Armenian Street

Armenian Street

Armenian Street
4.5
Historic SitesNeighborhoodsHistoric Walking Areas
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Duration: 1-2 hours
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  • Игорь
    Komsomolsk-on-Amur, Russia32,329 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Why Armenian?
    One of the streets and one of the districts that was the reason that George Town was included in the list of UNESCO world pearls. Of course the street is interesting. Interesting in architecture, interesting in history, interesting in wall paintings, literally masterpieces. And why Armenian. There are definitely no Armenians here now! How did the Armenians get here at the beginning of the 19th century? Why did you go so far from your homeland? Mystery. But it was then that they began to actively come here. In 1808, the street was renamed Armenian due to the influx of Armenian merchants. They even founded St. Gregory's Armenian Church in Georgetown in 1822. But by the beginning of the 20th century there were almost no Armenians here. Everything was filled out by immigrants from China. And the temples here now are mostly Chinese.
    Visited February 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written February 22, 2024
  • Sujith M
    Bayan Lepas, Malaysia24 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Good walk for a couple of hours
    You should be ready to walk and it is very near the Fire station (take a left from the fire station after you visit inside). There is UNESCO heritage board nearby, colorful umbrellas are kept on one of the alleys above, so you get some shade and can click pictures. Many attractions including street arts (especially kids on bicycle street art where more tourists click pictures) are here and be ready to explore as you go. If you are here first time, its near Little India and better use Google walk option, else the streets may all look same. Better go there either early morning or later evening if possible as its very sunny in most areas.
    Visited July 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written July 24, 2024
  • Abovetheclouds
    2,489 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Loved it!
    Yes it is touristy and busy but it also has a cool atmosphere, amazing energy and be prepared to walk in the heat! Art, architecture, some cool boutique shops, coffee shops, food, temples and the famous umbrella alley. Take water and wear good shoes and use sunscreen. It is hot. I went a few times as I was in Penang a while. There is a busker that plays music there as well. Not sure if he is there all the time, but definitely worth checking it out if you see him. Very cool.
    Visited August 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written August 25, 2024
  • Paul Choong
    Penang Island, Malaysia121 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A Piece of George Town
    Armenian Street is a vibrant, historic district in the heart of Georgetown, Penang that offers a captivating glimpse into the city's multicultural heritage. Lined with beautifully restored shophouses, the street is a feast for the senses - the aroma of spices and incense wafts through the air, while the colorful facades and intricate architectural details delight the eye. Visitors can explore quaint boutiques, art galleries, and family-run eateries serving up delicious Peranakan cuisine. What makes Armenian Street truly special, however, is the sense of timelessness and authenticity that pervades the entire neighborhood. It's a place that allows you to step back in time and immerse yourself in Penang's rich cultural tapestry. A visit here is a must for any traveler to Penang.
    Visited December 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written October 30, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles1,616 reviews
Excellent
712
Very good
687
Average
180
Poor
27
Terrible
10

Chuzee99
San Francisco, CA105 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Couples
The area itself was nice enough if you happen to be nearby but i wouldn’t go out of my way to go as it is just about 3 blocks long and my hotel was a 6 minute walk. Small gift shops with drink and snack shops interspersed.

One store I would steer clear of is S’mode Collections. They sell dresses that are priced 4x (139 MYR) the going rate (33-39 MYR ) in Malaysia for the same or similar style and the shop owners/operators will tell you lies about not selling at inflated tourist prices and being the designer of the merchandise. Untrue.
Written December 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Heli P
Helsinki, Finland7,684 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2023
The street art first drew crowds to this small area and then every possible space was turned into a souvenir shop. Interesting cafeterias also appeared like the white glass cubicle Your Local Club on a heritage site next to the almost fading Girls on a bike drawing. The constant action on the narrow adjoining streets keeps people coming to pose with their chosen piece of art.
Written February 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Suratrichard
Surat Thani, Thailand2,674 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2023
One of the most famous streets in George Town which can get very busy indeed by mid day so, if possible, go earlier. Armenian Street has, more or less everything from wonderful street art to a variety of places to eat and drink. Some of the architecture is interesting also so don’t forget to look up!
Take your time…there’s many photo opportunities and wandering about is free!
Highly recommended.
Written April 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

shubhi
Bangalore District, India26 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
A must visit street when in George Town as most of famous street art can be found around this street. Be it the kids on cycle or kid trying to hand to the window or guys pushing each other all are just 1-2 mins away on this street. Better to go early morning to get good photos or you will spend more time waiting for your turn as it becomes crowded towards noon.
Written January 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

saronic
Zurich, Switzerland29,113 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2019
One of the most interesting and attractive streets of George Town is the not very wide, now pedetrianised Lebuh Armenian between Beach Street and Acheh Street. On both sides there are typical houses of colonial days, mainly built and owned by Straits Chinese. The name 'Armenian Street' dates from the early 19th century, when there was a small, but influential community of Armenians living here that had come from Persia.

The Armenians had their own church and they were mostly merchants. Most famous are the Sarkies brothers, whose name is connected with the Eastern&Oriental Hotel in George Town, the Raffles Hotel in Singapore and the Strand Hotel in Yangon/Rangoon. By the late 1930's the Armenians had almost all left for Singapore and Hong Kong.

Today the street, popular with tourists, is known besides the traditional architecture of its houses for the street art, for the several souvenir shops and cafés, even a Swiss one called 'Edelweiss'. At No 8 is the entrance to Cheah Kongsi Clan House, at No 57 the Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple, dedicated to the God of Prosperity, then at No the Sun Yat-Sen Museum, dedicated to the first president of the Republic of China, who lived here in 1910, and at the end, at No 128 by the Armenian Park, is the Syed Al-Attas Mansion, under restoration, when I visited.
Written October 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Chris Barr
Darlington, UK808 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
This is the street where the street art is, close to little India.
We went on a baking hot afternoon, probably more sensible to visit on a morning when it is cooler.
Very busy with lots of souvenir shops, you can not miss the street art there are many people photograhing themselves with it. Worth a look, some nice places to have an ice cream also.
Written February 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mya T
Chelmsford, UK67 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020 • Family
Shops take form of old architecture, some restored to bring out their best features .... recommend taking a stroll as there are plenty of souvenir shops , coffee shops etc

We visited the peranakan clothing shop which is situated on the floor above , absolutely loved it .

The side streets are filled with modern street art on the walls ....

Worth seeing it for yourself
Written March 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Alfred C
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia6 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2022
This street are full of shop selling tourist sourvenir, drinks and food. but dont let that distract you from appreciating the history behind this street. This street is attributed to the Armenian Family that contributed to the development of george town including E&O hotel that was part of the heritage. at the end of this street there was Two famous street art ( 1 bicycle and another one a boy trying to reach for a fruit which sadly gave way to development).
Written May 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

by anilsah.us
Putrajaya, Malaysia828 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2021 • Couples
Litterbugs anywhere. I cannot believe such a historic place can be ugly with rubbish left & thrown by idiots. Though dustbins are hard to find, why don't they just hold on to them? It is an embarrassment to Malaysians that keeping a beautiful place clean is the most difficult thing to do. Other than that, the authority should remind the owners of the buildings to maintain the cleanliness or at least, do some repainting. More dustbins, please.
Written December 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

UkTrina
Peterborough, UK153 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Couples
Area where most of the street art is centred. Lots of shops and food stalls. There are loads of people wandering around looking at the street art, so it’s quite crowded. Some of it hard to see since everyone wants their photo taken in front of it. This can be frustrating if you just want to look at it yourself. Open sewer gutters and lots of rats around here and other central areas of Georgetown.
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Armenian Street - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2025)

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