Many tourists think of Jakarta as the gateway to Indonesia, but if you’re passing through this city and have time to spare, you can enjoy a wide range of things to do in Jakarta, from quirky museums to various national monuments.
Jakarta is also a great place to learn about Indonesia’s complex history. You can visit various places of cultural and historical importance, such as the old town and the port. You can get a glimpse of what the city looked like in the past.
As well as reminiscent of the good old days, Jakarta is also one of Indonesia’s most modern cities, so take your time exploring this innovative side of the city with its famous shopping malls, bars, and restaurants. For more ideas on planning your trip in this city, here are top 10 things to do in Jakarta!
Visit National Monument
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A symbol of the city and of Indonesia’s struggle, the National Monument (Monas) is one of the best things to do in Jakarta that is worth visiting. In addition to the monuments, the Monas area also houses the National Historical Museum. This museum has many dioramas depicting the history of Indonesia.
In addition to learning the history of Indonesia, it is very interesting to take pictures with Monas in the background. Be creative and create your own unique pictures!
Location: Google Maps
Explore The Old Town (Kota Tua)
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Kota Tua, also known as Old Town Batavia, is one of the most historically significant places in Jakarta. Stroll through the area to see beautiful Dutch colonial architecture. You can also visit the cobbled central square, a trademark of the area.
Considered the city’s cultural hub, many artists and photographers flock here for its relaxed and old-world vibe. The area is also dotted with cafes where you can have a drink and enjoy the surroundings. Also, due to the concentration of museums, you can learn several pieces of history here at the same time.
Location: Google Maps
Admire Taman Mini Indonesia Indah
Source: Taman Mini Indonesia Indah
If you’re looking for things to do in Jakarta on weekend, Taman Mini Indonesia Indah is the perfect one!
Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) located in the eastern part of the city in Jakarta is a very interesting place to learn about Indonesian culture. This place is practically a miniature of Indonesia.
You can ride the TMII cable car with the view from above that is quite rewarding. You can see a pool decorated with a map of Indonesia. In addition to the Indonesian state pavilions, the TMII area also has many museums worth visiting.
Location: Google Maps
Shop at Jakarta’s Best Mall
Source: Grand Indonesia
Which is the best shopping mall in Jakarta? The answer depends on what you are looking for. Plaza Indonesia is home to international luxury brands such as Bulgari, Rolex, Kate Spade, and Christian Louboutin, as well as locally made tie-dyed fabrics.
Grand Indonesia is a shopping mall and home to Indonesia’s largest cinema, fountain show, and video arcade.
In West Jakarta, you can head to Mall Taman Anggrek, Central Park, or Neo Soho with over 500 stores, concerts in the central atrium, one of the largest indoor ice rinks in the country (Mall Taman Anggrek), and giant LED displays throughout the building. You can also try the sturdy food hall at Plaza Senayan in central Jakarta.
Shopping in Menteng
One of the pleasures in Jakarta is shopping. If you want to make the most of this, head to the Menteng district, famous for its flea markets. Here you will find a wide variety of goods, including handicrafts, kilometers of textiles, and even food.
The main market, known as the Jalan Surabaya Flea Market, first opened in the 1970s and is also known for its antiques. Some of the distinctive items found here are intricate wood carvings and vinyl records, with a market length of over half a kilometer.
Haggling is expected, so if you find something you like, don’t be afraid to haggle.
Location: Google Maps
Have Fun at Dufan
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Dufan or Dunia Fantasi is one of the best things to do in Jakarta with a beach view in Ancol, North Jakarta. This is the largest amusement park in Indonesia. Playing all day in Dufan is like taking a short vacation away from the hustle and bustle of Jakarta.
Visiting Dufan is a dream come true for some Indonesians living outside of Java. Spending a day with friends in Dufan would definitely be a lot of fun! Try to avoid going there on weekends as it gets super crowded.
Location: Google Maps
Take a Trip to Thousand Islands
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You don’t have to go to Bali for an amazing island vacation. Just a few hours by boat from mainland Jakarta are the Thousand Islands. These tropical islands offer the perfect weekend getaway from Jakarta.
Go scuba diving, enjoy beautiful beaches, and relax in the sun away from the daily pollution. There are many beautiful places to visit. At the top of the list are the luxury resorts of Macan Island.This island is also perfect if you’re looking for things to do in Jakarta alone.
Also read: 7 Must Visit Island in Thousand Islands Jakarta for a Short Getaway!
Enjoy a Nightlife in Kemang
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Jakarta is often called “the city that never sleeps”. Jakarta at night has a charm of its own. The city skyline looks beautiful with millions of lights and the nightclubs and bars are always buzzing. We wrote an article about where you can experience nightlife in Jakarta, check it out here.
Try Cafes and Restaurants
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Jakarta has plenty of cafes, restaurants, and bars. If you’re not into Indonesian food, you’ll find a wide variety of cuisines in Jakarta. Indian, Greek, Italian, Lebanese, and more.
There are plenty of cafes that you can go to, especially in South Jakarta. Moreover, you can also find recommendations of fine dining restaurants on our blog here.
Car Free Day
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One of the unique things to do in Jakarta is doing exercise (CFD). If you are in Jakarta on a Sunday, it is recommended to exercise during Car Free Day (CFD) at Sudirman Thamrin Street. Starts at 6 AM and lasts until 12 PM. So great to experience and see the main streets (Sudirman and Thamrin) without a car. It is also a gathering place for many communities and you can see almost all communities in Jakarta in the morning.
If you want to know other cool things to do in Jakarta, you can visit our blog here!
