GEORGE TOWN, Oct 28 ― George Town was ranked as one of the top 10 cities for 2016 by largest travel guide publisher Lonely Planet.
The Unesco world heritage site was ranked the fourth most charismatic city to visit in 2016.
“Penang is named one of the most charismatic cities in the world and in the same level as cities like Rotterdam, Dunlom and Mumbai,” said Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.
Lim, who referred to the top 10 cities article in Lonely Planet, pointed out that George Town ranked above cities like Rotterdam, Mumbai and Rome.
The article listed the top 10 cities as Kotor, Quito, Dublin, George Town, Rotterdam, Mumbai, Fremantle, Manchester, Nashville and Rome.
George Town was described as “the crucible of an artsy, modern Malaysia” where visitors are likely to find funky street art amid heritage shophouses.
The writer of the article, Brett Atkinson, believed that the modern and arty scene of George Town is a “fascinating counterpoint to its historical Unesco World heritage listed streetscape”.
He waxed lyrical over the Hin Bus Depot Art Centre along with the city's regular arts and music festivals that is complemented by “hip accommodations” provided by the city's growing number of chic boutique hotels.
Atkinson also touched on the hawker food, classic restaurant experiences like at Kebaya in Seven Terraces and even a market tour and cooking class at Nazlina Spice Station.
