How to Spend 24 Hours in Jakarta

Eat breakfast in Kemang
One of the hippest and liveliest neighborhoods in Jakarta, Kemang is lined with great restaurants for enjoying a big Indonesian breakfast. For great coffee and a wide selection of international menu, try Komunal 88; for Indonesian food and an amazing art space, head to dia.lo.gue. The neighborhood is also dense with fashion boutiques and concept stores, so tourists can also spend some time shopping for local or imported goods.
Komunal 88, 5–6 Jl Ampera Raya, Jakarta, Indonesia, +62 21 719 4673
dia.lo.gue, 99A Jl Kemang Selatan, Jakarta, Indonesia, +62 21 719 9671

Learn about Indonesia at the National Monument and National Museum
These two landmarks sum up the country’s long and intricate history quite neatly. The National Monument towers at 115 metres (377 ft) high and serves as a deck, with unrestricted view of the city, as well as a museum showcasing dioramas depicting the country’s history. Just across the monument, the National Museum houses ancient relics found across the country. With majestic European exterior and elements, the architecture is a feat in itself.
National Monument, Gambir, Jakarta, Indonesia, +62 21 382 2255
National Museum, 12 Jl Medan Merdeka Barat, Jakarta, Indonesia, +62 21 386 8172

Eat lunch in Menteng
Near the National Monument, the Menteng neighborhood is a high-end area packed with great restaurants that highlight authentic Indonesian cuisine. Bunga Rampai serves Indonesian food from cultures throughout the country in a charming Dutch colonial house, while Seribu Rasa offers a wide selection of traditional meals from Indonesia and Southeast Asia in an exquisite setting.
Bunga Rampai, 35 Jl Cik Ditiro, Jakarta, Indonesia, +62 21 319 26224
Seribu Rasa Menteng, 128 Jl Haji Agus Salim, Jakarta, Indonesia, +62 21 392 8892
Visit Indonesia’s houses of worship
Indonesia has six official religions, and that unique mix provides tourists with an opportunity to visit and observe mighty mosques, churches, and temples in the same neighborhood. Istiqlal Mosque is the biggest mosque in Southeast Asia and is often visited by world leaders, located across the equally magnificent Jakarta cathedral.
Istiqlal Mosque, Jl Taman Wijaya Kusuma, Jakarta, Indonesia, +62 21 381 1708
Jakarta Cathedral, 7B Jl Katedral, Jakarta, Indonesia, +62 21 351 9186

Explore Jakarta’s Chinatown
Northern Jakarta has a huge Chinese population living in its charming Chinatown, where tourists can visit temples and countless shops selling oriental ornaments, products, and food. The area is also known for bargain goods, fruits, even electronics.

Visit Jakarta’s Old Town
Jakarta was first appointed the nation’s capital during Dutch colonialism. The city, called Batavia at the time, housed important government buildings, many of which can be found in the old town of Jakarta. Tourists can learn the country’s history and observe exquisite colonial buildings, including the Fatahillah Museum built as a sister to the Dam Palace in Amsterdam.
Museum Fatahillah, 27 Jl Lada, Jakarta, Indonesia, +62 21 692 9101

Shop traditional-inspired products
Jakarta is also one of Indonesia’s shopping hubs, with mega-malls and stores in almost every corner. For high-end traditional-inspired products, such as handmade fashion items or ethnic accessories, head to Alun-Alun Indonesia or Sarinah Department Store.
Alun Alun Indonesia, 1 Jl MH Thamrin, Jakarta, Indonesia, +62 21 235 80895
Sarinah Department Store, 11 Jl MH Thamrin, Jakarta, Indonesia, +62 21 319 23008

Enjoy Jakarta’s nightlife
As a metropolitan city, Jakarta has a vibrant nightlife evident in its countless bars and lounges. SKYE is ornate with earthy decorations and a stylish infinity pool with an unparalleled view of the skyline. With refreshing drinks and live music, Lucy in the Sky is also a perfect way to get energized after a long day of travelling.
SKYE Bar & Restaurant, BCA Tower, 56th floor, 1 Jl M.H. Thamrin, Jakarta, Indonesia, +62 21 235 86996
Lucy in The Sky, Kawasan SCBD, 52–53 Jl Jend Sudirman Kav, Lot 14, Jakarta, Indonesia, +62 21 515 2308