, DC 20007 - homemade macrons with a variety of flavors.

SHOPPING IN GEORGETOWN

Georgetown is the go-to shopping area inside the District.

While walking along the two main streets of Georgetown - M Street NW and Wisconsin Ave NW you'll find everything from staples such as Urban Outfitters and Nike to secondhand stores to vintage shops that carry designer brands.

• 14 Stylish Georgetown Shops
• 10 Best Vintage and Consignment Shops in Georgetown (technically, only the first 3 are in Georgetown but the rest aren't far!)
• The 9 Best Places to Shop in Georgetown

The northern section of Wisconsin Ave NW (by the Georgetown Library) will have you feeling as if you are wandering the streets of Paris. Book Hill, as this area is known, offers more than the standard retail outlets.

Here you'll find Antiques Row, bespoke jewelry, and curious treasures to take home with you.

Meanwhile, M Street NW offers more of the shopping mall experience without the mall itself.

Off M Street are places like Cady's Alley, historic alleys turned into shopping and dining.

Large chain stores can be found along this main road. Banana Republic, Anthropologie, J. Crew, and more can all be found along M Street.

If you're looking for a few unique finds or you just need to replace a lost suitcase, Georgetown shopping offers a varied experience to add to your visit to DC.

For a complete list of all the stores you can find in Georgetown, check out: http://www.georgetowndc.com/explore/fashion

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Discover the best that Southern USA has to offer! Hidden gems, vibrant cities and more!

18 Best Things To Do In Georgetown, DC

Here is a list of the 17 best things to do in Georgetown D.C.!

October 3, 2023 //  by  Southern Trippers

Planning a trip and need to find all the best things to do in Georgetown? You have come to the right place!

The historic district of Georgetown is one of the best things to do in Washington D.C. It is full of hidden gems to explore.

Personally, I love Georgetown! It is one of the cutest neighborhoods in Washington DC and is super photogenic!

You can plan a visit any time of the year, and Christmas in Washington D.C. is one of the most magical.

Georgetown was originally built as a port town and was an important part of the shipbuilding history in America.

Over the years Georgetown has evolved from its roots. It is now one of the most popular and trendy neighborhoods in town while still keeping its historic charm.

There are so many fashionable shops, tasty restaurants, beautiful parks, historic homes to discover, and trendy boutique hotels .

Planning your trip to Washington DC last minute?

Hotels and tours sell out fast! Make sure to book in advance to ensure availability. Here are our top picks for Washington DC:

Top Experiences And Tours To Book In Advance:

• Monuments By Moonlight Tour (Our pick!)
• Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour (Easy to get around)
• Gourmet Dining Cruise (Can choose brunch or dinner)
• Capital Wheel Entry Ticket (Save time in line)

Best Places To Stay In Washington DC:

• The Architec t (Our choice for location)
• Citizen M Washington DC Capito l (Hip and modern)
• Glover Park Hotel Georgetown (four stars)
• Hotel Washington (Panoramic views!)

Like most of Washington D.C., Georgetown is very walkable and easy to navigate. As well as being great exercise, walking will help you to see more of the cobblestone streets and really experience it like a local.

If you are not able to walk or do not have time, you can utilize the public transport system. Bus fare is cheap and there are plenty of stops around Georgetown.

Another option is to rent a bicycle or grab a scooter off the street!

This is truly one of the best places to stay in Washington DC!

Now let’s look at some of the best attractions in Georgetown D.C. in more detail!

Go on a Spooky Walking Tour

Like any other deeply historic place in America, Georgetown has its fair share of ghostly activities.

From haunted houses, churches, cemeteries, and railroad tracks, it is hard to avoid a chill going down your spine.

If you looking for what to do in Georgetown and are interested in paranormal activities or a cool spin on historic stories, you have to try a s pooky walk ing tour of Georgetown.

You will gain a whole new perspective on the historic streets as an informative guide leads you to many of the district’s most haunted places.

This really is one of the best things to do at night in Georgetown!

Book Here: Georgetown: Ghost Story Walking Tour

Take a Tasty Food Tour

Foodies will want to take a food tour while in Georgetown because there are so many yummy restaurants and cafes in Georgetown to taste test.

This walking food tour is a great way to see the city as you learn about the history and food scene all while enjoying delicious food.

This tour hits up some of the most iconic eateries in lively neighborhoods. Including the James Beard nominee’s tarts near the canals and the delicious VPN-style pizza is always a crowd favorite.

Make sure you bring an appetite and a camera to capture the scenic streets. This is truly one of the best things to do in Washington DC at night !

Book Here: Taste of Georgetown Walking Food Tour

Visit the Dumbarton Oaks Museum

The Dumbarton Oaks Museum is one of the best places to visit in Georgetown for anyone interested in history, art, or architecture.

This Georgetown library is open to any researchers who wish to expand their knowledge or if you want to just pop in to see the architecture.

The museum holds a world-class collection of art that includes Byzantine and Pre-Columbian art. There is also a Renaissance-inspired music room and a rare book gallery.

While you are there you can enjoy a tour of the museum and gardens. The gardens are filled with over fifty acres of landscaped beauty.

This is a wonderful place for a photoshoot among flowering trees or admiring contemporary art installations mixed among the plants.

Be sure to add the Dumbarton house as a quick stop on your list of what to see in Georgetown DC.

This is one of the best museums in Washington DC .

Marvel at the Tudor Place Historic House

Another of the best Georgetown things to do for architecture lovers is a visit to Tudor Place . This pretty, neoclassical mansion is a beautiful sight on a five-and-a-half-acre estate.

The historic property was built in 1816 and was the home of Martha Washington’s granddaughter. The descendants of Martha Washington lived here for six generations.

The inside holds over eighteen thousand decorative objects and furnishings. This is where you will find the second-largest Washington collection, the first being at Mount Vernon.

The garden is a beautiful place to walk as well, especially in spring when there are flowers blooming around every corner. The most common flowers are different color roses, peonies, and big blooming hydrangeas.

Tudor Place is such a peaceful area that will make you forget you are in the middle of Georgetown DC.

Walk Around Georgetown Campus

You can’t go to Georgetown without visiting the campus of the famous university. As well as being one of the oldest colleges in the U.S., Georgetown is also regarded as one of the best.

It dates back to 1789 and is a staple in Washington D.C.

The campus is beautiful and the architecture is amazing. The school overlooks the Potomac River so get ready for some awesome views.

Healy Hall is one of the most popular places to visit on campus. This building sticks out because of its distinctive Flemish Romanesque style and the inside is just as beautiful as the outside.

Interestingly, it was designed by the same architects who designed the Library of Congress. It is named after the college’s first president of African-American descent, Patrick Francis Healy.

Touring here would be one of the best things to do in Georgetown for anyone who is getting ready for college!

See the Exorcist Steps

Film buffs will want to see the famous Exorcist Steps in historic Georgetown.

This innocent-looking staircase was a filming location for the 1973 horror classic The Exorcist in the dramatic chase scene. If you dare to climb the stairs, you will see the epic house in the movie as well.

The steps were iconic before the filming because they connect two important areas, Prospect Street and Canal Road.

The views from the top give you a unique view of the city. Be sure to take a few minutes to take it all in!

There are 97 steps in total and they are pretty steep so be careful if you are visiting at night. Just be sure not to trespass, since it is a private residence.

Many people climb the stairs on their daily exercise route, so you will be okay, just be respectful.

Stroll Along the Georgetown Waterfront Park

The Georgetown Waterfront Park on the Potomac River offers amazing views of Roosevelt Island and picturesque bridges. This ten-acre park is a great place for a romantic stroll or an adventure with your kids.

Speaking of kids, they will have a blast splashing in the refreshing fountain or twisting their way through the labyrinth path. The path creates a scenic nature walk and there are beautiful, native plants and rain gardens.

Pack yourself a picnic on the popular river steps to watch ducks swim in the water or boats cruise by. You might even be able to watch rowers practice for the Olympics.

This is one of the most fun things to do with kids in Georgetown!

After walking around, grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants at the Washington Harbour.

If you are spending a weekend in Washington DC , you need to stop by here!

Stroll the Cute Streets and Canal

It is hard to say what the best street in Georgetown is, but almost everyone can agree that the best street in Georgetown to start at is N Street.

This is because N Street is known for its historic townhouses. Most were built back in the late 18th century and they are always the most sought-after real estate in the city.

There are also many homes of famous people found here. Along with many politicians, these buildings have also belonged to A-listers like Julia Child, Elizabeth Taylor, and Alexander Graham Bell.

The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, or C & O Canal, is also one of the best streets in Georgetown. Construction of the canal began in 1828. While it was once important for transportation, it is now a scenic place to walk, bike, or boat.

Walking around the city may seem like a waste of time, but it is actually one of the best activities in Georgetown.

Take a Photo in Front of Call Your Mother

Call Your Mother is a super cute deli that specializes in tasty bagel sandwiches. This eatery is one of the best Instagram spots in Georgetown, and you simply must come to take a photo here.

Found on the corner of O and 35th Street, this shop stands out among the other cute buildings because of its bright pink color and light, green trimming. The doorway is covered in flowers, only adding to the beauty.

Snap a few photos and grab a bagel to go. It is just a few blocks from Georgetown University so you can eat as you walk to the campus.

Visit the Francis Scott Key Memorial

The Francis Scott Key Memorial is near the Francis Scott Key Bridge and the C & O Canal.

Scott Key is most famous for writing the U.S. national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner”. He was also the fourth United States Attorney for the District of Columbia.

The bust of Key sits in a small park next to a pergola covered in wisteria. The park also features an American flag that is a replica of the one that flew over Fort McHenry during the War of 1812.

If you want to see the actual, preserved flag, you can head to the National Mall and visit the Smithsonian Museum of American History where they have the Star-Spangled Banner on display.

This is a simple stop along your tour of the best things to do in Georgetown, but definitely still worth a visit.

Eat at Fiola Mare

If you are looking for one of the best restaurants in Georgetown , you should reserve a table at Fiola Mare.

This classic restaurant is found on the riverfront. It is near the ferry terminal, so grab a table on the patio to watch the boats and people roll by. You will love the waterfront dining!

As an Italian restaurant specializing in seafood, you are in for a delicious meal. Fiola Mare is open every day of the week, starting at 11:30 for lunch. Except for Mondays when they open at 4 for dinner service.

Some of the most popular meals include delicacies such as caviar, oysters, and prawns. For pasta try their ravioli dish or the homemade red sauce.

There is also a wine list inspired by the Italian coast, ask your server to help pair it with your meal! Don’t forget to save room for dessert, too the chocolate cake is to die for!

Step Back in History at Old Stone House

The Old Stone House on M Street is the oldest building in Washington D.C. that is still on its original foundation. You can’t really get more historic than that!

The home was built in 1765, so this unassuming stone building is even older than the United States.

If you want to step back in time, you can do a self-guided tour of the property. Each room is furnished accurately to represent the colonial era.

This is one of the best free things to do in Georgetown for all ages.

Also noteworthy there has been a shop in this spot since the 1800s, and today you can purchase souvenirs at the gift shop just as they did way back in the day.

Buy Locally in Historic Shopping Districts

There are many historic places for Georgetown shopping. Whether you buy anything or simply window shop, you will have a great time soaking in the lively atmosphere.

Most of the buildings have exposed brick, lofted ceilings, and cool design elements. The shops are just as beautiful to see as the clothing they sell.

Keep your eyes peeled for Cady’s Alley. This super trendy fashionable store will have a little something for everyone’s style. When you need a break there is a courtyard and alleys where shoppers can take a load off.

Another popular spot to shop is The Book Hill shopping district. Which is named after the nearby Book Hill Park. This area has many independent stores that sell things like clothes, home goods, antiques, and art.

Even celebrities have been spotted shopping here, so you know it is one of the best things to do in Georgetown!

Walk in JFK’s Footsteps

If you are a fan of the Kennedys, then you will be happy to learn that John and Jackie have quite a history in Georgetown.

You can tour places in the area where this beloved couple lived and worked on a self-guided walking tour.

A quick Google search will bring up all the addresses you need to see. Make sure to only admire the homes from the sidewalk and respect the owners.

Along with places where they lived or JFK worked on his presidential campaign, you can also see more personal locations.

They attended services at the Holy Trinity Church. JFK proposed to Jackie at Martin’s Tavern. If you eat there, you can dine in the “Proposal Booth.” How cool is that?!

Hear Some Jazz at Blues Alley

Music lovers will find that listening to jazz at Blues Alley is one of the fun things to do in Georgetown at night. This iconic, jazz club was founded in 1965 and has hosted many famous musicians.

Eat a delicious Southern meal like blackened catfish or jambalaya as you enjoy live jazz music. The club is hidden down a little alley right around the corner from the C & O Canal.

This is one of the best things to do for adults in Georgetown as well since you get dinner and a show.

After supporting the historic business, go for a moonlit stroll along the canal to end your romantic night in Georgetown right?

Watch a Performance at the Gaston Hall

One of the best Georgetown DC activities is found on the GU campus at Gaston Hall.

This beautiful auditorium was originally built by Francis Healy and was molded after the 16th century Gesu in Rome with gothic features.

The hall is multi-purpose and regularly hosts concerts, lectures, and theatrical performances.

Be sure to check out their local website to see what is going on when you are visiting DC! If nothing interesting is happening, you can do a self-guided tour to check out this beautiful and historic music hall.

Take a Boat Tour of the Potomac River

One of the best ways to see the best attractions in Georgetown DC is from the water. You can take your pick between paddle boats, electric boats, or the traditional river boat. These tours are available all season long but peak season is during the warmer months of the year.

The most common boat tour will take you to see famous landmarks like the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Memorial, and the Washington Monument.

Some seasonal options available are a cruise to see the blooming Washington DC cherry blossoms , a sunset cruise, or a booze brunch cruise.

Another option to get out on the water is renting a kayak, canoe, or paddleboat from the Key Bridge Boathouse.

With so many options this is one of the best things to do in Georgetown Washington DC any time of the year!

Get Dessert at Georgetown Cupcake

If you are looking for a tasty treat, you need to check out Georgetown Cupcake ! You might have to wait in line since this place is so popular, but it will be worth it!

This bakery was opened in 2008 by sisters Katherine Kallinis Berman and Sophie Kallinis LaMontagne. They’ve been featured in many magazines and even had a TV show on TLC called DC Cupcakes from 2010 to 2013.

With over 100 cupcake flavors, you can try something new every time you visit. They also have seasonal choices each month.

Some flavors include red velvet, peanut butter fudge, lemon blossom, key lime, and toffee crunch. There are a couple of gluten-free and vegan options too.

Even if you are not able to drop by when you visit Georgetown Washington DC, the bakery ships nationwide. You could also learn to make your own treats by using one of their cookbooks.

If you are looking for things to do in Atlanta, Georgia , there is also a location there!

There is no excuse not to enjoy some of the best things to do in Georgetown DC, most are simple to navigate and won’t break the bank.

There are so many things to do in Georgetown for adults and kids alike. This can be a romantic getaway in the South or a fun family vacation. No matter what, you will make great memories!

With so many historic buildings, informative museums, pretty parks, Georgetown shops, and restaurants, you could easily spend a few days here exploring. Do not forget to add Georgetown to your Washington D.C. itinerary.

Next, check out more of the best things to do in Northern Virginia !

Home » Travel Guides » Malaysia » 25 Best Things to Do in George Town (Malaysia)

25 Best Things to Do in George Town (Malaysia)

Penang’s UNESCO-listed George Town combines stunning architecture, street art and food.

Restored colonial buildings line the older parts of the city overlooking the Straits of Melaka. Mosques, churches and temples sit side by side elsewhere.

Street art adds character to the already colorful neighborhoods.

Botanical Gardens sprawls at the base of towering Penang Hill, a favorite with hikers.

Grand Chinese mansions stand next to food courts, shopping centers and weekend markets.

Crazy Tourist identifies the 25 best things to do in George Town for history, art and culture.

1. Explore George Town’s colonial heritage

George Town was Malaya’s (old name for Malaysia) thriving colonial port.

The British became wealthy from mining tin, rubber plantations and growing coffee in nearby Perak state. Ships exported these commodities from Penang.

George Town’s legacy of this bygone era lies the number of preserved buildings.

Penang’s capital showcases some of the best examples of British architecture in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

Check out Fort Cornwallis, stately government buildings and Anglican churches.

Grab a map and stroll through old Penang and find architectural masterpieces around almost every corner.

2. Fort Cornwallis: Malaysia’s biggest fort

The star-shaped bastion crumbles near the Straits of Melaka in northeast George Town.

Fort Cornwallis opened in 1786 to protect Penang against increasing threats of piracy.

With an area of almost 39 square meters, it’s Malaysia’s largest fort.

Parts of the original outer walls remain which today encloses a small park. Travelers typically spend 15 minutes inside the complex.

Fort Cornwallis is near the Penang Clock Tower and Esplanade.

Information boards present the fort’s story. But most are vague and disparate.

Read about the colonial bastion before visiting to get the most out of the visit.

3. Southeast Asia’s oldest Anglican church

St George’s in George Town opened its doors in 1819 making it Southeast Asia’s oldest Anglican church.

The British commissioned a church for the increasing number of residents migrating to Malaya in the 19th-century.

The white-washed structure combines neo-classical, English Palladian and Georgian elements. Walk around the church’s grounds and appreciate its diverse geometric and architecture styles.

St George’s is part of George Town’s UNESCO Heritage and remains functional today.

4. Discover the ‘Penang Story’ at the State Museum

Penang State Museum is set inside a former British colonial era school.

Permanent exhibitions tell Penang’s story using art, photographs and old maps.

Discover what life was like during the British period. Find out about the crucial events that occurred in George Town.

Learn about the notorious Penang Riots of 1867 and see a replica of a Chinese trader’s home.

Temporary exhibitions can include everything from ethnography to jewelry to contemporary art.

A recent $20 million investment aims to transform the museum into a regional landmark.

5. The architectural masterpiece of City Hall

George Town’s colonial legacy manifests in its stunning examples of architecture. Nothing showcases this more than City Hall.

Arched windows and colonnades decorate the neo-Baroque masterpiece near Esplanade. Today, the former British City Hall houses the Municipal Council.

Tourists can’t go inside the functioning government building. Snap the best photographs from the Esplanade.

Stop by this colonial work of art as part of a self-guided walking tour of Penang. Fort Cornwallis is a few minutes away on foot.

6. Photograph Penang’s world-renowned street art

George Town is known for three things: colonial architecture, food and street art.

Murals of all shapes, sizes and styles add color to sections of the city’s otherwise bland walls.

Renowned artists including Zacharevic, Alex Face and Kenji Chai have contributed to some of the images.

Check out the Malayan Tiger, Brother and Sister on a Swing and the Window Cat.

Stealing Baos, an image depicting two young children reaching through a barred window, is among the most photographed.

Grab a map of the street art trail from the tourist information center.

7. Explore George Town’s colonial hill station

Penang Hill is both George Town’s and Penang’s tallest point rising to 833 meters (2,733 feet).

During colonial days, the British established a hill station (essentially a resort) at its summit.

Slightly cooler temperatures provided respite from the stuffy, sticky lowlands. Bungalows appeared. Many still remain.

Take the Bukit Bendera Cable Car if you’re short on time. Or hike along the 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) road from Arched Moon Gate in the Botanical Gardens.

Viewing platforms, English-style cottages and themed areas entertain tourists at the top.

8. Tropical flowers and primates inside Botanical Gardens

Botanical Gardens covers more than 71 acres at the foot of Penang Hill.

A path loops around the garden’s 12 sections past countless species of tropical flowers and spices.

Since opening in 1884 on the site of an old quarry, Botanical Gardens has expanded to contain tens of thousands of plants. Check out Lily Garden, Tropical Rainforest and Fern House. Or wander among cacti and herb gardens to a cascading waterfall.

Troupes of long-tailed macaques live inside Botanical Gardens. Families sit on electricity wires near the entrance curiously watching people walk by.

Combine a trip to Botanical Gardens with Penang Hill.

9. Temple tour of George Town

George Town has a reputation for Buddhist and Hindu temples.

Dozens fill the city with a temple of one kind or another temple located on almost every block.

Travelers usually visit a few during their self-guided walking tours.

Crazy Tourist recommends Wat Chaiyamangkalaram, Sri Mahamariamman Temple and Snake Temple.

You’ll find smaller ones while exploring George Town’s neighborhoods.

Be respectful and don’t disturb worshipers. Try to limit the number of photographs inside.

10. A celebration of Buddhism at Kek Lok Si

Kek Lok Si is an enormous castle-like temple approximately 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) from central George Town.

Dating to the 19th-century, this temple is a celebration of different sects of Buddhism. Relics from both Theravada and Mahayana branches decorate the halls inside the vast complex.

The three-tiered central tower incorporates Chinese, Burmese and Thai designs.

Spend an hour or two following the passages through the different halls. Notice the slight variation in each statue, presentation and decorations.

Photograph the 30.2-meter (99-feet) Goddess of Mercy outside.

11. Four religions, one street

Malaysia is a multicultural melting pot.

George Town flaunts the best of Penang’s religious harmony.

Mosques, churches and temples stand side-by-side on Kapitan Keling Street – the same way they have for the best part of two centuries.

Taoist Goddess of Mercy is the oldest dating to 1728. Masjid Kapitan Keling, St George’s Church and Sri Mahamariamman Temple opened in the early 19th-century.

Saunter down the street and appreciate the religious harmony oozing from the brickwork.

Tourists can visit all four buildings. Cover your arms and legs before going into the mosque. Avoid visiting during prayer times.

12. Peer into George Town’s soul at the Penang Road Market

Penang Road closes on the last weekend of the month for George Town’s famous market.

Vendors set up a tunnel of stalls hawking goods from grocery to household products to cheap clothes.

Tourists shop for souvenirs, handicraft and street food.

Embrace the chaos and energy inside George Town’s most popular weekend market.

Grab roasted chestnuts, tropical fruits and bubble tea.

Nothing provides a window into Penang’s soul than the buzzing atmosphere inside this once-a-month weekend market.

13. Shop for bargains at George Town’s weekend market

The weekend market in Straits Quay Marine Mall with everything from homemade butter and handicraft to jewelry.

Shopaholics and tourists alike head down on weekends to search for bargains and soak up the atmosphere.

Travelers can find that perfect souvenir and take a piece of George Town back home. Or meet the local artisans selling their craft.

Keep your eyes open for rare antiques and relics from Penang’s previous generations.

The market opens between 10:30am and 10:30pm from Friday to Sunday.

14. Taste George Town’s world-famous food

George Town, along with Kuala Lumpur and Melaka, is a food capital of Malaysia.

Hundreds of restaurants cater to all dietary needs and budgets.

Try noodle soup in family-owned Chinese diners and dine buffet-style in 24/7 Indian ‘Mamak’ restaurants.

Penang is a hotspot for street food.

George Town’s Chulia Street transforms after 6:00pm. Wafting aromas rise from the dozens of hawkers cooking street food.

Follow your nose around the labyrinth of stalls.

Grab a few sticks of satay (chicken or mutton kebabs skewered on a bamboo stick). Try the famous wantan noodles (yellow noodles and barbequed pork).

15. Eat in a hawker center

If you don’t fancy eating in a restaurant, check out George Town’s hawker centers.

Stalls with a huge selection of food choices surround an enormous seating area.

Walk around the perimeter and find various dishes including noodles, rice and fish balls. Others serve barbequed meat and roasted duck.

Order from the stall, take a seat and the food arrives in minutes.

Apart from an almost guaranteed delicious eat, meals usually costs just a few dollars.

Check out Red Garden Food Paradise, CF Food Court and Sungai Pinang Food Court.

16. Discover Penang’s Peranakan heritage at Green Mansion

The mint green mini-mansion in George Town once belonged to a wealthy Chinese businessman.

Covering two-stories, the building exhibits elaborate carving on its doors and balcony. Aside from architectural aesthetics, the mansion doubles up as an intriguing museum.

Discover Malaysia’s and Penang’s Peranakan culture and traditions inside. The term Peranakan refers to a subgroup of Chinese Malaysians whose ancestors migrated to Malaysia hundreds of years ago.

Learn about their quirky traditions and superstitions. Find out about family life, traditional food and daily activities.

An English-speaking guided tour is included with the entrance ticket. Most tourists spend an hour inside the Pinang Peranakan Mansion.

17. Photograph the most photographed building in George Town

Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, often called Blue Mansion, is Penang’s most famous building.

The 38-roomed mansion has more than 200 windows and an attractive indigo-blue façade. Various elements blend East and West in the late 19th-century building. Take note of the stained glass windows.

Blue Mansion is a few minutes west of old Penang on Leith Street.

After falling into disrepair, Blue Mansion received well-needed restorations in the late 1990s.

Join a guided tour of the mansion and learn about Cheong Fatt Tze’s inspiring rags-to-riches story.

18. Tastes of the subcontinent in Little India

George Town’s Little India spreads across Chulia, Market and Queen Streets.

A sizeable Indian community lives within this neighborhood offering a taste of the subcontinent.

Navigate through the alleys and embrace the serendipity in traditional music, clothes and food.

Nasi Kandars (pay for what you eat buffet-style restaurants) open all day and all night. Grab a plate and fill it with biryani, tandoori chicken and spicy prawns.

Or order a pancake-like roti for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

George Town’s Little India presents a different side to the capital – different food, culture and atmospheres.

19. Explore the mysterious overwater Chinese villages

Clan Jetty consists of six (formerly seven until one burned down) overwater Chinese villages.

Traditional stilted villages hover near the Penang Ferry Terminal.

When George Town developed, almost every acre of available space became involved in construction.

This left little space for the Chinese settlers.

Seven Chinese clans built overwater villages where they managed their lucrative industry: Loading and unloading precious cargo at Penang Port.

Bitter rivalries and disputes developed between the rival businesses and communities.

Chew Jetty is the most tourist-friendly of the six floating villages. Follow the boardwalk and explore the wooden and aluminum houses.

20. George Town’s thriving shopping scene

Penang has two passions: Food and shopping.

George Town caters to all shoppers from bargain hunters to souvenir shoppers. Some travelers stock up on clothes and accessories. Others get the latest iPhone.

Check out Penang Plaza, Straits Quay Marina Mall and Gurney Plaza Shopping Mall for clothes and fashion.

Other shops sell antiques, electronics and handicraft.

Some of George Town’s streets close after nightfall giving way to night markets. Shopping festivals take place in the city every August too.

21. George Town’s Jewish Cemetery

George Town has a secret in the heart of the city center. Few residents, let alone outsiders, know of Penang’s enigmatic Jewish Cemetery.

Penang once had a Jewish settlement in the 19th and early 20th-centuries.

Nobody remains of this once thriving community.

The Jewish Cemetery on Zainal Abidin Street is their only legacy.

Knock on the gates and the caretaker will allow you inside. Read the Hebrew inscriptions on the triangular and dome- shaped graves.

The oldest dates to 1835, the newest to 2011.

The man buried in 2011 is believed to be the last of George Town’s once blossoming Jewish community.

22. Ride the ferry across the Straits of Melaka

The Straits of Melaka separates Penang Island from Peninsular Malaysia.

Ferries pass between George Town and Butterworth on the mainland every 30 minutes during the day.

Riding the ferry on the top deck offers spectacular views of Penang Island, the Straits of Melaka and Penang Bridge to the south.

Return tickets shouldn’t cost more than a dollar. Stand on the side and enjoy the scenery passing by.

Travelers taking the bus or train to other parts of Malaysia will need to get to the station in Butterworth.

23. Sunset cocktails at Beach Blanket Babylon

George Town’s favorite bar overlooks the Straits of Melaka.

The upscale bar/restaurant exudes the flair of a Mediterranean lounge.

Order a cold beer or cocktail and sit in the elegant outdoor terrace. Modern furniture and wooden decorations create a classy atmosphere.

Tables fill in the early evening with both office workers and tourists.

Beach Blanket Babylon is among the highest rated bars in Penang.

Walk along the coast for approximately 20 minutes from Fort Cornwallis.

24. Fun photo-ops in the Upside Down Museum

Upside Down Museum promises Instagram-worthy photos and family-friendly fun.

On first glance, the rooms look like any other house with one exception: Everything is upside down.

Tables, chairs and beds are the wrong way up attached to the ceiling.

Museum staff help visitors get into position before taking their photographs. Flip it the right way up and it gives the illusion that you’re posing on the ceiling.

The museum in central George Town promises fun and entertainment.

Try to arrive early to beat the afternoon crowds.

25. Spend the day in Malaysia’s smallest national park

Penang National Park is approximately 21 kilometers (13 miles) west of George Town.

Despite the title as Malaysia’s smallest national park, it packs an ecological punch.

More than 400 plants species thrive inside the thick jungle. Over 150 types of birds flutter about in the canopy above.

Visitors can hike along marked trails to viewing platforms and empty beaches. Or get a guide who can point out the different animals living around.

Watch out for the mischievous long-tailed macaques hanging in the lower branches. They’ll snatch your camera or bag if they have half a chance.

Travelers craving a taste of Malaysia’s biodiversity can get a dose on a short trip to Penang National Park.

Drive 45 minutes to the entrance. Or take Rapid Penang Bus (number 101) and get off in Teluk Bahang before walking to the Park HQ.

25 Best Things to Do in George Town (Malaysia):

• Explore George Town’s colonial heritage
• Fort Cornwallis: Malaysia’s biggest fort
• Southeast Asia’s oldest Anglican church
• Discover the ‘Penang Story’ at the State Museum
• The architectural masterpiece of City Hall
• Photograph Penang’s world-renowned street art
• Explore George Town’s colonial hill station
• Tropical flowers and primates inside Botanical Gardens
• Temple tour of George Town
• A celebration of Buddhism at Kek Lok Si
• Four religions, one street
• Peer into George Town’s soul at the Penang Road Market
• Shop for bargains at George Town’s weekend market
• Taste George Town’s world-famous food
• Eat in a hawker center
• Discover Penang’s Peranakan heritage at Green Mansion
• Photograph the most photographed building in George Town
• Tastes of the subcontinent in Little India
• Explore the mysterious overwater Chinese villages
• George Town’s thriving shopping scene
• George Town’s Jewish Cemetery
• Ride the ferry across the Straits of Melaka
• Sunset cocktails at Beach Blanket Babylon
• Fun photo-ops in the Upside Down Museum
• Spend the day in Malaysia’s smallest national park

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A Quick Guide to Georgetown: What to Do, See, & Eat in DC’s Oldest Neighborhood

Created On: February 23, 2020   |   Updated: May 12, 2022   |   Leave a comment

Georgetown is Washington DC’s oldest (and prettiest!) neighborhood. Here are the best things to do in Georgetown, including where to eat and where to shop.

I’m a sucker for historic homes. I love touring them, looking at them, and choosing which one I’d buy if I suddenly inherited a million dollars. Every time I take a trip to Washington DC, I tell myself I’m not going to revisit Georgetown because “I’ve seen it all” and “I don’t need any more photos of it.”

And every single time I somehow wind up back in Georgetown, snapping away at all the gorgeous homes. At this point, I think it’s time I just accept that I love Georgetown and there’s no point in trying to keep myself away from this charming neighborhood.

After having visited DC’s oldest neighborhood an embarrassing number of times, I figured it was about time I share some of favorite things to do in Georgetown, plus a few of my go-to restaurants. This list is just the tip of the iceberg, but if I told you every single thing to do and see, there’d be no surprises left to discover during your own adventures!

Getting to Georgetown 

Using the metro .

To get to Georgetown using the metro, you’ll need to take the blue / orange / silver lines to the Foggy Bottom-GWU station . From there, it’s a 15-minute walk to the main Georgetown shopping area.

You can also take the blue / orange / silver lines to the Rosslyn, Virginia station . From there, you’ll need to walk across the Key Bridge (pictured above) to get to Georgetown. This is what my friend Grace and I did every time I visited DC, and I loved it because the Key Bridge is so beautiful!

Using the Bus

You can also take the bus to Georgetown. The DC Circulator bus has two free lines that take you to Georgetown. For information on the exact routes, check out the DC Circulator webpage . Ten DC bus lines also pass through Georgetown.

For more information on bus lines and driving to Georgetown, check out the Georgetown “Getting Here” page .  

A Brief History of Georgetown

Before diving into what to do in Georgetown, I wanted to quickly chat about its fascinating history with you. After all, the history of a place is what makes it so special!

Georgetown was established in 1751 — that’s right, it hasn’t always been part of Washington DC! It was named in honor of King George II and quickly became a successful shipping hub for both East and West Indian trade routes. During the Revolutionary War, Georgetown was a depot for the shipping of military supplies. It was officially incorporated into the city of Washington DC in 1871, and it was known to be one of the more fashionable neighborhoods around town.

Following the flooding of the C&O Canal in the 1890s, Georgetown’s economy took a nose dive. Then, it became one of the city’s worst slums after World War I . Things started to turn around with the passing of Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal, and the neighborhood became posh and popular once more while Senator John F. Kennedy lived there in the ’50s.

Now, Georgetown is known for its stately homes, shopping streets, and high-end restaurants. It’s a beautiful area to walk around! Now, here are the best things to see in Georgetown!

The Best Things to Do in Georgetown

1. go kayaking on the potomac.

The Key Bridge Boathouse has kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards for rent. My friend and I kayaked on the Potomac on the 4th of July and had an amazing time. Remember to bring a water bottle with you, because kayaking is hard work! I also recommend storing your valuables inside a zip-top bag, just in case you fall in the water (or are an extremely messy paddler, like yours truly).

2. Relax in the Georgetown Waterfront Park

This park is packed during the warmer months. Walk along the river or take a seat near the water and soak up your daily dose of Vitamin D. This is the perfect place to rest your feet after exploring Georgetown. Or, get there early(ish) in the morning to have the place to yourself. The park is dotted with lush gardens and is incredibly peaceful in the mornings.

3. Walk the Key Bridge

Key Bridge connects Arlington and Georgetown. There’s not much to see on the other side of the river, but the walk across the bridge has some beautiful views of the Potomac and Georgetown University. You can also bike across the bridge, but be mindful of the pedestrians!

4. Walk the C&O Canal 

Georgetown used to be a major trade hub, and the C&O canal was a 184.5-mile trade route that was used until the 1920s. Obviously, you can only see a small stretch of the canal in Georgetown, but it’s definitely worth exploring as it’s quite lovely!

5. Visit Tudor Place Historic House & Gardens

From 1805 to 1983, Tudor Place was home to the descendants of Martha Washington. The Federal-style mansion sits on 5 1/2 acres of land in the middle of Georgetown, and visitors can now take a guided tour of the home to learn more about the family and the history of Washington DC. The garden, although on the smaller side, is also worth exploring as much of the landscaping is the same as it was when the house was built!

6. Explore Georgetown University

Georgetown University ’s campus is absolutely stunning. The university was founded in 1789, and is next to the main shopping area in Georgetown. Take half an hour or so to explore the main area of campus. Note that you can’t go into any of the buildings, but they’re still worth admiring from afar.

7. Visit Dumbarton Oaks

The Dumbarton Oaks museum is known for its Byzantine and Pre-Columbian art collections. If art isn’t your thing, check out the sprawling gardens for some beautiful photo ops. Dumbarton Oaks also offers a variety of docent-led tours, including an architecture tour, a garden tour, and a museum highlights tour. Be sure to check the times of each tour online, because some are only offered on certain days each week.

8. Go house hunting

Just because I can’t afford to live in Georgetown doesn’t mean I can’t dream! There’s no single street I recommend exploring in the residential area; literally every street I’ve walked down has been beautiful. I recommend starting in the main shopping district and winding your way outwards from there. Just be mindful when taking photos of the historic homes — people still live in them!

9. Take a walking tour

I’m normally not a fan of group tours, but walking tours are the major exception. And it just so happens that my favorite walking tour company, Free Tours by Foot, offers a two-hour tour that takes you to all of the historic spots in Georgetown. The guide who leads this tour has actually published two books all about Georgetown, so he knows his stuff!

read more:  10 Things You Have to Do Your First Time in Washington DC

Where to Shop in Georgetown

If you want to squeeze in some retail therapy while in Washington DC, Georgetown is the place to do it. Much of Georgetown is comprised of shops and restaurants, and it’s incredibly easy to get around on foot. The shopping streets are jam-packed on the weekend (especially during the warmer months), so if you’re looking for specific pieces or want to browse certain shops you may want to get your shopping done during the workweek so you can spend the weekend doing something more relaxing.

As for where to shop in Georgetown, M Street and Wisconsin Ave are where you’ll do the majority of your shopping in this area . Here you’ll find everything from local boutiques to better known chains like Anthropologie. In general, shopping in Georgetown tends to be on the pricier side, despite being next to a college campus. However, even if you don’t plan on buying anything this is still a gorgeous neighborhood to explore!

The Best Places to Eat in Georgetown

As I mentioned before, there are so many good places to eat in Georgetown! I’ve only sampled a fraction of the restaurants since I don’t eat out much in DC. Over the last few years, I’ve only visited DC to see my friend Grace and we prefer cooking up a storm at her apartment to save money and have more relaxed evenings. However, the places I’ve eaten in Georgetown have been amazing and I’ve popped my few recommendations below.

Here are just some of the best restaurants in Georgetown, DC (in no particular order): 

Thomas Sweet — Would it be a Tall Girl guide without at least one ice cream shop on the list? Thomas Sweet has lots of flavors, and their scoops are big. The line is usually out the door in the summer, so know what you want to order when you finally reach the counter.

Georgetown Cupcake — This bakery is an obligatory stop on your Georgetown food tour. The cupcakes are a tad on the smaller side, but they’re pretty good. They’re not my all-time fave, but you should try them at least once to see what the hype’s about. Just know that the line is insane during the day, so get there early and take your cupcake to go.

Baked & Wired —  Personally, this is my choice for the best cupcake in DC (controversial, I know). Their cupcakes are on the larger side, and every part of the cupcake is flavorful. Again, the line here can get a bit crazy, so choose your visiting time wisely.

Luke’s Lobster — Luke’s Lobster is hugely popular in NYC, so I was pleasantly surprised to see it in Georgetown. Their lobster rolls are expensive, but all their seafood is sustainably caught so the price is worth it for me.

Farmers Fishers Bakers — An offshoot of DC’s beloved Founding Farmers restaurant, Farmers Fishers Bakers serves up regionally-inspired American fare that is freakishly good. Some of the entrees are a bit pricy, but if you go for a pizza, sandwich, or salad their food will fit any budget.

1789   — A  very  nice restaurant situated in one of Georgetown’s Federal-style row houses. The menu is American fare and will cost you a pretty penny.

The Sovereign   — Belgian-inspired food in a cozy atmosphere. There are 50 beers on draft and more than 350 bottled varieties.

Excited to Visit Georgetown?! 

Georgetown looks quite small on the map, but you can easily spend most of your day here window shopping and oogling all the houses. Definitely bring a water bottle with you to stay hydrated, and wear comfy shoes because you’re going to be walking a lot. My biggest piece of advice for getting the most out of your trip to Georgetown is to peel away from the crowds and choose your own adventure. There are so many things to do in Georgetown, so don’t be afraid to explore new areas!

Tell me: Can you go an entire day of window shopping without buying something? Or do you always come away with a few things?

More posts you’ll love: 

• A Quick Guide to Alexandria: The Best Washington DC Day Trip
• How to Have an Active Vacation in Washington DC
• Here’s Where You Can Take the Prettiest Photos in Washington DC
• 10 Easy Ways I Save Money While Traveling
• How to Plan a Trip with Friends: A Step-by-Step Guide
• How I Practice Self-Care While Traveling (& Why You Should Too!)

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This post was updated December 29, 2020. 

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13 Things To Do In George Town Penang (Must-See Attractions)

An abundance of things to do in George Town Penang means you can easily spend a full day here!

Most attractions are accessible on foot. Or by trishaw! And many revolve around the history present at this  UNESCO World Heritage zone .

There’s street art, Little India, hidden temples and more to discover including places to try the best of Penang food so start planning your trip!

Table Of Contents:

• Gaze Upon Georgetown’s Historical Colonial Landmarks
• Admire The Symmetry Of St. George’s Anglican Church
• Enter The Stately Kapitan Keling Mosque For A Visit
• See Georgetown’s Places Of Worship
• Discover The Clan Community Of Penang
• Visit A Penang Museum
• Take Delight In Peranakan Culture
• Satisfy Your Taste Buds With George Town’s Famous Food
• Seek Out Penang Street Art
• Treat Yourself At A Hipster Café
• Have A Bird’s Eye View Of Penang From KOMTAR
• Shop At A Penang Mall In George Town
• Stay Out Late In Georgetown

13 Fun Things To Do In George Town, Penang

1. gaze upon george town’s historical colonial landmarks.

Those keen on finding the architectural wonders of historic George Town should hang around the north-east coast corner of Penang Island.

You can see these landmarks as part of the Penang heritage trail which starts from Armenian Street .

Continue to the clan jetties and up along the coast to where Pengkalan Weld (Weld Jetty) is.

Make a loop by turning west to Gurney Drive and back down through Little India .

1.1. Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower

This beautiful landmark features Moorish design and has 3 stories to it.

As the name suggests, the clock tower was built by a local Chinese businessman to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubiliee (1897).

PS: It still works.

Location: Lebuh Light, George Town, 10450 George Town, Penang Island

1.2. Penang Town Hall or Penang City Hall

Penang Town Hall stands out from its neighboring landmarks with its pleasant yellow exterior. It overlooks a field and is roughly 120 years old at this point (built in 1903).

While the public cannot enter this building, there is a Penang city exhibition room just for tourists on the immediate left at the entrance.

Location: Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang

1.3. Fort Cornwallis

Entrance fees are compulsory (RM10) to enter the compound, but you can also see the fort from afar by walking around it.

This is the place to learn more about Francis Light and his contribution to Penang. And also, to get some selfies with the few remaining cannons!

Full article on Fort Cornwallis in George Town .

• Location: Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah, George Town, 10200 George Town, Penang Island
• Opening Hours: 8am to 11pm
• Contact: +6016-4110000

2. Admire The Symmetry Of St. George’s Anglican Church

Taking inspiration from its namesake in Madras (Chennai ), 19 th century St. George’s Anglican Church was built in 1817 with sand and limestone.

Miraculously, much of the church retains the original structures and material except for the tile floor and flat roof. The latter had to be replaced a few times!

In 2007 , the church received much needed funds from the government with recognition as a national treasure !

Location: 1, Lebuh Farquhar, George Town, 10200 George Town, Penang Island

• Next to Penang State Museum & Art Gallery
• There is a Heritage Centre in the premises. Open between Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 4pm
• The church is closed on public holidays, Fridays and Sundays ! Or if there is wedding/ funeral.
• Church goers can go for the service on Wednesdays (9:30am) and Sundays (8:30am to 10:30am).

3. Enter The Stately Kapitan Keling Mosque For A Visit

Kapitan Keling Mosque dates to the  early 19 th  century . It was built by  Indian Muslims  who came to Penang under the  East India Company .

The distinguished mosque is right at the heart of the chulias (Tamil Muslim neighborhood).

Its current exterior features  Indo-Moorish  influence and is recent relative to its origins with expansion works taking place in  1930 .

Location: 14, Jalan Buckingham, George Town, 10200 George Town, Penang Island

4. See Georgetown’s Places Of Worship

Aside from Kapitan Keling Mosque, there are other places of worship:

The oldest of them are in or close to Little India Penang – Sri Mahamariamman Temple and Kuan Yin Temple (Goddess of Mercy Temple).

And further from Georgetown in Pulau Tikus , you’ll find the impressive hilltop Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple and the oldest Thai temple in Penang (Wat Chayamangkalaram)!

4.1. Sri Mahamariamman Temple

• Location: Lebuh Queen, George Town, 10450 George Town, Penang Island

4.2. Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple

• Location: 17, Jalan Kebun Bunga, Pulau Tikus, 10350 George Town, Penang Island

4.3. Kuan Yin Temple

• Location: 30, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, George Town, 10200 George Town, Penang Island
• Opening Hours: 5am to 6pm (hours vary during festivities and celebrations)

4.4. Wat Chayamangkalaram

Location: 17, Lorong Burma, Pulau Tikus, 10250 George Town, Penang Island

5. Discover The Clan Community Of Penang

In the 19 th century , many mainland Chinese came to Penang to work in the then-booming trading industry.

As they became more comfortable in Penang, they brought their families and extended families.

They preferred to stay together, forming their own little communities within Penang.

To this date, visitors can come and see the preserved clan houses in Georgetown!

5.1. Clan Jetties Of Penang

• Location: Pengkalan Weld, George Town, 10300 George Town, Penang Island
• Opening Hours: 9am to 9pm
• Contact: +6019-593 5333

Read more about Clan Jetties of Penang .

5.2. Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi

• Location: 18, Cannon Square, George Town, 10450 George Town, Penang Island
• Opening Hours: 9am to 5pm
• Contact: +604-261 4609

Read more about Khoo Kongsi .

5.3. Seh Tek Tong Cheah Kongsi

• Location: 8, Lebuh Armenian, George Town, 10200 George Town, Penang Island
• Opening Hours: 9:30am to 4:30pm
• Contact: +604-261 3837

6. Visit A Museum

Penang has a surprising number of wonderful museums showcasing Penang’s history and culture! There’s even a museum that is dedicated to popular food ( Wonderfood Museum )!

For some good old fun, you can try novelty galleries like the Penang 3D Trick Art Museum and Ghost Museum ! Other museums in Penang .

7. Take Delight In Peranakan Culture

The Perankans or the Baba-Nyonya are a unique people descended from Chinese settlers in the Malay Peninsula and Indonesian Archipelago.

They are known for their delicious Nyonya cuisine . And the wealthy folk back in 19 th century Penang loved to emulate their eclectic colorful style into their own houses!

A couple of these houses have been restored and are now galleries with daily tours !

7.1. Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (The Blue Mansion)

Tours have a duration of about 45 minutes. The maximum number of participants per tour session is 42 pax. Online reservations are recommended to avoid disappointment.

• Location: 14, Leith St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang
• Opening Hours (Tour slots): 11am to 12pm; 2pm to 3pm
• Contact: +604-262 0006
• Entrance Fee: RM25 (Adult), RM13 (Child between 6-12 years old); Free evening tours for guests

Related: Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (The Blue Mansion) – Relive The Peranakan Glory Days

7.2. Pinang Peranakan Mansion

• Location: 29, Church St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang
• Opening Hours: 9:30am to 5pm
• Contact: +604-264 2929
• Entrance Fee: RM20 (Adult)

Related: Penang Peranakan Mansion: Make A Trip To This Worthy Historical Museum

8. Satisfy Your Taste Buds With George Town’s Famous Food

Don’t forget to try some Penang food while you wander the streets of George Town!

Chulia Street Night Market is open from the evening onwards. It consists of roadside stalls selling all the quintessential Malaysian street food . Like popiah, char kway teow , apom and more!

And you’ll have to go early to beat the queues at the original stall of Penang Road Famous Teochew Cendol (and Penang asam laksa )! But it’s worth it!

Read more: Penang Famous Cendol – 9 Best Cendol In Penang That You Can Try Today!

9. Seek Out Penang Street Art

A full day may not be enough to see all the iron sculptures ( Welden Iron Wall Caricatures ) and street art in Penang !

Let alone all the ones by famed Lithuanian artist, Ernest Zacharevic !

Some Street Art By Ernest Zacharevic

• Boy On Motorbike
• Little Boy With Pet Dinosaur

Then there’s Art Lane Penang too– a hidden gallery of wall murals by local and international artists!

Another collection of paintings around Georgetown is part of an animal awareness project featuring cats ( 101 Lost Kittens )!

But most recent was the  Penang International  Container Art Festival  (PICAF) which ran began in  January to end of May 2020 . You can still see some of painted shipping containers around Penang.

10. Treat Yourself At A Hipster Café

Penang has a wonderful cafe scene and is thus a tempting haven for coffee addicts and photographers! Or as an in-between break from local food (and the heat).

There are many cafes to choose from in George Town alone! Most serve a mixed menu consisting of Western and Asian cuisine .

Some specialize in coffee while others focus on cakes and desserts !

Cafes To Try:

• Macallum Connoisseurs Coffee Company
• Kafka Penang
• Dolce Dessert
• More Options For The Best Cafes In Georgetown Penang
• More Penang Cafes Including Batu Ferringhi And Ayer Itam

Read more: 11 Best Night Market In Penang : Monday To Sunday (Especially #5)

11. Have A Bird’s Eye View Of Penang From KOMTAR

KOMTAR Penang like Penang Hill , is high enough to offer aerial views of the city via a glass bridge ( Rainbow Skywalk )!

A  full-day pass  means you can try the main attractions at KOMTAR without having to buy individual tickets!

Other Main Attractions At KOMTAR :

• 7D Discovery Motion Theater
• Jurassic Research Center (Outdoor)
• Penang Boutique Aquarium
• The Top Boutique Aquarium
• Ocean Explorer

And if you can summon the courage, you can try  The Gravityz  experience which will give you the opportunity to face your fear of heights!

Read more: 21 Fun Things To Do In Penang With Kids (Ultimate Guide) + Food & Hotels

12. Shop At A Mall In George Town

In the mood for shopping in Penang? While it may no longer be a duty-free state like Langkawi, Penang shopping malls still hold appeal for the masses!

The best time to go is during the nationwide sales in August !

Queensbay Mall is a one-stop dream with more than 400 retail stores! But it’s at Bayan Lepas which is a 20 minutes’ drive from Georgetown.

Alternatively, you can visit shiny high-end Gurney Paragon mall along with its larger neighbor, Gurney Plaza !

Read more: 11 Best Massage In Penang – For Full Body & Foot Massage

13. Stay Out Late In George Town

Just cause it’s evening doesn’t mean the fun’s over! See some landmarks (e.g. Fort Cornwallis, Cheah Kongsi or The Blue Mansion ) when they are lit up!

Dive into the hawker stall experience at Red Garden Food Paradise, Chulia Street Night Hawker Stalls (Chulia Street Pasar Malam), Presgrave Corner or Kimberly Street!

And later, recount the day over a beer or cocktail at the bars of Chulia Street and Love Lane !

• Micke’s Place At Love Lane
• Chulia Court The Tavern

Read more: Penang Itinerary 3 Days : How To Get The Most Out Of Your Penang Trip In

Getting To Penang George Town Attractions

Even though it’s easy to navigate on your feet in George Town:

Having a local around to show you Penang can be eye-opening! With the added advantage of a flexible schedule and comfortable private transport with air conditioning.

Private tour service, RayTheTour has these benefits and more:

• We use MPVs and vans
• Reliable tour guides who speak English or Chinese
• Tours to Ipoh, Taiping and Cameron Highlands
• Pick up or drop off from any Penang hotel or the airport during your tour with us

To book, head to our WhatsApp .

Further reading:

• 4 Best Ways For Getting Around Penang (With All Penang Transport Options)
• How To Get From Penang Airport To Georgetown (4 Easy Ways)
• How To Get To Penang Island From Kuala Lumpur (KL)
• Best Way To Travel From Langkawi To Penang (All Methods + Cheap Option)

With so many things to do in George Town, Penang, you’ll probably want to extend your trip!

Marvel at beautiful buildings and learn their history. Savor the local cuisine or chill at one of many cafes! Pop into a museum or two if you want to escape the heat or rain.

And keep your eyes peeled for street art every time you turn a corner.

Other posts you might like:

• 23 Best Things To Do In Penang At Night
• 13 Best Penang Souvenirs To Pick Up
• 15 Best Penang Hotels To Stay At
• Best Time To Visit Penang : When Not To Go & Special Events To Look Out For
• 9 Best Places To Eat Durian In Penang

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Cyd Harrold

March 18, 2024

We were given a tour of the cottages. Penny did a fabulous presentation contacting Fred & spouse asking if we could get an idea of what the cottages looked like inside. He was proud to show us their home. We were impressed!

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September 27, 2023

Rooms are very nice. Bedroom, Living room and kitchen. Mom has been there a year and she loves all of the activities. She participates in exercise daily and loves the craft time. It was not long before the staff knew her by name. Even the maintenance crew! The dining room has delicious food. I eat with her every chance I get! Georgetown Place exceeded our expectations for independent living.

September 26, 2023

The dining service and food selection is outstanding at Georgertown. I appreciate that we are able to buy a dining ticket and eat with our family member. I also have attended their special events, like the craft show and luau. They are very well prepared for and enjoyed by family members. I believe the pool is a plus. I, along with the grandchildren, come to visit and love taking a dip. My mother enjoys taking a walk daily in this back area around the pool as well.

September 20, 2023

Resident care and housekeeping are excellent. Staff and residents are nice and cheerful. Food and dining experiences are exceptional. My mom has been in this facility for 6 months and they have been very receptive and accommodating with her dementia episodes. Communication has been excellent and very informative. Excellent activities and scheduled events to keep residents active. Puzzles, board games, video games, corn hole, etc. keep everyone engaged and socially active.

betty and jane

September 19, 2023

Mom is really happy here. She says it is home! She gets the help she needs yet feels she is still independent. She loves the staff, especially James, Stacy, Nell and Penny. Everyone is kind and caring. Thank you so much for making it easy to have her there. The rooms are big enough but not too big. They are clean an well maintained.

July 20, 2023

I recently downsized and relocated into a senior living community. I explored several locations in Fort Wayne and settled on Georgetowne. I first moved into assisted living to wait until an independent living cottage was available. That has happened and now I'm in a cottage. I want to share reasons one should consider Georgetowne. The entire staff is experienced, knowledgeable, respectful, and caring. I found that this translates to residents and sets the tone for the environment. Staff and residents welcome newcomers. I am amazed at the expertise of the technical/maintenance staff that maintain these facilities. The dining staff is exceptional with well planned meals and service. Activities are well planned monthly for all at the complex. You have the opportunity to have a chat with the Director monthly to share concerns, comments, or ideas. There is a cottage chairperson who is great at staying in touch with those of us in the cottages and addressing any concerns. I encourage anyone looking for a great assisted/independent living location to visit Georgetowne Place.

July 9, 2023

Georgetowne Place was very nice. I love that they had a pool in the back. I think anybody would enjoy that. They showed me a two-bedroom that they had available, and it faced the pool. It was far enough away, but they had lovely grass, and the grounds were beautiful there. The rooms had kitchenettes. They had washers and dryers in each apartment, which was great, too. They had a patio off the front entrance way that had an open court behind the building. I did not go out there, but I could see how pretty it was. They had a garden and stuff. The dining area was clean. The building was nicely laid out.

September 13, 2022

My mom has been happily living at Georgetown Place for 3 years. Recently she fell and broke her ankle resulting in her dependence on others for the most basic and private needs. The staff at Georgetown Place have been wonderful! They are a caring, loving group of people. They have been very helpful and supportive to me as I learn how to assist mom as well. I have renewed respect for these healthcare professionals! They do not have an easy job!

Village Gardener

September 6, 2022

My wife and I have lived here for over four years. Quite frankly, there is no place that we would rather be. Our two bedrooms, two bath cottage is more than sufficient for our needs. We are very close to the grocery store, the library, our dentist and our doctor. The administration here is excellent and has the concerns of the residents at heart. We are very content and look forward to many more years here at Georgetowne Place

June 21, 2022

We toured Georgetowne Place. It looked a lot fancier than the other ones we looked at. It wasn't as homey and looked more hotel-like because it was so big. They had all the amenities and activities, plus they went out to do different things in the community like go shopping and fun outings for the people. They had a memory care unit, and there was also a dining room. We had to take an elevator to go up to another floor. The rooms were very nicely set up. There was hardly any countertop in the kitchenette area at all, other than that, it was very nice. There's a courtyard in the back with a swimming pool, which was very, very nice. And then there was an outdoor balcony thing over the courtyard from the dining room. The people were very nice.

June 5, 2022

I stayed at Georgetowne Place for six months. I was in independent living out in the cottages. It was not attached to the main building, but I did go over there for meals. It's actually a standalone cottage, and there were two units in one building. It was like a two-bedroom apartment with a one-car garage, a full kitchen, and a big living room. It was just like having a small place of your own, but they would come in whenever I wanted for cleaning, changing the bed linen, and so on. The staff was very good. My mother lived there about five years. Some of the staff from when she was there are still there. They actually knew my name because of my mom. They're very nice people. It's just five-star all the way. They're a super clean facility. They're on top of their maintenance, plus they have a swimming pool, which was nice. I didn't really spend much time in the main building. They have card rooms, game rooms, and activities. They have a bus available to take you to doctors, shopping, and so on. Every once in a while, the management would have a cookout for the people living in the cottages. My mom had her own one-bedroom apartment in the main building. The dining room is in the main building. They had a professional chef that was taking care of their dining room, and the food was excellent. They would wait on you at the table just like in a restaurant. Everything was good. I'd go primarily for breakfast. The dining area was very nice, and there were people socializing. It was kind of expensive. I think it's more expensive in the main building because that's where the assisted living was, and you had the amenities in there that you could participate in if you wanted to. It's probably the best facility in Fort Wayne. I've interacted with probably a good half a dozen staff, including the ladies that come over and do the cleaning. Everybody was just super nice. They're just a little expensive for the Fort Wayne market.

May 6, 2022

My mom will be moving to Georgetowne Place. She liked the size of the community, she liked the fact that they were all one-bedroom apartments, and she was pleased with the amount of activities that was scheduled each day. The physical appearance was good. It appeared to be well-maintained. The staff was very polite and very helpful answering all our questions. We did not try their food, but we visited the cafeteria, and it's more like a dining room. It's actually set up like a restaurant where they can go in and sit down and somebody comes to the table to take their order and brings their meal out to them and comes back to the table and collects the plates. So it's more like a restaurant. When we were going around touring, my mom saw people gathered together at numerous places on each floor, playing cards, doing puzzles, and playing games. The apartment was nice. Each apartment has its own kitchen that has an actual apartment-sized refrigerator, not a hotel-sized refrigerator. It has a stove, a dishwasher, and a microwave in every unit. They all have their own washers and dryers in their unit. It is a one-bedroom apartment.

June 3, 2021

Georgetowne Place was OK, but it felt dated and needed updating. The apartment I saw was average at best. The staff was fine; I forgot her name, but she was helpful and friendly. It was Sunday when I visited, and nothing was going on at all. I checked the dining area, and it was dated and needed some updates, too. There was some food out, and it was OK. I think the place needed some serious updating.

December 18, 2020

I've known Georgetowne Place since the building was built because we used to live a couple of blocks from it. It was fine, everything that they do with their assisted living they include the memory care that can go. It was beautiful. They have added on, they have gardeners, and they have a lot of activities.

October 5, 2019

If Georgetowne Place had an opening, we probably would have moved Mom in there. The staff was courteous. The tour guide knew everybody's name, and they knew her too, which was very nice. They have bigger rooms where families can arrange to have gatherings. All the staff members seemed courteous. The food menu looked very good. They had a movie room, an activity room and a nice dining room.

March 19, 2019

We like Georgetowne Place very much. The staff is very helpful. The food is very good and flexible. They have card games and parties for different occasions. They really went out of their way to make sure my mother attended some of the special functions. They have a salad bar and a typical-restaurant style menu. My mom can get whatever she feels like. If she would like, they can also bring the food to her room. During the tour, we showed up unannounced, and of all the places we went to, they reacted the best as far as not having an appointment and not being prepared to receive us. They still gave us a very good tour and they were very friendly, and everybody's very friendly going forward.

October 23, 2018

Georgetowne Place was my favorite. The rooms were nice, efficient, and accessible. A group was out getting ready to go somewhere when I was there. The people were walking around and it seemed like a nice and friendly place. I saw an exercise room, a library, and a pretty nice bathing room or spa.

September 20, 2017

Georgetowne Place is the one I'm leaning towards right now; they're at the top of the list. The staff is excellent. They helped me out, they didn't bug me, and they called me back just to say, "How're you doing?" They were very attentive and very nice. They would come out to help you and do everything. The place is absolutely beautiful. The rooms are beautiful, too. They're very well-maintained. The neighbors are nice. It is a quiet community.

May 5, 2017

Georgetowne Place is the one that we were most impressed with. The rooms are spacious with 2 bathrooms. This is the one we're recommending to a couple, and we hope they would move in. The dining room had little private areas. The people there were more active. They were building for more activity areas, too. It's very spacious. It just seemed like a really nice place to live in. It doesn't have a continuum of care. If you needed to go to a nursing home, you have to go somewhere else. It's very spacious inside and outside.

Michelle366006

March 30, 2017

Everybody at Georgetowne Place is very friendly. The place is very clean, and there are a lot of different activities to do. The restaurant was nice. They offered a complete 1-bedroom apartment with a small functioning kitchen, and it has everything you'd find in a normal kitchen.

Carol331708

December 5, 2016

Georgetowne Place was a little bit dated but very nice, plus they're fully remodeling. I liked that I saw people out and about in the community. I did not eat there, but I saw them eating, and it looked like they had a nice variety. The dining room was bright and clean. They had nice, pretty back area. The rooms were a decent size.

Connie865002

August 16, 2016

Georgetown Place was very nice, and I liked it. It was a bit pricey for my mother, but they were very kind and showed her around. It was an older facility but kept up very nicely. They had activities posted and had day trips to the grocery stores. The dining area was very nice, very accommodating, restaurant-style, and you could get food any time you wanted. They had a very nice outdoor pool.

Beth122944550

May 11, 2016

We looked at a one-bedroom apartment at Georgetowne Place that had a large bathroom, kitchenette area, bedroom with a door, and a living room. The feature I liked the best about it is the washer and dryer in the apartment. If we end up in Fort Wayne, we’re leaning toward Georgetowne Place because of the washer and dryer in the unit. The staff was very friendly. The dining room was restaurant-style. My mom couldn’t read the menu and tell them what she wanted, so we would just say give her what the main menu item is every day. They have a game room and little groups for playing board games.

January 1, 2016

Georgetowne Place was very nice. It did not have a lot of activities going on. The apartments were very nice. The staff was very friendly and very helpful. They also had a swimming pool.

Charlotte23

September 29, 2015

The people that showed me around in Georgetowne Place were friendly. I had lunch there; it was real good. I’m sure I could be happy there also.

Caring110319550

August 5, 2015

I am waiting to get in at Georgetown Place. During my visit, the staff was very pleasant and very knowledgeable about the place. They were able to answer most all my questions. They studio and one bedroom as well as two bedrooms. They have one bathroom with walk-in showers. They have a lot of light as well as a lot of windows. Their dining area is very clean, and the tables were nice with flowers in them. They take the residents out to eat sometimes and to stores. They also have bingo and games.

June 1, 2015

We went to Georgetowne Place, and we ended up choosing the place for my mom. What we liked about them is that they have a separate cottage, and that is what she wanted. They have a pool, and she gets two meals a day. They have all kinds of cards and games. They have a library, a billiard room, and church. They also have activities like Wii bowling and crafts. They do have a beauty and a barber shop. It has everything that she needs. They have been really good about if she has something wrong, and they fix it right away. They also check on her every day if she has checked in, and we don’t have to worry about her falling or just lying there. Everything has been really good, and I have been impressed with them.

Caring72279050

February 15, 2014

Mom moved into Georgetown Place on the 1st of September. She's in independent with the option of getting assisted care if she needs it at some point. It seemed to fit her. Similar type of apartment that she had, only a little bit smaller. I knew that the meals were something that were important to her and this has a lovely dining facility. I hear about the food when it's not so great but she's enjoying it. They have weekly out to the grocery store, they do that two or three times a week. She's involved in either card playing or dominoes just about every night of the week. They will post events that they're doing bus trips like to the Philharmonic Orchestra and one time, it was just a nature drive. I've been really happy with the encounters I've had and my mom seems pleased if she has something maintenance-wise that needs to be taken care of in the apartment. It's usually done in a pretty timely manner and done well, too. What I really appreciate at Georgetown is the fact that there is someone at the office there 24/7 so if there's a concern even in the middle of the night, I know that my mother could receive help so I feel a little more comfortable with her at Georgetown because of that. I think it's the fact that she is living closer to me now that helps a lot but I think in general, she is happier here.

Nancy67946550

August 27, 2013

My mom is a current resident of Georgetown Place. It is a very nice facility. My mother has macular degeneration and she is almost blind. They care for her. Their staff is more hands-on. They check on her a lot more than the other place where she was before. They're just doing a really good job. They also have lots of activities. Food is excellent. They offer restaurant-style food. They also have an excellent menu.

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Costs for Georgetowne Place in Fort Wayne, IN

Assisted Living

This level of care provides support for those who need help with personal care needs such as cleaning, bathing, and dressing. Residents selecting this level of care are treated to many amenities in a home-like atmosphere, while getting support in their daily lives.

Starting Price

Independent Living

Independent Living is for those who desire the feel of a private residence with the amenities and activities available in a planned community, such as fitness classes, game nights, and group excursions. Services such as cleaning and groundskeeping are often available.

Memory Care

Memory Care is specifically designed to meet the needs of those with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia. Specially trained staff members assist with activities of daily living (such as bathing and dressing) and provide therapies to slow further loss of cognitive abilities.

Services and Amenities of Georgetowne Place in Fort Wayne, IN

• Rent Plus Care Fees

Room and housing options

• 1-bedroom apartments
• 2-bedroom apartments
• Companion Suites: no

Dining options

• In Room Kitchens
• Dining Room Shared Meals
• Room Service For Meals

About Georgetowne Place in Fort Wayne, IN

Grow socially at Georgetowne Place, where our residents stay active with weekly outings, water aerobics and exercise programs while enjoying some of the most desired amenities and services available at an Independent Living community in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Our goal is to enrich the lives of our residents by providing an environment that is physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally stimulating. We also offer Assisted Living services and a restaurant that allows residents the freedom to dine on their time seven days a week. From thoughtfully designed floor plans to the world-class service and myriad recreational and social opportunities, residents may just find that we have thought of everything. Our spacious one- and two-bedroom apartment homes feature kitchens with full-sized appliances as well as washers and dryers. Imagine no cooking, cleaning or maintenance — and friends next door. That’s Georgetowne Place, where housekeeping services are part of everyday life. The community boasts an exercise room, billiards table, fireplace and computer area ideal for residents to intermingle on site, while scheduled courtesy transportation allows our residents to explore Fort Wayne, the final resting place of American folklore legend Johnny Appleseed, and its many dining, shopping and entertainment options. We also feature a full calendar of activities and social programs to offer our residents a rewarding, enriching lifestyle.

Map of Georgetowne Place

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Where to visit in georgetown — 11+ must-see & best places to visit in georgetown, penang.

Among the many famous tourist destinations in the beautiful country of Malaysia, we cannot help but mention Penang – a place known as the “Pearl of the Orient” with enchanting scenery with sunny beaches and wind during the day and sparkling at night. Located in the northeast of the island is George Town, the capital city of Penang state. In 2008, this town was recognized by UNESCO as a cultural heritage site. It is also considered a famous tourist center attracting a large number of tourists. So, where to visit in Georgetown, where to go in Georgetown Penang? Let’s check out our top rated 11+ must-go, see, top George Town places to visit and best places to visit in Georgetown as follows!

• Top restaurants in Georgetown, Penang — 15+ good & best restaurants in George Town
• Top cafes in Georgetown — 8+ best coffee shops & best cafes in Georgetown Penang
• Top things to do in Penang — 21+ must, unique & best things to do in Penang
• Must visit places in Penang — 19 top, must-go & best places to visit in Penang
• Where to visit in Penang? — 15+ must-see, best & must visit places in penang

So coming to George Town, what wonderful things will you have the opportunity to experience? The article below will suggest to you the 11+ most well-known tourist attractions when you traveling to Georgetown, Penang!

Pinang Peranakan Mansion (# best places to visit in georgetown)

Pinang Peranakan, also known as “Green-Hued Mansion”, is both a mansion and a museum that stores artifacts and displays the lifestyle of wealthy Chinese merchants in the 19th century. The mansion is decorated with light green walls with elaborately carved wooden gates, the mansion has a large reception hall filled with Asian-style lacquered chests, caskets, and Chinese paintings and antique European furniture. The dining room with English ceramic plates and bowls adds to the luxury of the mansion. It can be said that the “Green Mans”ion is a synthesis of the architectural and interior decoration cultures of the continents.

This mansion originally belonged to a Chinese immigrant who got rich from mining. The mansion was built in the late 19th century with a combination of materials from tiles imported from England, wrought iron from Scotland, the screens are decorated in Chinese style. The villa gives visitors an extremely luxurious space, bringing visitors back to the rich life of the 19th century.

Visiting the Pinang Peranakan Mansion, you will be amazed by the traditional atmosphere emanating from the space, from the ancient but no less luxurious objects and architecture. Coming to Green Mansion, you will not only be able to admire the wonderful castle-like beauty of the mansion, but you will also be satisfied with the staff and tour guides here. The staff here are very friendly and enthusiastic, they always try to give visitors perfect services and great service to bring visitors the most satisfaction. It can be said that Pinang Peranakan mansion is a place that we cannot miss when coming to the capital city of George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

Address: 29 Church, George Town, Penang, Malaysia. Hours: 9:30 AM–5 PM

Street Art in George Town (# best places to visit in georgetown penang)

If you are an art lover, especially young people who are passionate about street paintings, Street Art in George Town is an extremely interesting stop. Stretching along both sides of the wall on this street are extremely beautiful murals, wall paintings. These works of art are decorated with many colors, the paintings often refer to activities in human life or are pictures of animals, etc. Street Art is considered a symbol of street art in Malaysia.

When visiting this street, you should not miss its history. In 2008, after being recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage site, the leadership of Penang state launched a competition for ideas to brand the town and help the town become a city with developed tourism, and in this contest the idea of drawing street paintings won the support of many people.

To realize that idea, a series of street paintings was born at Street Art George Town. In 2010, the idea began to be implemented and by this time the town had a total of 52 paintings. The paintings at Street Art not only tell historical stories about the town itself, but they also introduce the traditions, beliefs, customs, practices and especially the industries in this town.

Besides the paintings, there are accompanying descriptions to help visitors clearly understand the meaning that each work of art brings. It can be said that Street Art gives visitors an extremely interesting and unique space to explore art, especially this is an extremely suitable place to visit for young people who love creativity and exploration. new things.

Location: Lebuh Armeria, George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

Ferringhi Night Market (# where to go in georgetown penang)

If you want to explore the activities that take place in the lives of Malaysian people, visit Ferringhi night market once, the bustle of this market will bring you both overwhelming and excitement. Ferringhi Night Market is a famous market in Malaysia, at night the market seems to take on a new color with countless colors of the stalls. Along both sides of the road are stalls selling many items from food, drinks, fabrics, to very beautiful souvenirs.

It can be said that Ferringhi night market is like a miniature version of George Town, the market is open from 7pm until midnight. The more later at night, the bustling the market gets, especially on weekends. Coming to Ferringhi night market, you can freely explore and enjoy local dishes here at extremely affordable prices. This is also a good place for those who want to find meaningful souvenirs for relatives and friends. Don’t miss the Ferringhi night market when coming to George Town because you won’t know how wonderful things you can experience when you come here.

Address: Jalan Batu Bukit 2, Tanjung Tokong George town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.

Little India (# where to visit in georgetown)

The miniature Indian street area, also known as Little India, located in the center of Penang is also an equally famous tourist place when you arrive at the “Pearl of the Orient” – Penang, especially this is A suitable place for those who love to explore new cultures. The outstanding feature of this location is the present of ancient Indian heritage.

Coming to the miniature Indian street area in Penang, there is one thing we cannot miss, which is enjoying typical Indian dishes. There are many food stalls serving local dishes with traditional Indian flavors. Famous Indian dishes include basembur (sweet salad), roti jala (netted-bread), murtabak (meat-stuffed pancake)… or desserts with strong syrup flavors. In this Little India, there are also jewelry stores, fruit and vegetable stores, and grocery stores that are often frequented by locals and Indian tourists.

It can be said that the beauty of miniature Indian streets is a testament to the cultural reception from many directions of George Town in particular and Penang city in general. And perhaps it is never wrong to say that every small corner of George Town is imbued with cultural colors and brings visitors unforgettable experiences throughout their journey.

• Address: 45-63 Lebuh, George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

Penang Butterfly Farm (# george town places to visit)

If you are a lover of nature exploration, love to explore and learn about insects, Penang Butterfly farm is a place that you must not miss when traveling to George Town, Penang. The butterfly farm in this city began operating in 1986, and to this day it serves as a reserve, protecting different species of butterflies living in the Penang area.

Penang Butterfly farm is the first artificial butterfly house in Southeast Asia. The garden is quite large, with an area of about 8 hectares and divided into many different areas. In the garden, there are more than 4,000 individual butterflies belonging to more than 120 different butterfly groups, including the appearance and existence of many rare and endangered butterflies such as yellow-winged butterflies, Brooke Rajah butterflies… .In addition to the main creatures being butterflies, tourists also have the opportunity to discover many other types of insects such as beetles, lizards, frogs… and even snails.

Besides, this is also a tropical forest of 250 different types of fruit trees, the most famous of which is durian. Therefore, coming to Penang Butterfly Garden and not enjoying durian is truly a regret. In addition, you also have the opportunity to enjoy extremely fresh and pure fruit drinks.

Penang Butterfly Farm is considered one of the important contributions to raising people’s awareness about protecting insect habitats or tropical forests. If you have the opportunity to come to Penang, please visit the butterfly garden, this is definitely a tourist destination that will not disappoint you.

• Address: No. 830 Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.
• Hours: 9 AM–5 PM/Wednesday: Closed

Jalan Kapitan Keling

Jalan Kapitan Keling is a mosque built in the 19th century, this is a famous Islamic historical center, considered part of the world heritage of George Town. Located at the junction of Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling and Jalan Buckingham, Jalan Kapitan Keling is considered the largest mosque in Penang. Jalan Kapitan Keling Church is decorated with the main paint color being white, giving visitors a bright and spacious space. The milky white shape and grey and bronze domes, orange roofs are the most prominent highlights of the mosque.

This mosque is named after the head of the Colin tribe in South India. Jalan Kapitan Keling is considered a place to preserve the unique cultural features of Islamic architecture, this is the highlight that contributes to creating a city of Penang – a convergence of many unique cultures in the world. With all the above reasons, what are you waiting for, book a ticket right away to visit Georgetown town of Penang city.

• Address: 14 Jalan Buckingham, George Town, Penang, Malaysia.
• Hours: 5 AM–10 PM

Clan Jetties of Penang

Clan Jetties of Penang is a tourist attraction not to be missed when traveling here. Coming here, you will witness the river life of Malaysian people. The life here partly proves the comment: Penang is a famous port city in Malaysia. Coming to the Clan Jetties of Penang in Georgetown, you will have the opportunity to visit stalls along both sides of the road with countless types of goods for you to choose from. This place is full of food stalls selling local dishes, souvenirs, so if you who loves to explore cuisine, the jetties is a great meeting spot that you cannot miss.

Coming here, you not only have the opportunity to enjoy local specialties but you also have the opportunity to participate in street activities held on festivals or on weekends such as street activities. Regarding street art, this places promises to bring you a bustling and extremely vibrant space. And an interesting suggestion for you when visiting the jetties is to bring a camera with you to capture the most wonderful moments, and come here at sunset, the jetties are beautiful as a painting in the afternoon, visitors who come here once always want to come back again.

• Address: Weld Pengkalan, George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

Kek Lok Si Temple

Kek Lok Si is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia and it is also an important pilgrimage center for Buddhists from many parts of the world. Kek Lok Si is considered an inspirational initiative of the head monk of Beow Lean, built in 1890. This temple shows the influence of Chinese culture with a combination of Mahayana Buddhism, Primitive Buddhism and traditional Chinese rituals, all these cultural features blend harmoniously, it is clearly shown through the temple architecture, works used to decorate the temple and daily activities of believers.

Kek Lok Si is a temple with 10,000 Buddha statues, the temple grounds are divided into three main areas: the first area that visitors see is the market at the entrance, this is an extremely vibrant market. Coming here you will smell laska and noodles, this market has many stalls selling handicrafts and souvenirs. The second area is the central area with a giant temple and statues of the four heavenly kings at the main hall. This is the area that attracts the most tourists.

The temple’s grounds extend all the way to the mountainside. For a small fee, visitors can take the elevator to the top of the mountain or walk if they feel healthy enough. Reaching the top, visitors have the opportunity to admire the 30-meter majestic high statue of Guan Yin, with a large pond with many carp and see the beauty of the city from above.

People often call Kek Lok Si the Temple of Supreme Bliss. This is the most important Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia, so Kok Lok Si is where festivals are held throughout the year. If you want to immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere at Kek Lok Si, come here during the Lunar New Year, during the first 33 days of the year, the temple is filled with a sea of color and light with thousands of statue lanterns that represents the donations of believers. Besides there are parades and music and dance troupes, this temple is considered a festival center in Malaysia, so Kek Lok Si is a place to visit chosen by many tourists on their vacation to the island.

• Address: Ais Itam, Penang, Malaysia.
• Hours: 8:30 AM–5:30 PM

Tropical fruit farm

Coming to Malaysia, you will have the opportunity to visit many farms, but the opportunity to visit a giant fruit farm growing over 250 types of fruit trees out of a total of 370 types of fruit trees in Malaysia can only come to the tropical fruit farm in Penang. The tropical fruit farm in Penang was built to preserve green heritage, this is a farm that plays an important role in the agricultural development of Malaysia.

The farm is about 25 acres and 244 meters high above sea level. The farm is home to many famous fruits in Malaysia and many countries around the world such as Central and South America, Central Africa, India, and the Middle East… Nowadays, the fruit tree collection of this tropical garden is on the rise.

The tropical fruit farm in Penang is a place that attracts a large number of domestic and foreign tourists. Every day, this area welcomes about 350 visitors, regardless of age or race. as an attractive tourist destination that anyone coming to Penang cannot miss. And to have the opportunity to enjoy the fresh and nutritious taste of fruits, come to this tropical fruit farm once in your life.

• Address: Jalan Teluk Bahang, Penang, Malaysia.
• Hours: 9 AM–5 PM

The Rainbow Skywalk and Observatory Deck

Rainbow Skywalk is Georgetown’s elevated observatory located on the 68th floor on the rooftop of Komtar tower. This is a tourist destination that gives visitors the thrill of walking in the air 816 Feet above sea level. The Observatory Deck is also a place with a glass walkway, allowing you to see the world below.

Standing at a height of hundreds of meters, you will have the opportunity to see the colorful city at night. This is a place that brings you new and unforgettable experiences, especially for young people who love adventure and discovery. On this rooftop there is also a bar that provides you with great cocktails and snacks. Standing on the Rainbow Skywalk observation deck will make you feel like you are standing on the roof of the world.

And a small note is that this tourist destination is only suitable for those who love thrills and are healthy enough. Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture beautiful photos of the town from above. Coming to Rainbow Skywalk, you will have the opportunity to relieve all the pressures of work and life and recharge yourself for your next journey. For young people, come to Rainbow Skywalk once in your life to enjoy the interesting things this place has to offer.

• Address: Jaln Penang, George, Penang, Malaysia.
• Hours: 10 AM–10 PM

Acheen Street Mosque

Acheen Street Mosque is the oldest mosque in George, built in 1808 by a wealthy Arab merchant from Acheh. This church is known as a historical monument and is one of the pride of Penang people. The mosque was built in Chinese and Arabic architectural style with an impressive octagonal tower. This is a famous pilgrimage site for Muslims.

Visiting Acheen Street Mosque, you will have the opportunity to admire the extremely beautiful and perfect architecture. The church will give you the feeling of being lost in an extremely sacred cultural atmosphere of Muslim believers in the early years of the 19th century. Visiting the mosque, you will experience unique and diverse cultural spaces, from the architecture to the Islamic relics displayed inside the mosque.

For those who love to explore historical sites, Acheen Street Mosque is an interesting place that cannot be missed, and you can also rest assured that the tour guides here will help you. You will be helped and guided by volunteers. The volunteers here are very enthusiastic.

According to comments from tourists who have been to Acheen Street Mosque, at sunset, the church landscape is like a ravishingly beautiful watercolor painting, mixed with that space is the sound of prayers that gives visitors a feeling of serenity and peace. Coming to Acheen Street Mosque, you will feel like you are lost in the land of peace and happiness.

• Address: Jalan Lebuh Acheh, George, Penang, Malaysia.

After reading this article, don’t worry about where we will go, what we will visit, what we will experience and see when we come to Georgetown, Penang. Prepare yourself with the necessary items and book a flight to visit the beautiful country of Malaysia. And don’t forget to visit Georgetown, Penang, which will bring you extremely interesting experiences that you will never forget. With the information we have compiled, we hope it will be of great help to your trip. We hope you have an interesting journey and discover many useful things.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in and from Penang you can refer to

• Private Penang Airport Transfers (PEN) for Penang
• Private City Transfers for Penang and Surrounding Cities
• Shared Penang International Airport (PEN) Transfers for Georgetown or Batu Ferringhi
• Explore Georgetown
• The Habitat Penang Hill Ticket
• Klook Pass Penang
• The TOP Penang Ticket
• ESCAPE Penang Ticket
• Explore Georgetown Half Day City Tour
• Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm Ticket
• Dark Mansion Museum Ticket
• Penang Hill and Temple Sightseeing
• Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion Tour in Penang
• Georgetown Penang Private Car Charter
• Boutique Aquarium Ticket at The TOP Penang
• Heritage Tour and Trishaw Ride in Penang
• Penang Heritage & Street Food Tour
• Georgetown Scenic Night Tour
• KL TravelPass (Metro Card) in Kuala Lumpur
• [SALE] 4G Prepaid SIM Card (MY Airports Pick Up) for Malaysia
• 4G WiFi (MY Airport Pick Up) for Malaysia

Are you looking for more top things to do in Penang: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Penang travel blog — The fullest guide for a budget trip to Penang of Malaysia . And Penang in 1 day: Let’s check it out here.

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9 EPIC Things to Do in Georgetown, Malaysia (Penang)

Posted on Last updated: March 25, 2024

Looking for the best things to do in Georgetown, Malaysia? You’ve come to the right place!

Georgetown (often written also George Town) is the capital city on Penang Island. It’s a charming city, where tradition meets modern, where old meets new.

The city centre is characterised by British colonial architecture, as well as Chinese architecture and the clan jetties of Penang.

Georgetown is also famous for its delicious street food, which you can taste at the many food stalls, courts and markets. Add to it unique temples, beautiful views and a fun vibe, and you’ve got one of the most interesting cities in South East Asia.

We visited Georgetown as part of a wider Malaysia itinerary. We travelled here from Cameron Highlands, spent two nights in Georgetown, and then travelled on to Langkawi.

It’s not enough to see all of the top attractions in Georgetown, but it’s a good start. So what are you waiting for? Let’s dive in, and discover the best things to do in Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia!

• 1.1 Visit Kek Lok Si Temple
• 1.2 Explore Chew Jetty
• 1.3 Discover the street art dotted around Georgetown
• 1.4 Try the street food
• 1.5 Explore Chinatown
• 1.6 Explore Little India
• 1.7 Head to The TOP Penang
• 1.8 Visit Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi
• 1.9 Take the Penang Hill Railway
• 2 Where to stay in Georgetown, Malaysia
• 3 How many days do you need in Georgetown?
• 4 Do you need travel insurance to visit Georgetown in Penang, Malaysia?
• 5 How to get around Georgetown

Enjoying the views over Georgetown from the pagoda of Kek Lok Si Temple

Essentials to book before you read on!

Best tours in Georgetown

Georgetown Private Half-Day City Tour

4-hour Georgetown Food Tour

The TOP Penang Entrance Ticket

Best hotels in Georgetown

Budget: Aayu Chulia

Mid-range:  Beacon Executive Suite

Luxury:  Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion 

Get 5% off your travel insurance here!

Best things to see in Georgetown, Penang

Visit kek lok si temple.

A visit to the sprawling Kek Lok Si Temple is easily one of the top things to do in Georgetown. Located around 8 kilometres from the centre of Georgetown, it’s a huge complex that was built between 1890 and 1930.

It’s actually one of the largest Chinese Buddhist temples in the country.

Don’t miss getting the funicular railway (costing 2 RM to ride) up to the Ban Po Thar pagoda, where you’ll also find a super cool statue of the Buddhist goddess of mercy, Kuan Yin – it’s 36.5 metres tall!  

From here, the views of the city below are amazing. This beautiful temple complex is open daily, 8:30AM to 5:30PM (entry is free, but you can make a donation if you want).

It’s worth noting that while entrance is free, you have to pay for the funicular or bus journeys up to the top. The temple is split over four different levels, and you have to take these funiculars and buses to move between each level.

You can also join a guided tour of Kek Lok Si Temple (and other highlights around the city) if you want to be sure that you don’t miss any important spots. Plus, a local guide will tell you all the history and details of the places you visit.

Personally, I liked Batu Caves and Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur better, but Kek Lok Si Temple was still magical in its own way.

Click here to book your Georgetown city & temple tour!

Exploring Kek Lok Si Temple in Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia

The huge statue of Kuan Yin in Kek Lok Si Temple, Georgetown

Explore Chew Jetty

One of the most charming places to visit in Georgetown is Chew Jetty. This coastal warren of boardwalks and wooden houses represents the Chinese immigrant communities who settled here in the 19th century.

There were once (and still are) many jetties in this area, but the Chew Jetty is the largest and most famous of them all.

You’ll find around 75 houses on stilts over the water as you wander around, as well as multiple Chinese temples and various docks complete with bobbing fishing boats.

It’s a nice spot to explore for sunset, when the water is illuminated by the oranges and pinks of the sun disappearing below the horizon.

Exploring Chew Jetty in Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia

Discover the street art dotted around Georgetown

Street art has quickly become one of the most famous Georgetown tourist attractions.

A way to revitalise the crumbling shop houses of the old town, murals have been daubed on the walls of heritage buildings, depicting life as it once was and as it is today in Georgetown.

It’s easy to wander around and find the pieces for yourselves, but the best way to get to grips with the street art of Georgetown is to go on a tour.

This heritage tour is a good option, with a guide who will make sure you come away with a good insight into what makes Georgetown tick.

Click here to book your private Georgetown heritage city tour!

The famous “Children on the Swing” mural in Georgetown, Penang

“Little Children on a Bicycle” street art in Georgetown, Malaysia

“Folklore by the Sea” one of the famous street art pieces at Chew Jetty

Try the street food

Food is a huge part of Malaysian culture, and Georgetown is famous for food (even within Malaysia).

As the British Empire’s first settlement in Southeast Asia, Georgetown naturally attracted settlers from across the world. Pair that with the strong trade connections, and you have the perfect storm for some amazing cuisine.

Mixing Peranakan, Thai, Malay, Indian, British and various regional Chinese cuisines, the city’s gastronomic scene thrives.

A couple of good places to see it all unfold are Red Garden Food Paradise and The Jetty Food Court; both are open-air food courts that feature live music in the evening and a ton of different stalls (and alcohol).  

A great activity to do in Georgetown is to join a street food tour . That way you know you’ll be heading to all the best spots and ordering all the right things, as you’ll have a knowledgeable local guide with you.

Click here to book your street food tour in Georgetown!

Trying delicious Malaysian cuisine in Georgetown

Jetty Food Court in Georgetown, Penang, in Malaysia

Explore Chinatown

A visit to Chinatown is definitely what to do in Georgetown, Malaysia for any curious traveller.

With colourful shophouses, streets strung with red lanterns, and retro signs illuminating the night sky, it makes up part of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage credentials.

There are various sights to see within Chinatown itself, so the best thing to do here is simply wander. Or for a more focused dive into the history of Chinatown, try a tour.

This heritage tour takes in Chinese temples, historic buildings and venerable old eateries. It’s a private tour, which means you can ask the guide to adapt it to your interests and needs.

Click here to book your private Georgetown historical city tour!

Exploring the streets of Chinatown in Georgetown, Malaysia

Explore Little India

The Indian community of Georgetown has long called this area home.

It’s a colourful intersection of streets where you’ll find jewellers, textile shops, spice merchants and a whole host of other stores (even a shop dedicated to Bollywood movies).

One of the best parts about this must-visit place in Penang is the food. There are numerous eateries where you can sample some of the best daals and tandoori chicken around.

But when you’re not eating, make sure to check out Sri Mahamariamman Temple – dating back to 1833, it’s the oldest Hindu temple in Penang.

Exploring Little India in Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia

Head to The TOP Penang

If you’re looking for family-friendly things to do in Georgetown, Penang, look no further than The TOP.

This theme park is a rejuvenation of the city’s KOMTAR Tower, and features a range of attractions aside from just amazing views of the city below.

The main draw is the Rainbow Skywalk (adults RM 68), set on level 68 of the tower. You can walk out over the rooftops of the city on a glass bridge that extends out from the top of the tower.  

There’s also an Observation Deck if you’re not a fan of glass floors. Elsewhere there’s a “Jurassic Research Centre” (complete with dinosaur models), a play area, aquarium and eateries too.

It’s open 10AM to 10PM every day. If you want to skip the queues, make sure to purchase your tickets online beforehand , so that you don’t have to wait on the day!

Click here to purchase your entrance tickets to The TOP Penang in Georgetown!

Exploring the city centre of Georgetown in Penang, Malaysia

Visit Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi

This incredible piece of architecture is one of the grander tourist attractions in Georgetown, Penang.

Malaysia’s best example of a Hokkien clanhouse, this ornate building is testament to the Chinese presence in Georgetown, and Penang as a whole.

Dating to 1906, the elaborate decorations of Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi are cool to see – plus you can actually wander around inside the building too. It’s open 9AM to 5PM and costs 15 RM to enter.

Take the Penang Hill Railway

One of the classic Georgetown things to do is take in amazing views of the city from up high. While there’s the view from Kek Lok Si Temple, the Penang Hill Railway is a more historic way to do it.

Built in 1923, the funicular (which was originally just a steam engine) was a way for British colonists to enjoy cooler temperatures at the top of Penang Hill in the Air Itam suburb of Georgetown.

The tunnel the funicular goes through on one section is, allegedly, the steepest in the world. Once you’re at the top, enjoy views of the hills and the communities down below.

There’s also hiking trails, heritage buildings, a gallery and places to get a bite to eat. The railway operates from 6:30AM to 11PM ; a standard return ticket costs RM 30.

Want to discover more about Georgetown? Check out my YouTube video below!

Where to stay in Georgetown, Malaysia

Here are some great places to stay in Georgetown in Penang.

Budget: Aayu Chulia – This property has very affordable rooms with shared bathrooms, is centrally located and has excellent reviews.

Click here to book your stay at Aayu Chulia in Georgetown!

Mid-range:  Beacon Executive Suite – Georgetown is no Kuala Lumpur , with its epic city views, but the infinity rooftop pool at this hotel is pretty great. We stayed here and loved it. It’s a bit outside the city centre, but the apartments are modern, clean, spacious, and the pool is great.

Click here to book your stay at Beacon Executive Suite in Georgetown!

Luxury:  Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion – Located close to the city centre, this Chinese courtyard-style mansion is the best place to treat yourself. The unique architecture and decor is an experience in and of itself.

Check out prices & availability at Cheong Fatt Tze, The Blue Mansion, in Georgetown here!

The rooftop pool at Beacon Executive Suite in Georgetown, Malaysia

How many days do you need in Georgetown?

It ultimately depends on your wider Malaysia itinerary, how much time you have, and where your interests lie. Personally, we spent two nights in Georgetown, but arrived late the first day so only had one full day in the city.

While it was obviously nowhere near enough to see everything Georgetown and Penang have to offer, it was enough to see all of the main highlights and get a feel for the Georgetown vibe.

We didn’t spend long in Georgetown as we travelled here from Cameron Highlands . To break up the 4-hour drive we stopped in Ipoh , which ate into our Georgetown time.

We then wanted to continue on to Langkawi so it didn’t leave us long. We like islands more than cities, so we wanted to explore the waterfalls of Langkawi more than the temples of Georgetown.

However, the areas beyond Georgetown in Penang are meant to be beautiful, so if you have more time, you could definitely spend longer in Georgetown, and venture also outside the city.

Admiring “Children on a swing”, one of the famous street art pieces in Georgetown, Malaysia

Do you need travel insurance to visit Georgetown in Penang, Malaysia?

After my personal experience spending two nights in a private hospital in Tenerife, and having to pay for it out of pocket (it wasn’t cheap), I always recommend getting travel insurance .

You might not end up needing it, but for a small fee you can travel without worries. Personally, I suggest getting your travel insurance with  Heymondo .

Heymondo offers tailor made travel insurance, providing the best value for money for your specific trip. You can also buy it once you’re already abroad and have forgotten about it before flying (which, if you’re anything like me, is quite likely).

Besides the usual cancellation, medical expenses, luggage coverage and general travel insurance services, Heymondo also has a 24/7 doctor chat and instant assistance through their app.

Plus, as a Greta’s Travels reader, you get 5% off your Heymondo travel insurance !

Click here to get your 5% off Heymondo travel insurance!

Enjoying the rooftop pool at Beacon Executive Suite in Georgetown, Malaysia

How to get around Georgetown

While Georgetown is a fairly big city, all of the main attractions are located close to each other in the city centre. You can easily walk from Chew Jetty to Little India and Chinatown, going via all the most famous street art pieces.

For attractions that are further out, like Kek Lok Si Temple, I suggest getting a Grab. They are very affordable, especially if you’re travelling with friends and splitting the cost.

There’s also public transport, but honestly given how cheap Grabs are, I would opt for comfort over having to figure out public transport.

Kapitan Keling Mosque in Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia

Final thoughts on the top things to do in Georgetown Penang

There you have it, the ultimate guide on the best things to do in Georgetown, Malaysia! Have you been to Georgetown before? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below!

Located in the island of Penang, Georgetown is one of the best places to visit in Malaysia. Its city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a great place to see the mixture of cultures, ethnicities and religions that distinguish Malaysia.

As you wander around the streets of Georgetown, admiring its colonial buildings of a bygone era, the relaxing botanical gardens, the hawker markets and the best street art in town, you can’t help but be charmed by its beauty.

We only spent two nights in Georgetown, and while I feel like it was enough for a first time visit to see the main tourist attraction of the city, I definitely feel like I could have spent longer there.

I hope you found my overview of the best things to do in Georgetown useful! If you have any questions, just let me know in the comments below!

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Things To Do In Georgetown Penang

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Things To Do In Georgetown

• Filter (44)
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• Historical Site (3)

1. Penang Hill

5 km from city center 1 out of 44 Things To Do in Georgetown Penang

A natural amalgamation of pleasant weather, luxurious vegetation, breathtaking views, colonial vibe and the foresty landscape is what you call as Penang Hill. Located in Air Itam suburb, Penang Hill is a lovely little hill station in Penang Island, Malaysia.

2. Kek Lok Si Temple

2 out of 44 Things To Do in Georgetown Penang

Situated on the hilltop at Air Itam near Penang Hill, Kek Lok Si is one of the largest Chinese Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia. Comprising of monasteries, temples, prayer halls, and gardens, the temple complex is a chief pilgrimage centre for Buddhists from Philippines and Singapore.

3. Blue Mansion

3 km from city center 3 out of 44 Things To Do in Georgetown Penang

The Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion is a majestic UNESCO Heritage Site located in Georgetown, Penang (Malaysia). It is often known as the Blue Mansion because of its distinctive blue-coloured outer walls and external decorations.

4. Batu Ferringhi

8 km from city center 4 out of 44 Things To Do in Georgetown Penang

Batu Ferringhi is Penang's popular beach destination, home to several five-star hotels and a 4-km stretch of white sandy beaches. The major highlight here is the night market and the varied water sports.

5. Penang Botanic Gardens

2 km from city center 5 out of 44 Things To Do in Georgetown Penang

The Penang Botanic Gardens, also called the Waterfall Gardens, is located on the Jalan Air Terjun Road in George Town. The landscaped gardens is popular for housing the indigenous and exotic plant species.

6. Penang War Museum

17 km from city center 6 out of 44 Things To Do in Georgetown Penang

Penang War Museum is a former British military fortress which once served as the site for the legendary Battle of Penang against the Japanese army. Situated in Bukit Batu Maung on Penang's southern coast, it now serves as a museum gaining fame as Southeast Asia's largest war museum. It is also dubbed as one of Asia's most haunted sites.

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7. Sri Mariamman Temple

4 km from city center 7 out of 44 Things To Do in Georgetown Penang

The popular Arulmigu Sri Mahamariamman Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Penang. Also known as Queen Street Indian Temple, the highlight of the temple is the exquisite carving of various Gods and Goddesses over its facade and entrance gate.

8. Penang State Museum & Art Gallery

8 out of 44 Things To Do in Georgetown Penang

The Penang State Museum and Art Gallery dedicated to modern and contemporary is a declared UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tucked on the Farquhar Street of George Town. it is considered to be one of Malaysia's best presented and well-maintained museums.

9. Street of Harmony

4 km from city center 9 out of 44 Things To Do in Georgetown Penang

Located in George Town, the Street of Harmony represents the confluence of different religions and the coming together of distinct people in harmony in just one kilometre. Constructed in the 18th century, it has the worship places of all the four religions – Christianity (St. George’s Church), Taoism (Goddess of Mercy Temple), Hinduism (Sri Mariamman Temple) and Islam (Kapitan Keling Mosque).

10. Clan Jetties of Penang

4 km from city center 10 out of 44 Things To Do in Georgetown Penang

The Clan Jetties of Penang is a traditional overwater settlement that has been created by Chinese immigrants who came to Malaysia. The six villages house distinct Chinese clans, the Chew Jetty being the most tourist-friendly and famous.

11. Kapitan Keling Mosque

4 km from city center 11 out of 44 Things To Do in Georgetown Penang

Standing with the pious spirit and magnificent architecture since the 19th century, Kapitan Keling Mosque is a beautiful place of worship at the Jalan Buckingham, George Town. The largest mosque in the city, it is part of the World Heritage Site of George Town.

12. Camera Museum

3 km from city center 12 out of 44 Things To Do in Georgetown Penang

Step into the world of cameras at Georgetown's Camera Museum. The two-storey shophouse building of the museum is a highlight in itself. Displaying around 1000 vintage came and accessories, the museum is divided into Pinhole Room, Dark Room and Obscura Room.

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13. Khoo Kongsi

4 km from city center 13 out of 44 Things To Do in Georgetown Penang

Khoo Kongsi, also known as Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi is one of the largest clan temple-cum-house of the Hokkien clan. A major attraction in the city, the clan temple complex sits in a granite paved square housing 19th-century rowhouse, a traditional theatre and an authentic association building.

14. Pinang Peranakan Mansion

4 km from city center 14 out of 44 Things To Do in Georgetown Penang

The Pinang Peranakan Mansion, also known as the Babas and Nonyas, is a two storey treasure trove of historical antiques and artefacts, making it one of the most unique museums of Malaysia.

15. Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion

3 km from city center 15 out of 44 Things To Do in Georgetown Penang

The Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion is a majestic UNESCO Heritage Site located in Georgetown, Penang (Malaysia). Once the private residence of Cheong Ho, it now serves as a boutique hotel and museum. It is often known as the Blue Mansion because of its distinctive blue-coloured outer walls and external decorations.

16. Khoo Kongsi

4 km from city center 16 out of 44 Things To Do in Georgetown Penang

Khoo Kongsi, also known as Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi is one of the largest clan temple-cum-house of the Hokkien clan. It’s located in Georgetown, which is the capital city of the Malaysian state of Penang.

17. Penang Bird Park

11 km from city center 17 out of 44 Things To Do in Georgetown Penang

Located in Tanjung Bungah, Penang Bird Park is home to more than 300 different species of birds, across the globe. It also houses birds from Malaysia itself. The environs are made to look extremely natural so that every bird feels right at home. Apart from birds, the park also takes care of turtles, deer, snakes, etc.

18. Chulia Street

18 out of 44 Things To Do in Georgetown Penang

Chulia Street, also known as Lebuh Chulia, is one of the oldest roads of George Town, Penang. The street is famous for its food and offers a lot of variety with hawker stalls and local cuisines.

19. Made in Penang Interactive Museum

19 out of 44 Things To Do in Georgetown Penang

Made in Penang Interactive Museum is a trick art museum with a vast collection of 3D art and murals to bring life to creativity. This two-storey museum features works of local Penangite artists that describes the spirit of Penang via its wall canvases, miniature dioramas and 3D interactive trick arts.

20. Dharmikarama Burmese Temple

1 km from city center 20 out of 44 Things To Do in Georgetown Penang

Formerly known as Nandy Moloh Burmese Temple, the Dhammikarama Burmese Temple stands shining on the lands of Georgetown, Penang. Crowned amongst one of the oldest Burmese Buddhist Temple in Malaysia, it is famed for housing the huge marble Buddha statue and a 200 years old well.

21. Kek Lok Si Temple

21 out of 44 Things To Do in Georgetown Penang

Situated on the hilltop at Air Itam near Penang Hill, Kek Lok Si is one of the largest Chinese Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia. It is a chief pilgrimage centre for Buddhists from Philippines and Singapore.

22. Clan Jetties

4 km from city center 22 out of 44 Things To Do in Georgetown Penang

The Clan Jetties of Penang is a traditional settlement that has been created by Chinese immigrants who came to Malaysia. The Clan Jetties are basically a complete village above water that houses people from the Chinese Clans.

23. Kuan Yin Temple

4 km from city center 23 out of 44 Things To Do in Georgetown Penang

The Kuan Yin Temple, or the Kuan Yin Teng in Georgetown, Penang is devoted to the Goddess of Mercy and is one of the main centers of worship for the Chinese Taoists in the city. The temple is also home to the worship of Ma Chor Ooh, the patron saint of seafarers who was deeply regarded by early Chinese settlers.

24. Penang Hill

5 km from city center 24 out of 44 Things To Do in Georgetown Penang

If you want to view all of Penang from a great height, don't miss out on Penang Hill, also known as Bukit Bendera, Penang's first hill station.

25. Gurney Plaza

1 km from city center 25 out of 44 Things To Do in Georgetown Penang

Gurney Plaza is a nine-story shopping mall with various international brands, retail shops, entertainment centers, and restaurants. It is located in Georgetown, Penang, at Gurney Drive and is one of the major retail and entertainment centres in Penang.

26. Dhammikarama Burmese Temple

1 km from city center 26 out of 44 Things To Do in Georgetown Penang

Formerly known as Nandy Moloh Burmese Temple, the Dhammikarama Burmese Temple is one of the oldest Burmese Buddhist Temple in Malaysia. It is famed for housing the huge marble Buddha statue and a 200 years old well.

27. Pinang Peranakan Mansion

4 km from city center 27 out of 44 Things To Do in Georgetown Penang

The Pinang Peranakan Mansion, also known as the Babas and Nonyas, is a two-storey treasure trove of historical antiques and artefacts, making it one of the most unique museums of Malaysia. The iconic green-hued mansion is dedicated to Penang's Peranakan heritage.

28. Penang Botanic Gardens

2 km from city center 28 out of 44 Things To Do in Georgetown Penang

29. Penang Snake Temple

14 km from city center 29 out of 44 Things To Do in Georgetown Penang

The Penang Snake Temple, earlier known as Temple of the Azure Cloud, is a Chinese temple built in remembrance of Chor Soo Kong, a Buddhist prist and healer. Located in Bayan Lepas in the Southwest Penang, this magical temple is one of the few places where one can get close to the venomous snakes and live to tell the tale.

30. Fort Cornwallis Penang

4 km from city center 30 out of 44 Things To Do in Georgetown Penang

Located at Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah, Fort Cornwallis (Kota Cornwallis in Malay) is one of the most important structures in George Town, Penang. It is the largest intact standing fort in Malaysia which was built for defending Penang from pirate attacks.

31. Street Of Harmony

4 km from city center 31 out of 44 Things To Do in Georgetown Penang

Located in George Town, the Street of Harmony is one of the oldest streets in Penang, representing the confluence of different cultures. The street houses four different places of worship - a church (St. George’s Church), a Taoist temple (Goddess of Mercy Temple), a Hindu Temple (Sri Mariamman Temple) and a mosque (Kapitan Keling Mosque).

32. Wat Chayamangkalaram

1 km from city center 32 out of 44 Things To Do in Georgetown Penang

Wat Chayamangkalaram, located in the Pulau Tikus of George Town, is a Thai Buddhist temple. Also known as Chayamangkalaram Buddhist Temple it is famous for housing one of the world's longest reclining Buddha statue.

33. Jerejak Island

13 km from city center 33 out of 44 Things To Do in Georgetown Penang

Set between Penang main Island and Seberang Perai, Jerejak Island is a stunning tropical island. The highlight being the holiday resort by the same name, Jerejak Island is rich with flora, fauna and history.

34. Kapitan Keling Mosque

4 km from city center 34 out of 44 Things To Do in Georgetown Penang

35. Penang Floating Mosque

5 km from city center 35 out of 44 Things To Do in Georgetown Penang

Located at Tanjung Bungah Road, Masjid Terapung Pulau Penang, popularly known as the Floating Mosque, is a famous landmark and the first mosque in Malaysia built on the sea. During high tide, the mosque appears to be actually floating when someone gazes at the sea.

36. City Hall

4 km from city center 36 out of 44 Things To Do in Georgetown Penang

Located along Jalan Padang Kota Lama, Penang City Hall, also referred to as Dewan Bandaraya Pulau Penang, is a colonial building and the head office of the Municipal Council of Penang Island. The City Hall is a must visit only to witness the colonial architecture and incredible views.

37. Adventure Zone Theme Park

37 out of 44 Things To Do in Georgetown Penang

Located at Batu Ferringhi Beach in Golden Sands Resort, Adventure Zone Theme Park is an entertainment venue for families which has been designed especially for children. Built in 10,300 sq. feet, it offers different activities including game zones, drop slides, modular play equipments and kids club.

38. St. George’s Church Penang

4 km from city center 38 out of 44 Things To Do in Georgetown Penang

St. George’s Church is an Anglican church located on Farquhar Street in George Town. The 200-year-old shrine is the oldest Anglican Church in South East Asia and also one of the oldest buildings in Penang. The main highlight of St George Church is its recently inaugurated heritage centre.

39. Second Penang Bridge

18 km from city center 39 out of 44 Things To Do in Georgetown Penang

The Second Penang Bridge, also known as the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge, joins the mainland and the Penang Island from Seberang Perai all the way up till Gelugar. It stretches across an impressive length of 24 km making it the longest bridge in the Southeast Asian region.

40. Penang Bird Park

11 km from city center 40 out of 44 Things To Do in Georgetown Penang

The beautifully-landscaped Penang Bird Park is located in Seberang Jaya and is the first and the largest bird park in Malaysia. It is home to over 300 species of birds, ranging from several species indigenous to the nurturing tropical ecosystem of Malaysia to other exotic species from all over the world.

41. Little India Penang

4 km from city center 41 out of 44 Things To Do in Georgetown Penang

Little India is a small piece of the country spread across four streets in Penang. The neighborhood captures the essence of India in its streets and is famous for its mouth watering food, streets filled with pizzazz from Bollywood songs and the shops lined up selling wares from sarees to spices.

42. Kuan Yin Temple

4 km from city center 42 out of 44 Things To Do in Georgetown Penang

The Kuan Yin Temple in Georgetown is devoted to the Goddess of Mercy and is one of the main centres of worship for the Chinese Taoists in the city. Also known as Kuan Yin Teng, it is also home to the worship of Ma Chor Ooh, the patron saint of seafarers.

43. Balik Pulau

16 km from city center 43 out of 44 Things To Do in Georgetown Penang

Balik Pulau is a bustling market town and Penang's main island outpost. Housing charming shophouses and rice fields, the tiny hamlet is famous for its agricultural practices. Offering a laidback kampung lifestyle experience, Balik Pulau is best visited on a day trip or as a lunch stop for anyone making a round trip of the island.

44. Wonderfood Museum

4 km from city center 44 out of 44 Things To Do in Georgetown Penang

The Wonderfood Museum is a unique museum in Penang that features oversized replicas of traditional Malaysian dishes, art and historical information. Discover interesting larger-than-life delicacies from across Asia, and learn about Malaysian cuisine, street food and cooking methods at Information Zone. Close to Victoria Memorial Clocktower, Wonderfood Museum is open daily.

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Have you ever wanted to peek inside some of Georgetown’s most alluring homes? This weekend, you can

Matt Kaufax | [email protected]

April 19, 2024, 9:36 PM

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If you’ve ever wondered what’s behind the door of some of D.C.’s most alluring homes in Georgetown, you’re in luck.

“We have eight homes, all doors will be open,” said Georgetown House Tour co-chair Donna Leanos.

The 91st annual Georgetown House Tour, hosted by St. John’s Episcopal Church, is regarded as one of, if not the, oldest and most prestigious house tours in the entire country. And it’s back for one day on Saturday.

“This is where many of the Founding Fathers lived and rented. Or their families rented and bought,” Leanos told WTOP. “We’ve had a lot of Kennedy homes in the past, so there’s always an allure like that. And we try to find the history in every one of these homes.”

Saturday’s self-guided tour begins at St. John’s Church, where guests will receive a “House Tour Magazine,” which serves as the ticket to the tour, complete with an interactive map and historic information about each property.

Leanos said you can never quite know what to expect.

“There’s always something when you walk in that you don’t expect,” she said. “Maybe it’s a really cool courtyard, or it’s architecture that’s been maintained but updated.”

Attendees to Saturday’s event will also receive complimentary admission to a free tea party called “The Parish Tea,” which will be held in Blake Hall at historic St. John’s Church, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. In addition to tea and lemonade, guests can enjoy tea sandwiches and desserts.

While the tour starts at St. John’s, designer Skip Sroka said the beauty of the experience is that you can visit the homes in any order.

“You see everything. You see high, you see low, you see fabulous homes, you see more affordable homes,” he said.

Sroka has had the honor of having his own home featured on the tour in the past, and told WTOP that getting access to these historic homes — with a modern twist — helps peel back the layer of mystique surrounding the Georgetown community.

“It’s really fun to get a group of friends together and talk about what you saw,” he said.

At the end of the day, you’re also supporting a good cause.

“Proceeds from the tour will go toward St. John’s ministry, to help with outreach to those in need in our community,” Leanos said.

Advanced tickets for this event are priced at $60 per person ($55 per person for groups of 10 or more) and are available for purchase online . Tickets may also be purchased at St. John’s Episcopal Church on the day of the tour at 3240 O Street NW for $65 per person.

Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here .

© 2024 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

If there's an off-the-beaten-path type of attraction, person, or phenomenon in the DC area that you think more people should know about, Matt is your guy. As the features reporter for WTOP, he's always on the hunt for stories that provide a unique local flavor—a slice of life if you will.

• 771-200-6363
• @mattabouttown_

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11 Best Things To Do in Penang, Malaysia (Georgetown)

Georgetown, on Penang Island, is the must-visit spot of Malaysia. The stunning colonial streets of Georgetown are a center for culture, street art, and the country’s best street food. The differences between Chinese houses and skyscrapers, side by side, give this town a unique atmosphere. Penang is far bigger than only Georgetown, and by venturing a little further, you can find monkeys in the jungle, jaw-dropping temples, and white-sand beaches.

Things to do in Penang, Malaysia

Penang Island is an incredibly fun island to spend a good couple of days during your Malaysia travel itinerary . Take 2-4 days exploring this UNESCO World Heritage with the following things to do in Penang Georgetown.

1. Follow the Trail of Street Art in Georgetown

Georgetown is, without a doubt, the king of street art. Hundreds of murals inhabit the small radius of the old town, now developed into one enormous art trail. Follow the trail via bike or on foot, or ditch the map and see what you happen to stumble across in the many side streets. You can download a street art map HERE .

Here are all your hotel options in Georgetown.

The most famous work is by Ernest Zacharevic, who was commissioned by the local council to create street art that would give a facelift to older Chinese shops. His murals tell a story of the culture in Penang, usually combined with a physical object to bring the piece to life.

Georgetown has drawn many artists to create art. As a result, you could spend your entire time in Penang hunting for street art.

Also read: Malacca, the city on the riverbank

2. Discover Penang’s Wildlife at Penang National Park

Penang is not just Georgetown. The island has some incredible nature to discover! Penang National Park is a pleasant place to go and escape the crowds of the city and is just a short bus ride away. It is the smallest national park in the world but home to hundreds of different species of wildlife and plants.

Choose one of the many hiking trails, relax at beautiful beaches, get up high on the canopy walkway, or search for monkeys and turtles. At the weekends, visiting the park is a popular thing to do in Penang for Malay people.

Tip: Check the opening times as parts of the park can be closed depending on the season.

Read: Langkawi, Malaysia’s paradise island

3. Best Thing To Do in Penang: Kek Lok Si Temple 

Kek Lok Si temple is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia! Its name translates as ‘heavenly temple’ and is a sacred place of worship for Buddhists all over the world. 

See the 2-week Malaysia Travel Route

Various tiers of the temple are covered with numerous pagodas decorated in reds, yellows, oranges, and gold, combining Chinese, Thai, and Burmese (Myanmar) architecture. At the top tier is a jaw-dropping 30-meter-high bronze Guanyin statue towering over the entire city. 

See tickets and availability for a tour of Kek Lok Si Temple

During Chinese New Year, the temple is lit up at night by thousands of lanterns and lights- magic! Getting there: The temple is located in Air Itam, which is about 20 minutes drive outside of Penang and located near Penang Hill. Plan an entire morning for this visit. 

Tip: After your visit, have lunch at the nearby located Purple Stone Vegetarian Food Centre . (It is delicious!) 

4. Take the Funicular up to Penang Hill 

Georgetown nestles in the shadow of Penang Hill, which is the last part of the tropical rainforest on the island. Take the funicular up to the top for spectacular views across the island and cool down in the lower temperatures. Experience the funicular as part of a penang island day tour ( book your tickets here ).

Tip: It is best to visit earlier in the day to avoid crowds, as it the most popular thing to do in Penang.

5. The Blue Mansion (Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion)

Cheong Fatt Tze is a 19th-century mansion built in the Chinese style and painted in striking indigo blue. Owned by a former shopkeeper who turned into a wealthy businessman. It has been nicknamed the ‘Blue Mansion’ due to its outstanding color and is a favorite to do in Penang.

Guided tours running throughout the day give travelers the opportunity to have a look inside. The perfectly preserved mansion houses have open-air interior courtyards surrounded by ornate verandas and materials imported from all over the world.

See tickets and availability for a tour of Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion

The mansion is also a hotel for those who want to spend the night living like Cheong Fatt Tze himself.

Hotels in Georgetown 😴

6. The Cakes of ChinaHouse

ChinaHouse is three heritage houses all connected and transformed into a creative art gallery, small library, and cake shop. And this cake shop at the bar of China House is no joke. A massive selection of cakes and treats is waiting for you :)

Also read: Ipoh, unknown city of Malaysia

7. Experience a Different Way of Life at the Clan Jetties, Georgetown, Penang

The Clan Jetties is where you find the contrast between local life and the modern development of Georgetown as a city. Wooden stilt houses, rising out of the water, were owned and built in a separate area by each clan, known as the ‘Clan Jetties of Penang’. The Chinese settled down close to the water so they could find sea-related work.

Book a flexi tour of Penang and see all the highlights

Nowadays, all the jetties are looking a little worn. It seems like they are made up of local souvenir shops, but not all six jetties are the same. Visit the Tan Jetty for a less touristy experience. 

Discover the green tea plantations of the Cameron Highlands

8. Khoo Kongsi

This ancient Chinese clan house is a must-see whilst in Penang. Kongsi (family house) was a meeting place for the Chinese living in Penang with the same family name, “Khoo”. The clan houses were incredibly common; however, now there are only five left. 

See availability for a tour of Penang (including Khoo Kongsi)

Although Khoo Kongsi is located in the center of Georgetown, it is barely visited and, therefore, great to escape mass tourism. The beautiful classic Chinese style of architecture features sloping roofs, complex carved columns, golden Chinese symbols, and dragons and mythical creatures from legendary Chinese stories. There is a small museum on-site to learn more about the Kongsi and its history. 

Read: Kuala Lumpur, a 3-day city guide

9. Eat First-Rate Street Food

Penang is named one of the best street food destinations in Asia. Due to the rich blend of cultures within Penang, a mix of delicious and weird dishes can be found on the streets and in the markets of Georgetown. Various food markets take place at night throughout the week across the city. Join a street food tour for the best food experience. Book food tours online .

10. The Colorful Streets of Georgetown, Penang

Wherever you wander in Georgetown, the details of the architecture are what stand out. Colorfully painted buildings, detailed ornaments, and beautiful tiles in all shapes and designs. The street with the most tiles can be found here , and these colorful houses here .

11. Get Creative at Hin Bus Depot

Hin Bus Depot is a creative space that used to be an old bus depot but was converted into a  beautiful artistic space, thanks to the 2014 art project Urban Xchange. Now you can find a small market with shops, street art, and tasty food stalls.

How to Visit Penang/Georgetown

As Malaysia’s second-largest city, Georgetown is very well connected to the rest of the country. There is an international airport that serves destinations all over the world, with numerous flights per day to the capital, Kuala Lumpur .

Getting from Kuala Lumpur to Georgetown

Buses leave from KL airport and city center at various times throughout the day. Alternatively, you can take a train from many locations to Butterworth and, from here, take the public ferry across the water to the island of Penang.

Book your transfer here .

Getting from Langkawi to Georgetown

Before, there was a super fast ferry between Langkawi and Penang Island. However, nowadays, the only option to get to the archipelago is to hop on a quick plane ride.

How to get around Penang & Georgetown

Once in Georgetown, it is very easy to navigate your way around the town on foot. This is the best way to see all the street art. Go by bike if you are on a slightly tighter time scale. Buses run regularly to places like Penang Hill and Penang National Park to get further on the island. Grab (taxi app) is also a popular way of travel on the island.

We recommend to rent a car in Malaysia through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here .

Best Spots to Eat in Georgetown

Eat your way through Georgetown’s markets and restaurants during your stay, and you’ll still find that you barely touch the surface of this culinary heaven. The new modern styles of cuisine from all over the world are mixed with traditional local recipes.

These were our favorite restaurants and cafes:

• Street food markets
• Sushi Kitchen
• Laksalouicios
• Lily’s vegetarian kitchen
• Holy Guacamole
• Purple Stone Vegetarian

Hotels to Stay in Georgetown

A hotel or guesthouse in Georgetown is best to find within the old town if you’d like to be close to all the top things to do.

Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion is a beautiful hotel to stay in and conveniently located within walking distance of the street art trail and other iconic sites.

By purchasing through our links, you support us at no additional cost. Thank you for your support. ♥️

• Find Hotels via Booking.com
• Find a Rental Car via Sunny Cars
• Find Flights to Georgetown via Skyscanner
• Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
• Book Tours & Attractions via GetYourGuide
• Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go

Best Things to do in Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

8 things to do in melaka, malaysia (2-day travel guide), renting a car in malaysia in 2024: all you need to know.

Looking for more travel information? Plan a chat with us for personalised travel advice or get an answer from the Salt in our Hair Travel Community on Facebook.

Thanks for the tips! It looks beautiful. Hope to visit one day.

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Things to do in Moscow: how to visit Moscow | Unmissable, cool & unusual

• September 2, 2023

What are the best things to do in Moscow? What to do in Moscow? First, I will list the main places to visit by theme, passing by the must-sees, but also more unusual places in Moscow. Then, I will describe what to see in Moscow in one day and how to visit Moscow in 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 days. Let’s go!

Good to know. For more information, click on the places to open the dedicated blog posts.

Main places to visit in Moscow & best things to do in Moscow

I worked in Moscow and I loved this city for its dynamism and energy. We find there from time to time to see friends, remember good memories and enjoy this giant city! Then the time has come for us to share with you our practical guide.

TOP 5 must-see places in Moscow

• Moscow Red Square
• St. Basil’s Cathedral
• Cathedral of Christ the Savior
• Bolshoi Theatre

Places of cultural, historical and religious interest in Moscow

• Novodevichy Convent and cemetery
• Tretyakov Gallery
• Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts
• Kremlin Izmaïlovo (pseudo-historic place, recently built in the image of the old, one of the best things to do in Moscow for your Instagram account 😉 )
• Park and ancient village of Kolomenskoye

Visit Moscow of the Soviet era

• Moscow State University and Sparrows Hill
• VDNKh and the Museum of Astronautics, one of the key landmarks of the Soviet era in Moscow
• GULAG Museum
• Metro stations
• The Stalinist skyscrapers, scattered all over the city

Less touristy places in Moscow

• Gorky Park and the GARAGE museum
• The old Krasny Oktyabr factory
• Zaryadye Park
• Center for Contemporary Art, WINZAVOD
• Business center, Moscow City

Main districts of Moscow to visit

• Patriarch Ponds
• Tchistye Prudy
• Kuznetsky most
• Arbat Street

However, regardless of the length of your stay, whether you are going to visit Moscow in 4 days or in 2, you need a visa. The article Obtaining a tourist visa for Russia could then be useful in any case.

What to do and see in Moscow in one day?

List of things to see and do in Moscow in one day:

• Go to Red Square
• Visit St. Basil’s Cathedral
• See Kremlin walls (but not to visit)
• Visit Cathedral of Christ the Savior
• Discover Kuznetsky most districts and see Bolshoi Theatre building
• And if you have time at the end of the day: go to the Sparrows Hill or to the Moscow City for a beautiful view

Things to do in Moscow in 2 days

If you want to visit Moscow in 2 days, there are 2 purposes: do not miss the essential places of Moscow and optimize travel.

• First day: Red Square , Saint Basil’s Cathedral , Zariadye Park, Bolshoi Theatre , Kremlin
• Day 2: Cathedral of Christ the Savior, the former Krasny Oktyabr factory on Balchug Island, Gorky Park, Moscow State University (one of the Seven Sisters buildings ) and Sparrow Hill

As 2 days os really short, be sure to choose an accommodation in the best districts where to stay in Moscow .

Walking on Red Square in Moscow: one of the unmissable things to do in Moscow

Iconic place and one of the must-see places in Moscow and even in Russia! Besides, if there was only one place to visit in Moscow in 2 days, this place would then be Red Square, without hesitation. Therefore, starting the city tour with Red Square is ideal . Several buildings are on the square, but not all of them have to be visited. Check out my blog post about Moscow’s Red Square in detail to learn more and not miss anything.

Visiting Saint-Basil’s Cathedral inside

Even more emblematic than Moscow’s Red Square! Built in the middle of the 16th century under the orders of Tsar Ivan Le Terrible, this cathedral is one of the most beautiful monuments of Orthodox art, and definitely one of the unmissable places in Moscow. Visiting Saint-Basil’s Cathedral inside is one of the most beautiful things to do in Moscow!

• Visit estimate time : 1h30
• Entry ticket : 700 RUB. Tickets can be purchased on the cathedral’s official website 45 days before the tour.
• Audio guide (recommended): 500 RUB
• Opening hours : June to August 10 am-6pm; from November to April: 11 am-5pm; May, September, October 11 am-5pm. Cathedral closed on Wednesdays. Entrance is closed 45 minutes before closing.
• Find out more in the dedicated article: Saint Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow

Take a walk in Zariadye park: one of the coolest things to do in Moscow after visiting Red Square

Zaryadie Park is just a 10-minute walk from St. Basil’s Cathedral, so it’s easy to include in your itinerary if you’re going to visit Moscow in 2 days. From its heights, you can see the red walls of the Kremlin. But, the most impressive point of view is the platform which overlooks the Moskva river. A must see! And clearly one of the coolest things to do in Moscow!

• Open 24 hours a day
• Good to know! Park Zaryadye is also a place to visit in Moscow in winter. Find out more here: What to do in Moscow in winter?

See the Bolshoi Theatre and discover the Kuznetsky Most district

The Bolshoi Theatre is the most famous Russian theater in the world. The most economical way to see a presentation at the Bolshoi Theater is to take the tickets on the theater’s official website in advance, so here is our tutorial to help you: How to buy entrance tickets to the Bolshoi? In addition, several pedestrian or one-way streets

The Bolshoi Theater is the most famous Russian theater in the world. The most economical way to see a presentation at the Bolshoi Theater is to take the tickets on the theater’s official website in advance, so here is our tutorial to help you: How to buy tickets to the Bolshoi? In addition, several pedestrian or one-way streets are located north of the theater. It is therefore very pleasant to find them to leave the main axes of the megalopolis.

Visit the Moscow Kremlin

Visit Kremlin is on top of things to do in Moscow. A place of power for centuries, the Kremlin then shows us a whole different image when viewed from the inside. If you want to visit Moscow in 2 days, the Kremlin is certainly one of the must-see places in Moscow.

• Opening hours : Daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Thursday.
• See our blog post about visiting the Moscow Kremlin

Visit the Cathedral of Christ the Savior

This impressive Moscow Cathedral is the seat of the Russian Orthodox Church. It is a must see if you visit Moscow in 2 days and clearly one of the things to do in Moscow. The Cathedral of Christ the Savior was first built in 1883 in memory of Russia’s victory over Napoleon’s Grand Army. Then in 1931 Stalin ordered its destruction. It was then rebuilt again (identically) only in 2000.

• Where? Ulitsa Volkhonka 15. At the foot of the Kropotkinskaya metro station.
• Opening hours . Daily: 10: 00-17: 00, except Monday: 13: 00-17: 00
• Free entry (some closing restrictions, for example a short)

Good to know! In orthodox religious places, one must avoid excessively uncovered clothing. Women should cover their heads. After visiting the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, you can explore Bolotny Island and Gorky Park. This is one of the routes our guide to Moscow.

The old Krasny Oktyabr factory: one of the coolest things to do in Moscow

If you cross the Moskva River by a pedestrian bridge which is located just in front of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, you will enjoy a beautiful view of the city and at the same time you can discover Balchug Island. Furthermore, if you want to visit Moscow in 2 days, you can include this island in your itinerary between the cathedral and Gorky park. Here is the old confectionery factory Krasny Oktyabr, which has gradually turned into a fashionable micro-district. There are then some elements of street art, cafes and restaurants and some Moscow bohemian side. At the end of the island you can see a gigantic 98-meter-high monument dedicated to the Russian reforming tsar Pierre The Great.

Good to know! You can find on this island are the trendiest nightclubs in Moscow. On weekends, there are taxi caps after midnight so there are so many people. On the other hand, if you go there in winter and during the day, the island is quite empty and less interesting to see.

Gorky Park is one of the TOP places to visit in Moscow, because it allows you to better understand the life of the locals and their rhythm. In fact, it’s a huge entertainment park. For example, in winter there is a giant ice rink and in summer – free dance or yoga lessons, sandy beaches for playing volleyball, an outdoor cinema. So, like the locals, have a Stakantchik (ice cream or cooked corn), and enjoy the atmosphere of the place: that’s one of the interesting things to do in Moscow to discover the city.

• Where? Krymsky Val 9. 20 minutes’ walk from Krasny Oktyabr, along the quays.

Sparrow Hill and Moscow State University

The Sparrow Hill, Vorobiovy Gori in Russian, is the highest point in Moscow. It is rather known to Russians, but less to travelers. A nice view on Moscow opens from the hill, and in particular on the Luzhniki Stadium. In addition, on the hill itself is the Moscow State University: an impressive skyscraper from the Soviet era.

• How to get there? By bus T7 (35 min) from Oktyaborskaya station, near Gorki Park. By metro (Vorobiovy Gorki station) + climb the hill on foot. On foot along the Moskva along the Gorky Park (1h30) + climb in funiculars.

Good to know! It is possible to cross the Moskva river by funicular. We actually tested it and it was pretty cool! That is one of our favorite things to do in Moscow!

What to do in Moscow in 3 days?

If you are going to visit Moscow in 3 days, it would be interesting to dive into the Soviet era which strongly marked the country and the city. After the Bolshevik Revolution, the capital was transferred from Saint Petersburg to Moscow, in order to mark the change of power. Moscow then became the world showcase for communist ideology. Here are the best things to do in Moscow for 3-day-trip!

VDNKh, visit Moscow of the Soviet era

VDNKh is a large exhibition center in the north of Moscow, where there are still several striking witnesses of the USSR. The most interesting are the Museum of Cosmonauts and the Statue of the Worker and the Kolkhozian , which will certainly impress you with its size!

GULAG History Museum

The explanations of the museum are very well done. We really have the feeling of going back in time. If you are going to visit Moscow in 3 days and you are interested in history and this subject in particular, I recommend this museum. Visit the GULAG History Museum is one of the most interesting things to do in Moscow.

Discover the Patriarche Pounds district

It’s a nice neighborhood in Moscow where you can come across rather affluent locals, but not necessarily very bling-bling. Take a walk in this area is really a cool thing to do in Moscow! In addition, the Ponds of Patriarch is one of the places of Bulgakov’s novel “Master and Margarita”. As this is an interesting area to see, we have included it in a walking tour of Moscow. The route ends at the Moscow Kremlin, which is very convenient, because you will be able to visit Moscow in 3 days by optimizing your trips.

What to visit in Moscow in 4 days: TOP things to do in Moscow in 4 days

If you want to visit Moscow in 3 days, you will already see a lot of things. On the other hand, if you stay one more day, you have plenty to do! The Novodevichy Convent, the Tchistie Proudy district and the Izmaylovo Kremlin are very good candidates for you, if you are going to visit Moscow in 4 days.

Visiting Novodevichy Convent in Moscow

The Novodevichy Convent is one of the most brilliant examples of Russian architecture, according to UNESCO. This beautiful complex was built in 1524 and today consists of the convent, but also of a cemetery whose status could be compared to that of Père-Lachaise in Paris. Visiting Novodevichy Convent is one of the great things to do in Moscow, if you want to go a little bit outside of the center!

Discovering Tchistye Proudy district

It’s one of the most popular areas of Moscow, with many cafes, restaurants and bars nearby. It is therefore a place to discover if you want to visit Moscow in 4 days. It is just as pleasant for a stroll as for the discovery of local life. For example, in winter the pond turns into an ice rink.

Visiting the Izmaylovo Kremlin, one of the coolest things to do in Moscow!

The Izmaylovo Kremlin is more of a tourist than a historic place. On the other hand, it is a pretty impressive place to discover, especially on weekends. Inside the Kremlin, there is a flea market where you can find a little bit of everything, but mostly good souvenirs to bring from Moscow. For example, chapka, traditional Russian scarves or matryoshka (Russian dolls). Add the Kremlin and the Izmaïlovo market to your itinerary if you are going to visit Moscow in 4 days, because it is a nice and very colorful place! Visiting the Izmailovo Kremlin is one of the things to do in Moscow, if you want to put colors in your Instagram account! 😉

In 4 days, we will have the opportunity to see several Moscow: Classic Moscow, Moscow of old Russia, Soviet Moscow and a little bit of the new Moscow. So what to visit in Moscow on the 5th day of travel?

What to visit in Moscow in 5 days?

Art lovers will be delighted to discover the Tretyakov Gallery and the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, while others will prefer to stroll along Arbat Street, see the buildings of Moskva-City or visit Bunker 42.

Admiring Russian art at Tretyakov Gallery

Founded in 1856 by an industrialist and great lover of art, the gallery has grown over the decades, and then bequeathed to the state. Today the collection includes more than 140,000 pieces, 15,000 of which are paintings. Visiting the Tretyakov Gallery is one of the things to do in Moscow if you want to discover Russian art!

• Where? Pereoulok Lavrouchinski 10. A 5-minute walk from Tretiakovskaya station
• Opening hours. Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Closed on Mondays.
• Entry tickets. 500 RUB.

Visiting the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts

The Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts presents the treasures of ancient Egypt, the paintings of Rembrandt and Cézanne, a fine collection of Impressionism.

• Where? Ulitsa Volkhonka 12
• Opening hours. Daily: 10: 00-20: 00, except Thursday: 11: 00-21: 00. Closed on Mondays. The boxes close an hour before closing.
• Entry tickets. The prices vary according to the collections from 300 to 750 RUB.

Walking on Arbat Street

All Russians know Rue Arbat. So, walking on Arbat street is one of the things to do in Moscow. However, after the years, little by little it became very touristy. This is a pedestrian street only. There are souvenir shops, restaurants and cafes there, but it is no longer the most authentic neighborhood in the city.

Seeing the buildings of Moskva-City (Moscow City)

Moskva-City is Moscow’s business center, much like Paris’s Defense district. The skyscrapers of Moskva-City are among the tallest in Europe: 373 meters high! Very nice place to see at dusk.

Good to know! You can admire a nice view of Moscow City from the docks of Tarasa Shevchenko. It’s especially beautiful in the evening with all the lights on.

Bunker 42, one of the most unusual things to do in Moscow

Bunker 42 is a secret military complex which was to be used by the Soviets in the event of a nuclear attack: a space of 7000 m² 65 meters underground!

• Where? 5 Kotelnitcheski Lane, 11.
• Prices. 2200 RUB per person
• Opening hours. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Restaurant inside. Original, but rather a tourist trap.

What to visit in Moscow in 6 days or more?

There are still so many places to see, because Moscow is a big megalopolis and there is always something exciting to do there. For example: the ancient Kolomenskoye village or the WINZAVOD contemporary art center .

If you are interested in history and want to see Russian cities on a rather “human scale”, it would certainly be interesting for you to discover the cities of the Golden Ring . For example, it is very easy to get to Sergey Posad from Moscow (less than 2 hours in train). Visiting the Golden Ring is one of the best things to do in Moscow if you are staying more than a 5-6 days.

There are still plenty of places to see in Moscow, however I did my best to list here the best things to do in Moscow, what to see in Moscow in one day, but also in 2, 3, 4 or 5 days in Moscow!

Moscow travel tips:

• Airport transfer: how to go to Moscow?
• Where to stay in Moscow (hotels, districts)?
• Tourist voucher for Russian visa
• Christmas and New Year in Moscow
• What is the best time to visit Moscow?

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TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

19 Unique And Fabulous Experiences In Moscow

• Destinations

Thinking of visiting Russia? When visiting such a famous city, one must, of course, visit the iconic landmarks first. Moscow has plenty of those, most of them in the center of the city, which is very well-planned for tourists. Once you’ve seen the sights that are on most travelers’ lists, it’s time to branch out and visit some of the lesser-known sites, and there are some fascinating places to see and things to do.

I know this list is long, but I just couldn’t help myself. You probably won’t have the time to see them all. But that’s okay. Just scroll through the list and choose what sounds the most interesting to you. Where possible, make sure to book in advance, as things can get crowded, especially during high season.

1. The Red Square, Kremlin, And Surroundings

Red Square (Krasnya Ploshad) is the heart and soul of Russia, and where much of the country’s history has unfolded. This is the most famous landmark in Moscow and indeed the whole country, it’s an absolute must-do! The square is always full of people and has a rather festive atmosphere!

Saint Basil’s Cathedral

This is the famous church with the rainbow-colored, onion-domed roof. The cathedral was commissioned in the 1500s by Ivan the Terrible and according to legend, the Tsar thought it was so beautiful, that he ordered that the architect’s eyes be cut out afterward, so he could never build anything more beautiful! He wasn’t called Ivan the Terrible for no reason!

Lenin’s Mausoleum

The “love-it-or-hate-it” of tourist attractions in Russia. A glass sarcophagus containing the embalmed body of Russian revolutionary, Vladimir Lenin. It may seem a bit bizarre to display the mummy of a person, but it has been there for almost half a century and the 2.5 million visitors who come each year, clearly feel the queuing and thorough body search are worth it, to be in Lenin’s presence.

Pro Tip: no photos and no loud talking are allowed inside the Mausoleum.

Eternal Flame

There is an Eternal Flame in honor of an unknown soldier on the left side of Red Square. The hourly changing of the guards is worth seeing.

The Kremlin is the official residence of the Russian president. You can see it from the outside, or you can take an excursion to one of the museums located inside. This is the biggest active fortress in Europe, and holds a week’s worth of attractions! Once behind the 7,332-feet of walls, there are five squares, four cathedrals, 20 towers, various museums, and the world’s largest bell and cannon to see. Worth a special mention is the Armory Chamber that houses a collection of the famous Faberge Eggs.

Pro Tip: You can only go inside the Kremlin if you are part of a tourist group.

2. Bolshoi Theatre

Bolshoi Theatre translates to “The Big Theatre” in Russian, and the building is home to both the Bolshoi Ballet and Bolshoi Opera — among the oldest and most famous ballet and opera companies in the world.

Pro Tip: It’s hard to get an inexpensive ticket, so if you’re reading well in advance of going to Moscow then try buying tickets on the official website . Last-minute tickets cost around $250 per person. If this is out of your budget, about an hour before a performance, you can try buying a ticket at the entrance from a reseller. Most can speak enough English to negotiate the price.

Tour the Bolshoi Theatre: You can take a group guided tour of the Bolshoi Theatre which focuses on the history and architecture of the theatre and behind the scenes. There’s an English language tour that lasts 2 hours and costs around $300 for a group of up to six.

3. Luxury Shopping At GUM And TSUM

Russia’s main department store, GUM, has a stunning interior that is home to over 100 high-end boutiques, selling a variety of brands: from luxurious Dior to the more affordable Zara. Even if shopping is not on your Moscow to-do list GUM is still worth a visit; the glass-roofed arcade faces Red Square and offers a variety of classy eateries. TSUM, one of the biggest luxury malls in town, is right behind the Bolshoi and GUM. It’s an imposing building with lots of history, and worth a visit just for its design and its glass roof.

4. Christ The Savior Cathedral

This is one of Russia’s most visited cathedrals and is a newer addition to the gorgeous array of Muscovite cathedrals, but don’t let its young age fool you. After perestroika, in the early 90s, the revived Russian Orthodox Church was given permission to build a cathedral on this site. It did the location honors and built the largest temple of the Christian Orthodox Church. The façade is as grand as you’d expect, but it’s the inside that will mesmerize you, with its domes, gold, gorgeous paintings, and decor!

The cathedral is located just a few hundred feet away from the Kremlin and was the site of the infamous Pussy Riot protest against Putin back in 2012.

Pro Tip: Bring a shawl to cover your hair as is the local custom.

5. Gorky Park

Moscow’s premier green space, Gorky Park (Park Gor’kogo) is the city’s biggest and most famous park. There is entertainment on offer here for every taste, from outdoor dancing sessions to yoga classes, volleyball, ping-pong, rollerblading, and bike and boat rental in summer. In winter, half the park turns into a huge ice skating rink. Gorky Park is also home to an open-air movie theater and the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art. There is also Muzeon Art Park, a dynamic contemporary space with a unique collection of 700 sculptures. It is located right in front of Gorky Park.

6. Sparrow Hills Park

If you take a walk from Gorky Park, along the Moscow River embankment, you’ll end up in the city’s other legendary park, Sparrow Hills. Although the park doesn’t offer as many activities as its hip neighbor, it has a great panoramic view of the city

Pro Tip: You can take a free walking tour to all of the above attractions with an English-speaking guide.

7. River Cruising

One of the best ways to experience Moscow, and see all the famous landmarks, but from a different angle, is from the Moscow River. Take a river cruise. Avoid the tourist crowds. There are little nameless old boats that do the cruise, but if you are looking for a more luxurious experience take the Radisson Blu cruise and enjoy the sights with some good food and a glass of wine.

8. Metro Hopping

Inaugurated in the 1930s, the Moscow Metro system is one of the oldest and most beautiful in the world. Started in Stalinist times, each station is a work of art in its own right. I’d recommend touring the stations between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. This way, you’ll be able to properly see it without the crowds. Ideally, I’d recommend taking a tour with a knowledgeable guide with GuruWalk, who will tell you stories of forgotten stations and how the history of the country is interconnected with the metro development. If going by yourself, then I definitely recommend checking out: Mayakovskaya, Ploschad Revolutsii, Kievskaya, Kropotkinskaya, Kurskaya, and Novoslobodskaya stations.

Visit the free Moscow Metro Museum: For real train enthusiasts, located in the southern vestibule of Sportivnaya station is a small free museum. Here you can take a peek into the driver’s cabin, see a collection of metro tokens from different cities, and see different models of a turnstile, traffic lights, escalator, and more.

9. Moscow State University View

In his effort to create a grander Moscow, Stalin had seven skyscrapers built in different parts of town; they’re called the Seven Sisters. The largest of these buildings and the one with the best view is the main building of the Moscow State University. Although this is a little outside the city center, the view is more than worth it.

10. Izmailovsky Market

Mostly known for the city’s largest flea market, the district of Izmaylovo is home to a maze of shops where you can get just about anything, from artisan crafts to traditional fur hats, handcrafted jewelry, fascinating Soviet memorabilia, and antiquities. It’s also one of Moscow’s largest green spaces. There are often no price tags, so be prepared to haggle a bit. Head to one of the market cafes for a warming mulled wine before continuing your shopping spree.

The History of Vodka Museum is found here, and the museum’s restaurant is the perfect place to sample various brands of the national drink.

Once you’ve covered the more touristy spots, Moscow still has plenty to offer, and the places below will also be full of locals! So for some local vibes, I would strongly recommend the spots below!

11. Moscow City

With a completely different vibe, Moscow City (also referred to as Moscow International Business Center) is like a mini Dubai, with lots of impressive tall glass buildings. Here is where you’ll find the best rooftops in towns, like Ruski Restaurant, the highest restaurant both in Moscow City and in Europe. Moscow City is great for crowd-free shopping and the best panoramic views of the city.

12. Tretyakov Gallery

Tretyakov Gallery started as the private collection of the Tretyakov brothers, who were 19th-century philanthropists. They gave their private collection to the government after their deaths. If there is just one museum you visit in Moscow, I recommend this one!

13. Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve

Tsaritsyno was a residence of Catherine the Great more than two centuries ago. It became derelict during the Soviet era but has now been fully renovated. With its opulently decorated buildings, gardens, meadows, and forests, Tsaritsyno Park is the perfect place for a green respite in Moscow.

14. Kolomenskoye

A 10-minute metro ride from the city center is Kolomenskoe Museum-Reserve, where you can get an idea of what Russia looked like 200 years ago. You’ll find ancient churches (one dating back to the 16th century), the oldest garden in Moscow, and the wonderful fairytale wooden palace of Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich, father of Peter the Great.

15. Ostankino TV Tower

Built in 1967, Ostankino TV Tower was the tallest free-standing construction in the world at the time, it’s still the 8th tallest building in the world and the highest in Europe. It’s also the best observation deck, with a glass floor and 360-degree views. The speedy elevators take you 1,105 feet in next to no time.

Pro Tip: You need to book in advance; entrance is based on specific ticket times and the capacity is limited and only a certain number of tourists are allowed per day. Don’t forget your passport, you’ll need it to get through security.

16. Zaryadye Park

Zaryadye is a newly opened, landscaped urban park so new you won’t find it in a lot of tour guides. The park is near Red Square and is divided into four climatic zones: forest, steppe, tundra, and floodplains, depicting the variety of climatic zones in Russia.

These last three suggestions are a little quirky, but all are really worth checking out.

17. Museum Of Soviet Arcade Games

Release your inner child playing on 66 arcade machines from the Soviet era! What a great way to spend a couple of hours when tired of visiting museums and palaces. The staff speaks excellent English and are happy to explain how the games work.

18. Moscow Rooftop Tour

Take a 1-hour private Moscow rooftop tour with an experienced roofer. I can just about guarantee none of your friends will be able to say they’ve done it! For your comfort, I recommend wearing comfortable shoes. Take your camera, there are some amazing photo opportunities out there!

19. Sanduny Banya

This classical Russian bathhouse opened its doors in 1808 and is famous for combining traditional Russian banya services with luxurious interiors and service. If you enjoy spas and saunas, then you should experience a Russian bathhouse at least once in your life! Go with an open mind and hire a specialist to steam you as it’s meant to be done — by being beaten repeatedly with a besom (a leafy branch)! This is said to improve circulation, but is best done by a professional!

So there you have my list of things to do in Moscow. I could have gone on and on and on, but I didn’t want to try your patience! There are so many things to do in this vibrant city that you’ll definitely need to allocate several days for exploring.

Here are some other reasons to visit Moscow and Russia:

• 7 Reasons To Put Moscow On Your Travel Bucket List
• Russia 30 Years (And 30 Pounds) Ago
• Massive Mysterious Craters Appearing Again In Siberia

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, before moving to Africa at the age of 21, Sarah Kingdom is a mountain climber and guide, traveler, yoga teacher, trail runner, and mother of two. When she is not climbing or traveling she lives on a cattle ranch in central Zambia. She guides and runs trips regularly in India, Nepal, Tibet, Russia, and Ethiopia, taking climbers up Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro numerous times a year.

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The best things to do and places to visit in Moscow, Russia

Updated On 14th October, 2021

While Moscow isn’t always at the top of everyone’s Europe bucket list , it’s certainly one of the best places to visit in Europe if you’re looking for a more alternative adventure! In this blog post I plan on sharing some of the free things to do in Moscow, as well as the best places to visit in Moscow, so that you can enjoy some of the best things to do in Russia! 

Moscow, the capital of Russia, sits in the European part of the country. It’s an incredibly beautiful city, which I personally found to be more beautiful than Saint Petersburg (which is often people’s preference). The capital is certainly a lot busier, and less laid back than Saint Petersburg , but it’s a much more colourful and vibrant city, full of stunning and unique architecture.

Visiting famous landmarks such as The Kremlin and St Basil’s Cathedral, enjoying some of the green space in Gorky Park, watching a ballet in the Bolshoi Theatre… these are just a few reasons that you should visit Moscow! On top of that, because of visa restrictions (we’ll get onto that later), it’s also one of the most unique destinations in Europe. 

There is a common misconception that Moscow is a dangerous city, but now that I’ve visited, I don’t believe this to be true. I would say the same rules apply here as to other large cities: avoid walking in dark areas alone at night, keep an eye on your belongings on public transport, and be streetwise. There’s no reason to avoid visiting this energetic city and miss out on these amazing things to do in Moscow! 

It would take months if you wanted to truly explore Moscow because it’s a huge city, but I’m going to share some of my favourite things to do in Moscow and places to visit in Moscow so that you can prepare for your upcoming adventure! Even if you’re only there for a few days, you should be able to fit in these highlights from my trip. 

Other blog posts you might be interested in...

• The best things to do in St Petersburg
• A 2-week Norway road trip
• A complete guide to Helsinki
• A complete guide to Tallinn
• Europe: the ultimate travel guide
• The best capital cities to visit in Europe
• The best things to do in Europe: the ultimate Europe bucket list

Where is Moscow?

If you’re wondering ‘Where is Moscow, Russia?’ then you’ve come to the right place! Moscow in in west Russia, the European part, and it’s the capital city. 

How do you get to Moscow?

Getting a visa for moscow:.

To get into Russia, you need to get a visa. The processing time is approximately 20 days, and you’ll need to have your fingerprints taken at a visa centre in London , Edinburgh or Manchester. You can find out more about getting a visa for Russia here.  

Getting to Moscow:

Once you’ve got your visa, the easiest way to get to Moscow from the UK is by flying. Direct flights between London and Moscow take just under four hours, and with an airport layover you’re looking at a 6-7 hour trip. You can also fly in from many other major European and international cities. 

Top tip: Check out flights to and from Copenhagen on  Skyscanner here.

Check out how to pack a weekend away in a carry-on suitcase here.

16 best places to visit in Moscow...

1. st basil’s cathedral.

The most iconic building in Russia and one of the most iconic buildings in the world. St Basil’s Cathedral is one of the best places to visit in Moscow, if not the best! 

St Basil’s is situated on Red Square, where you’ll also find many other popular places to visit in Moscow. In my opinion this still stands out against them all. There’s something about the multi coloured domes against the Moscow skyline that I found quite spectacular. 

Although I’d already been in Russia for several days, it wasn’t until I was at this amazing piece of architecture that I really felt I was in Russia.

The cathedral was built by order of Ivan the Terrible, and apparently after the architect completed it, Ivan blinded him so that he could never build anything more beautiful. Whether or not this story is true, it certainly adds a bittersweet feeling as you stand admiring the beauty of St Basil’s Cathedral.

Inside is a museum displaying many historic items once used at the cathedral, which costs 700 rubles to enter. In my opinion it’s worth the entry fee, as simply seeing the ornate interior walls is a spectacle in itself.

2. The Kremlin

This historic fortress that sits on Red Square is probably the largest landmark and one of the most popular places to visit in Moscow. It’s the official residence of the President, although he doesn’t actually live there. It’s been rebuilt many times since it was first constructed in 1147 out of wood, before Ivan III the Great ordered it to be made from stone, which is the Kremlin you’ll recognise today. 

This place is huge, and there’s quite a lot to see. The first problem I had was finding where the entrance was. Even though I had a pre-booked ticket, I was then told I still had to visit the ticket office to exchange it for another ticket. I also needed my passport, so make sure you have yours if you plan to visit the Kremlin. After a lengthy queue I finally had a ticket I could use to enter the Kremlin, and had to go through security. The security here is thorough, so make sure you don’t take too much in with you. I had my pockets full, and it was a nightmare emptying them and explaining each item, before I was finally allowed in. Once inside you can pay for extra tickets to visit the various museums, however there’s also quite a lot to see simply on the grounds if you don’t want to spend too much. 

See more tips for travelling on a budget here. 

There’s so much to see here, including The Assumption Cathedral, Ivan the Great Bell Tower Complex, the Grand Kremlin Palace, the Armoury Chamber and Diamond Fund. There is also the Tsar Cannon (a huge artillery cannon), and the Tsar Bell. The Tsar Bell is the largest bell in the world. An incident with a fire and water being poured over the bell caused it to crack and for a slab to break off from it, which can now be seen propped up next to it.

As you walk around the grounds you’ll hear the sound of whistles. The guards patrolling the area will blow a whistle at anyone walking where they shouldn’t. Even if it’s just on the grass, or towards more restricted areas. This can sometimes be funny to watch, as often the tourists will be in a world of their own whilst a guard is blowing a whistle at them. Sometimes a guard will be stood face to face with a tourist angrily blowing their whistle before the tourist realises they need to get back onto the main path.

This is perhaps one of the more unusual places to visit in Moscow! Gum is a huge department store situated on Red Square. It’s an interesting department store to walk around, with several levels, although the shops inside are certainly quite pricey. It’s a beautiful building when it’s lit up at night, and it seems to fit in nicely amongst the other famous sights on Red Square. Even if you don’t plan to buy anything here, one of the best things to do in Moscow is to take a quick look inside, although bear in mind there are usually security checks before entering.

4. State Historical Museum

The large crimson building on Red Square is now the State Historical Museum. It was originally the first pharmacy in Russia, and later a University before finally becoming the museum it is today.

Unfortunately I didn’t go inside as my time was limited and there was so much else I wanted to see, but if you have the time I think it would be one of the best things to do in Moscow. There are items dating back to the 6th century, and maybe even further. There’s also a library inside storing many ancient manuscripts and the largest coin collection in Russia. 

5. Bolshoi Theatre

Bolshoi means big in Russian, so it roughly translates to large theatre. The Bolshoi Theatre is one of the foremost ballet companies in the world. The exterior of the building is an impressive sight, one of the most beautiful places to visit in Moscow, and it’s certainly worth admiring from the outside. There are guided tours of the interior, but if you really want to experience the theatre, one of the best things to do in Moscow is to watch a ballet here.

I was torn between booking a seat, but the ballets were very expensive. I’d have liked to have seen “Swan Lake”, (as at least I may have recognised some of the music). Unfortunately there were no performances on the days I was in Moscow, so I decided to pass. But if I return to Russia, then watching a ballet will be on my list of things to do.

6. Sparrow Hills

If you want a good view of the city, then Sparrow Hills is one of the best places to visit in Moscow. It’s a bit of a trek outside of the centre, but if you have the time then it offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of the busy city. There’s a viewing platform here which gives you fantastic panoramic views of Moscow.

Nearby you’ll see the magnificent Moscow State University building, which is one of the seven sisters of Moscow.

7. Seven Sisters

Whilst in Moscow, you’ll no doubt notice these magnificent soviet skyscrapers dotted around the city. At the time of construction they were the tallest buildings in Europe, Moscow State University being so until 1997. There are, as the name suggests, seven in total, which are: Hotel Ukraina, Kotelnicheskaya Embankment Apartments, the Kudrinskaya Square Building, the Hilton Moscow Leningradskaya Hotel, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Moscow State University, and the Red Gates Administrative Building.

If you visit Sparrow Hills, then you’ll come across Moscow State University, but I’m certain as you explore the city, you’ll see more of these giants against the Moscow skyline. One of the best things to do in Moscow is to see if you can locate all seven as you wander round the city! 

8. Nikolskaya Street

The start of this street is found by Red Square. It’s one of the most prominent pedestrianised streets in Moscow, filled with shops, restaurants and bars, so one of the best places to visit in Moscow if you’re looking for a bite to eat or some souvenirs!

What makes this street extra special are the thousands of bright lights in the sky above. After dark it looks simply magical with the many colourful lights overhead as you walk beneath them. One of the best things to do in Moscow is to visit Nikolskaya Street after dark and see them for yourself. It almost feels like Christmas in London!

There is another street nearby which also features similar lights, “Kuznetskiy Most”, which is also quite beautiful, but I thought “Nikolskaya Street” was ever slightly more impressive.

9. Izmailovo Kremlin and Izmaylovskiy Bazar

Did you know that The Kremlin in Red Square is not the only Kremlin in Moscow? Kremlin actually means a type of fortress, so there are many in Russia.

The Izmailovo Kremlin is a fairly new addition to the city, having been built in 2007 as a cultural centre. With its multitude of colours and historic style, it has a real fairytale feel to it. There are several small museums here for you to explore, devoted to subjects such as Russian folk art, vodka and bread (yes, bread). Visiting these is definitely one of the more unique things to do in Moscow! 

It’s a little way out of the centre, but it’s an interesting place to visit in Moscow to see something a little bit different, and it won’t be as overcrowded with tourists. 

Next to the Izmailovo Kremlin is the best market in Moscow for souvenirs. You’ll find good and poor quality items, but you’ll certainly pick up a bargain if you take your time and haggle for a good price. Many of the items here you’ll get for half the price you would in souvenir shops in the city centre. It’s here that I picked up several Matryoshka dolls for a very good price. I think I’d have paid more than double, or possibly even triple if I’d have bought them elsewhere.

10. Izmailovsky Park

Not too far from Izmailovo Kremlin you’ll find this huge park, one of the prettiest places to visit in Moscow. It’s easy to get lost here, so try to make sure you keep track of where you entered if you plan to go back the same way. There’s a lot to see in this park, a round pond, ferris wheel, playgrounds and sports grounds, shooting galleries, cinemas and a skate park.

There are often festivals, concerts and exhibitions at the park, on top of firework displays and dance parties.

The main reason I chose to visit the park was to find the painted trees. A local artist “Yevgenia Khlynina” has been painting on trees in this park, and one of the best things to do in Moscow is to explore the park looking for them. One of the most famous pieces of hers is the “Hedgehog in the Fog” from a famous soviet cartoon.

11. Gorky Park

The most famous park in Moscow is named after the writer “Maxim Gorky”. Although it’s likely you’ve heard it mentioned in the song “Wind of Change” by “The Scorpions”. 

There’s lots to do and see in the park with sports facilities and exhibitions. During the summer months this is one of the best places to visit if you’re looking for things to do in Moscow; there are often open air concerts and an open air cinema. There are many statues and sculptures in the park, including a small sculpture park area which features many interesting pieces.

One piece of advice: don’t visit Gorky Park or any other parks on 2nd August if you’re in Russia. 2nd August is Paratrooper day, which usually encourages a lot of drinking in the park, which is not always very welcoming.

12. Arbat Street

One of the oldest and busiest streets in Moscow, and the most famous pedestrian street in the city. Arbat is one of the most popular places to visit in Moscow. There are several shops including many dedicated to souvenirs, but although these will have a good range of goods, they will be quite expensive . You may see street performers and buskers, and there are often poets reciting famous works, if not their own works.

It’s within walking distance from the Kremlin, which should only take around 10 minutes.

There are actually two streets with this name, Old Arbat Street and New Arbat Street. Old Arbat Street is where you’ll find the pedestrianised area. New Arbat Street is a separate street which runs alongside a main road, filled with many bars and restaurants.

13. Metro station art

The best way to get around Moscow is by using the metro, and the metro is a tourist attraction in itself.

Although I obviously didn’t visit every metro station, I believe that every single station is unique in its own beautiful way. Many of the stations I passed through were impressive, quirky or simply jaw dropping. You’ll more than likely pass through many of them on the way to other sights, but I’d recommend the following:  Komsomolskaya, Novoslobodskaya, Mayakovskaya, Teatralnaya, Arbatskaya, Prospekt Mira and Ploschad Revolutsii (be sure to pet the dog statue for good luck).

There are of course many others for you to explore, but these are the ones I considered to be some of the most impressive places to visit in Moscow (even if they’re only metro stations!).

VDNKh is an exhibition centre with many monuments and museums. Now that it’s combined with the Botanical Garden and Ostankino Park, one of the best things to do in Moscow is to spend the day at this recreational centre enjoying a mix of nature and culture. The most popular museum in the complex which you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Moscow is the Museum of Cosmonautics.

15. Lenin's Mausoleum

Despite requesting to be buried with his mum in St Petersburg, it is at the foot of the Kremlin on Red Sqaure that you will find Lenin’s Mausoleum, where Vladimir Ilych Lenin has been frozen in time since 1924. It’s only open for a few hours a few times per week. Photography is not allowed, and you should line up on the western corner of the square (near Alexander Garden) to wait you turn to see the embalmed body. 

16. Novodevichy Convent

Novodevichy Convent, on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Moscow. Located south west of the centre you’ll find this stunning monastery. Inside you’ll find a cathedral and several churches, surrounded by high walls and 12 towers.

Where are your favourite places to visit in Moscow?

What about the best things to do in Moscow? Anything you’d add?

Love as always and happy adventuring…

I’m Spike! Solo traveller, cultural explorer and world adventurer! With 57 countries under my belt, I live and breathe travel. I never plan to stop exploring new destinations and experiencing new cultures.

Did you find this post helpful? I’d love you to share it for me.

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I’M MOLLIE AND I STARTED THIS BLOG BACK IN 2013 WHEN I HEADED OUT ON MY FIRST BACKPACKING ADVENTURE. 

I’D LOVE TO SHARE THE JOURNEY WITH YOU, WE’VE GROWN A LOT SINCE THEN!

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Title: MyAccess Transition to GU Experience

Dear Georgetown University Students,

We are excited to share an early preview of a new self-service portal, GU Experience, which will be the central location for students to view course schedules, manage course registration, access student account information, view grades, and request refunds and transcripts. This platform will eventually replace the current MyAccess system, offering a more accessible and user-friendly interface. This transition marks the initial phase of our endeavor to modernize the Georgetown experience by moving to Banner SaaS (Software as a Service).

Key benefits of GU Experience include:

• Modern and intuitive navigation
• Mobile-friendly design
• Improved search functionality
• Options to personalize your experience
• Targeted announcements for improved communication

While many existing features and pages will remain unchanged, the upgraded functionality will enhance the experience for all users, ensuring easier access to vital information, and allow us a foundation to build new features upon in the future.

GU Experience is available to explore now and will run in tandem with the current MyAccess system through the end of the semester. During the soft launch phase, you will be able to access both MyAccess and GU Experience to allow users to explore the new system while still being able to access the old one. Class registration will not be impacted and should still be done in MyAccess for now, though it can also be completed using the student dashboard navigation in GU Experience if you wish to explore our new system during this soft launch period.

The full transition to GU Experience will occur later in the spring. Updates and the login link will be posted on the GU Experience website.

We are excited about the opportunities GU Experience will offer and look forward to your continued support as we embark on this journey towards a more efficient and user-centric experience.

If you encounter any issues during the transition from MyAccess to GU Experience, please contact the UIS Service Center .

University Information Services

The Comprehensive Guide to Moscow Nightlife

• Posted on April 14, 2018 July 26, 2018
• by Kings of Russia
• 8 minute read

Moscow’s nightlife scene is thriving, and arguably one of the best the world has to offer – top-notch Russian women, coupled with a never-ending list of venues, Moscow has a little bit of something for everyone’s taste. Moscow nightlife is not for the faint of heart – and if you’re coming, you better be ready to go Friday and Saturday night into the early morning.

This comprehensive guide to Moscow nightlife will run you through the nuts and bolts of all you need to know about Moscow’s nightclubs and give you a solid blueprint to operate with during your time in Moscow.

What you need to know before hitting Moscow nightclubs

Prices in moscow nightlife.

Before you head out and start gaming all the sexy Moscow girls , we have to talk money first. Bring plenty because in Moscow you can never bring a big enough bankroll. Remember, you’re the man so making a fuzz of not paying a drink here or there will not go down well.

Luckily most Moscow clubs don’t do cover fees. Some electro clubs will charge 15-20$, depending on their lineup. There’s the odd club with a minimum spend of 20-30$, which you’ll drop on drinks easily. By and large, you can scope out the venues for free, which is a big plus.

Bottle service is a great deal in Moscow. At top-tier clubs, it starts at 1,000$. That’ll go a long way with premium vodka at 250$, especially if you have three or four guys chipping in. Not to mention that it’s a massive status boost for getting girls, especially at high-end clubs.

Without bottle service, you should estimate a budget of 100-150$ per night. That is if you drink a lot and hit the top clubs with the hottest girls. Scale down for less alcohol and more basic places.

Dress code & Face control

Door policy in Moscow is called “face control” and it’s always the guy behind the two gorillas that gives the green light if you’re in or out.

In Moscow nightlife there’s only one rule when it comes to dress codes:

You can never be underdressed.

People dress A LOT sharper than, say, in the US and that goes for both sexes. For high-end clubs, you definitely want to roll with a sharp blazer and a pocket square, not to mention dress shoes in tip-top condition. Those are the minimum requirements to level the playing field vis a vis with other sharply dressed guys that have a lot more money than you do. Unless you plan to hit explicit electro or underground clubs, which have their own dress code, you are always on the money with that style.

Getting in a Moscow club isn’t as hard as it seems: dress sharp, speak English at the door and look like you’re in the mood to spend all that money that you supposedly have (even if you don’t). That will open almost any door in Moscow’s nightlife for you.

Types of Moscow Nightclubs

In Moscow there are four types of clubs with the accompanying female clientele:

High-end clubs:

These are often crossovers between restaurants and clubs with lots of tables and very little space to dance. Heavy accent on bottle service most of the time but you can work the room from the bar as well. The hottest and most expensive girls in Moscow go there. Bring deep pockets and lots of self-confidence and you have a shot at swooping them.

Regular Mid-level clubs:

They probably resemble more what you’re used to in a nightclub: big dancefloors, stages and more space to roam around. Bottle service will make you stand out more but you can also do well without. You can find all types of girls but most will be in the 6-8 range. Your targets should always be the girls drinking and ideally in pairs. It’s impossible not to swoop if your game is at least half-decent.

Basic clubs/dive bars:

Usually spots with very cheap booze and lax face control. If you’re dressed too sharp and speak no Russian, you might attract the wrong type of attention so be vigilant. If you know the local scene you can swoop 6s and 7s almost at will. Usually students and girls from the suburbs.

Electro/underground clubs:

Home of the hipsters and creatives. Parties there don’t mean meeting girls and getting drunk but doing pills and spacing out to the music. Lots of attractive hipster girls if that is your niche. That is its own scene with a different dress code as well.

What time to go out in Moscow

Moscow nightlife starts late. Don’t show up at bars and preparty spots before 11pm because you’ll feel fairly alone. Peak time is between 1am and 3am. That is also the time of Moscow nightlife’s biggest nuisance: concerts by artists you won’t know and who only distract your girls from drinking and being gamed. From 4am to 6am the regular clubs are emptying out but plenty of people, women included, still hit up one of the many afterparty clubs. Those last till well past 10am.

As far as days go: Fridays and Saturdays are peak days. Thursday is an OK day, all other days are fairly weak and you have to know the right venues.

The Ultimate Moscow Nightclub List

Short disclaimer: I didn’t add basic and electro clubs since you’re coming for the girls, not for the music. This list will give you more options than you’ll be able to handle on a weekend.

Preparty – start here at 11PM

Classic restaurant club with lots of tables and a smallish bar and dancefloor. Come here between 11pm and 12am when the concert is over and they start with the actual party. Even early in the night tons of sexy women here, who lean slightly older (25 and up).

The second floor of the Ugolek restaurant is an extra bar with dim lights and house music tunes. Very small and cozy with a slight hipster vibe but generally draws plenty of attractive women too. A bit slower vibe than Valenok.

Very cool, spread-out venue that has a modern library theme. Not always full with people but when it is, it’s brimming with top-tier women. Slow vibe here and better for grabbing contacts and moving on.

High-end: err on the side of being too early rather than too late because of face control.

Secret Room

Probably the top venue at the moment in Moscow . Very small but wildly popular club, which is crammed with tables but always packed. They do parties on Thursdays and Sundays as well. This club has a hip-hop/high-end theme, meaning most girls are gold diggers, IG models, and tattooed hip hop chicks. Very unfavorable logistics because there is almost no room no move inside the club but the party vibe makes it worth it. Strict face control.

Close to Secret Room and with a much more favorable and spacious three-part layout. This place attracts very hot women but also lots of ball busters and fakes that will leave you blue-balled. Come early because after 4am it starts getting empty fast. Electronic music.

A slightly kitsch restaurant club that plays Russian pop and is full of gold diggers, semi-pros, and men from the Caucasus republics. Thursday is the strongest night but that dynamic might be changing since Secret Room opened its doors. You can swoop here but it will be a struggle.

Mid-level: your sweet spot in terms of ease and attractiveness of girls for an average budget.

Started going downwards in 2018 due to lax face control and this might get even worse with the World Cup. In terms of layout one of the best Moscow nightclubs because it’s very big and bottle service gives you a good edge here. Still attracts lots of cute girls with loose morals but plenty of provincial girls (and guys) as well. Swooping is fairly easy here.

I haven’t been at this place in over a year, ever since it started becoming ground zero for drunken teenagers. Similar clientele to Icon but less chic, younger and drunker. Decent mainstream music that attracts plenty of tourists. Girls are easy here as well.

Sort of a Coyote Ugly (the real one in Moscow sucks) with party music and lots of drunken people licking each others’ faces. Very entertaining with the right amount of alcohol and very easy to pull in there. Don’t think about staying sober in here, you’ll hate it.

Artel Bessonitsa/Shakti Terrace

Electronic music club that is sort of a high-end place with an underground clientele and located between the teenager clubs Icon and Gipsy. Very good music but a bit all over the place with their vibe and their branding. You can swoop almost any type of girl here from high-heeled beauty to coked-up hipsters, provided they’re not too sober.

Afterparty: if by 5AM  you haven’t pulled, it’s time to move here.

Best afterparty spot in terms of trying to get girls. Pretty much no one is sober in there and savage gorilla game goes a long way. Lots of very hot and slutty-looking girls but it can be hard to tell apart who is looking for dick and who is just on drugs but not interested. If by 9-10am you haven’t pulled, it is probably better to surrender.

The hipster alternative for afterparties, where even more drugs are in play. Plenty of attractive girls there but you have to know how to work this type of club. A nicer atmosphere and better music but if you’re desperate to pull, you’ll probably go to Miks.

Weekday jokers: if you’re on the hunt for some sexy Russian girls during the week, here are two tips to make your life easier.

Chesterfield

Ladies night on Wednesdays means this place gets pretty packed with smashed teenagers and 6s and 7s. Don’t pull out the three-piece suit in here because it’s a “simpler” crowd. Definitely your best shot on Wednesdays.

If you haven’t pulled at Chesterfield, you can throw a Hail Mary and hit up Garage’s Black Music Wednesdays. Fills up really late but there are some cute Black Music groupies in here. Very small club. Thursday through Saturday they do afterparties and you have an excellent shot and swooping girls that are probably high.

Shishas Sferum

This is pretty much your only shot on Mondays and Tuesdays because they offer free or almost free drinks for women. A fairly low-class club where you should watch your drinks. As always the case in Moscow, there will be cute girls here on any day of the week but it’s nowhere near as good as on the weekend.

In a nutshell, that is all you need to know about where to meet Moscow girls in nightlife. There are tons of options, and it all depends on what best fits your style, based on the type of girls that you’re looking for.

Related Topics

• moscow girls
• moscow nightlife

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