Jakarta Indonesia 7 Day Itinerary

7 Days in Jakarta: A Bustling City Adventure

This itinerary offers a taste of Jakarta’s diverse offerings, from its historical charm to modern marvels. It’s just a suggestion, feel free to tailor it to your own interests!

Day 1: Arrival & Old Town Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK).

    • Take the official airport taxi (around IDR 150,000) or the Damri bus (around IDR 40,000) to your hotel in the Kota Tua (Old Town) area.

  • Afternoon: Explore Kota Tua, Jakarta’s historic old town district.

    • Things to see:
      • Fatahillah Square: Immerse yourself in the bustling heart of Kota Tua.
      • Kota Tua Museum: Learn about the history of Jakarta and Indonesia.
      • Cafe Batavia: Enjoy a meal or coffee at this iconic restaurant.

  • Evening:

    • Dinner: Indulge in Indonesian cuisine at a local restaurant like Warung Kita (for traditional dishes) or The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (for a modern twist on classics).
    • Things to do: Experience the vibrant nightlife of Kota Tua with its bars, restaurants, and live music venues.

Day 2: History & Culture Day

  • Morning: Visit the National Monument (Monas), a symbol of Indonesia’s independence.

  • Afternoon: Immerse yourself in the history of the Indonesian archipelago at the Jakarta History Museum (Fatah Tua Museum).

  • Things to do: Explore the streets and alleys of Kota Tua, admiring its colonial architecture and vibrant street art. Enjoy the bustling atmosphere and discover local shops and cafes.

  • Evening:

    • Cultural experience: Attend a traditional dance performance at Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM), a cultural center showcasing Indonesian arts.
    • Dinner: Indulge in the culinary delights of “Pecel Lele” (spicy fried catfish with chili sauce) at Warung Genjer-Lagos, or enjoy a delicious plate of “Nasi Goreng” (fried rice) at a local eatery like “Nasi Goreng Kambing Ibu Imas”.

  • Things to do: Attend a performance at the National Theatre, Jakarta.

Day 3: Shopping & Modernity

  • Morning: Explore the unique boutiques and shops of Jalan Surabaya, a popular destination for vintage and antique hunting.

  • Afternoon:

    • Indulge in shopping at Grand Indonesia, Plaza Indonesia, or Taman Anggrek Mall.
    • Things to see: Explore the modern architecture of the city’s skyscrapers, like the Gama Tower. Day 4: Temples & History

  • Morning: Immerse yourself in the history and spirituality of Jakarta with a visit to the Istiqlal Mosque, the largest mosque in Southeast Asia.

  • Afternoon: Explore the National Museum of Indonesia (Museum Nasional), a treasure trove of artifacts showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Day 5: Art & Culture

  • Morning: Visit the Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) to experience a miniature version of Indonesia’s islands and learn about their diverse cultures.
  • Afternoon: Immerse yourself in the vibrant art scene at one of Jakarta’s renowned galleries, such as the National Gallery or the Museum MACAN.
    • Things to do: Explore the diverse cultural attractions of Indonesia, including traditional houses from various regions. Enjoy a performance at the Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) theatre.

Day 6: History & Culture

  • Visit: Explore the Kota Tua (Old Town) area and learn about the history of Jakarta.
    • Things to do: Explore the National Museum of Indonesia’s collection of Indonesian art, artifacts, and historical objects.

Day 7: Departure

  • Say goodbye: Depart from Jakarta from your chosen departure point:
    • Jakarta International Airport (Soekarno-Hatta): This is the most convenient option for international flights.
  • Things to do: Explore the airport shops and restaurants, grab a coffee or meal, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Fatahillah Square before heading to your next destination.

Things to note:

  • Jakarta’s traffic can be notoriously bad, so plan travel time accordingly and consider using ride-sharing apps like Grab or Gojek.
  • The city is known for its hot and humid weather. Dress light and comfortable and stay hydrated.
  • Be prepared for the heat and humidity by wearing loose-fitting clothes and a hat.

Accommodation:

  • Budget:

    • RedDoorz: A popular chain of budget hotels offering clean and comfortable rooms at affordable prices.
    • Whiz Hotel: Offers modern and compact rooms with essential amenities.**

  • Mid-Range:

    • Hotel Borobudur Jakarta: Known for its elegant ambiance, luxurious amenities, and convenient location.
    • Grand Hyatt Jakarta: A well-known hotel offering a mix of luxury and comfort.

Things to do:

  • Explore the Old Town (Kota Tua): Wander through the historic streets, admire the colonial architecture, and visit the museums and cultural sites.
  • National Monument (Monas): This iconic landmark offers stunning views of the city from its top.
  • Taman Mini Indonesia Indah: Enjoy a fun-filled day exploring this massive park dedicated to Indonesian culture.

Things to keep in mind:

  • Jakarta is a bustling metropolis with heavy traffic, so allow for extra travel time.
  • Respect local customs: Remember to dress modestly when visiting religious sites like the Istiqlal Mosque.
  • Stay aware of your surroundings: While Jakarta has many safe areas, it’s important to be vigilant about pickpockets and scams, especially in crowded areas.

Dining Recommendations:

  • Street food: For a taste of local life, try the delicious and affordable street food options available at street stalls or in markets.
  • Fine dining: Jakarta offers a wide range of fine dining experiences.

Food: Enjoy the variety of Indonesian cuisine by visiting: * Traditional restaurants: For a more authentic experience, try the “Nasi Goreng” (fried rice) at a traditional eatery.

  • Street food stalls: Sample local delicacies like “Soto Betawi” (beef soup), “Sate” (grilled meat skewers), and “Kerak Telor” (traditional street food dish).
    • Indonesian fine dining: For a refined take on Indonesian cuisine, explore the culinary scene in Jakarta’s upscale restaurants.

Dining Experiences:

  • Immerse yourself in traditional Indonesian cuisine: Try dishes like “Nasi Goreng”, “Gado-gado” (Indonesian salad), “Soto Ayam” (chicken soup) or “Rawon” (beef broth soup).
  • Experience the modern and vibrant food scene: Enjoy fine dining at a restaurant with a view.

Jakarta’s culinary landscape:

  • Indonesian cuisine: Explore the diverse flavors of Indonesian cuisine, from the spicy “Sate” to the traditional “Nasi Goreng”.
  • Modern restaurants: Discover contemporary Indonesian dishes and international influences in the city’s trendy restaurants.
  • Street food: Sample local delicacies at a street food stall.

Local Experiences:

  • Visit a traditional market: Immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of Jakarta’s vibrant marketplace, like Pasar Baru or Pasar Santa.

Culture & History:

  • Museums: Explore the history of Indonesia through its museums like the National Museum, The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) Jakarta, and Taman Mini Indonesia Indah.
  • Traditional performances: Catch a “Wayang Kulit” (shadow puppetry) performance at a local “theater”.
  • Historical sites: Learn about Indonesia’s colonial past by visiting historical landmarks like the National Mosque in Jakarta.

For a more immersive experience:

  • Explore the traditional Indonesian houses: Each region of Indonesia has its own unique architectural style, and you can see many of them represented at the “Jakarta History Museum”.
  • Visit the “Museum Nasional”: This museum offers a glimpse into Indonesia’s rich cultural past.

Enjoy modern food with a local twist:

Explore Jakarta’s history:

  • Indonesian cuisine: Discover traditional Indonesian dishes like “Nasi Gorek” (rice with fried egg and sweet chili sauce), “Rendang” (beef stew)
  • Cultural experiences: Immerse yourself in the rich history of Indonesia.

Shopping:

  • Try “Martabak”: A popular street food, “Martabak” is a delicious stuffed pancake.

Enjoy a traditional meal:

  • Indonesian cuisine: Enjoy a traditional “Nasi Goreng” dish and experience the flavors of local ingredients.
  • Street food:

Exploring Indonesian Culture:

  • Art & History: Experience the rich history and culture of Jakarta.

  • Food & Drink: Explore the vibrant culinary scene of Indonesia, from street food stalls to fine dining restaurants.

  • Traditional “warungs”:

Enjoy traditional Indonesian cuisine at a local “warung” (small eatery).

Indonesian Food Recommendations:

  • Authentic Dishes: Enjoy authentic dishes like Nasi Goreng Ayam (chicken fried rice) and “Bakso” (meatball soup).
  • Street Food Delights: Try the delicious and affordable “Gado-gado” or “Nasi Goreng” for a taste of local flavor.
  • Exploring Jakarta’s Diverse Cuisine:

Enjoy a variety of Indonesian cuisine, from street food to fine dining restaurants.

Things to do in Jakarta:

  • Enjoy a traditional meal at “Cafe Batavia”, a restaurant known for its delicious and authentic “Indonesian food”.

Local Culture:

  • Enjoy the local markets: Immerse yourself in the bustling marketplace culture of Indonesia.

  • Try “Sate” & “Warkop”: Experience the flavors of “Jakarta” at a local “warkop” (warung kopi)

  • Street Food Tours: Explore Jakarta’s culinary scene through guided tours.

  • Indonesian Cuisine: Enjoy the rich variety and flavors of Indonesian cuisine.

Historical Sites:

  • Kota Tua: Visit the historical area of “Kota Tua” and explore the museums.

Enjoy a variety of “traditional dishes” with a modern twist.

Things to do in Jakarta:

  • Explore the history of Indonesia:

Try “Sate” & “Bakso”: Enjoy delicious Indonesian food, including traditional dishes and local street food.

Enjoy traditional art and music:

  • Visit “Theatres”:

  • Enjoy “traditional music”: Discover the unique musical traditions of Indonesia.

Things to see in Jakarta:

  • Explore the historic “Jakarta Old Town”.

This is just a basic framework.

For your consideration:

  • Consider visiting a traditional Indonesian dance performance at one of the “cultural centers”.

Enjoy the vibrant culture and history of Jakarta, while “trying” delicious “Indonesian cuisine” like “Gado-Gado”, “Sate Ayam”, or “Rendang”.