5 Less-Touristy Things to Do in Phnom Penh (An Insider’s Guide)

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you purchase something from this site, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s a win-win. Thanks for supporting me here at Travel Lush!

Post updated May 21, 2025

Anyone who has traveled to Southeast Asia knows that Phnom Penh isn’t considered one of the region’s top destinations. Most travelers either skip Phnom Penh altogether and head straight to the incredible islands in the south or the stunning temples in the north. Or they spend a fleeting 24 hours in the city.

Those who do take the time to venture to Cambodia’s capital either really love it (like me!) or really hate it.  Ever since I first visited Phnom Penh back in 2006 I’ve been a big booster of the city. Hell, I even up and moved there for six months in 2016 and have been a frequent traveler to Phnom Penh ever since. I love that city and highly encourage travelers to take a chance on it, because there are so many interesting things to do in Phnom Penh!

Phnom Penh has so much more to offer than just the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields. And while I highly suggest that travelers visit these two sites – they really do offer a good insight into the city’s tragic history and are a must for first timers – I’m here to give you few other ideas.

Phnom Penh has a cool, fun, and quirky side to it too. There’s actually a lot going on in the city, especially if you know where to look. Luckily I’ve learned a few things what to do in Phnom Penh!

Less-Touristy Things to do in Phnom Penh

Check out the street art on Street 93

The street art scene is actually quite impressive in Phnom Penh but most tourists don’t even know it exists. But it does in fact exist, especially on Street 93. If you’re at all into street art, then Street 93 is a must.

Street 93 is located in the Boeung Kak Lake area, basically a five-minute tuk tuk ride from the touristy riverside area. This neighborhood has a pretty sad history and was once one of the more shady areas in Phnom Penh, but thanks to the efforts of a bunch of artists, it has been given a colorful makeover in recent years.

Over the past few years artists have slowly trickled into the area and now the streets, buildings and walls are covered with art.  There are some seriously impressive murals there created by both international and local artists. If you’re interested in learning more or want to see some pretty pictures I wrote a full post about the street art on Street 93.

Do note that the art has changed since I wrote that post. When I last revisited Street 93, the art was different but really amazing!

Take a food tour with Lost Plate

If you’re thinking about taking a food tour – and you should – I highly recommend Lost Plate’s Phnom Penh Evening Food Tour. Lost Plate was actually founded by a friend of mine who I met while living in Beijing.

I know firsthand just how much research and hard work goes into creating each and every one of their food tours and their guides are ridiculously knowledgeable and will take you where guidebooks won’t. This 3.5-hour Evening Food Tour will allow you to indulge in Phnom Penh’s most well-known dishes – think 5th-century Khmer Curry Noodles, Fish Amok, Banana Leaf Salad, BBQ, and more – from a handful of the city’s best food stalls and restaurants.

Come hungry and thirsty because you’ll also get unlimited beer, soda, and water along the way!

These guys know where to find all the hidden gems. To top it off, you’ll get to cruise around the city in one of Lost Plate’s signature tuk tuks and end the night with a fancy cocktail at a rooftop bar.

Grab drinks on Bassac Lane

If you’re looking for nightlife, you’re going to want to pay a visit to Bassac Lane in BKK 1 (click here for the location on Street 308). This place is popular with locals, expats, and tourists alike and it’s lined with cool cocktail bars, innovative breweries, hip cafes, and some of the best international restaurants in town.

Brunch like a local at Backyard Cafe

If you want to have a healthy brunch in Phnom Penh, Backyard Cafe is a must. Now located on Street 240, they’re all about serving up healthy (and Instagrammable) dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Think avocado toast, breakfast and lunch bowls, fresh salads, and a whole slew of sandwiches. The menu caters to vegans, carnivores, and everything in between, so it’s great for groups.

Their brand-new plant-filled space is awesome and with tons of seating and fast Wi-Fi, this is a great place to order up a latte or pressed juice and a vegan Temple Burger or Rainbow Bowl and get some work done.

Get artsy at Meta House

Meta House is a European Culture Center and Cambodia’s oldest independent arts and media center. They’re always hosting artsy events, many of which are free to the public. It’s well worth checking their Event Calendar while you’re in town because chances are they’ll be hosting a contemporary Cambodian art show, screening a new documentary, or putting on a musical performance.

---

Where I stayed in Phnom Penh: I highly recommend the Grand King Boutique Hotel. It will run you about $40 on Agoda. I absolutely loved it. It’s centrally located, but isolated from the noise of downtown (so you can actually sleep). Plus, it’s surrounded by excellent cafes and restaurants and it has a great little rooftop pool and a lovely view of the city. Happy travels!

Pin me for later!

Have you been to Phnom Penh? Do you have anything to add to this list?