Jalan Penang, commonly referred to as Penang Road, is an old shopping street that was immensely popular in the 1960s and early 70s when Penang was a free port. Today, what is left of the old, are some shops selling many tourist or souvenir items, and a number of coffee shops and small shapping malls, the market (Chowrasta Market). 

There are shophouses selling local-made rattan or bamboo items such as chairs, hats, walking sticks and baskets  The KOMTAR a large shopping complex and government tower block faces this road. Along the road is the Penang Road Bazaar, a den of stalls in narrow arcade (located near the market) selling an assortment of products, mainly clothes, leather goods, watches, bags and shoes.

The Chowrasta Market is probably the oldest remaining market in the city centre. A popular spot here, on the 1st floor are the 'Second-hand' bookstores, where you can buy or sell old and new books. It is probably as old as the market.

A great place to taste the many delightful hawker food of Penang are at coffee shops along Penang Road, such as Kek Seng, 384 Penang Road (opposite KOMTAR), Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendol (a stall at the corner of Jalan Penang & Lebuh Keng); Hoe Peng Coffeeshop, Penang Road/Kg. Malabar; Joo Hooi Café, junction of Penang Road with Lebuh Keng Kwee; and Kheng Pin Coffee Shop, junction Jalan Sri Bahari and Jalan Penang

 Though a busy shopping area in the daytime, Penang road is almost deserted at night. Just perpendicular to Jalan Penang is Jalan Prangin where Prangin Mall is located.