9 Best Things to Do in Jakarta : Indonesia’s Capital City

Looking for the best things to do in Jakarta? These are my recommendations.

Jakarta is often seen as a gateway city, a place travellers pass through en route to Bali or beyond. But Indonesia’s sprawling capital has an identity of its own—an energetic mix of history, culture, cuisine, and contemporary urban life. Often called the “Big Durian,” Jakarta shares much in common with the pungent fruit—bold, intense, and not always love at first sight, but deeply rewarding for those who take the time to understand it.

Did you know that Jakarta is now the world’s largest city by population — having recently overtaken Tokyo and Dhaka?

We spent two days in Jakarta, where we stayed at the Mercure Jakarta Sabang hotel. Centrally located, the hotel arranged a walking tour with Wisata Kreatif Jakarta, during which we explored nearby attractions. We also learnt about Jakarta’s colonial past and modern identity, gaining a deeper appreciation for the city beyond its traffic and skyscrapers.

9 Best Things to Do in Jakarta

1. The National Monument (Monas)

The National Monument (Monas) (View from library)

Rising 132 metres above the city's geographic centre, the National Monument — known as Monas — is Jakarta's defining silhouette. Topped with a flame covered in 35 kilograms of gold leaf, it is a symbol of Indonesia’s independence. Inside the base is a museum of Indonesian history. Take the lift up to the observation deck on a clear day for panoramic views. Unfortunately, we were there on a Monday when the monument is closed so we couldn’t go up.

2. Istiqlal Mosque

Istiklal Mosque and Jakarta Cathedral

Istiqlal Mosque is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia and an architectural marvel. Opened in 1978, it can accommodate up to 200,000 worshippers. Its vast prayer hall, striking dome, and minimalist design make it a fascinating place to explore. Guided visits are available. Non-Muslim visitors are warmly welcomed outside prayer times; modest dress and a respectful demeanour are expected.

Inside Istiklal Mosque

3. Jakarta Cathedral

Jakarta Cathedral

Just across the road from the mosque stands Jakarta Cathedral, a striking neo-Gothic structure built in 1901 with twin spires reaching towards the same sky. Inside, you’ll find beautiful stained glass windows and a peaceful atmosphere that contrasts with the city’s bustle outside. The close proximity of these two landmarks symbolises Indonesia’s spirit of religious coexistence.

4. The National Library

View of Jakarta from The National Library

For one of the best free viewpoints in the city, head to the National Library of Indonesia, the world’s tallest library building. The upper floors offer bird's-eye views across Jakarta. It’s less crowded than other viewpoints and provides a unique perspective of the city. We had the balcony all to ourselves.

5. Kota Tua

Kota Tua

This old colonial quarter was the commercial heart of Batavia — the Dutch East Indies' most powerful trading port. Today, its grand 17th- and 18th-century buildings stand in remarkable condition. The focal point is Fatahillah Square, where locals gather, street performers entertain, and colourful vintage bicycles are available to rent. It is surrounded by some of the most atmospheric buildings in Indonesia. The Jakarta History Museum is housed in the old Dutch town hall dating back to the 18th century and modelled after Amsterdam's Dam Palace.

Cafe Batavia

Next door, the Wayang Museum offers insight into Indonesia’s traditional shadow puppetry, a UNESCO-recognised art form. When you're ready for a break, Café Batavia is a vibrant café located inside a 200-year-old colonial merchant's house.

6. Local Cuisine

Street food in Jakarta

Jakarta is a paradise for food lovers. From humble street stalls to upscale dining, the city’s culinary scene is incredibly diverse. Try local favourites such as nasi goreng (fried rice), satay skewers, and gado-gado (vegetable salad with peanut sauce). We enjoyed some delicious local cuisine at our hotel.

For a more authentic experience, visit Jalan Sabang, known for its buzzing street food vendors. We indulged in some unique, flavourful street food there.

7. Ragusa Es Italia

Ragusa Es Italia

Ragusa Es Italia is Jakarta’s oldest ice cream parlour, operating largely unchanged since 1932 with its vintage décor adding to its charm. Founded by four Sicilian brothers who moved to Batavia as tailors, the café grew from a market stall into a permanent fixture. Still using traditional methods, including a decades-old mixer and fresh milk without preservatives, Ragusa remains a popular spot. We had some delicious sundaes and croquettes while being serenaded by a talented Indonesian gentleman singing English songs.

Singer at Ragusa Es Italia

8. Sunda Kelapa Harbour

Sunda Kelapa Harbour (cc. Wikimedia Commons)

If you have time, visit Sunda Kelapa, Jakarta's ancient port, which has been in use since the 12th century. It remains home to a fleet of colourful schooners that still carry cargo between Java and the outer islands, much as they have for generations. It’s one of the most atmospheric places in the city for photography and a window into Jakarta’s past.

9. Taman Mini Indonesia Indah

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (cc:. DepositPhotos)

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah is a vast cultural park showcasing Indonesia’s diverse provinces in one place. Spread across 100 hectares in East Jakarta, Taman Mini is a living encyclopaedia of Indonesian diversity — a place where the staggering variety of this 18,000-island archipelago has been compressed into a single, walkable space.

Full-scale replicas of traditional houses from every Indonesian province sit alongside museums, open-air theatres, botanical gardens, an aviary, an IMAX cinema, a waterpark, and a cable car that lets you survey the whole extraordinary complex from above.

Good to know

Traffic in Jakarta can be notoriously heavy—crossing from one side of the city to the other can easily take 1.5 to 2 hours, so plan your day accordingly.

Where to Stay in Jakarta

Jakarta offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly stays to luxury hotels, with most travellers choosing to base themselves in Central Jakarta for easy access to major attractions. Areas like Menteng and Thamrin are particularly convenient, placing you close to landmarks, shopping malls, and dining spots. For a comfortable and well-located option, the Mercure Jakarta Sabang is a great choice, offering modern family-friendly rooms, great food and easy access to key sights.

See more accommodation in Jakarta.

Sara Essop

Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world on her blog "In Africa and Beyond". Although she has been to 53 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.