How To Spend 24 Hours In Jakarta

As the capital city, Jakarta is Indonesia’s center of civilization, a melting pot of many different cultures and social communities. If done right, a day in Jakarta will grant tourists a glimpse of the whole huge nation of Indonesia. Read our guide on how to spend 24 hours in Jakarta.

Morning

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

Noon

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

Afternoon

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

Evening

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

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.