Best Things to Do in Phnom Penh: Hidden Gems & Local Favorites
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Post updated July 5, 2026
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 way back in the day, I’ve been a big booster of the city. Hell, I even up and moved there for six months at one point and have been a frequent traveler to Phnom Penh ever since.
Phnom Penh has much more to offer than just the Royal Palace and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum & Killing Fields. And while I highly suggest that travelers visit these two sites – they really are a must for first-timers – I’m here to give you a 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, as a former expat and frequent visitor, I’ve learned a few things about what to do in Phnom Penh to get beyond the tourist trail.
Quick tips: Best things to do in Phnom Penh for…
~ Eat: Take Lost Plate’s Evening Tuk-Tuk Food Tour to find hidden local gems.
~ Drink & dine: Go bar- and restaurant-hopping on Bassac Lane.
~ Learn: A trip out to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum & Killing Fields is a must for first-timers.
~ Shop: You’ll find all sorts of ethical and sustainable boutiques along Street 240.
~ Day-trip: Take a guided cycling tour around Silk Island.
~ Stay: With lush grounds, two pools, a spa, and beautiful rooms, The Pavilion is a true oasis in the heart of town.
Best Things to Do in Phnom Penh: Hidden Gems & Local Favorites
Take a tuk-tuk food tour with Lost Plate
If you’re thinking about taking a food tour – and you should – Lost Plate’s Phnom Penh Evening Food Tour is easily one of the best things to do in Phnom Penh. Lost Plate was actually founded by friends of mine, whom I met while living in Beijing.
I’ve taken their tours and know firsthand just how much research and hard work go into creating each and every one of their food tours. Their local guides are ridiculously knowledgeable and will take you where guidebooks won’t.
Their Evening Food Tour is 3.5 hours and allows 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 that you’d never find on your own. 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 or local craft beer at a rooftop bar.
Go shopping on Street 240
Street 240 – or Oknha Chhun St (240) – is a short stroll from the Royal Palace. This is one of the top places to visit in Phnom Penh for anyone who’s looking to do some shopping or to pick up some ethical and sustainable clothes and souvenirs. From Khmer-inspired clothing to jewelry, home decor, and textiles, there are all sorts of hidden gems to be found along Street 240.
Here are a few recommendations:
- A.N.D for fair-trade clothing ethically made by local artisans.
- The Green Store for sustainable Cambodian handicrafts.
- Shade240 for curated jewelry, clothing, skincare items, and more.
- Dorsu for ethical and sustainable men’s and women’s fashion.
- The Weaver’s Tale for homemade crafts, ethical souvenirs and crafts, and a range of fair-trade items.
- The Gallerist for contemporary art.
Check out the street art on Street 93
If you’re wondering what to do in Phnom Penh to get off the tourist track, head to Street 93.
The street art scene is actually quite impressive in Phnom Penh, but most tourists don’t even know it exists. It does in fact exist, especially on Street 93. If you’re at all into street art, then Street 93 is one of the coolest places to visit in Phnom Penh.
Street 93 (Google Maps location) is 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.
READ MORE: 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!)
Or go on a street food & street art tour
If you don’t want to seek out the street art in the Boeung Kak Lake area all by yourself, you can sign up for this very cool street food and street art tour with Urban Forage. This half-day tour combines two of my favorite loves – food and street art – and gives you the chance to dine like a local at some of the city’s markets and street food stalls, while hunting down 20+ hidden street art murals along the way.
The best part is that the whole tour is led by a knowledgeable guide who will pepper you with interesting info about local food, art, history, and culture. It’s really a unique way to get to know this often misunderstood and underrated city.
Grab dinner & drinks on Bassac Lane
Looking for things to do in Phnom Penh at night? Then you’re going to want to pay a visit to Bassac Lane in BKK 1 (click here for the location on Street 308). This street and the surrounding alleyways are popular with locals, expats, and tourists alike. It’s dotted with sophisticated cocktail bars, innovative breweries, hidden speakeasies, and some of the best international restaurants in town. Here are some recommendations:
- Rabbit White for speakeasy vibes.
- Elia Greek Kitchen for Greek eats.
- Roodbar Phnompenh for a chic cocktail bar.
- The Library for excellent daiquiris and mojitos.
- Mama Wong’s for handmade dumplings and noodles.
- Sak Pub Craft Beer for local craft beers and bar bites.
Brunch like a local at Backyard Cafe
When it comes to healthy brunches in Phnom Penh, Backyard Cafe is a must. 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 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 to stay in Phnom Penh – my top hotel picks
Pavilion Phnom Penh – for an adults-only boutique resort
Pavilion Phnom Penh is my personal favorite boutique hotel in Phnom Penh. This adult’s-only property is set right next to the Royal Palace and features two lush pool areas, a popular pool bar, a gourmet restaurant, perfectly appointed rooms, a spa and gym, and loads of colonial charm.
~ Rooms start at $75; check prices on Booking.com
Penh House Hotel – for the rooftop pool & restaurant
Also set near the Royal Palace, Penh House Hotel has a lot going for it, including a fabulous rooftop pool. The rooftop also features a garden, a bar, and a restaurant – as well as views galore! There’s also a buzzing cafe, a wellness spa, a fitness center, and 52 spacious rooms and suites.
~ Rooms start at $70; check prices on Booking.com
Raffles Hotel Le Royal – for colonial 5-star luxury
This famous colonial-era hotel is your best bet if you’re looking for royal, VIP treatment. Stay at Raffles Hotel The Royal and you’ll get colonial-inspired rooms, a world-class spa, a tree-lined pool, gourmet bars and restaurants, and some of the best service in town.
~ Rooms start at $275; check prices on Booking.com
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Well, there’s no better source than someone who lives there and takes great pride in exploring the city – thanks Justine 🙂 You know… I keep hearing that insects are much more sustainable a food source than the livestocks we currently breed. So did you try some?
I didn’t try any insects. They’re not exactly vegetarian 😉 But they are an excellent source of protein! And they do smell great when they’re deep fried!
I loved Phnom Penh. I stayed at the Boeung Kak Lake area, which was so much fun. I heard that recently the area has become quite dilapidated. It’s good to see that new areas are up-and-coming, especially Street 93 looks beautiful!
It’s so funny. I never even knew about the Boeung Kak Lake area when I visited in 2006. I had no idea PP even had a lake! I heard it was a pretty cool area to stay. But yeah, I guess they filled the lake in a few years ago and it just destroyed the local economy and the area became really run down. But yeah, things are looking up near Street 93 🙂
Perfect timing! I’m heading there in a week and wanted to stay more than just a night to do the obvious stuff!
Yaaaaay! I wish I was still there so we could meet up. Such a bummer. Also look at my previous food posts about PP. I know you’re not veg but there are still some great restaurants listed in those posts. Mercy House and Warung Bali are both so cheap and so good!!! If you have any questions let me know 🙂 Have fun!
Bookmarked this page because I definitely intend to travel to Cambodia while I’m down here and can always use some tips. 🙂
Yes, I can’t wait to hear what you think of it!!!!
Well, who would have thought they’d be a good comedy night scene in Phnom Penh? Will have to see if I can come along sometime when I’m in Cambodia! I remember loving the street art during my time there, lovely post 🙂
I certainly wouldn’t have thought so! But it’s a really great up and coming comedy scene. Ah, and the street art is really great. I’m glad to hear you were able to see it when you visited!
I’d love to check out the street art there. Looks like an amazing place:) Great article
Thanks so much for this Justine
I’m going to be working there for two weeks from tomorrow and really wanted some tips like this but didn’t find them till now ☺☺☺☺
Thanks for the tips. I’ll just be there for 2 nights in January, try to get a sense for the people and culture in a very short time. Also want to try to practice yoga somewhere, a goal for any place I visit. I don’t generally spend much time trying to connect with expats, don’t want to get distracted from my purpose for being there, but thinking more and more that it’s these connection that can help me to make the most of the local experience, particularly if the expats are spending more time there. Anyway, thanks again!
If you contact Jen at twocantravel.com she can probably give you yoga recommendations. She lives in PP and is super knowledgeable about that stuff! Enjoy Cambodia!
I’m an expat in Saigon. I frequently go to Phnom Penh for visa runs..it is my absolute favorite city in Southeast Asia. I think it’s also highly underrated. There is some type of energy in that city like no other over here. I love it!!
Phnom Penh is definitely highly underrated. So many people hate it but I’ve always been a fan. I guess something about the city just clicked with me! By the sound of it something clicked with you too!!
Thanks for ideas! I am in kampot now and we have 8 days to “kill” before a flight to Kuching and I am looking for things to do in this area and in Phnom Penh. Really helpful ur blog :))
I’m so glad to have helped Nana! Enjoy Cambodia for me 🙂
Hi, Justine, they recently opened an escape room (escape60pp.com) in Toul Tom Pong (Russian market) area. I think it is a good addition to your list of fun things to do in Phnom Penh.