The Acheen Street Mosque, also known as Masjid Melayu Lebuh Acheh, dates from 1801. Tengku, who founded this old mosque, installed a minaret of Arabian-Oriental along with an Achehnese roof. This tall edifice is a beautiful example of the marriage of Indian and Chinese architectural styles.

Built in 1924, this famous temple is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites of George Town. Its beautiful exterior dazzles the eye with its variety of bright colors. Blue dragons, a green roof and walls decorated with pearls can all be admired here. Look out for the three porcelain figures standing on the roof - they symbolize luck, wealth and health, and are reproduced in apartments and restaurants all over the city.

Also known as the Goddess of Mercy Temple, this house of worship is one of the oldest Chinese temples in Penang. Built in 1801 by early immigrant settlers from China, the building is decorated with intricately crafted dragons and a pair of stone sculptured lions, known as Fu dogs. Pilgrims flock to the site all year round, and particularly on the first and fifteenth day of each lunar month. Outside, there’s a lovely square that hosts puppet shows and Chinese operas on special occasions.

The Kapitan Keling Mosque, which dates from the early 19th Century, was named after Indian Muslim merchant Caudeer Mohudeen, who was also known as Kapitan Keling (headman). It is the most prominent historic mosque in Penang, with a dome-shaped minaret that reflects a Moorish Islamic influence. It has been a place of worship for the Indian Muslim community here for more than two centuries. Unlike modern mosques which are mainly frequented on Fridays, the Kapitan Keling Mosque is used by worshippers five times a day, seven days a week. Visitors should be ready to take their shoes off, and female visitors must wear a robe provided by staff.

Erected at the start of the 19th Century, Nagore Durgha is the oldest Muslim shrine on the island. It is painted in white and light blue, with three arc-shaped openings on its façade. If you visit this beautiful shrine, you’ll also have the chance to browse the interesting little shops located next to it.

Built in 1833, Sri Mariamman is the oldest Hindu temple in Penang. Here you can see fascinating sculptures of gods and goddesses over its main entrance and façade. A long-standing place of worship for Indian Hindus in the city, today it holds a special place in the heart of that community. Built in the south Indian Dravidian style, the temple’s most outstanding feature is the impressive gopuram (tower). Rising above the entrance, it features Hindu deities, soldiers and floral decorations. Housed within its ornately decorated interior is the priceless statue of Lord Subramaniam, embellished with gold, silver, diamonds and emeralds. The statue figures prominently in the annual Thaipusam festival, when it is borne on a silver chariot through the city streets to the temple.

The Cantonese Tua Pek Kong Temple was founded by the Hakka and Cantonese association in the middle period of 18th Century, with additional works in 1909. Facing the building you can admire its beautiful façade, with a sloping red- and gold-colored roof. The interior is equally well decorated, making this temple well worth a visit.

The St. George's Church, which is named after England’s patron saint, is the oldest Anglican church in all of southeast Asia. Built by convict labor in 1818, it was designed by Captain Robert Smith, a military engineer. A memorial to Captain Francis Light in the form of a Greek temple with a marble slab stands in the grounds of the church. The site is currently undergoing restoration works.

The Hainan Temple, also known as the Temple of the Heavenly Queen, was built in 1866 in a Hainanese style. It is decorated with beautiful stone carvings that echo the Sung dynasty era. The building is decked out in deep red, gold and yellow – the traditional colors of China. Last restored in 1995, it is a wonderful place to visit.