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Banda Aceh is the capital and the largest city in the province of Aceh, located in Indonesia. This place is located on an island of Sumatra that falls on the northwestern tip of Indonesia and near the Ache River. There are many places to visit in Banda Aceh that offer a view of the history and culture of the city. This place is mostly famous for its first stronghold of followers of Islam in Indonesia from the 13th century. This city has a vibrant culture in the province of Aceh that is known for its deep traditions, hospitality and rich history.
Top 11 Places To Visit In Banda Aceh
Here are a few top places to visit in Banda Aceh to get to know the city in a better way, for your next adventure to Indonesia.
1. Baiturrahman Grand Mosque
Photo: Daniel Berthold / Wikimedia Commons
Baiturrahman Grand Mosque, located in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, is known to be a symbol of strength, struggle, religion, culture and the spirit of the Acehnese people. This mosque was originally built in 1292 by Sultan Alaiddin Mahmud Syah and has the typical features of Acehnese architecture. The mosque is especially famous for its beautiful architecture with a marble staircase, stained glass wooden doors and many more decorations that have been designed with features of various countries.
Location: Jl. Moh. Jam No.1, Kp. Baru, Kec. Baiturrahman, Kota Banda Aceh, Aceh, Indonesia
Timings: 4:30 AM – 10 PM
Suggested Read: Istiqlal Mosque
2. Aceh Tsunami Museum
The Aceh Tsunami Museum, located in Banda Aceh, is a museum that stands as a symbolic reminder of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and earthquake disaster. This place also acts as an education center about various emergency disasters and seeking shelter. It is a four-story building where the first one has the tsunami hall representing the struggles of the people through various images. The second one is the Tsunami Memorial Hall, where the building acknowledges the victims and the survivors of the local communities.
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
3. Ulee Lheue Beach
Photo: Mnajib74 / Wikimedia Commons
Ulee Lheue Beach is one of the best places to visit in Banda Aceh. This place is known as a picture-perfect coastal gem of the city, which is a very famous tourist attraction that is known for its soft golden sands and clear turquoise water, giving a view and experience of the Indian Ocean. This is the best place to sit and relax, soak up the sun, or have a picnic planned amidst the natural beauty.
Location: H75P+W42, Ulee Lheue, Meuraxa, Banda Aceh City, Aceh, Indonesia
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Suggested Read: Padang Padang Beach
4. PLTD Apung Museum
Photo: Si Gam Acèh / Wikimedia Commons
PLTD Apung Museum is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Banda Aceh, which is a former electric generator barge that is stranded on dry land. This is a 2610 vessel that was at sea during the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, carrying it 2 to 3 km inland. This is owned by the government power-generating corporation. This vessel is also open to the public to witness at what is popularly known as the PLTD Apung Museum.
Location: Punge Blang Cut, Jaya Baru, Banda Aceh City, Aceh 23116, Indonesia
Timings: 8:30 AM – 12 PM, 2 PM – 5 PM
5. Putroe Phang Park
Photo: Si Gam / Wikimedia Commons
Putroe Phang Park is a famous historical park that is also known as Gunongan Historical Park, located in Banda Aceh. This place contains a 17th-century palace, a garden area, and a white circular structure that is known as the Gunongan. The purpose of the structure is unknown, but it is known to be built on the remains of various oldest structures during the 17th century, combining the aesthetics of Hindu and Islamic.
Location: Jl. Merapi No.37, Sukaramai, Kec. Baiturrahman, Kota Banda Aceh, Aceh 23116, Indonesia
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Suggested Read: Bali Safari And Marine Park
6. Lampuuk Beach
Photo: ronnie.muhadi / Wikimedia Commons
Lampuuk Beach is located near the city centre of Banda Aceh that is accessible within 30 minutes. As it is near to the city centre it is a famous attraction for both locals and tourists, which is open throughout the day. This beach is known for its shady pine trees lined along the coastline, white sand and many more beautiful views. This beach is on the western coast of Sumatra. There are various surfing spots available at this beach and also many tourists visit this place to take a tour around the area on rented motorcycles.
Location: Lampuuk Beach, Aceh, Indonesia
7. Kerkhof Peucut
Photo: Si Gam / Wikimedia Commons
Kerkhof Peucut is a war memorial located in Banda Aceh. This place is a grave of Dutch soldiers who died during the Aceh War between 1873 to 1904. It is also known to be the largest Dutch military cemetery at an area of 3.5 hectares. Housing more than 2200 graves of soldiers, it is an interesting tourist attraction among the foreigners, especially people from the Netherlands. The Peutjut Fund Foundation collaborates with the Aceh authorities and donors from the Netherlands to take care of this place after the damage from the tsunami in 2004.
Location: G8W7+PQ5, Peucut, Sukaramai, Kec. Baiturrahman, Kota Banda Aceh, Aceh 23116, Indonesia
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Nusa Dua
8. Pulau Weh
Photo: Tj Pramono / Wikimedia Commons
Pulau Weh, located in the northwestern part of Sumatra, is located in Banda Aceh. This place is a small, active volcanic island that is also known as Sabang. This entire island is located in an area of 122.13 square kilometers that includes various offshore islets. There are a few fast regular ships and ferries from the mainland port of Banda Aceh to reach this place. This island is famous for its beautiful ecosystem with various habitats and coral reefs with a large variety of fish found.
Location: We Island, Sabang City, Aceh, Indonesia
Timings: 8 AM – 4 PM
9. Lampulo Tsunami Boat
Photo: AusAID / Wikimedia Commons
The Lampulo Tsunami Boat is an interesting place to visit that acts as a symbol of the powerful reminder of the impact of the 2004 earthquake and tsunami. This is an interesting place because a fishing boat is standard on a house roof at Lampulo Village in Banda Aceh. This disaster has also saved 59 people. The person whose house was the one where the boat fell agreed to leave it as a memorial where it has been repaired, hoping to go fishing one day.
Location: H8FG+X28, Lampulo, Kuta Alam, Banda Aceh City, Aceh, Indonesia
Timings: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 1 PM – 6 PM
Suggested Read: Incredible Places To Visit Near Jakarta That Blend Nature, Culture, History, And Local Charm
10. Museum Negeri Banda Aceh
Photo: Si Gam Acèh / Wikimedia Commons
Museum Negeri Banda Aceh, also known as the Aceh Museum, is a must-visit for anyone interested in the rich history and culture of Aceh. Located in the heart of the city, the museum is one of the most famous Banda Aceh attractions. It houses a vast collection of traditional Acehnese artifacts, historical manuscripts, weapons, and traditional clothing. Its iconic traditional wooden building, Rumoh Aceh, is a standout feature that reflects local architecture. Visitors can explore exhibits that tell the story of Aceh’s royal past, colonial period, and resilience.
Location: Jalan Sultan Alaiddin Mahmudsyah No.10, Peuniti, Kuta Alam, Banda Aceh
Timings: 8:30 AM – 12 PM & 2 PM – 4 PM (Monday–Saturday)
11. Pasar Aceh
Photo: Job Savelsberg / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Pasar Aceh, located just behind the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque, is Banda Aceh’s bustling central market and a vibrant hub of daily life. This traditional market offers everything from fresh produce and spices to textiles, clothing, and local handicrafts. This market is a perfect spot on your Banda Aceh travel guide as it offers authentic Acehnese culture, interact with friendly locals, and taste street food delicacies. Whether you’re shopping for souvenirs or simply soaking in the local atmosphere, Pasar Aceh gives a genuine glimpse into the daily rhythm and spirit of the people of Banda Aceh.
Location: Jalan Diponegoro, Keudah, Kuta Raja, Banda Aceh, Aceh
Timings: 7 AM – 6 PM
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Seminyak
Banda Aceh, located in the Aceh Province of Indonesia, is one of the most famous places in the province that is known for its rich history and culture. This place is also famous for its symbol of strength, which survived the 2004 tsunami and has been recovered amazingly. There are many places to visit in Banda Aceh that have a vibrant atmosphere and also explore the natural beauty. So, make your bookings with TripXL!
Cover Photo: Kai Merlyn / Pexels
