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Jakarta, Indonesia

Destination Guide

Jakarta

Indonesia

Best things to do in Jakarta

47 curated attractions in Jakarta, Indonesia. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

May - September

Average temp

27°C/81°F

Budget

Mid-range

Safety

Take care

About Jakarta

Jakarta, Indonesia's sprawling capital, is a city that thrives on its sheer size and chaotic energy. With over ten million souls packed into a web of traffic and concrete, its streets are less about beauty and more about the relentless hustle of daily life. The city's cultural richness shows through places like Jakarta Old Town, where colonial architecture meets modern street food, and Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, showcasing the diverse cultures of the archipelago all in one place. You’ll also find Jakarta Chinatown, a hub of commerce and culinary delights. People come to Jakarta for the food, the shopping, and the chance to see a place that feels intensely alive, even if you’ll be holding your breath in the heavy traffic most of the time.

Who it's for

This city is for those who love urban chaos and are unfazed by noise and pollution. Great for food lovers and shopaholics but not ideal if you prefer quiet strolls or views. If you're looking for a tidy or scenic city, you might want to rethink your options.

Getting around

Public transport: Moderate

  • The city is massive
  • Expect to spend over an hour in traffic on busy days
  • The TransJakarta bus service is relatively reliable but can get crowded
  • Ride-hailing apps are popular and can save time
  • Jakarta's train system connects a few key areas but is not comprehensive
Jakarta Planetarium

Jakarta Planetarium

Science & natural history museums
Pasar Baru Market

Pasar Baru Market

Local & craft markets
Palas Pasar Ikan Lama (Old Fish Market)

Palas Pasar Ikan Lama (Old Fish Market)

Food markets & food halls
Jalan Sabang

Jalan Sabang

Food and Drink Destinations
Kota Tua

Kota Tua

Historical
Kalijodo Park

Kalijodo Park

Urban Attractions
Menteng Park

Menteng Park

Urban Attractions
Merdeka Square

Merdeka Square

Urban Attractions
Sunda Kelapa Port

Sunda Kelapa Port

Canals, harbours & waterfronts
Cipete Raya Art Murals

Cipete Raya Art Murals

Street art districts
Jakarta Cathedral

Jakarta Cathedral

Churches & cathedrals
Gelora Bung Karno Complex

Gelora Bung Karno Complex

Sports and Recreation Venues
Jakarta Aquarium

Jakarta Aquarium

Aquariums
Istiqlal Mosque

Istiqlal Mosque

Mosques
Gelora Bung Karno Stadium

Gelora Bung Karno Stadium

Stadiums & sports venues
Museum Bank Indonesia

Museum Bank Indonesia

History museums
National Gallery of Indonesia

National Gallery of Indonesia

Art museums & galleries
Kampung Gallery

Kampung Gallery

Arts and Entertainment Venues
National Museum of Indonesia

National Museum of Indonesia

History museums
Ancol Beachfront Promenade

Ancol Beachfront Promenade

Beach & Coastal Attractions
UP at Thamrin Nine

UP at Thamrin Nine

Urban Attractions
Pantjoran Chinatown

Pantjoran Chinatown

Cultural & Heritage Sites
ASHTA District 8

ASHTA District 8

Urban Attractions
Central Park Mall

Central Park Mall

Malls & department stores
Lapangan Banteng Park

Lapangan Banteng Park

City parks
Selamat Datang Monument

Selamat Datang Monument

Monuments & memorials
Ancol Taman Impian

Ancol Taman Impian

Theme parks
National Monument

National Monument

Monuments & memorials
Dunia Fantasi Theme Park

Dunia Fantasi Theme Park

Theme parks
Wisata Kota Tua Jakarta

Wisata Kota Tua Jakarta

Old towns & historic quarters
Jakarta History Museum

Jakarta History Museum

History museums
Suropati Park

Suropati Park

City parks
Taman Mini Indonesia Indah

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah

Theme parks
Gedung Candra Naya

Gedung Candra Naya

Cultural & Heritage Sites
La Riviera

La Riviera

Food and Drink Destinations
Petak Enam

Petak Enam

Food and Drink Destinations
Fatahillah Square

Fatahillah Square

Squares & plazas
Petak Sembilan Market

Petak Sembilan Market

Shopping and Markets
Ragunan Zoo

Ragunan Zoo

Zoos
SeaWorld Ancol

SeaWorld Ancol

Aquariums
Grand Indonesia Mall

Grand Indonesia Mall

Malls & department stores
Setu Babakan Cultural Village

Setu Babakan Cultural Village

Traditional villages
Jakarta Chinatown (Glodok)

Jakarta Chinatown (Glodok)

Streets & neighbourhoods
Jakarta Bay

Jakarta Bay

Canals, harbours & waterfronts
Mangrove Forest in PIK Area

Mangrove Forest in PIK Area

Forests & jungles
Jalan Surabaya Antique Market

Jalan Surabaya Antique Market

Shopping
Jakarta Old Town (Kota Tua)

Jakarta Old Town (Kota Tua)

Old towns & historic quarters

Where to eat in Jakarta

The places worth planning a meal around.

Aloha Pasir Putih

Aloha Pasir Putih

★ 4.5 · 16,439 reviews

Café Batavia

Café Batavia

Indonesian

★ 4.5 · 9,607 reviews

Chillex Sudirman

Chillex Sudirman

Indonesian Fusion · $$

★ 4.6 · 4,047 reviews

Angke Heritage

Angke Heritage

Indonesian · $10–$30

★ 4.6 · 2,097 reviews

Travel Tools

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