Wondering what to do in Jakarta, Indonesia? Here's a travel guide that I wrote with the help of a local Jakartan.
Jakarta is the economic, financial, commercial, and political centre of Indonesia. With a population of almost 11 million people, it is infamous for its heavy traffic congestion, much like Manila and Bangkok. Despite that, the megacity is full of fun things to do. To help put together this guide, I asked my friend Stallone, who lives in JKT, to share some of the best things to do in the Indonesian capital.
Jakarta, Indonesia Overview
Country: Indonesia
Country Code: +62
Continent: Asia (Southeast)
Timezone: GMT+7
Currency: Indonesia Rupiah (IDR)
Airport: Soekarno–Hatta International Airport (CGK)
Language: Bahasa Indonesia
1. Explore Kota Tua Jakarta
Photo: Stallone Tjia
Step back in time and learn about the city’s history with a visit to Kota Tua Jakarta. The old town’s cobblestone squares, Dutch colonial buildings, and canals feel like a time capsule from a bygone era. From Fatahillah Square, you can visit key museums such as Jakarta History Museum, Wayang Museum, and Bank Indonesia Museum. Need a break from the heat? Drop by Café Batavia, a café with an old-world interior overlooking the square.
Recommended by a local
Location: West Jakarta
2. Immerse in Indonesian Culture at TMII
Photo: Taman Mini Indonesia Indah Jakarta
Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, or TMII, is not your conventional theme park. This “miniature Indonesia” cultural park showcases the diversity of the country’s provinces, including their architecture and traditions. Exploring the 150-hectare park feels like taking a journey across the Indonesian archipelago in a single day.
Location: Jl. Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, Ceger, Kec. Cipayung, East Jakarta 13820
Opening hours: Daily, from 04:00 – 20:00 (depends on the gate)
3. Visit Indonesia’s Tallest Observation Deck
Opened in 2025, UP at Thamrin Nine sits atop the Thamrin Nine skyscraper complex. It offers 360° views of the city, along with immersive experiences that involve glass floors, mirrored surfaces, stairs, and outdoor areas. Located in the Autograph Tower, this ticketed attraction is open daily for all thrill-seekers.
Recommended by a local
Location: Autograph Tower, Thamrin Nine Complex, Central Jakarta 10230
Opening hours:
Mon to Thu: 10:00 – 22:00
Fri to Sun: 09:00 – 23:00
4. Shop and Eat in Blok M
Blok M is a blend of old and modern Jakarta lifestyles. People from all walks of life come here to shop and eat. You’ll find street food, viral cafés and dessert spots, as well as “Little Tokyo”, a popular strip known for its Japanese restaurants. Price-wise, it is generally more affordable here than the city’s central business districts.
Recommended by a local
Location: South Jakarta
5. Unwind at Central Park Mall
Strolling through Tribeca Park. Photo: Lord Acuña
Central Park Mall is one of Jakarta’s most prominent lifestyle and shopping destinations. Located in Podomoro City, it combines retail, dining, entertainment, offices, residences, and hotel facilities within one large integrated development. The best spot? Tribeca Park – an outdoor urban park integrated into the mall complex. Instead of being surrounded entirely by indoor retail corridors, visitors can step into a landscaped open-air space.
Location: Jl. Letjen S. Parman Kav. 28, Tanjung Duren Selatan, Grogol Petamburan, West Jakarta 11470
Opening hours: Daily from 10:00 – 22:00
6. Watch the Sunset at Cafe Cali
Cafe Cali is a rooftop day club and lounge located on the 32nd floor of The Orient Jakarta. With 360-degree views of the city skyline, it is a great place to watch the sunset while relaxing by the infinity pool. Thanks to its laid-back atmosphere, the venue feels like a tropical resort in the heart of a bustling metropolis.
Location: Level 32, Jl. Jend. Sudirman No. 36, Bendungan Hilir, Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta 10210
Opening hours:
Mon to Thu – 14:00 – 22:00
Fri to Sat – 11:00 – 00:00
Sun – 11:00 – 22:00
7. Experience Modern Coastal City Vibes at PIK
Chinatown-themed area in Pantjoran PIK. Photo: Lord Acuña
Pantai Indah Kapuk, or PIK, is a coastal township that has become one of Jakarta’s most famous modern districts. Originally developed as a high-end residential area in the 1990s, it has since expanded to include commercial zones, lifestyle districts, and tourism areas.
There is also PIK 2, about a 30-minute drive away depending on traffic, a major expansion in Tangerang featuring larger-scale tourism projects.
Recommended by a local
Location: North Jakarta
8. Get Social at Social House
Social House, located inside Grand Indonesia Mall, combines a modern café, restaurant, and wine bar into one stylish venue. With its relaxed yet upscale atmosphere and open seating concept, it is a popular gathering spot in the city centre. The lively vibe attracts professionals from the nearby Thamrin CBD looking to unwind after work.
Location:Jl. MH Thamrin No. 1, Menteng, Kec. Menteng, Central Jakarta 10310
Opening hours: 11:00 – 00:00
9. Enjoy Modern Art at Museum MACAN
Photo: Museum MACAN
Museum MACAN (short for Modern and Contemporary Art in Nusantara) is one of Jakarta’s leading modern art museums. It showcases contemporary works by both Indonesian and international artists. Exhibitions change regularly throughout the year, so there is always something new to discover.
Location: Jalan Panjang No. 5 Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta 11530
Opening hours:
Tue to Sun: 10:00 – 18:00
Closed on Mondays.
10. Cap the Night Off at SKYE
Night out with my friends from Jakarta.
If you want to see Jakarta from above in style, SKYE is a top choice. With its sophisticated lounge atmosphere and sweeping city views, it is an ideal place to wind down with a drink or two. At night, DJs set the mood with lively music, making it especially popular on weekends.
Location: Level 56, Menara BCA, Central Jakarta 10350
Opening hours: 17:00 – 02:00
About the Contributor
This Jakarta travel guide is a collaboration with my friend Stallone Tjia, a local writer who covers F&B, hospitality, fashion, travel, and lifestyle.
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