Things to Do in Jakarta
15 curated spots from Jakarta itineraries
Activities & Attractions
9 curated experiences
Bundaran HI & Grand Indonesia Mall
Walk around the famous Hotel Indonesia roundabout, then retreat into Grand Indonesia for coffee, shopping, or a break from the heat.
2h · Free (excluding shopping/food)
Fatahillah Square (Taman Fatahillah)
Stroll the main square of Old Batavia, photograph Dutch colonial facades, and watch street life and colorful rental bicycles.
1h 30m · Free
Galeri Nasional Indonesia (National Gallery of Indonesia)
Art gallery showcasing Indonesian modern and contemporary art in a manageable complex.
1h 30m · Often Free or <$3
Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) & Senayan City/Plaza Senayan
Stroll the GBK sports complex area and nearby promenades, then explore one of the adjacent malls for people-watching and coffee.
2h · Free (excluding food/coffee)
Jakarta History Museum (Museum Fatahillah)
Located on the square in the former city hall, it covers Jakarta’s past from pre-colonial times through Dutch rule.
1h · $2-5
National Monument (Monas) & Merdeka Square
Walk around the vast Merdeka Square and view the iconic Monas column; optionally go inside and up for city views if time allows.
1h 30m · $2-5 or Free to walk outside
National Museum of Indonesia
Comprehensive museum with archaeology, ethnography, and art from all over the Indonesian archipelago.
2h · $3-6
Sunda Kelapa Old Harbor
Visit the historic harbor to see traditional wooden phinisi ships and activity along the docks.
1h · $2-5
Wayang Museum (Puppet Museum)
Museum dedicated to Indonesian wayang puppetry with displays of Javanese, Sundanese, and other traditional puppets.
1h · $2-5Restaurants & Food
6 local favorites
Café Batavia
Colonial-style café on Fatahillah Square; order the Indonesian set dishes or nasi goreng and enjoy the vintage interior with square views.
1h 15m · $15-25 per person
Gado-Gado Bonbin
Simple local eatery famous for gado-gado with rich peanut sauce; also good for light Indonesian dishes.
45m · $5-10 per person
Lara Djonggrang
Atmospheric Indonesian restaurant in a heritage building; try the rijsttafel-style shared dishes, satay, and regional specialties.
1h 30m · $25-40 per person
Sate Khas Senayan (Plaza Senayan or Senayan City branch)
Well-known chain specializing in Indonesian satay, soto, and classic dishes; order a mix of satay and soto for variety.
1h · $10-20 per person
Soto Betawi H. Ma’ruf
Long-running stall-style restaurant known for Soto Betawi (coconut milk beef soup); eat with rice and lime on the side.
45m · $4-8 per person
Warung MJS (Mbah Jingkrak Setiabudi)
Colorful Javanese restaurant with buffet-style display of dishes; pick from spicy chicken, tempeh, vegetables, and more.
1h 30m · $10-20 per person