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- Kota Tua (Old Town): the colonial quarter of old Batavia, with historic squares, museums, and cafes in 18th-century buildings.
- Bahari Maritime Museum: located in former colonial warehouses, it showcases Indonesia’s naval history and its Traditional boats like the phinisi.
- Istiqlal Mosque and Cathedral: Two of the country’s most important temples located opposite each other, a good example of Indonesia’s religious diversity.
- Sunda Kelapa Port: One of the city’s most authentic spots, where traditional phinisi boats still operate.
- National Monument (Monas): The symbol of Indonesian independence; from its viewpoint, you’ll have one of the best views of Jakarta.
Jakarta is one of the largest cities in Southeast Asia and also one of the most misunderstood by travelers. Many pass through it only as a layover, but if you have the time, it’s worth dedicating a day or two to the capital to discover a very interesting part of Indonesia.
If you’re wondering what to see in Jakarta, you’ll find a city of contrasts: colonial neighborhoods, modern skyscrapers, giant mosques, and a very diverse cuisine.
It’s not a quiet city, but precisely for that reason, it’s a good place to understand what the country is like beyond its most touristy destinations.
In this guide, we explain what to do in Jakarta, the essential places to visit, and some practical tips for organizing your visit.
Top 5 Must-See Places in Jakarta
Although Jakarta is enormous, many of the most interesting places are concentrated in the historic center and the Merdeka area. These are some of the spots you shouldn’t miss on your first visit.
1. Kota Tua (Jakarta’s Old Town)
Kota Tua is the oldest part of the city and one of the best places to start exploring Jakarta. During the Dutch colonial era, this area was known as Batavia and served as the colony’s administrative center.
The main square, Fatahillah Square, is surrounded by restored historic buildings. Here you’ll find several important museums, such as the Jakarta History Museum and the Wayang Museum, dedicated to traditional Indonesian puppetry.
Many travelers rent vintage bicycles to explore the square or stop at one of the cafes housed in old colonial buildings.
💡 Tip: Visit Kota Tua early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat, and from there you can take a “becak” (traditional motorized tricycle) to the Maritime Museum.
2. Bahari Maritime Museum
The Bahari Maritime Museum is one of the most interesting places to understand Indonesia’s relationship with the sea. It’s located in former 17th-century warehouses, built during the Dutch colonial era, near the port of Sunda Kelapa.
The museum traces the archipelago’s naval history, from traditional trade routes to the construction of typical boats like the phinisi. It also includes models, antique maps, and exhibits on Indonesia’s diverse maritime cultures.
Its location, very close to the port, makes it easy to combine your visit with a stroll through Sunda Kelapa and see traditional boats still in use.
💡 Tip: After visiting the museum, you can briefly visit the former “Scheepswerf” building of the VOC (Dutch East India Company), located directly opposite. This historic building was part of the shipyards during the Dutch colonial period.
3. Istiqlal Mosque and Jakarta Cathedral
One of Jakarta’s most interesting sights is located near Merdeka Square. The Istiqlal Mosque, the largest in Southeast Asia, stands directly across from Jakarta Cathedral.
This architectural contrast reflects Indonesia’s religious diversity. Many visitors take the opportunity to see both buildings on the same trip.
The mosque can be visited outside of prayer times, although it is required respectful dress. Robes are usually available at the entrance for those who need them.
4. Sunda Kelapa Port
Sunda Kelapa Port is one of Jakarta’s most authentic spots. For centuries it was the region’s main trading port, and it still maintains some of that activity today.
Here, you can see the traditional wooden boats called phinisi, which continue to transport goods between the islands of the archipelago. If these boats appeal to you, you can also sail on one during a trip to Indonesia.
For example, you can take a diving cruise to Komodo on the KLM Eliya, a phinisi adapted to explore some of the country’s most spectacular reefs.
5. National Monument (Monas)
The National Monument, known as Monas, is one of Indonesia’s most important symbols. This 132-meter obelisk stands in the center of Merdeka Square and commemorates the country’s independence.
From the observation deck at the top, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city. On clear days, you can appreciate the vast urban sprawl of Jakarta.
At the base of the monument, there is also a small museum that explains the history of Indonesian independence with models and scenes depicting important moments in the country’s past.
Other interesting museums to visit in Jakarta
Besides its historical monuments, Jakarta boasts several museums that offer a deeper understanding of the country’s history and culture.
National Museum of Indonesia
The National Museum is one of the most important museums in the country. Its collections span thousands of years of Indonesian archipelago history.
Among the highlights are sculptures from ancient Javanese civilizations, archaeological artifacts, and traditional art from various regions of the country.
Following a fire in 2023, the museum has reopened with new galleries and renovated exhibits.
Mandiri Museum
The Mandiri Museum, located near Kota Tua, occupies the former building of a Dutch colonial bank built in the early 20th century. It is one of the finest examples of financial architecture from that era in Jakarta.
What’s most interesting is that it retains much of its original interior, with counters, safes, banknotes, and antique furniture, providing a glimpse into what a bank was really like during the colonial period.
MACAN Museum
The MACAN Museum is Indonesia’s leading contemporary art museum. It has become a very popular destination for modern art enthusiasts.
Its exhibitions include works by international and Asian artists, as well as interactive installations that often attract many young visitors.
Interesting Neighborhoods in Jakarta
Beyond the main monuments, some of the city’s neighborhoods offer a glimpse into different atmospheres and lifestyles.
Menteng
Menteng is one of Jakarta’s most elegant neighborhoods. Designed during the colonial era as a residential area for government officials, it still retains many historic houses. Today, it’s a quiet area with cafes, restaurants, and art galleries.
Glodok (Jakarta’s Chinatown)
Glodok is Jakarta’s Chinatown and one of the oldest in the city. Here you’ll find Chinese temples, traditional markets, and numerous street food stalls. The cultural mix makes this neighborhood one of the most interesting places to explore on foot.
Sudirman and the Financial District
The Sudirman area and the SCBD area represent modern Jakarta. This is where there are concentrated skyscrapers, shopping malls, and many international restaurants. It’s also one of the best places to enjoy rooftop bars with city views.
What to do in Jakarta at night
The city changes quite a bit after sunset. Temperatures drop slightly, and many areas fill up with people dining or strolling.
Some of the most popular places for a night out are the rooftop bars. Places like Henshin or SKYE offer spectacular views of the Jakarta skyline.
It’s also worth exploring the street food areas, where you’ll find stalls serving satay, nasi goreng, and other local specialties.
Food: What to Eat in Jakarta
Food is a fundamental part of any visit to Jakarta. The city boasts culinary influences from across the Indonesian archipelago.
One of the most well-known dishes is Soto Betawi, a creamy soup typical of the city, made with meat and coconut milk.
Other popular dishes include nasi goreng (fried rice), satay (meat skewers with peanut sauce), and kerak telor, a traditional snack closely associated with Jakarta.
One of the most famous areas for street food is Jalan Sabang, where numerous stalls set up in the evenings.
If you prefer restaurants with good value for money, some popular choices among locals and travelers are:
- Sate Khas Senayan: a very popular chain for trying satay and classic Indonesian dishes in a comfortable atmosphere.
- Warung Nasi Ampera: ideal for trying local buffet-style food with many different options at a good price.
- Bunga Rampai: an elegant restaurant located in a colonial house where you can try traditional Indonesian dishes with a more refined touch.
💡 Tip: In Jakarta, there’s often a big difference between restaurants geared towards tourists and those frequented by locals. If you see a place full of Indonesians, it’s usually a good sign that the food is authentic and of good quality.
Practical Tips for Visiting Jakarta
Before visiting the city, it’s a good idea to keep in mind a few things that can make your trip much easier.
Getting Around Jakarta
Jakarta’s traffic is notorious for being some of the most congested in Asia. That’s why many travelers use apps like Grab or Gojek to get around.
The MRT (subway) is also a good option for traveling between some areas in the city center and the south. For taxi journeys, Blue Bird is usually the most reliable company.
💡 Tip: If you need to cross the city during rush hour (especially between 7–9 am or 5–8 pm), check the route beforehand on Google Maps. In Jakarta, a 10 km journey can take more than an hour, so it’s a good idea to group your visits by area to avoid spending too much time in traffic.
Where to Stay in Jakarta
Choosing the right area to stay in can make your visit much more comfortable, especially given the city’s traffic.
- Menteng: one of the best areas to stay if you’re visiting Jakarta for the first time. It’s close to many tourist attractions and has quiet hotels, restaurants, and cafes.
- Sudirman/SCBD: the modern, financial district of the city. Here you’ll find international hotels, shopping malls, and plenty of restaurants. It’s a good option if you want to explore modern areas and enjoy the nightlife.
- Kota Tua or North Jakarta: a good choice if you want to be close to the historic center, although hotel options are more limited.
If you’re only spending one or two days in Jakarta, staying near Menteng or Merdeka Square usually makes sightseeing much easier because several of the main tourist attractions are relatively close.
How many days to spend in Jakarta?
For most travelers, one or two days in Jakarta are enough to see the main sights.
One day allows you to explore the historic center, the National Monument, and some museums. With two days, you can add interesting neighborhoods and a culinary experience.
Is Jakarta worth visiting?
Jakarta isn’t usually the top destination for those traveling to Indonesia, but it can be an interesting stop to learn about the country’s history and urban life.
Plus, many international flights arrive in this city, so spending some time exploring it can be a great way to start or end a trip to Indonesia. Planning a trip to Indonesia can be daunting, especially if it’s your first time visiting the country.
Planning a trip to Indonesia can be daunting, especially if it’s your first time visiting the country. At Karang Travel, we’re a diving travel agency in Indonesia, and we’ll help you design a comfortable and realistic plan to explore Jakarta and combine it with other destinations in the archipelago based on your travel dates.