Top Things to Do in Jakarta

About the City

Jakarta, Indonesia can be likened to a lively mosaic brimming with contrasts. Envision a bustling metropolis where skyscrapers reach for the clouds, acting as steel and glass sentinels standing guard over the vibrant streets. Here, the aroma of tantalizing street food beckons from every corner, promising a culinary odyssey with flavors bold and spices galore. The city pulsates with a dynamic energy, driven by the thrumming of motorbikes and the melodious blend of conversations in Bahasa Indonesia. Malls offer a shopper's paradise, with labyrinthine corridors filled with local and international treasures. Yet, Jakarta also invites you to uncover its historical jewels, from the old town Kota Tua's glimpses into the past to the proud Monas tower, a symbol of independence. Despite its allure, Jakarta has its share of trials. Traffic congestion is a daily symphony of horns and patience, while the ever-looming presence of the wet season demands respect from residents and umbrellas alike. Environmental challenges poke at the city's vast urbanization with reminders of their urgency. Still, at the heart of Jakarta's whirlwind of sights and sounds lie the warm, resilient spirits of Jakartans who navigate the metropolis with a fusion of grace and gusto, reminding us that life, here, is as flavorful and diverse as the archipelago in which it dwells.

Things to Do in Jakarta

Feast on Bebek Goreng

Food & Drink

Get ready for a quackin' good time chowing down on Bebek Goreng, Jakarta's crispy fried duck! With skin so crispy it snaps, crackles, and pops to the tunes of your munching, and meat so tender it almo...

Rolling Rides

Outdoors

Gather your squad and zip around Jakarta on rollerskates or rollerblades! Feel the city vibe on wheels as you breeze past traffic, all while showing off your smoothest moves. Great for a little cardio...

Rollin' Down Jakarta

The Unexpected

Strap on your rollerblades and glide through the city with the rolling squad! Cruise down the boulevards, dodge pedestrians, and wheel your way to a rollin' good time.

Treasure Hunt in J-Town

The Unexpected

Channel your inner Indiana Jones and embark on a treasure hunt across Jakarta's bustling markets. Your mission: find hidden gems among the piles of spices, textiles, and antiques. Ready, set, haggle!

Sync Your Heartbeat with Betawi Dance

The Unexpected

Let's get rhythmic, folks! Learn the traditional Betawi dance moves from the friendly locals. Don't be shy; sway those hips, shake it off, and laugh your heart out as you step to the cultural beat of ...

Play Hide and Seek with History

The Unexpected

Ready of a game of hide and seek, but with a historical twist? Navigate through the maze of colonial mansions and ancient structures nestled in the heart of Jakarta. Shhh... the walls have ears and ta...

Kite Flying Free-for-All

Outdoors

Let's go fly a kite, up to the highest height! Channel your inner Mary Poppins and let your spirits (and kites) soar in Jakarta's breezy open spaces. Get creative with your kite designs – the sky's re...

Splash and Sprint at The Beach

Outdoors

Hit the sandy shores for some sun, sea, and sprints! Whether you're a beach bum or a fitness fanatic, Jakarta's coastline offers the perfect combo of workout and wipeouts. Sprint along the shore, plun...

Breezy Rooftop Relics

Outdoors

Sneak away to a rooftop garden and watch the world whirl below you. It's the green escape you never knew you needed. Discover the pockets of peace above the city's hustle, where you can chill, chat, a...

Urban Trail Blazers

Outdoors

Lace-up those sneakers for an urban hiking adventure! Jakarta's concrete jungle hides some sweet spots where you can stroll, sweat, and sightsee all in one go. Perfect for city slickers who want a tas...

Slurp on Pempek

Food & Drink

Dive into the chewy wonder of Pempek, Jakarta's beloved fish cake from Palembang that's a blast in your mouth with its tangy, vinegary sauce. Pempek comes in various shapes and sizes, each with its ow...

Jive with Java at the Wayang Museum

Sights

Step into the shadowy world of puppetry at the Wayang Museum and let the ancient Javanese stories enchant you. These aren't your grandma's puppets; they're pieces of cultural cool, animated with tales...

Heritage Hunt at Gedung Kesenian Jakarta

Sights

Step into the cultural heart of Jakarta at Gedung Kesenian! This historic theater will charm your pants off with its neoclassical architecture and rich lineup of performances that'll have you clapping...

Culinary Quest at PIK Avenue

Sights

Loosen your belt and embark on a mouthwatering journey down PIK Avenue. This culinary hot spot is where you'll taste the rainbow of Indonesian cuisine, one plate at a time. From spicy to savory and sw...

Sunset Gaze at Ancol Dreamland

Sights

Squish the sand between your toes and let the ocean whisper sweet nothings to you at Ancol Dreamland. As the sun dips into the sea, painting the sky with a thousand hues, you'll know life's good when ...

Fashion Foray in Thamrin City

Sights

Put on your walking shoes and dive into the colorful chaos of Thamrin City! This shopping mecca is a maze of boutiques, batik stalls, and fashion finds that will make your wallet tremble with exciteme...

Chow Down on Soto Betawi

Food & Drink

Prepare your soup spoons for a comforting dive into Soto Betawi, Jakarta's hearty and aromatic beef soup. Milky from coconut milk, this beloved broth is zesty with a touch of lemongrass and a thrillin...

Gorge on Bakso

Food & Drink

Get your slurp on with Bakso, the meatball megastar that bounces in a savory soup sea. With its chewy texture and mysterious meaty depths, each spoonful brings you closer to declaring your undying lov...

Indulge in Gado Gado

Food & Drink

Toss your diet out the window and indulge in Gado Gado, Jakarta's to-die-for salad that comes with a twist. Drizzled with a rich peanut sauce, it's a funky conga line of boiled veggies, tofu, and temp...

Urban Jungle Photo Trek

The Unexpected

Grab your camera and capture Jakarta's wild side on a photo trek through chaotic street markets, lush rooftops, and hidden graffiti haunts. It's a visual feast that'll challenge your snapping skills, ...