Penang 2 Day Itinerary: Heritage, Temples & Food Trail
Two days in Penang allows you to experience both George Town's UNESCO heritage and the hilltop temples while enjoying the best street food Malaysia has to offer.
Quick Summary
Duration
2 days
Budget
RM 250 - RM 500
Pace
Moderate
Best For
Couple, Solo
Best Time
Year-round
Read Time
12 min read
Overview#
Two days in Penang lets you experience both George Town's UNESCO heritage and the hilltop attractions. Day one covers the historic core with street art and clan houses, while day two takes you to Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang Hill, and the elegant Peranakan mansions.
Day-by-Day Schedule#
George Town Heritage & Street Art
UNESCO World Heritage Discovery
Explore George Town's UNESCO core with street art, clan houses, and the Street of Harmony, ending with a legendary hawker dinner.
Walking distance: 8-10 km
Street Art & Coffee
Breakfast at a Heritage Kopitiam
Start at a traditional kopitiam for kopi and kaya toast, or try the legendary Hokkien mee at Presgrave Street.
Street Art Trail
Walk the famous mural route: Kids on Bicycle, Boy on Chair, and the steel rod sculptures. Armenian Street and surrounding lanes are the main canvas.
Heritage Sites
Lunch at Kimberley Street
Try Teochew classics: duck rice, char kway kak, or koay teow thng at this heritage food street.
Khoo Kongsi
Marvel at Southeast Asia's most ornate Chinese clan house with its intricate carvings and gilded decorations.
Street of Harmony & Clan Jetties
Walk the multicultural Street of Harmony, then explore the waterfront Clan Jetties as the afternoon light softens.
Hawker Feast
Cendol Break
Cool down with Penang Road Famous Cendol before dinner.
Gurney Drive Dinner
End day one at Penang's famous seafront hawker centre. Try char kway teow, pasembur, and oyster omelette.
Day Highlights
Temples, Hills & Peranakan Heritage
Spiritual Heights & Cultural Depth
Visit Penang's most impressive Buddhist temple and hill station, then explore Peranakan heritage before a final hawker meal.
Walking distance: 6-8 km
Kek Lok Si & Penang Hill
Air Itam Market Breakfast
Start with famous curry mee at Air Itam Market, near Kek Lok Si Temple.
Kek Lok Si Temple
Explore Southeast Asia's largest Buddhist temple. See the 7-story pagoda and giant Kuan Yin statue.
Penang Hill
Take the funicular to the summit for panoramic views. Temperature is 5-7°C cooler at 833m.
Peranakan Culture
Assam Laksa Lunch
Return to Air Itam for the legendary Penang Assam Laksa - tangy fish noodle soup.
Blue Mansion
Tour the stunning indigo-blue Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, an award-winning Peranakan heritage site.
Pinang Peranakan Mansion
Explore 1,000+ antiques showcasing wealthy Baba-Nyonya lifestyle.
Final Feast
New Lane Dinner
End your Penang trip at New Lane hawker street. Try satay, mee goreng, and nasi lemak.
Day Highlights
Frequently Asked Questions#
Is 2 days enough for Penang?
Two days is ideal for covering George Town's UNESCO heritage, Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang Hill, and plenty of hawker food. You'll miss beaches but get the core experience.
Should I stay in George Town or near the beach?
For a 2-day trip, stay in George Town to maximize sightseeing time. Most attractions and hawker centres are within walking distance.