Penang Island, Malaysia

Best places to shop in Penang Island

5 markets, malls and shopping districts in Penang Island — what to buy, when to go, and the tourist traps to avoid at each one.

Last updated 2026-08-09

1. Chowrasta Market, George Town

The 1890s municipal market — dried nutmeg, preserved fruit, belacan, spices and a secondhand bookshop on the upper floor. The place to buy Penang food to take away.

Where: Market
Map: Open in Maps
Best time: Daily 07:00–17:00, best before 10:00
Cost: Budget
Tip: Penang nutmeg oil and preserved nutmeg are the local speciality and cost a fraction of the airport price here.

2. Little India, Lebuh Pasar

Sari shops, goldsmiths, spice merchants and Bollywood music spilling into the street. Dense, loud and genuinely a working commercial quarter.

Where: Bazaar
Map: Open in Maps
Best time: Daily 10:00–21:00
Cost: Budget–Mid
Tip: Gold here is sold by weight against the daily rate plus a workmanship charge. Ask for both figures separately.

3. Armenian Street and Lebuh Acheh

The heritage core — independent galleries, craft studios, printmakers and souvenir shops built into restored shophouses, alongside the street-art trail.

Where: Street Shopping
Map: Open in Maps
Best time: Daily 10:00–18:00
Cost: Mid-range

4. Gurney Plaza and Gurney Paragon

The island's main modern malls, side by side on the seafront at Gurney Drive, with the hawker centre at the end of the promenade.

Where: Mall
Map: Open in Maps
Best time: Daily 10:00–22:00
Cost: Mid-range

5. Batu Ferringhi Night Market

The beach strip's nightly stalls — beachwear, souvenirs, watches and bags, running the length of the hotel road.

Where: Night Market
Map: Open in Maps
Best time: Nightly 19:00–23:00
Cost: Budget

Watch outWatches and leather sold as brands here are replicas. Opening prices assume a resort guest; expect to settle near a third.