Things To Do In Jakarta: A Guide To Best Activities In The Indonesian Capital

Wide angle view of the Jakarta History Museum at Fatahillah Square

Jakarta, Indonesia’s beautiful capital, opens itself to welcome the experiences of any traveller. You could be a history lover, a foodie, or someone wanting to nurture the strong cultural vibrancy, and Jakarta will charm you. Yet another cosmopolitan gateway to wider island hopping, Jakarta is a bustling land of rich traditions, complemented by the attractions of modernity. With its dynamic mix of attractions, this city is a must-visit destination for those looking to experience the heart of Indonesia to its fullest charm.

10 Best Things To Do In Jakarta

Here is a list of things to do in Indonesia to experience the capital city of Indonesia with its authentic charm:

1. Visit The National Monument Monas

The beautiful view of the Jakarta National Monument Monas with buildings around it

Photo: Takeshi Aida / Wikimedia Commons

Monas is known as a towering national monument, one of the city’s great symbols of independence, and a must-visit place. It stands 132 metres tall, and its base describes the glorious history of Indonesia, especially during the striving days for autonomy. At the top of the monument is a flame-like golden ornament that symbolises the spirit of the country. Monas will provide you with a good knowledge of the historical background of the vast culture and traditions.

Entry Fee: IDR 20,000/ ₹ 107 per person
Timings: 8 AM – 10 PM

2. Explore Kota Tua- Jakarta Old Town

View of a  colonial building around the Jakarta old town

Photo: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Older Batavia, or Kota Tua, brought the Dutch colonial era to life with preserved architecture reminiscent of Europe. Roam around Fatahillah Square and visit the Jakarta History Museum, which chronicles the evolution of the city. Nurture yourself in any number of cosy cafés and shops while enjoying local snacks and the old-world charm. It is a perfect place to catch Indonesian history and colonial architecture without leaving the heart of the city while catching a glimpse of the past.

Entry Fee: Museum Entry Fees- IDR 10,000 / ₹ 53
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM

3. Shop At Grand Indonesia Mall

The first branch in Indonesia of Yoshinoya Japanese Restaurant at Grand Indonesia

Photo: VulcanSphere / Wikimedia Commons

Grand Indonesia is one of the premier shopping malls in Jakarta. This huge mall can cater to any shopping lover, from high-end international brands to small local boutiques. You can eat street food for fine dining inside the mall. It has an amazing movie theatre where you can have fun with your family. The mall is located in Jakarta, which is easy to access and will allow you to spend a good few hours in a never-ending shopping experience.

Entry Fee: None
Timings: 10 AM – 10 PM

4. Discover History At The National Museum Of Indonesia

The beautiful entrance to the compound of the National Museum of Indonesia in Jakarta

Photo: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas / Wikimedia Commons

The National Museum of Indonesia, known as Museum Gajah, tells you about the country’s rich history and culture. With over 140,000 artefacts, the museum carries collections from prehistoric eras to its last Hindu-Buddhist kingdoms and colonial times. Its most exciting deals with the incredible and varied history of Indonesia are ancient statues, textiles, and ethnographic displays. It’s one of the best things to do in Jakarta before heading out for your travels to other regions.

Entry Fee: IDR 10,000/ ₹ 53 person
Timings: 8:30 AM – 4 PM, Tuesday to Sunday (Monday closed)

5. Take A Walk In Taman Mini Indonesia Indah

Istana Anak-anak Indonesia of Taman Mini Indonesia Indah

Photo: Andrew Kippen / Wikimedia Commons

Taman Mini is a cultural park that offers an overview of Indonesia’s diversity. The park is spread over 150 hectares and features traditional houses from 34 provinces, complete with cultural exhibits and performances. You can visit its various museums, a bird park, and a cable car for an aerial view of the park. TMII is well-designed for families and those who want a basic introduction to Indonesian culture in one venue.

Entry Fee: IDR 25,000/ ₹ 134 per person
Timings: 7 AM – 10 PM

6. Relax At Ancol Dreamland

The toll gate for the Theme Park at Ancol Dreamland in Jakarta, Indonesia

Photo: Midori / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Ancol Dreamland is the main place for family recreation in the city, and it provides amusement rides, water parks, beaches, and many family-friendly activities. The Dunia Fantasi is an amusement park with many thrilling roller coasters and different kinds of attractions, while SeaWorld showcases Indonesia’s marine biodiversity. It is a great spot for families that want to sneak out of the busy city life for a little adventure and relaxation. You can enjoy the day with entertainment for all ages at the sandy beaches.

Entry Fee: IDR 200,000/ ₹ 1078 per person
Duration: 4 – 6 hours
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM

7. Art Museum MACAN

View inside the courtyard of the Art museum MACAN

Photo: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The Museum MACAN is the leading museum for modern and contemporary art in Jakarta. It exhibits a constantly changing collection of works by Indonesian and international artists in the contemporary art world. Most of these exhibitions address social and political issues for the guests. An art lover can view different forms of visual media, from painting and sculpture to digital installation. This is an ideal place for anyone intrigued by the evolving art scene in Indonesia and looking to discover contemporaneous talent.

Entry Fee: IDR 100,000/ ₹ 537 per person
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM, Tuesday to Sunday (Monday closed)

8. Try Indonesian Cuisine At Pasar Baru

The picture of BRT station at Pasar Baru Transjakarta in Jakarta, Indonesia

Photo: Enperfectify World / Wikimedia Commons

Pasar Baru is one of the oldest areas of markets in Jakarta, with a diverse food scene famous for its variety of options. You can try food like Nasi Goreng, Satay, and Martabak and traditional snacks that are part of Indonesia’s diversity in culinary heritage. The vibrant history complemented by a sensory overload in terms of taste and smell, makes this market one of the things to do in Jakarta for food lovers. Pasar Baru would bring you a taste of the city’s culinary traditions.

Best Time To Visit: Evening
Entry Fee: Free to explore; food-IDR 20,000-50,000/ ₹ 100-300 meal
Duration: 1 – 2 hours

9. Ragunan Zoo

Gate of the Ranguan zoo,exploring the wildlife here is one of the best things to to in Jakarta

Photo: Gunawan Kartapranata / Wikimedia Commons

Ragunan Zoo is an expansive wildlife park in Jakarta that is home to more than 3,000 animals. It’s a perfect family outing to see exotic species such as orangutans, Komodo dragons, and Sumatran tigers. The zoo is set amid lush greenery and ample shaded areas to enjoy leisure time. Focusing more on Indonesian wildlife, the zoo aims to educate you on conservation efforts. It is a splendid way of discovering Indonesia’s rich biodiversity while offering some peace from the city’s busy streets.

Entry Fee: IDR 4,000 / ₹ 20 for adults, IDR 3,000 / ₹16 for children
Timings: 7 AM – 4 PM daily (Monday closed)

10. Visit The Istiqlal Mosque And Jakarta Cathedral

The beautiful view of the  the Istiqlal Mosque outer building

Photo: Baqotun0023 / Wikimedia Commons

Located opposite the Jakarta Cathedral, the Istiqlal mosque is the largest in Southeast Asia and symbolises Indonesia’s Islamic heritage and religious unity. In this mosque, you can be allowed inside its huge prayer halls and admire the glorious architecture. It is a neo-gothic piece across the road: Jakarta Cathedral is an entirely different ceremony. Visiting these two sites provides an insight into dominating Jakarta’s religious diversity and harmony, thus giving a serene end to the journey.

Duration: 1 – 2 hours.
Timings: 24 hours, For tourists 9 AM – 4 PM

Jakarta offers a rich tapestry of experiences, blending colonial nostalgia with modern attractions. Be it walking through historical quarters or spending a day at an amusement park, there are many things to do in Jakarta for everyone. Right from historical sites to busy markets and malls, Jakarta is a microcosm of the bigger cultural explosion in the country. Plan your visit accordingly with TripXL !

Cover Photo: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to visit Jakarta is when the dry season starts from May to September.
You can take taxis, use ride-hailing apps, or take the TransJakarta bus and there are Jakarta MRT and commuter trains to roam around.
When visiting religious sites like mosques, dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering. Additionally, showing respect by addressing locals politely is appreciated.
A majority of nationalities enjoy visa-on-arrival entry to Indonesia for a maximum of 30 days.
When visiting places like the Istiqlal Mosque, it is better to know what you should wear. For women, a long-sleeved shirt or dress that covers the shoulder, head covered with a scarf.

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