Livia

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.

If you’re planning a wider Indonesia trip beyond the capital, this guide to Kalimantan, Indonesia is a useful read for exploring a very different side of the country.

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.

Latest update: June 2026

Jakarta rarely appears on lists of must-visit destinations in Indonesia. Most travellers arrive, spend a night near the airport and continue on to Bali, Yogyakarta or one of Indonesia’s many islands.

We think that’s a mistake.

We first visited Jakarta in 2014 when Livia spent six months living and working in the city. Since then we’ve returned several times and continue to discover new sides of Indonesia’s capital. While Jakarta can feel chaotic, crowded and overwhelming at first, it is also one of the most fascinating cities in Southeast Asia.

Behind the traffic and skyscrapers you’ll find incredible food, excellent coffee, fascinating history and some of the friendliest people in Indonesia.

Is Jakarta Worth Visiting?

Absolutely.

Jakarta is not a city that immediately reveals its charm. Unlike Bangkok, Singapore or Kuala Lumpur, there are relatively few obvious tourist attractions. What makes Jakarta interesting is the atmosphere, the food, the neighbourhoods and the endless contrasts between old and new.

One moment you’re exploring a centuries-old Chinese temple, the next you’re standing on a rooftop overlooking one of the largest skylines in Asia.

For a deeper look at why we think Jakarta deserves more attention, read our guide to Why You Should Visit Jakarta.

Where to stay in Jakarta

Jakarta is enormous, so choosing the right area can make a big difference.

Thamrin & Central Jakarta

For first-time visitors, this is our favourite area and where we usually stay when visiting Jakarta.

Staying around Thamrin puts you close to shopping malls, restaurants, cafés and many of the city’s main attractions. One of our favorite hotels in the area is Artotel Thamrin and for a cheaper hotel Cool Living is a solid option, simple but clean. Both being excellent bases for exploring the city.

If you’re looking for an apartment in Thamrin I would suggest Thamrin Residences and Thamrin Executive residence, where we have stayed multiple times.

Menteng & Cikini

Menteng is one of Jakarta’s most pleasant neighbourhoods, filled with trees, cafés and historic buildings.

We stayed in an apartment in Cikini and found it to be a great area for longer stays. It feels slightly calmer than central Jakarta while still offering easy access to the rest of the city.

Luxury Hotels

Jakarta has some of the best-value luxury hotels in Asia. Compared to Europe, five-star hotels are often surprisingly affordable. We loved our stay at the Four Seasons Jakarta, but there are many excellent luxury options throughout the city.

Getting Around Jakarta

Jakarta is famous for its traffic, and the reputation is well deserved. Fortunately, ride-hailing apps such as Grab and Gojek make getting around surprisingly easy. We never rented vehicles ourselves and instead relied on taxis and ride-hailing apps throughout our visits.

We tend to use Grab or Blue Bird most. There is also a metro in Jakarta now, which has made it much easier to go north – south.

Best Things to Do in Jakarta

Explore Chinatown (Glodok)

Located north of the city centre, Glodok is Jakarta’s historic Chinatown and one of our favourite parts of the city.

The area is packed with markets, temples, food stalls and small shops. Wandering through the narrow streets is one of the best ways to experience a different side of Jakarta.

Two of the most interesting attractions are the Chinese temples hidden among the busy streets. Visitors are welcome to enter and learn more about local traditions and culture.

Don’t miss Kopi Es Tak Kie, one of Jakarta’s oldest coffee shops.

Visit Kota Tua (Old Town)

Kota Tua is Jakarta’s historic colonial centre and home to some of the city’s most recognisable buildings.

The area around Fatahillah Square contains museums, cafés and restored Dutch colonial architecture. One of the best places to take a break is Café Batavia, which overlooks the square and feels like stepping back in time.

While the main square is well maintained, simply wandering through the surrounding streets reveals a fascinating mix of restored buildings, abandoned colonial structures and modern Jakarta life.

Visit the National Museum

The National Museum is one of the best places to learn about Indonesia’s history and cultural diversity.

Its collection covers everything from ancient kingdoms and archaeological discoveries to traditional art and regional cultures. Visiting before travelling elsewhere in Indonesia provides useful context for understanding the country.

Explore Taman Mini Indonesia Indah

If you only have time for one cultural attraction in Jakarta, make it Taman Mini.

This enormous park showcases traditional houses, architecture and cultural traditions from all over Indonesia. Each province has its own area, making it feel like a miniature version of the entire country.

The park is huge, so allow a full day if you want to explore it properly.

Discover Jakarta’s Street Food

One of our favourite things to do in Jakarta is simply eat.

Street food stalls can be found on almost every corner, serving everything from satay and noodles to soups and grilled meats.

Some of our favourite local spots include Bakso Populer, Bakso Rusuk Samanhudi Sabang, Mie Ayam Gajah Mungkur and Sate Kambing Jaya Agung.

Don’t be afraid to follow the crowds. If a stall is packed with locals, there’s usually a good reason.

Discover Jakarta’s Modern Skyline

Many first-time visitors are surprised by how modern parts of Jakarta feel. The area around SCBD (Sudirman Central Business District) is filled with skyscrapers, luxury hotels, rooftop bars and some of Indonesia’s most important business headquarters.

One of our favourite places to explore is ASHTA District 8. The development combines restaurants, cafés, shops and public spaces, all surrounded by some of Jakarta’s most impressive architecture. Walking through the area feels completely different from wandering through Glodok or Kota Tua and offers a glimpse into Jakarta’s rapidly changing future.

If you’ve seen photos of Jakarta that look more like New York or Singapore than Indonesia, there’s a good chance they were taken around SCBD.

Enjoy Jakarta’s rooftop bars

Rooftop bars, restaurants and hotels offer spectacular views across the city. Watching the lights come on as the sun sets over the skyscrapers is one of our favourite ways to spend an evening in Jakarta.

The rooftop at Kosenda Hotel or Artotel is a great budget-friendly option, while luxury hotels such as the Four Seasons offer a more upscale experience. Skye is also a good option for both food and the bar.

Explore Jakarta’s Malls

Love them or hate them, Jakarta’s malls are part of the city experience.

Jakarta has long been claimed to have one of the highest numbers of shopping malls per capita in the world. They aren’t simply places to shop. They function as community spaces where people meet friends, eat, watch films, work, exercise and escape the heat and traffic outside.

At the luxury end you’ll find enormous complexes such as Grand Indonesia and Plaza Indonesia, while places like ITC Mangga Dua feel more like giant indoor markets. Many malls contain hundreds of shops, food courts, cinemas and entertainment venues, making them destinations in their own right.

Another favourite of ours is Sarinah, Jakarta’s oldest department store. Recently renovated, it combines shopping, restaurants, cafés and Indonesian brands under one roof. It’s a great place to browse local products and get a feel for modern Jakarta.

We often found ourselves retreating to a mall after a long day exploring the city. Air conditioning, good coffee and excellent food are hard to argue with when Jakarta temperatures start climbing.

Visit Pantjoran PIK and Pantai Maju

One of the newer areas we enjoyed exploring was Pantjoran PIK in Pantai Indah Kapuk.

This modern development combines Chinese-Indonesian influences, restaurants, cafés and attractive architecture. Nearby Pantai Maju showcases yet another side of Jakarta’s constant transformation.

Experience Jakarta’s Coffee Culture

Indonesia produces some of the best coffee in the world and Jakarta has fully embraced café culture.

Some of our favourite coffee spots include Kopi Es Tak Kie in Glodok and Saudagar Kopi Sabang in central Jakarta.

Whether you prefer traditional Indonesian coffee or modern specialty cafés, Jakarta has plenty to offer.

Where to Eat in Jakarta

One of the biggest reasons we keep returning to Jakarta is the food.

From tiny street food stalls and local warungs to upscale restaurants, the city offers an incredible variety of dining options. Some of our favourite places include Restoran Garuda, Tesate Sam Ratulangi and the many food stalls scattered throughout the city.

For more recommendations, read our full guide to Where to Eat in Jakarta.

Why We Keep Returning to Jakarta

Jakarta is not the easiest city to love.

The traffic can be frustrating, the heat can be intense and it lacks the obvious tourist attractions found elsewhere in Indonesia.

Yet somehow we keep coming back.

Perhaps it’s the food, the coffee, the fascinating mix of cultures or simply the energy of the city itself. Whatever the reason, Jakarta has become one of our favourite places in Indonesia and a city we believe deserves far more attention from travellers.

There are countless guides to Bali online, most of them focusing on the same beaches, temples and tourist hotspots. This guide is a little different. Instead of covering Bali’s most famous attractions, we want to share a few places that helped us see a different side of the island.

The first time I visited Bali, I didn’t really understand why everyone loved it so much. After spending several months living in Jakarta, Bali felt expensive and far more tourist-focused than other parts of Indonesia I had visited. It wasn’t until I started exploring beyond the busy southern beaches and central Ubud that I began to appreciate what makes Bali special.

If you’re looking for beach clubs, nightlife and backpacker hangouts, you’ll probably love the southern parts of Bali and central Ubud. But if you prefer quieter places, beautiful landscapes and a slower pace of life, there are still plenty of areas where you can escape the crowds.

I haven’t explored every corner of Bali, but these are a few places that have stood out to us over the years.

Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

Yes, Jatiluwih is a tourist attraction. However, it feels very different from the much busier rice terraces around Ubud.

The terraces stretch across a huge area, meaning it’s easy to find quiet corners even when other visitors are around. During our visit, we spent much of our time simply walking through the landscape and enjoying the views.

The scenery here is spectacular and, in our opinion, well worth the journey from the more popular parts of Bali.

Ubud Beyond the Centre

We wouldn’t skip Ubud completely. The area is beautiful and there’s plenty to see. The trick is not staying right in the middle of town.

Instead, look for accommodation in the villages and rice fields surrounding Ubud. You’ll still be close enough to visit the attractions, restaurants and markets, but without the traffic and crowds.

During one of our visits we stayed at Hati Padi Cottages, a small property surrounded by rice fields. At the time we were the only guests, and it remains one of the most peaceful places we’ve stayed anywhere in Indonesia.

The property is run by two French owners and a local Balinese woman, all of whom were incredibly welcoming. We spent our mornings drinking coffee while looking out across the rice fields and our evenings watching the sunset over the surrounding countryside.

It was the kind of place that makes you slow down and appreciate where you are.

📌 Looking for even more things to do in Ubud? Our friend Juan from Planet of Adventures has put together a fantastic guide featuring 13 great things to do in and around Ubud.

The Beautiful Landscapes of Sidemen

Our visit to Sidemen was completely unplanned.

While exploring the island, our driver suggested taking the scenic road through the area and promised it was worth the detour. He was right.

The road winds through rice fields, villages and beautiful mountain scenery. During our visit we watched locals harvesting crops, children walking home from school and farmers working in the fields.

Sidemen has become more popular with travellers over the years, but it still feels far quieter and more relaxed than many of Bali’s better-known destinations.

We only stopped for lunch and a short walk, but it immediately went onto our list of places to stay during a future visit.

The Sleepy Town of Klungkung

Klungkung was probably the biggest surprise of our trip.

When I told our driver I wanted to visit, he looked at me rather strangely and asked why. He said very few foreign visitors ever requested a stop there.

The reason was simple: one of my friends grew up in Klungkung, and I wanted to see her hometown.

What we found was a charming Balinese town with very few tourists, a beautiful Hindu temple and a busy local market. Life seemed to move at a slower pace here than in the tourist centres further south.

If you’re curious about everyday life in Bali and want to spend some time somewhere that isn’t built around tourism, Klungkung is well worth a visit.

Its location also makes it easy to combine with a trip to Sidemen.

Final Thoughts

Bali may be famous for its beaches, beach clubs and busy tourist towns, but some of our favourite memories come from the quieter parts of the island.

Places like Jatiluwih, Sidemen and Klungkung offer a slower pace of life and a chance to experience a different side of Bali. Even around Ubud, simply staying a little further from the centre can completely change your experience.

If you’re willing to venture beyond the most popular tourist areas, you’ll discover that Bali is much more than Kuta, Seminyak and central Ubud.

📌 How about making your own chocolate in beautiful Bali? Our friends at twopassportspacked did just that!