Ipoh Old Town – What Is Worth Seeing Here?

Anyone coming to Ipoh for the first time should see Ipoh Old Town.

This is where the major historical landmarks. But this is also where all tourists flock to.

Want to know what you will find in Ipoh Old Town before your arrival? Keep on reading.

About Ipoh Old Town

This is the most touristy area in the city. The Ipoh Railway Station and the famous Concubine Lane are here too, as is the Tourist Information Centre.

And since there are schools and banks,  traffic is heavy every day of the week. Especially during lunch hours.

Because there are many eateries and cafes as well. And some of them are the main reason that visitors come to Ipoh Old Town.

What To Eat

1. White Coffee

The most famous spots for authentic white coffee (it is just called coffee when you make your order) are Sin Yoon Loong and Nam Heong. And these traditional coffee shops are directly across from each other.

2. Kai See Hor Fun

In Ipoh Old Town, Thean Chun still rules supreme when it comes to their signature dish. The prawn broth of this kai see hor fun is savory with toppings of prawns, chives, and shredded chicken.

3. Curry Noodles

Again, like white coffee, there are a number of places to try curry noodles in this part of town.

We like the curry mee (they have both dry and soup versions) at Curry Keng Restaurant although the one at Nam Heong is not bad.

4. Caramel Custard

Most kopitiams in Ipoh Old Town (especially those closest to Concubine Lane) have this local dessert available.

It is a simple smooth egg custard with melted caramel on top.

You can try this dessert at Thean Chun or the neighboring coffee shop.

5. Tau Fu Fah

Tau fu fah is another sweet treat that you must try when visiting Ipoh.

This is tofu pudding and the simplest and most traditional way it is served is hot with white sugar syrup.

However, you can now get many different types of sweet syrup for your bowl of tofu pudding. Depending on where you go.

Most tau fu fah shops are in Ipoh New Town. The most convenient and comfortable place to try tau fu fah in Ipoh Old Town is at Kedai Makanan & Minuman Ding Feng.

What To See

1. Visit The Museums

There are 3 great museums to check out in Ipoh Old Town. They are small so each one won’t take more than an hour to visit.

From these museums, you’ll get different outlooks on what the tin mining era was like for ordinary and wealthy people.

• Han Chin Pet Soo
• Ho Yan Hor
• 22 Hale Street Gallery

Note: Only 22 Hale Street Gallery does not require advance bookings

2. Find Street Art

If you’re already in Ipoh Old Town to look at the historical buildings and Concubine Lane, you will see many large instances of street art.

The oldest of these depict cultural and historical elements that are unique to Ipoh. And they have recently received a much needed touch up from their original artist, Ernest Zacharevic too.

3. Explore Concubine Lane (And The Sister Lanes)

Concubine Lane is the busiest of the 3 lanes but you might as well check out Market Lane and Hale Lane too. They are easy to visit from Concubine Lane and more peaceful.

There are also some nice street art to see in these lanes.

4. Go On The Ipoh Heritage Walk

You will need to allocate at least 3 hours to complete the full Heritage Walk. But major highlights that most people want to see are:

• Ipoh Railway Station
• Birch Memorial Clock Tower
• Ipoh Town Hall
• F.M.S. Bar & Restaurant
• Han Chin Pet Soo
• Concubine Lane

Getting Around

You can explore on your own feet but know that it can be very hot. Protection from the sun, possible evening downpours, and your own drinking water are advisable.

There are some electric scooters for rent around Concubine Lane, the Ipoh Railway Station, and beside the Tourist Information Centre.

If you have elders or kids in your group, we recommend taking our private Ipoh tours. These include pick up and drop off anywhere in Ipoh on the same day as your tour.

Moreover, you’ll be able to see more than just Ipoh Old Town (e.g., cave temples), travel together in a comfortable vehicle, and have a local give you insight on what’s worth seeing and what’s not.

WhatsApp us now for a quote.

Conclusion

Even if it’s the most crowded place you can be in Ipoh, Ipoh Old Town is worth visiting.

You can see many attractions in one place, try awesome local food, and learn more about Ipoh’s mysterious tin mining past.

To extend your time further in this historic area of Ipoh, we recommend visiting the other side of the river, Ipoh New Town.