Leyla Rose

Indonesia isn’t just beaches and nature – it has plenty of fascinating museums, too. With most of them located in Java and Bali, there’s something that covers every interest – from ancient artefacts to fashion and textiles, you’ll always have plenty to see and do. So, whether you’re interested in local art, brushing up on your history or learning how the country’s most impressive natural features were formed, these are the best museums to visit. READ MORE: The most remarkable temples in Indonesia and The most gorgeous architecture in Indonesia

People who don’t live in cities will tell you they’re busy, lonely and expensive places. But there’s a reason so many people choose to live in them: with world-class art and culture, unbeatable food and nightlife, buzzing neighbourhoods and a dizzying amount of stuff to do and see, there’s simply no better place to be.  Every year, we take the pulse of city living by quizzing thousands of locals across the planet about life in their hometowns. This year, more than 18,500 city-dwellers shared their insights on everything from food, nightlife and culture to affordability, happiness and the overall city vibe. When urban living can sometimes feel isolating and costly, this year we wanted to get a sense of what, exactly, makes a city feel like home. Sure, the nightlife is great, but is the city safe and walkable? Is good quality food and art available at a reasonable price? Is it easy to make friends, find love, and access nature?  Livability was a key factor in our ranking this year. But a great city to live in is, naturally, a great city to visit. So, along with the thousands of responses from locals around the world, we asked Time Out’s global network of city experts to vote on the places they think are particularly exciting right now. After crunching all that data, here we are: Time Out’s definitive ranking of the world’s best cities in 2025. Read on to see how your hometown fared… RECOMMENDED:🛍️ The coolest neighbourhoods in the world right now🌎 The best things to do in the

Whether it’s the food, landscapes, languages or cultures, Indonesia is one of the most diverse countries in the world. This can also be seen in its architecture – from ancient archaeological sites to sleek and shiny skyscrapers, the range of styles vary greatly as you travel through the country. Some take influence from religions like Hinduism and Islam, while some have been shaped by European colonists. Below are some of the most impressive examples of architecture that you can check out on your next visit to Indonesia. READ MORE: The best places to visit in Indonesia and The most epic volcanoes in Indonesia to hike

For the intrepid traveller, Indonesia is the gift that keeps on giving. Home to more than 17,000 islands, the country offers up a diversity of breathtaking landscapes. From gleaming, isolated beaches to lush tropical rainforests, there's always a corner to escape to. For this reason, the country is a resort haven, with some truly stunning sanctuaries packed with all the amenities you can dream of (and a side of top-notch Indonesian hospitality). From wellness getaways to countryside escapes, this is our pick of the best resorts you can find on the archipelago.  RECOMMENDED: The best places to visit in Indonesia and The best islands in Indonesia

If you’re a foodie, Indonesia is one of the best places to travel. The cuisine is incredibly diverse, with each island boasting its specialities. Along with indigenous culinary traditions, many Indonesian dishes are influenced by Indian, Chinese, and Arabic cuisine, using the many herbs and spices the archipelago is known for. As well as an abundance of seafood, meat, and chicken, a wide variety of fresh vegetables, rice dishes, noodles, tofu, and tempe means there’s plenty of choice for vegetarians and vegans too. Ready to whet your appetite? These are some of the best Indonesian dishes to try. READ MORE: The best things to do in Indonesia and The best bars in Indonesia

Whether your tipple of choice is tequila or rum, craft beer or wine, Indonesia’s bars have just what you’re looking for, with everything from speakeasies to sophisticated bars and snug lounges. As well as all the classic beverages, many of these establishments serve innovative drinks which make the most of Indonesia’s diverse ingredients, including fresh fruit, heady spices, and fragrant herbs. Ready to (responsibly) head out for a drink? These are Indonesia’s hottest bars.RECOMMENDED: Best fine dining in Jakarta and The best beach clubs in Bali for epic parties by the sea

As the capital of a food-loving nation, you won’t be surprised to hear that Jakarta is inundated with places to eat. Street food may be king, but the city is also a huge fan of fine dining, thanks to its growing economy and spending power. As one of the largest cities in Southeast Asia, chefs from around the world have converged here to bring European, American, and Asian flavours to the hungry masses. Whether you’re in the mood for fusion dishes or tasting menus, an intimate space or a venue to impress, these are the best fine dining spots in Jakarta. RECOMMENDED: Best things to do in Jakarta and Best places to stay in Jakarta

Jakarta is immense, a warren of streets and alleys with endless malls, attractions, and of course, more than 10 million people. So, we can’t blame you for feeling overwhelmed when choosing somewhere to stay. Despite being a huge megalopolis, each area of the city actually has its own distinct vibe and character. From the sleek and sophisticated bars of SCBD to the old-school charm of Kota Tua, you’ll find somewhere to suit your taste. Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, here are the best areas of the city to stay in. RECOMMENDED: The best hotels in Jakarta and The best time to visit Jakarta 

Indonesia is a playground for every type of traveller. Whether you’re backpacking, travelling with kids or heading out on your luxurious honeymoon, this vast and diverse country offers something for everyone. There are countless things to do across its 17,000-plus islands, and you can easily spend a lifetime in this country without having seen and done everything. Ready to plan the trip of a lifetime? Here are some of the best things to add to your itinerary. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Asia newsletter for the best travel inspiration straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: The best places to visit in Indonesia and The best islands in Indonesia

The TLC song famously goes, “Don’t go chasing waterfalls”, but if you’re in Indonesia, that’s the one thing you absolutely should do. Almost every island has at least one waterfall (and in most cases, it’s many), so you’ll never run out of options. Some waterfalls are hidden deep in the jungle, while some are just a stone’s throw from famous attractions. Generally speaking, the best time to visit Indonesia is during the dry season (May to September). This may sound counterintuitive, but this is the best weather to head outdoors and visit waterfalls – most are active all year round anyway. Ready to dive in? Here are the best waterfalls in Indonesia. RECOMMENDED: The best scuba diving spots in Indonesia and The best beaches in Indonesia    

Compared to the rest of Indonesia, Java and Bali have long been islands of importance for Hindu and Buddhist kingdoms, which is why you’ll find that the temples on this list are based in these two regions. While most of them are very much active places of worship for locals, they’re also open to visitors. When visiting Balinese temples, it’s worth remembering that visitors should follow the dress code by avoiding sleeveless or revealing tops and wearing a sash and sarong that comes down to your ankles – most temples will provide them at the entrance. Whether you’re looking to get in touch with your spiritual side or simply admire the architecture, here are Indonesia’s most remarkable temples. RECOMMENDED: The best volcanoes in Indonesia and The best surf spots in Indonesia

Indonesia is well known for its beautiful beaches and azure tropical waters. But head inland and you’ll find verdant landscapes dotted with volcanoes soaring above lush jungles and picturesque rice paddies. Located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, Indonesia is home to around 130 active volcanoes. Many of these are climbable, offering everything from a 30-minute hike to multi-day treks. So, whether you’re heading to Indonesia as an expert mountaineer or simply looking for something to do in between beach days, these are some of the country’s top volcanoes to climb. RECOMMENDED: The best surf spots in Indonesia and The best diving in Indonesia

Agung Rai Museum of Art is one of Bali’s best fine arts museums located in Ubud, a town widely known as Bali’s centre for arts and culture. The museum is home to an impressive collection of artwork, covering everything from local painters in the 1930s to contemporary Balinese and international artists. 

This museum in Nusa Dua showcases artwork from various Pacific Ocean cultures over the centuries. Find work from pioneering Indonesian artists like Raden Saleh to European artists like Willem Hofker and Miguel Covarrubias, who made Bali their home. There is also art from Oceania, including Fiji, Tonga, and Vanuatu, as well as more famous works from Matisse and Gauguin. 

House of Danar Hadi is a museum dedicated to batik, Indonesia’s ancient art form. One of the country’s most established batik companies, founded in 1967, Danar Hadi opened this cultural complex in 2008. It has the country’s most extensive batik collection, with over 700 curated pieces.

It’s one of the oldest museums in Indonesia, established during the Dutch colonial era. Once used as a research centre for Dutch geologists, today it’s home to an impressive collection of fossils, rocks, and minerals from around the archipelago.

Indonesia’s one-stop destination for modern and contemporary art from Indonesian and international artists. Here, you can see pieces from internationally-renowned artists like Yayoi Kusama and Indonesia’s pioneering Romantic painter Raden Saleh, and an ever-changing roster of installation art. 

Museum Sonobudoyo is a sprawling museum of Javanese history and culture. Encompassing human history, natural history, and art, this is one of the most complete collections of Javanese artefacts, which include ceremonial daggers, musical instruments, and traditional costumes and masks.

One of Bali’s most iconic bars, Rock Bar is perched just a few metres above the sparkling Indian Ocean. The only way to reach the bar is by hopping inside an open-air inclinator that takes you down a rock cliff – talk about a dramatic entrance. Located in AYANA Resort, Rock Bar stretches for 270 metres along the seafront. The bar (designed by Japanese glass artist Seiki Torige) is the main focal point, surrounded by various seating options (sofas, tables, day beds, and countertops) overlooking the water. Designed by Sebastien Bonnefoi, signature cocktails champion Indonesian fruits, herbs, and spices. The best way to cool off from the heat, Rock My World (Rp 225,000), is a refreshing mix of kaffir and lemongrass vodka, yuzu purée, pineapple, lemon, and orange. Sunset is the best time to visit, but arrive early to beat the queue at the inclinator. In-house guests enjoy VIP access and prime seats.

Nestled alongside a handful of other bars on Jalan Gunawarman, this speakeasy draws in Jakarta’s most stylish crowds. Experimental cocktails are the name of the game here, with an emphasis on aromatic, herbal, and floral flavours with ingredients like fig, coriander, and chamomile. You can’t help but feel relaxed amongst the sumptuous interiors, made homely by its wood features and warm lighting. And did we mention that A/A Bar regularly hosts live music sessions, whether with DJs, bands or jazz groups? 

This speakeasy-style cocktail parlour sits on the second floor of an unassuming building tucked down one of Canggu’s side streets. Step into The Shady Fox and you’ll be transported from tropical Bali to 1930s London. Oozing with vintage charm and glamour, the bar is themed around roulette and late-night entertainment where you can let loose with their weekly events and live music nights. The bar is helmed by Ado Đozovic, who whips up favourites like the Queen of Heart (Rp 155,000) made with berry gin, cherry liqueur, simple syrup, and red wine, and the Buona Sera Signorina (Rp 180,000) made with tequila, coffee, cinnamon, vanilla, cloves, and horchata. Take note that it’s guestlist only, and you’ll need to DM them on Instagram for the password.

Right across the street from its award-winning sister restaurant Locavore, the Night Rooster is the perfect spot for pre or post-meal drinks in Ubud. The inventive cocktail menu was conceived by Raka Ambarawan (known locally as the ‘King of Cocktails’), and it uses local ingredients like fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices. They look complicated on paper but go down smoothly. An excellent place to start is Ashes (Rp 165,000), a heady blend of vodka, whiskey, homemade fortified wine, blowtorched dehydrated fruit, palm sugar, and burnt cinnamon bark, with a side of molasses cracker and smoking pine cone. Expect the food to be as impressive as Locavore’s, with standout dishes like deviled eggs, corn dogs, and sweet-and-sour braised rabbit leg with kimchi mayonnaise.

You'll find this bar and dance club located in the G88 Building (an abandoned plane converted into a lifestyle hub). 1959 was a huge year, from NASA’s launch of Pioneer 4 (the first US spacecraft to leave Earth’s gravitational field), to the release of Marilyn Monroe’s Some Like It Hot. The cocktails in 1959 are themed around the events that took place during this time. At the helm is head mixologist Dimas Mahendra, who concocts elixirs like the Monroe-inspired Incurably Romantic (Rp 160,000), a combination of tequila, spice syrup, lemon, basil jalapeño, and frothy albumen. Or try Viva La Revolucion (Rp 150,000), a nod to Fidel Castro, with spiced rum, banana, jackfruit, and lemon. Catching up with a big group? Book the VIP room – complete with comfy sofas – for an intimate space away from the crowds.

Towering above the city on the 67th floor, Henshin is the highest rooftop restaurant and bar in Jakarta. With indoor and outdoor seating, as well as a private dining area on the 69th floor, guests can take in incredible 360-degree views of the city while they dine on Nikkei cuisine, a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian food. An open-kitchen concept allows you to watch the chefs in action, led by head chef Diana Matute. Some signature dishes to order include chaufa karaage (Rp 280,000) and lomo saltado (Rp 555,000). Otherwise, go for the tasting menus (from Rp 1,300,000 per person) to sample the best of everything.