The best places to stay in Jakarta

For first-timers, Thamrin is the ideal base for exploring the city. You’ll be right in the heart of the action, amongst the skyscrapers and historic landmarks. This area is well connected by public transport with MRT stations and an extensive bus network, making it easy to travel to other parts of Jakarta.

Where to stay: It can be quite noisy in the centre of the city. For a good night’s rest, Jambuluwuk Thamrin is set on a quiet side street just a 5-minute walk to Bundaran HI MRT station, Grand Indonesia, and Plaza Indonesia.

What to do: For those who love to shop, Thamrin is home to Grand Indonesia and Plaza Indonesia, two of the city’s best shopping malls. There’s also Sarinah shopping centre, the city’s first department store dating back to 1966. It’s home to 15 floors of local brands selling everything from handicrafts to fashion, food, and art. 

Make time to visit the Monumen Nasional (Monas) where you can catch stunning views from the observation deck. From here, visit nearby sights such as the National Museum of Indonesia, the National Gallery, and the Istiqlal Mosque. 

Where to eat: The dining choices in Thamrin are endless, from high-end Italian restaurants like Osteria Gia to casual brunch spots like farm.girl. Most of the restaurants in this area are found in the malls or along side streets.

Just south of central Jakarta is SCBD. It may be the main business district, but that doesn’t mean it’s all work and no play. In fact, it’s the best place to be for nightlife. After sundown, the area transforms into a lively hub with multiple bars, clubs, restaurants, and entertainment venues. 

Where to stay: For somewhere central but quiet, Alila SCBD offers 5-star rooms just a 4-minute walk from Istora Mandiri MRT station.

What to do: During the day, Pacific Place Mall has upscale shopping and some great dining options. Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) stadium is also in the area, and often hosts football matches and concerts. Just a 10-minute drive away is Pasar Mayestik, a multi-storey indoor market known for its textiles.

When the sun gets low in the sky, Chao Chao has a chic rooftop bar where you can grab sundowners and take in the sublime views, before heading downstairs to their stylish restaurant for some modern Chinese cuisine. They also have a dance floor with DJs and live bands, so you can easily spend the entire evening here. Another popular spot to drink and party is Embassy Lounge with its lineup of DJs and trendy decor.

Where to eat: If you’re looking to splash out, Kila Kila By Akasya serves refined Indonesian dishes in a sophisticated setting. For authentic Thai food, Kamlai has a big menu packed with all the classics like tom yum, som tum, and pad thai. 

Jakarta can get quite pricey, so if you’re seeking somewhere that isn’t going to break the bank, consider staying in Glodok, Jakarta’s Chinatown. Its lively streets and narrow alleyways are home to open-air markets selling everything from fresh produce to homeware. It's very much a busy marketplace frequented by locals, and less of a tourist trap than Chinatowns you might find in other cities. 

Where to stay: You’ll find plenty of budget accommodation options in Glodok, and the centrally-located Holiday Inn & Suites Jakarta Gajah Mada is the best choice for a balance between cost and comfort.

What to do: Glodok has markets galore – as well as Petak Sembilan, Pasar Pagi, Pasar Glodok, and Pasar Asemka markets, there is also a market along Kemenangan Raya street. For a dose of culture amongst all that shopping, pay a visit to the beautiful Vihara Dharma Bakti, the oldest Buddhist temple in Jakarta. 

Where to eat: Head for dim sum at Pantjoran Tea House, set within a beautiful two-storey heritage building. For some street food, stroll down Gang Gloria, an alleyway packed with food stalls where you can try a little bit of everything. Pop into Kopi Es Tak Kie, a legendary establishment dating back to 1927 – this simple, no-frills cafe serves up delicious iced milk coffee to cool you down.

Not too far from Glodok is Jakarta’s Old Town, also known as Kota Tua. This is the city’s historical centre, where Dutch colonial buildings and cobblestone streets are a stark contrast to the shiny skyscrapers in the background. 

Where to stay: Most of the accommodation options around the Old Town are budget and backpacker-friendly. For a luxury stay, Mercure Jakarta Batavia is a 13-minute walk from Taman Fatahillah.

What to do: At the centre of the Old Town is Fatahillah Square, one of the must-see attractions in Jakarta. It’s dominated by the Jakarta History Museum, housed in an impressive 18th-century building. Also bordering the square are the Wayang Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics. A short walk from Fatahillah Square is the Old Town Post Office, a handsome and imposing building designed in 1929. The second floor is home to Galeria Fatahillah, where you can browse the art exhibitions before heading back down to ground level to send a postcard back home.

Where to eat: When you get hungry, pop over to Café Batavia, one of the city’s most legendary restaurants set in a grand colonial building. Just a stone’s throw away is Kedai Seni Djakarté which serves classic Indonesian dishes.

If you’re visiting Jakarta with young kids in tow, Ancol Dreamland is the perfect choice. Located along Jakarta’s north coast, this waterfront development is Jakarta’s largest and most popular recreation park. There is a wealth of attractions to keep the whole family entertained, including Dunia Fantasi (Indonesia’s most famous theme park), Atlantis Water Adventure waterpark, Allianz Eco Park for outdoor activities, and a range of watersports on Lagoon Beach. 

Where to stay: There are a handful of hotels within the resort area, and one of the best choices is the 4-star DiscoveryAncol, which is just a stone’s throw from all the attractions.

What to do: While the kids are playing, adults can visit Pasar Seni, an arts centre where you can purchase Indonesian handicrafts like jewellery and puppets, paintings, sculptures, and souvenirs. There’s a packed schedule of exhibitions and events, so there’s always something happening. Ancol Marina also serves as the gateway to Kepulauan Seribu. This chain of islands is known for stunning beaches and turquoise waters, and is a world away from Jakarta’s heaving traffic – we recommend Tidung Island for watersports, snorkelling, and cycling adventures. 

Where to eat: Don’t worry about finding kid-friendly places to eat, as there are plenty to choose from – Bandar Djakarta serves the best fresh seafood while Nyiur Restaurant offers modern and traditional Indonesian cuisine.