The Whiteaways Arcade
📍 George Town, Penang
A well-maintained early 1900s colonial building on Beach Street in George Town, housing retail outlets, cafes, and the official tourist information office — best as a heritage walk stop.
Was expecting a few more shops but I did go there to visit the tourist information office which was down the side street and upstairs . The lady there was so helpful and explained many details in the leaflets she provided me with. Well worth a visit
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for families on a George Town heritage walking tour with older children who can appreciate colonial architecture. The tourist information office is a practical first stop for orientation. Younger children will find sparse dedicated activities here — pair it with Clan Jetties or Fort Cornwallis nearby for a fuller outing.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →195 Google reviews
jonbristolbs4
6 months ago
“Was expecting a few more shops but I did go there to visit the tourist information office which was down the side street and upstairs . The lady there was so helpful and explained many details in the leaflets she provided me with. Well worth a visit”
Sweelong Ng
3 years ago
“Registered participants were here today to collect their t-shirt for Love Penang Run tomorrow ( 14/8/22 ). I queued for about 45 minutes to get mines.”
Adhil Arshath
a year ago
“Recently visited the beautiful 🤩 spot oh hotspot city centre in Georgetown area . The most beautiful and aesthetic elegance and vintage style of architecture looks so nice . Huge and spacious area. Which connects with many commercials aspect nearby this place . Having convenience store happy mart and coffee ☕ shop is situated in this spot . And also the best photoshoot location it is .”
Greg T
a year ago
“This building got its name from the original occupants the Whiteways and Laidlaw General store. Constructed in the early 1900s it is situated on Beach st. Now houses a lot of different retail outlets and the Tourist office. Nice to see it well maintained.”
Reviews from Google
Overview
The Whiteaways Arcade was built in the early 1900s for Whiteways and Laidlaw general store and has since been repurposed into a mixed-use colonial heritage building. The interior connects multiple retail outlets, cafes, and restaurants. The tourist information office upstairs is genuinely useful — staff provide detailed local guidance and leaflets. The artistic colonial paintwork and vintage architecture make it one of George Town's more photogenic stops.
