Penang Street Art Trail
Discover vibrant murals and iron art scattered across George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, bringing history and culture to life.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Penang Street Art Trail
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover vibrant murals and iron art scattered across George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, bringing history and culture to life.
"The street art was so well done and so fun to discover. It gives the town so much charm."
🚶♀️ Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be walking a lot! Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring George Town's charming streets.
🗺️ Grab a Street Art Map
Helps you find the famous murals and hidden gems scattered throughout the city.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Children on a Bicycle
Off Armenian Street
The iconic mural depicting children on a bicycle, a quintessential Penang photo op.

Reaching Out to the World
Off Ah Quee Street
A touching mural of a child reaching out, symbolizing connection and hope.

The Old Man and His Dog
Off Chulia Street
A heartwarming depiction of an elderly man with his loyal canine companion.

Iron Rod Cartoons
Various locations
Witty wire art installations that add a unique, historical perspective to the streets.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Hunt for Art
Timing is Key for Photos
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be walking a lot! Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring George Town's charming streets.
🗺️ Grab a Street Art Map
Helps you find the famous murals and hidden gems scattered throughout the city.
📸 Best Light for Photos
Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best lighting for capturing the vibrant street art.
💰 Pedicab Tours Available
Consider a pedicab for a guided tour, especially if short on time. Negotiate the price beforehand.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be walking a lot! Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring George Town's charming streets.
🗺️ Grab a Street Art Map
Helps you find the famous murals and hidden gems scattered throughout the city.
📸 Best Light for Photos
Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best lighting for capturing the vibrant street art.
💰 Pedicab Tours Available
Consider a pedicab for a guided tour, especially if short on time. Negotiate the price beforehand.
☕️ Explore Cafes & Shops
The art trail is dotted with charming cafes and local shops to discover.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Penang Street Art is a highly praised attraction, lauded for its vibrant murals that bring George Town to life and offer fantastic photo opportunities. Visitors appreciate the 'treasure hunt' aspect of discovering the art scattered throughout the UNESCO heritage site, noting its charm and the talented artists behind it. While generally a positive experience, some find the art to be spread out, requiring significant walking.
"Penang Street Art in George Town is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Penang. Located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, it brings the city’s walls to life with colorful murals and creative installations. The most famous artwork, “Children on a Bicycle,” is loved by travelers worldwide and makes for the perfect photo spot. Walking through these charming lanes, you’ll discover art that blends history, culture, and daily life in Penang. Every corner tells a story—whether it’s playful, nostalgic, or thought-provoking. The area is easy to explore on foot, and you’ll also find local cafés, shops, and street vendors nearby. This mix of heritage buildings and vibrant art makes Penang Street Art one of the top things to do in George Town. It’s a cultural experience you simply cannot miss if you want to capture the true spirit of Penang."
Aya
"This is quite a famous tourist spot in Penang. Many older streets have been decorated with the street art using painting and other ways to make it charming. Tourists from all over the world visit this area to get their photos clicked."
Karnail Singh
"Located all over Georgetown the street art was so well done and so fun to discover. It gives the town so much charm and the artists who did these are very talented. Whimsical and creative."
oceanicthai1
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Penang Street Art is located in George Town, Penang, Malaysia. You can reach George Town by flying into Penang International Airport (PEN) and then taking a taxi or bus to the city center. Within George Town, the street art is spread across various lanes and streets, best explored on foot or by bicycle.
Yes, George Town is very walkable, and many visitors enjoy exploring the street art on foot. You can also rent bicycles or use ride-sharing apps. Pedicabs are also a popular and scenic way to tour the art.
Many visitors use a street art map of George Town, which can be found online or at local tourist information centers. Alternatively, you can use GPS on your phone to locate specific murals.
Driving in George Town can be challenging due to narrow streets and traffic. Parking can also be difficult to find. It's generally recommended to park your car on the outskirts and explore the heritage zone on foot or using public transport.
Yes, local buses operate within George Town and connect to various parts of the city. However, the street art is best appreciated by walking through the heritage streets.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Penang Street Art is free to explore as it's located in public spaces throughout George Town. You can wander through the streets and discover the murals at your own pace.
The street art is accessible 24/7 as it's part of the city's public spaces. However, for the best experience and photography, it's recommended to visit during daylight hours.
Yes, you can find guided walking tours that focus on the street art. Pedicab tours are also a popular option, offering a unique way to see the art.
The street art murals themselves are free to view. However, some art galleries or cultural spaces like Jetty35 might have separate admission fees for exhibitions or workshops.
While you can technically see the murals at night, they are not illuminated, making them difficult to appreciate. Daylight hours are best for viewing and photography.
📸 📸 Photography
Iconic spots include 'Children on a Bicycle,' 'Reaching Out to the World,' and the various iron rod cartoons. Many murals are interactive, so look for opportunities to pose with them.
Early mornings or late afternoons provide the best natural light, avoiding harsh midday sun and minimizing crowds. Golden hour can create a magical atmosphere.
Be patient and look for unique angles. Some murals are quite large, so try to capture the full artwork. Also, consider the surrounding environment for context in your photos.
Drone usage may be restricted in heritage areas. It's advisable to check local regulations before flying a drone in George Town.
A smartphone with a good camera is sufficient for most visitors, especially with the advancements in mobile photography. A DSLR or mirrorless camera will offer more control over settings.
🍽️ ☕️ Food & Dining
George Town is a food paradise! You'll find numerous hawker stalls and cafes offering delicious local Penang cuisine right alongside the street art. Don't miss out on trying char kway teow or assam laksa.
Yes, many local eateries offer vegetarian and vegan dishes. Look for stalls specializing in vegetarian versions of Malaysian favorites or explore restaurants that cater to diverse dietary needs.
Must-tries include Penang Laksa, Char Kway Teow, Hokkien Mee, Roti Canai, and Cendol. Exploring the hawker centers is the best way to sample a variety.
Absolutely! George Town is filled with charming cafes, many of which are housed in beautifully restored heritage buildings. They offer a great spot to rest and refuel.
Eating at hawker stalls is very affordable. Restaurant prices can vary, but generally, George Town offers excellent value for money, especially for its delicious street food.
🎫 💡 Onsite Experience
You can spend anywhere from 2-4 hours exploring the street art, depending on how thoroughly you want to search for murals and take photos. Some visitors dedicate a full day to George Town's heritage.
The best way is to wander through the historic streets, keeping an eye out for the murals. Embrace the 'treasure hunt' aspect of discovering them.
Yes, George Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with historical buildings, clan jetties, temples, museums, and vibrant markets. You can easily combine your street art hunt with exploring these other attractions.
Yes, children often enjoy the colorful and playful nature of the murals. It's a fun way to engage them in exploring the city.
Bring water, sunscreen, a hat, comfortable walking shoes, and your camera or smartphone. A portable power bank is also useful for keeping your devices charged.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks, and consider a stroller or carrier for younger children as you'll be doing a lot of walking. The numerous cafes and food stalls scattered throughout George Town offer convenient breaks and delicious treats for everyone.
📸 Photographers & Instagrammers
Don't just focus on the most famous murals; explore the side streets to discover hidden artistic gems. Look for unique angles and consider how the art interacts with its surroundings. Many pieces are designed to be photographed with people, so get creative with your poses!
🚶 Solo Travelers
Consider joining a free walking tour or a pedicab tour to meet other travelers and gain local insights. The friendly locals and vibrant street life make it easy to feel comfortable and connected.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Ernest Zacharevic
Zacharevic's work blends seamlessly with the colonial architecture and daily life of George Town, creating a unique dialogue between art and its environment. His style is characterized by its realism, often with a touch of whimsy, and his ability to evoke emotion and nostalgia. Many of his pieces are found in the heart of the UNESCO heritage zone, making them easily accessible to visitors.
Beyond Zacharevic, George Town boasts a diverse range of street art from local and international artists. These include intricate wire art installations that tell stories of the city's past, as well as other painted murals that reflect Penang's multicultural heritage and contemporary life. Exploring these different styles adds another layer of discovery to your street art adventure.
Exploring George Town's Heritage
As you follow the street art trail, you'll naturally stumble upon other significant landmarks. These include clan jetties like Chew Jetty, where traditional wooden houses are built on stilts over the water, and magnificent temples and mosques that showcase Penang's diverse religious tapestry. The vibrant colors and intricate details of these heritage sites complement the street art beautifully.
Beyond the visual attractions, George Town is renowned for its culinary scene. The street art areas are often surrounded by bustling hawker centers and charming cafes, offering a chance to savor authentic Penang flavors. This blend of art, history, and food makes George Town a truly immersive cultural destination.
The 'Treasure Hunt' Experience
To enhance this treasure hunt, consider downloading a street art map or using a dedicated app. These resources can guide you to the most famous pieces and help you uncover lesser-known gems. The thrill of finding each new mural adds an element of surprise and excitement to your walk.
For those who prefer a more guided experience, pedicab tours are a popular option. These tours often cover key art locations and provide insights into the stories behind the murals. It's a convenient way to see a lot in a shorter amount of time, especially if you're on a tight schedule.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit