Things to Do in Jakarta Indonesia

Explore the Vibrant Heart of Jakarta: A Guide for Tourists

Jakarta, the bustling capital of Indonesia, offers a unique blend of modern city life and historical charm. Here are some exciting things to do in this vibrant city:

Historical & Cultural Attractions:

  • Kota Tua (Old Town): Step back in time with a visit to Jakarta’s historic old town. Explore Dutch colonial architecture, museums like the Jakarta History Museum and Museum Bank Indonesia, and the charming Fatahillah Square.
  • National Museum of Indonesia: Delve into the rich history and culture of Indonesia through impressive artifacts spanning centuries. Discover ancient Indonesian art, sculptures, and relics.
  • Istiqlal Mosque: Witness the grandeur of Southeast Asia’s largest mosque. Explore its beautiful architecture and learn about its significance in Islamic faith and Indonesian history.

Modern Attractions & Activities:

  • Shop till you drop: Jakarta is a shopper’s paradise! From high-end malls like Grand Indonesia and Plaza Indonesia, to the vibrant markets of Pasar Baru and Pasar Santa, there’s something for everyone.
  • Explore the culinary scene: Indulge in Jakarta’s diverse and delicious cuisine. Indulge in authentic Indonesian dishes at local street stalls or “warungs,” or experience the city’s growing culinary scene by visiting trendy restaurants.

For the adventurous foodie:

  • Street Food Adventures: Try street food from various vendors across the city, offering a taste of traditional Indonesian flavors.
  • Grand Indonesia Shopping Town: This massive mall houses a variety of international and local brands, restaurants, and entertainment options.

For the culture vulture:

  • National Monument (Monas): Climb to the top for breathtaking views of the city while learning about the history and symbolism of this iconic landmark.
  • Taman Ismail Marzuki Arts Center: Enjoy cultural performances, exhibitions, and workshops at this arts center dedicated to promoting Indonesian art.

For the adventurous:

  • Hiking in Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park: Escape the city and explore the lush landscapes and breathtaking waterfalls of this national park.

Shopping & Markets:

  • Shopping Malls: Jakarta boasts modern shopping malls like Plaza Senayan, Senayan City, Pondok Indah Mall, and Gandaria City, offering a wide range of international brands, boutiques, and department stores.
  • Traditional Markets: For a more authentic experience, dive into the vibrant chaos of Jakarta’s street markets such as Pasar Tanah Abang, known for its affordability and variety, or Pasar Baru, a haven for fabrics and textiles.

Museums & History:**

  • Museum Nasional (National Museum): Discover Indonesian history through artifacts and exhibits.
  • Monas (National Monument) Museum: Explore the history of Indonesia through the lens of its past at this museum located within the iconic landmark.
  • Kota Tua Jakarta (Old Batavia): Wander through the historic Old Town, with museums showcasing Dutch colonial history and art galleries featuring Indonesian artists.

Historical Sites:

  • The National Monument (Monas): This towering monument is a symbol of Indonesian independence and offers stunning views of the city.
  • Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) - Beautiful Indonesia Miniature Park: Experience the culture and traditions of different Indonesian regions in this unique park.
  • Fatahillah Square: Explore the historic heart of Jakarta’s Old Town, with its colonial-era buildings and museums.

Historical Museums & Sites:

  • Kota Tua Jakarta Museum (Old Batavia Museum): Learn about the history of Jakarta at this museum dedicated to the city’s past.
  • Jakarta History Museum: Discover artifacts from Indonesia’s past, including a replica of the old Dutch town square.
  • National Monument: This monument is home to a museum with exhibits on Indonesian history and culture.

For the history buffs:

  • Kota Tua (Old Town) Jakarta: Explore the city’s rich colonial history with its museums, canals, and historical buildings.
  • National Museum of Indonesia: Immerse yourself in the country’s past through diverse exhibits showcasing traditional Indonesian art, culture, and history.

Modern Experiences:

  • Visit a rooftop bar: Enjoy panoramic views of Jakarta while sipping on a cocktail.

  • Experience Jakarta’s nightlife: Explore the city’s vibrant nightlife scene from lively clubs to cozy bars.

  • Shop for souvenirs at Pasar Seni (Art Market): Discover unique and handcrafted souvenirs from across Indonesia.

Modern Attractions:

  • Museum MACAN: Immerse yourself in modern and contemporary art with works from renowned artists like Jeff Koons and Yayoi Kusama.
  • National Museum of Indonesia: This museum features a range of traditional Indonesian artwork, but also has exhibitions dedicated to modern Indonesian art and artists.

Historical & Modern Sites to Visit:

  • Kota Tua Jakarta: Explore the historic Old Town district with its museums, cafes, and galleries.
  • Jakarta’s Old City: Enjoy a historical stroll through this area, which showcases the city’s Dutch colonial past.
  • Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII):

Experience the diverse cultural heritage of Indonesia with traditional performances from various regions.

Enjoy the arts & culture:

  • Museum MACAN: Offers contemporary art installations and exhibitions, featuring Indonesian artists like:

    • Indonesian Artists:

      • Yayoi Kusama: “Infinity Mirrored Room - My Heart is Dancing into the Party” by Yayoi Kusama.

    • Jakarta History Museum: Explore a range of exhibits showcasing Indonesia’s rich cultural tapestry.

    • National Gallery of Indonesia: Discover a vast collection of Indonesian art from across different periods.

For the adventurous:

  • Explore the outdoors: Visit the beautiful and sprawling Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (Indonesian National Cultural Park) with its diverse offerings.
  • Go on an adrenaline rush: Experience the thrill of white-water rafting, canyoning, or rock climbing in one of the many adventure parks around Jakarta.

Enjoy the modern & historical fusion of experiences:

  • National Monument: Witness the history of this iconic landmark and discover its significance in the context of Indonesian Independence.
  • Exploring the city’s culinary scene:

Indulge in the diverse culinary offerings of Jakarta, from traditional street food stalls to modern restaurants with a twist on local cuisine.

For the foodie at heart:

  • Traditional Markets:

Experience the vibrant flavors of Indonesia’s street food, like Soto Betawi or Nasi Goreng.

  • Jakarta: Immerse yourself in the city’s culture and history through its museums and historical sites.

A mix of both:

  • Kota Tua: Enjoy a variety of traditional Indonesian dishes alongside modern cafes and restaurants.
  • Rooftop Bars: Experience modern nightlife with stunning views of the city:

Malls like:

  • Grand Indonesia: Offers a blend of modern shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

For the adventurous:

  • Indonesian Restaurants: Try a variety of traditional Indonesian dishes at one of Jakarta’s many restaurants.

  • Caving in Gunung Kidul: Explore the beautiful caves and underground rivers of this region.

  • Hiking:

  • Gunung Gede: Enjoy breathtaking views and explore the lush greenery.

Explore the city’s diverse nightlife:

  • Cultural Performances: Experience traditional Indonesian dance and music performances.
  • Themed Bars: Discover Jakarta’s vibrant nightlife scene, with options for a variety of tastes.

Enjoy a range of experiences:

  • Discover the beauty of traditional batik fabric: Visit a batik workshop or shop.

Explore the diversity:

  • National Monument (Monas) Park: Enjoy the diverse offerings of Jakarta’s nightlife, from bustling

night markets to lively nightclubs and bars.

  • Local Restaurants: Experience the vibrant atmosphere and delicious food.

For the adventurous:

  • Explore the city’s hidden gems: Venture beyond the popular tourist spots to find

unique and authentic Indonesian cuisine.

  • Explore Jakarta’s diverse neighborhoods: Discover hidden gems like Kota Tua, a

historical district with museums and galleries showcasing the work of local and international artists.

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere:

Experience the excitement of the city through its nightlife.

  • Visit a traditional market: Experience the bustling energy and cultural diversity of Jakarta’s streets.
  • Explore the city’s diverse neighborhoods:

For the adventurous:

  • National Museum:

Discover the history of Indonesian art: Explore the diverse and fascinating collections at

the National Museum of Indonesia (Museum Nasional) to experience the richness of the country’s cultural heritage.

  • Nightlife:

Enjoy a variety of local cuisines, alongside traditional crafts and artwork.

For the adventurous:

  • National History Museum: Learn about the Indonesian history:

Explore the beauty of the city’s nightlife with a mix of adventure and culture.

The Jakarta Scene:

  • Street Food Culture: Explore the vibrant street food scene in areas like Jalan Sabang or Jalan Suryo

Subagio, where you can experience the authentic flavors of Indonesia.

Enjoy the diverse offerings:

Explore the city’s bustling nightlife and its thriving culinary scene.

  • National Museum: Experience the variety of Indonesian art and culture on display at this museum.

For the adventurous:

  • Experience the local cuisine: Sample the diverse dishes from various regions.
  • Enjoy the local flavor: Explore the diversity of Jakarta’s cultural offerings, like the traditional

Indonesian dance performances.

  • **Discover the unique and authentic:

Try a variety of Indonesian dishes, such as the “street food” found at the bustling markets.

For the adventurous:

  • Explore the street food scene: Experience the vibrant culture of Jakarta through its diverse culinary offerings.

Here are some additional historical and cultural experiences you can consider:

  • Kota Tua:
    • Visit a traditional market: Discover the variety of local produce, spices, and crafts at these markets.
    • Explore the museums: Enjoy a wide range of exhibits that showcase Indonesia’s diverse culture.

Enjoy the diverse nightlife:

Enjoy the vibrant nightlife in Jakarta with its range of options.

Experience the thrill:

Try the Indonesian culinary scene and enjoy a variety of traditional dishes.

  • Visit the National Gallery: Experience the rich history and cultural diversity of Indonesia’s art forms.

Enjoy the nightlife:

Enjoy a variety of exciting activities:

  • Nightlife: Enjoy a unique experience of Indonesian culture.
  • For those seeking a taste of local life:

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and discover the traditional nightlife in the city.

For the adventurous:

  • Try the “Sate Ayam” (chicken satay): Enjoy the smoky aroma of chicken skewers

grilled over charcoal, and enjoy the lively atmosphere at one of Jakarta’s many

night markets.

  • Enjoy a variety of Indonesian desserts:

Try delicious and unique Indonesian desserts like “Martabak Manis” or “Pisang Goreng.”

  • Enjoy the experience:

Visit the vibrant city of Jakarta, where you can experience a unique blend of art, culture, and

modernity.

Remember: This is just a starting point!

There are many other things to do in Jakarta,

depending on your interests.

For a diverse range of experiences:

  • Explore the city’s vibrant nightlife: Enjoy the bustling night markets for local delicacies and street food.

Don’t forget to try:

  • The traditional Indonesian “Wayang Kulit” puppet shows: Experience the art of storytelling through this unique cultural

phenomenon.

  • Live music venues: Discover the diverse musical landscape of Jakarta, from traditional gamelan

ensembles to modern bands playing in the bustling city.

Enjoy the variety:

Explore the diversity of Indonesia’s cuisine and culture:

Visit a variety of “food stalls” (warungs) or restaurants:

  • The street food scene: Discover the flavors of Indonesian street food, with options for a variety of tastes.

  • Experience the local culture:

Enjoy the vibrant culinary experiences at Jakarta’s diverse markets and enjoy the

vibrant nightlife.

Enjoy a variety of traditional dishes:

  • Traditional Markets: Explore the culinary delights

of Indonesia’s diverse regions:

Remember to visit the National Museum or the many museums in Jakarta for a deeper dive into Indonesian history and culture.

  • Indonesian Cuisine:

Enjoy the flavors of Indonesia from street vendors.

Enjoy the diversity of Indonesian cuisine:

  • Explore “traditional” markets:

Discover the variety of Indonesian food stalls:

  • Traditional dishes: Discover the rich culinary

heritage of Indonesia at the local food stalls.