Banda Aceh, which is the capital city of Aceh province, is located on the northern tip of Sumatra in Indonesia. This place is known for its natural beauty, cultural heritage and rich history that has a strong hold on Islamic followers. This place has also been affected by the Indian Ocean Tsunami in 2004, which is the symbol of strength and resilience, which has been entirely rebuilt. There are many things to do in Banda Aceh to explore various landmarks, religious heritages and natural beauties at this place. Some of the most famous landmarks of the entire province are located in these places that are a mix of traditions, history and culture.
Top 11 Things To Do In Banda Aceh
Here are a few things to do in Banda Aceh to have an amazing time exploring the history and culture of this place.
1. Visit The Aceh Tsunami Museum

Photo: Rachmat04 / Wikimedia Commons
Visiting the Aceh Tsunami museums is one of the best things to do in Banda Aceh because this is an interesting place which places tribute to nearly 170,000 people who lost their life during the 2004 Tsunami. This museum also has a library, educational media and stimulators that provide knowledge about the 2004 Tsunami and its impact in the entire City. There are different always resigned to represent various collections Memorial Hall and hallway displaying documentaries pictures and many more.
Location: Jl. Sultan Iskandar Muda No.3, Sukaramai, Kec. Baiturrahman, Kota Banda Aceh, Aceh 23116, Indonesia
Timings: 9 AM – 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM – 2:45 PM
2. Explore The Architecture Of Baiturrahman Grand Mosque

Photo: Si Gam Acèh / Wikimedia Commons
Baiturrahman Grand Mosque is one of the most visited places in Banda Aceh, which is the best thing to do to explore the stunning Islamic architecture. The construction of this mosque was completed in 1881, where it is one of those buildings that also survived the 2004 tsunami and served as a crisis center in those difficult times. This mosque is known for its architecture with white walls and black domes with detailed features, which is amazing to look at.
Location: Jl. Moh. Jam No.1, Kp. Baru, Kec. Baiturrahman, Kota Banda Aceh, Aceh, Indonesia
Timings: 4:30 AM – 10 PM
3. Try Durian At Canai Mamak

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Trying durian is one of the most interesting and best things to do in Banda Aceh. Canai Mamak is one of those places in Banda Aceh where a large population of tourists and locals go to try the durian fruit. This fruit does not have a pleasant smell and can be smelled from afar. But it is known to be loved by many or hated by many. This is a tropical fruit that has a creamy custard-like flesh that is popular in Southeast Asian cuisine.
Location: Jl. Teuku Umar No.51, Seutui, Kec. Baiturrahman, Kota Banda Aceh, Aceh 23116, Indonesia
Timings: 8 AM – 11:30 PM
4. Relax At Paula Weh

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Visiting Paula Weh is one of the best things to do in Banda Aceh, which is a beautiful place that is rich in its diverse ecosystem. A ferry ride from Banda Aceh is arranged every few hours to reach this place. It is a small island that is a perfect place to explore the underwater world, where there are a wide variety of tropical fish, coral reefs and many more.
Location: Banda Aceh, Banda Aceh City, Aceh, Indonesia
5. Enjoy Coffee At Warung Kopi Solong

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Warung Kopi Solong is one of the most famous places to try coffee in Banda Aceh. It is a must-visit place for all the coffee lovers, where they serve authentic robusta coffee. The workers in the shop also customize the preference according to the visitors. This place also provides breakfast and lunch in various ancient and Indonesian traditional cuisines, which are a must-try.
Location: 0708, Lamglumpang, Kec. Ulee Kareng, Kota Banda Aceh, Aceh 23117, Indonesia
Timings: 6 AM – 11 PM
7. Take A Tour Around The Pasar Aceh Market

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Pasar Aceh market located in Banda Aceh is a traditional market that has various wooden shops with zinc roofs and narrow living spaces that have been directly exposed to the sunset with no other permanent building. This marketplace plays a major role in providing basic and daily needs for the local Acehnese people. This market has been existing since 1965 and started on the street that was built during the Dutch era.
Location: Jl. Pangeran Diponegoro, Kp. Baru, Kec. Baiturrahman, Kota Banda Aceh, Aceh 23116, Indonesia
Timings: 9 AM – 6:30 PM
8. Explore The Putro Phang Park

Photo: Si Gam / Wikimedia Commons
Putro Phang Park, which is also known as Gunongan Historical Park, is built on the grounds of a 17th-century palace garden, and this white circular place is known to have been built with a combination of Hindu and Islamic aesthetics, which has a sacred significance. But later it has become a leisure ground for the Acehnese royal family. There are also water fountains and fruit trees that are located in the garden, which is ideal for the tourists and locals to visit this place for a relaxing time or a picnic.
Location: Jl. Merapi No.37, Sukaramai, Kec. Baiturrahman, Kota Banda Aceh, Aceh 23116, Indonesia
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
9. Visit Kerkhof Peucut Cemetery

Photo: Si Gam Acèh / Wikimedia Commons
Kerkhof Peucut, located in Banda Aceh, is a Dutch military cemetery for more than 2200 soldiers that died during the Aceh War that lasted from 1873 to 1914. This war is known to be the longest colonial war the Netherlands has ever conducted. It started when the Sultan of Aceh and his region’s people refused to be the subject of the Dutch, which killed 60,000 Acehnese. This symmetry is a well-maintained place with the collaboration of various Netherland donors and also the Acehnese officials.
Location: G8W7+PQ5, Peucut, Sukaramai, Kec. Baiturrahman, Kota Banda Aceh, Aceh 23116, Indonesia
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
10. Take A Tour Around The Sultan Iskandar Muda Tomb

Photo: Si Gam Acèh / Wikimedia Commons
Sultan Iskandar Muda Tomb, located in Banda Aceh, is a tomb that was built by the king of Aech, who belonged to the Aceh Darussalam Kingdom, that was brought during the golden age era. This kingdom was the fifth largest Islamic kingdom in the entire world nearly during the 16th century. This tomb is a must-visit to know about the great rule and the great power of Sultan Iskandar that is located near the Krueng Daroy River.
Location: G8WC+W8F, Gp. Peuniti, Baiturrahman, Peuniti, Kec. Baiturrahman, Kota Banda Aceh, Aceh 23116, Indonesia
11. Visit The Aceh State Museum

Photo: Si Gam Acèh / Wikimedia Commons
Aceh State Museum is located in Banda Aceh and has various historical items and antiques representing the culture and heritage of Acehnese. This museum was built as a resemblance to the traditional house of Acehnese in the form of a stilt house at a height of 9 feet above the ground. The pillars in this house are made from a selected type of hardwood, with nearly 44 of them. This museum is also known to be one of the oldest museums that was established in 1915 in all of Indonesia.
Location: Jl. Sultan Mahmudsyah No.10, Peuniti, Kec. Baiturrahman, Kota Banda Aceh, Aceh 23116, Indonesia
Timings: 9 AM – 12 PM, 2 PM – 4 PM
If you’re looking for things to do in Banda Aceh, you’ll find a blend of rich history, culture, and natural beauty. From exploring iconic landmarks like the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque to enjoying the tranquility of Pulau Weh, Banda Aceh offers a variety of activities that make it a unique and unforgettable destination. So, book your trip now with TripXL!
Cover Photo: Si Gam / Wikimedia Commons