As the capital city of Indonesia, there are so many places to visit in Jakarta. You can start from stunning Dutch Colonial and Chinese heritage landmarks to an exquisite island, and modern theme parks. But, where’s the best one to visit? With so many things to see and do, you should know first which the best places to select. Besides, Jakarta is renowned for its high living cost and you might spend more money. Don’t worry, we have compiled a list of the best places to visit in Jakarta to help you hit the highlights and suit your budget also.

For more information about things to do in Jakarta—explore our complete Things to do in Jakarta to Experience The Joy of Travel

  1. Jakarta Cathedral

    Source: @catholic.photography

    St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, or known as Jakarta Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Jakarta. This cathedral was built between 1891-1901 and architected by Pastor Antonius Dijkmans. He designed this cathedral in the neo-gothic style inspired by European church style at that time. The construction slightly looks built with stones, but it actually was built with red bricks covered with plaster mimicking natural stone construction.

    Similar to European Catholic cathedrals, Jakarta Cathedraĺ consists of three iron spires. First is The Fort of David representing the strength of the king in protecting his people. The second is Ivory Tower symbolizing the Virgin Mary and the third is God’s Angel Tower. This cathedral becomes Jakarta heritage site since one of three main spires houses a museum of Catholic ritual relics.

    Address: Jl. Katedral No.7B, Ps. Baru, Kecamatan Sawah Besar, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10710

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  2. Istiqlal Mosque

    Source: Rezky Ramadhani via Unsplash

    Standing right across Jakarta Cathedral, Istiqlal Mosque is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia. Originally constructed in 1978, this mosque has a capacity of up to 200,000 people. This mosque consists of 4 levels and predominantly made of marble with aluminum detail. Its dome spans a diameter of 45 meters. Here is the thing you shouldn’t miss: Beduk. “Beduk” is a kind of traditional drum and becomes a media in Islamic ritual to call people for praying.

    Address: Jl. Taman Wijaya Kusuma, Ps. Baru, Kecamatan Sawah Besar, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10710

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  3. Jakarta Chinatown

    Source: @trinil72

    Like its name, Jakarta Chinatown (popularly known as Glodok) neighborhood represents Chinese ethnic and culture. This neighborhood was first designated as a residential area for Chinese Ethnic in around 1740 to 1750 during the Dutch colonial era, particularly East Indies Company (VOC) era. Glodok covers three main areas which are Gang Gloria (Gloria alley), Pancoran Street, and Petak Sembilan. Here you can feel nostalgic with the old Chinese ambiance, temples, buildings, rows of traditional Chinese medicine shops on the Pancoran walkway. Along Gloria alley, you can find some Chinese restaurants and local street food stalls which still exist until today.

    Address: Glodok, Jakarta Barat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 11120

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  4. Kota Tua Jakarta (Jakarta Old Town)

    Source: @airasia_bhsindones

    Located just next to Jakarta Chinatown, Old Town of Jakarta was a settlement area during the bygone era. It holds numerous stunning old buildings built during the Dutch colonial era in the 16th century. Everybody can recall Dutch Colonialism portrayed in Dutch houses, buildings, and the canal system. You can visit some of those buildings which have the function as public facilities like Bank of Indonesia Museum, Indonesia Puppet Museum (Wayang Museum Jakarta), Fine Arts and Ceramics Museum, The Red Store (Toko Merah Jakarta), Café Batavia and many more.

    However, some buildings are privately owned and become offices so you probably can’t visit there. The highlight is Fatahilah Square, the large pedestrianized square inlined with cafes, street food carts, and art performers. Try the most popular attraction here, rent the bicycle and getting around the square!

    Address: Pinangsia Kec. Taman Sari, Kota Jakarta Barat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 11110

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  5. Jakarta National Monument

     

    Source: @anakjajan

    Just like the Statue of Liberty in New York, Monument Nasional (Monas) is one of Jakarta landmarks and becomes the icon of Jakarta. Monas was established in 1961 under the direction of President Soekarno (the first President of Indonesia) to commemorate the struggle for Indonesian independence. The building is about 137 meters tall and topped with a flame coated with gold. Monas offers a series of diorama exhibition in the basement that will give you such a distorted view of Indonesian history. The monument is open to the public and facilitates an elevator which can take visitors to the observation spot. Enjoy a bird’s eye view on the cityscape in this observation spot.

    Address: Gambir, Central Jakarta City, Jakarta

    Operational Hours: 08.00 AM – 10.00 PM

  6. Ancol Art Market

    Source: Kompasiana Website

    As a must-visit for art fans, Pasar Seni Ancol has become one of Jakarta top art markets since February 28, 1975. It has dozens of stalls selling a variety of arts, crafts and souvenirs. These include statues, paintings, crafts, and many more. Many types of attractions are available here, so tourists could enjoy them all. For example, they can witness the process of art creation. However, this market is relatively deserted. It is better for you to come during special occasions or exhibitions. Therefore, you should check the schedules first before.

    Address: Taman Impian Jaya, Jalan Lodan Timur No.1/7, RW.10, Ancol, Kec. Pademangan, Kota Jkt Utara, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 14430

    Operational Hours: 08.00 AM – 05.00 PM

  7. Merdeka Square

    Source: @Gorirovi

    Merdeka Square is a large park in central Jakarta. It is surrounded by government offices and buildings such as Merdeka Palace, the Supreme Court, National Museum and many more. During Dutch Indies Era this square was called Koningsplein. Dutch Colonial Government built various facilities such as athletics and a stadium in Koningsplein. In 1945 President Soekarno changed the name of Koningsplein to Medan Merdeka or Merdeka Square to symbolize the independence of Indonesia.

    Address: Jakarta Pusat, Jakarta

  8. Taman Suropati

    Source: @dantoadityo

    Right between three major roads namely Teuku Umar Street, Diponegoro Street, and Imam Bonjol Street, Taman Suropati gives a green space in the hustle-bustle Jakarta. It is a perfect park for urban people to relax, release stress, or exercise. Previously this place was called Burgemeester Bisschopplein that derived from Batavia First Mayor. The park changed its name into Suropati in 1920 and many people call it a zero point of Indonesia. People mostly come to Suropati Park in the morning for a refreshing atmosphere and fresh air. Besides, you can also exercise like jogging, cycling, or just hanging out with your pals.

    Address: Jl. Taman Suropati, RT.5/RW.5, Menteng, Kec. Menteng, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10310

  9. Ancol Dreamland

    Source:@digitamagabumon

    Ancol Dreamland is the largest and most popular amusement theme park in Jakarta occupying 552 hectares. This amusement park has a bunch of fun attractions and rides such as a giant oceanarium Seaworld, a water park with artificial waves, a lagoon for fishing and boating, convention hall and hotels. Inside Ancol area, there is a popular theme park, Dunia Fantasi (Fantasy World), with thrilling rides such as the Tornado and Hysteria. This is a perfect place for every single one. Enjoy the fun with friends, family, or your date!

    Address: Jalan Lodan Timur No.7, RW.10, Ancol, Kec. Pademangan, Kota Jkt Utara, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 14430

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  10. Taman Mini Indonesia Indah

    Source: @sondangsusan

    One of Jakarta’s most popular tourist attractions is Taman Mini Indonesia Indah. This place represents Indonesia’s 27 provinces with different cultural characteristics portrayed in traditional architectures. There is a spot in Taman Mini which offers virtual education, Theater IMAX Keong Mas. Interestingly, you could watch historical movies in this theater. Taman Mini also has an orchid garden where hundreds of Indonesian orchid varieties are grown. Besides, you can have fun in a bird park with a walk-in aviary, a fauna museum, and recreational grounds with a swimming pool and restaurants. What a complete theme park, isn’t it?

    Address: Jl. Raya Taman Mini, East Jakarta City, Jakarta

    Operational Hours: 07.00 AM – 10.00 PM

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  11. Thousand Island

    Source: @muhaeminaziez

    Rich with tropical vibes, Thousand Island (or Pulau Seribu) is a hidden gem in vibrant Jakarta. The tropical Island is densely covered by stunning beaches and lush virgin forests. Witness the amazing biodiversity and marine ecosystem. Moreover, there are a lot of islands that you can visit in Thousand Island Archipelago like Pulau Pelangi, Pulau Putri, Pulau Sepa and many more. This island is the perfect answer if you’re seeking to relax while remaining barefoot out of the hustle and bustle of Jakarta.

    Address: Jakarta bay

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  12. National Museum

    Source: @michacart

    The National Museum Jakarta is located at Medan Merdeka Barat and gives the visitors an insight into Indonesia’s long history from the prehistoric era to present. It was officially opened in 1868 and previously known as Gedung Gajah (The House of Elephant) or Gedung Arca (The House of Statues). There is an iconic bronze elephant statue in the front yard as a precious gift from King Chulalongkorn of Thailand in 1871. This museum houses more than 100.000 immersive collections from Indonesia’s prehistory, archaeology, ethnography, numismatics-heraldic, geography, and historical relics.

    Let’s also see what things are offered at Top 11 Markets in Jakarta to Visit for Local Experience.

    Address: Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat No.12, Gambir, Kecamatan Gambir, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10110

    Opening Hours: 08.00 AM – 04.00 PM (Closed on Monday)

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