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.