Is Jakarta worth visiting?
Yes, there are many reasons to visit Jakarta. Everyone should experience this amazing city, and we loved our stay here.
Whether you're a traveling as a family, a couple, or a backpacker, this city has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the great museums and attractions and amazing food.
Jakarta is the huge capital city of Indonesia. Most visitors pass through quickly, or avoid the city completely, but if you spend some time here, it actually has a lot to offer. Visitors are often split on their opinion of Jakarta. Some people love it and some, well, they don't. The city is large and diverse, with incredibly friendly people and an authenticity that is missing from many of the more touristy parts of Indonesia.
Jakarta, Indonesia
6 Reasons to Visit Jakarta
1. Museums and Attractions
There's a huge number of museums around town like the National Museum, Museum Layang-Layang, and Museum MACAN. There's also Merdeka Square, which is one of the world's biggest public squares and Istiqlal Mosque, which is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia.
The Fatahillah Museum is known for its comprehensive exhibits on Jakarta's history. ($0.30)
Istiqlal Mosque is known for its massive size and architectural beauty. (Free)
2. Food
There are so many different cultures represented in Indonesian cuisine, and you'll find them all in Jakarta. The food stalls, restaurants, and casual eateries all have their own flavor and style, which makes dining in this mega-city a true adventure.
3. Shopping
The city is filled with high end luxury malls where you can buy the latest fashions and many international brands. Around town you'll also find everything from local handicrafts to chic boutiques and grand international chains.
4. Nightlife
It's a huge city, so there's a very active nightlife scene, but it's mostly focused on locals and not tourists like you'll find elsewhere in Indonesia. For the best nightlife district, head to Kemang, which has many bars and clubs.
5. The Costs
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Jakarta might be a very affordable destination for you. Check out the travel costs for Jakarta here or see if Jakarta is expensive here.
6. Authenticity
Jakarta has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Jakarta worth visiting in the Summer?
The high season for travel in Jakarta is the summer, so expect to see more tourists than usual. Even though this destination is not very touristy, in the high season it's busier than usual because this is when most visitors come here.
The activities of the city are numerous, and this is a great time of year to explore all of them. From family-friendly attractions to romantic getaways, as well as budget-friendly things to do, there's something for everyone. Famous landmarks, museums, tours, and more are all available. During this season it's fun to experience the museums and landmarks, the big city activities, and the nightlife.
Is Jakarta worth visiting in the Autumn?
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Jakarta, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.
Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. This is a great time of year to wander through the museums and enjoy the city's energy.
Is Jakarta worth visiting in the Winter?
Winter is the low season for travel in Jakarta. This destination is not very touristy, so in the low season it can become fairly quiet.
You'll find plenty to do during winter, as you'll be able to browse through museums, taste delicious cuisine, and grab some drinks at a bar. Also, you can check out the big city activities.
Is Jakarta worth visiting in the Spring?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Jakarta. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.
During this season it's fun to experience shopping, the famous sights and museums, and the nightlife scene.
Things to Consider Before Visiting Jakarta
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
Related
What is Jakarta most famous for?
Jakarta is most famous for its diversity, culture, cuisine, and mega-malls. People visit this impressive city for its great museums and attractions, food, and shopping. It is also known for its great nightlife. It is often described as friendly, diverse, genuine, and sprawling.
What is the most famous sight in Jakarta?
The most popular sight in Jakarta is Istiqlal Mosque. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Jakarta on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Istiqlal Mosque and other attractions here.
How touristy is Jakarta? Is it a popular city to visit?
Jakarta is an off-the-beaten-path city that many travelers overlook. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Private Tour Baduy Village: $130
- Jakarta Private City Tour with Obama School visit: $65
- Watercolor & Wellness : A Healing Art Therapy Experience: $29
- Jakarta Walking Tour with Public Transportation Visiting Sites: $45
- 1 Day Motorcycle Tour To Citorek Banten West Of Java: $177
- Highlights of Jakarta City : Half-Day Tour All around Jakarta: $55
- City Tour Jakarta with Private Guide: $80
- The Secret Society of Batavia - Walking Tour: $63
How long should I spend in Jakarta?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Jakarta is one to three days. Since Jakarta has activities such as museums and attractions, dining, and shopping, many visit for up to three days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Jakarta? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Jakarta?.
More Things to Do in Jakarta
- Are The Thousand Islands Worth Visiting?
- Is Ancol Dreamland Worth Visiting?
- Is Taman Mini Indonesia Indah Worth Visiting?
- Is The National Monument (Monas) Worth Seeing?
- Is Kota Tua (Old Town) Worth Visiting?
For guided and organized tour options, check out The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Indonesia and The Best Wildlife Tours to Indonesia.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.