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Latest update: June 2026
If you search for Jakarta travel advice online, you’ll quickly find plenty of people telling you to skip it.
Many travellers only pass through Jakarta on their way to Bali or other destinations in Indonesia. Some never leave the airport at all.
We completely disagree.
After living in Jakarta and returning many times over the years, it remains one of our favourite cities in Indonesia. It’s not a city that immediately reveals its charm. In fact, my first impression wasn’t particularly positive. But once I started exploring beyond the main roads and shopping malls, I discovered a side of Jakarta that most visitors never see.
Jakarta certainly has its challenges. The traffic can be frustrating, the heat can be intense and it isn’t a city designed around tourism. But that’s also part of what makes it interesting. Jakarta feels real. It’s a city where people live, work, eat and socialise, and spending time there offers a fascinating glimpse into modern Indonesia.
These are some of the reasons we think Jakarta is worth visiting.
The People
One of the things we love most about Jakarta is the people.
Indonesians are incredibly friendly in general, but Jakarta has its own atmosphere. Unlike some tourist destinations, you’re rarely hassled by sellers or tour operators. Instead, people are often simply curious. Don’t be surprised if someone starts a conversation, asks where you’re from or wants to take a selfie with you.
Most interactions feel genuine rather than transactional, and that makes a huge difference.
The Atmosphere
Jakarta isn’t traditionally beautiful.
You won’t find endless historic streets, famous viewpoints or postcard-perfect scenery. The beauty of Jakarta lies elsewhere.
For us, it’s the atmosphere. Despite being one of the largest cities in the world, Jakarta often feels surprisingly relaxed. People still stop to chat, food vendors gather on street corners and neighbourhood life unfolds everywhere around you.
It’s difficult to explain until you’ve experienced it yourself, but Jakarta has an energy that keeps drawing us back.
Walking Around
This may sound strange, but one of our favourite things to do in Jakarta is simply walk.
Most visitors spend their time moving between malls, hotels and attractions by taxi or ride-sharing apps. While that’s understandable, it also means they miss a lot of what makes the city interesting.
Choose a neighbourhood and explore on foot. Wander down side streets, stop at local food stalls, browse small shops and watch daily life unfold around you.
Some of our best memories of Jakarta come from completely unplanned walks through neighbourhoods we knew nothing about.
The Food
ndonesia has some of the best food in the world, and Jakarta is one of the best places in the country to experience it.
Because people from all over Indonesia live in the capital, you’ll find dishes from almost every region. Whether you’re looking for street food, traditional warungs, modern cafés or fine dining restaurants, Jakarta has something for every budget.
Don’t be afraid to eat where the locals eat. Some of our favourite meals in Jakarta have come from tiny roadside stalls and family-run restaurants.
For more inspiration, check out our guide to Indonesian food and our favourite places to eat in Jakarta.
The Diversity
Jakarta really does have something for everyone.
You can spend the morning in a luxury hotel, have lunch at a street-side warung and finish the evening at a rooftop bar overlooking the skyline.
Modern skyscrapers stand next to traditional neighbourhoods. Expensive shopping malls sit beside bustling local markets. The city constantly changes depending on where you are, and exploring those contrasts is part of the experience.
Few cities in Southeast Asia offer such a wide range of experiences in one place.
For more specific tips on what to do in Jakarta, check out this blog post.
Jakarta Isn’t for Everyone
Let’s be honest: Jakarta won’t appeal to every traveller.
If you’re looking for beaches, rice terraces or quiet tropical scenery, you’ll probably enjoy other parts of Indonesia more.
But if you enjoy cities, food, people-watching and experiencing everyday life, Jakarta can be incredibly rewarding. It’s a destination that requires a little patience, but those who give it a chance are often surprised by how much they enjoy it.
Final Thoughts
I’ve visited many places across Indonesia since first moving away from Jakarta, yet I still find myself returning whenever I can.
Partly it’s to see friends, but it’s also because Jakarta continues to surprise me. Every visit reveals a different side of the city, and after all these years I still feel like there is more to discover.
If you’re considering whether Jakarta is worth visiting, our answer is simple: yes.
Give it a chance, explore beyond the obvious and don’t judge it too quickly. You might find yourself falling in love with the city just as we did.