You can't really say you've been out in George Town until you've stepped inside China House. This block-wide amalgamation of shophouses is packed with hip places to eat, drink, shop and chill out. By day, order coffees, smoothies and adventurous fusion meals at Kopi C, and extremely good three-inch thick cakes at Beach Street Bakery, then come back after dark for guest ales and live music at Canteen.
Other top options include the upstairs crafts boutique, fine dining (modern European meets Malaysian) at BTB, and sleek cocktails in moody surroundings at Vine & Single.