The old streets
The quarter around Thalang, Dibuk and Krabi Roads: shophouses, coffee shops and street art. It is flat and free to walk. Late afternoon is the best time, and Sunday for the market.
Kopitiam by Wilai is an old-style Phuket coffee shop with marble tables. Mee Hokkien, the thick-broth noodle you will not find elsewhere in Thailand, is the order; go before 11am.
Eating halal
Roti Abbas, on Tilok Uthit 2 Road, is listed by Google as a halal restaurant. Roti with curry sauce is the order.
Raya Restaurant has served Thai Muslim cooking from the same family recipes since 1957; the crab curry is what people queue for, so go at 11:30 or after 1:30. Ask about halal on arrival.
Laem Hin Seafood is Muslim-owned and built out over the water on the east coast, big enough for a family celebration. Tunk Ka Café, on top of Rang Hill, is Muslim-owned too; book a table for sunset.
Most of the Michelin Bib Gourmand places in town are not halal. The halal guide says which are.
The full lists