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Jakarta First-timer Guide
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items Jakarta is huge, so it can be difficult to know what is actually worth adding to a first trip. This is a simple list of places to eat, things to see, and hotels in useful areas, depending on your budget and the side of the city you want to experience...
Map
Sections
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Food to try
Places to visit
Where to stay
Food to try
A mix of Jakarta classics, old-school spots, street food, and a couple of nicer Indonesian restaurants. You don’t need to try everything, but these are good places to start.
A classic place to try soto Betawi, one of the dishes Jakarta is known for. I’d start here if you want something warm, filling, and actually local to the city.
Soto Betawi H.Ma'aruf
This is a very Jakarta kind of dinner: busy, casual, and full of flavour. Get the lamb fried rice if you don’t mind a strong, spiced dish.
Nasi Goreng Kambing Kebon Sirih
The rice comes in small banana-leaf portions, so you can order a few and choose your own side dishes. Simple, filling, and a good dinner option around Central Jakarta.
Nasi Uduk Kebon Kacang Zainal Fanani
An old-school place for gado-gado with a simple setting and no need to overthink the order. A good pick when you want something lighter than another plate of fried rice or meat.
Gado Gado Bonbin
Worth adding while you’re exploring Glodok. Get the iced coffee and have it with breakfast or noodles rather than treating it like a modern coffee-shop stop.
Kopi Es Tak Kie
A nicer option for Indonesian food, especially for dinner with family or someone visiting from abroad. The beautiful old house is a big part of the experience here.
Plataran Menteng
A good choice for a more modern Indonesian dinner. I’d add this when you want a proper sit-down meal rather than another street-food stop.
Kaum Jakarta
Places to visit
Jakarta isn’t really a city where you need to tick off every landmark. These places give you a good mix of history, culture, food neighbourhoods, and modern city life.
A good first stop if you want some context on Indonesia before exploring more of the city. It covers a lot, so give yourself enough time rather than rushing through.
MONAS (Monumen Nasional)
Go earlier in the day before it gets too hot and crowded. Walk around the square, choose one museum to visit, and then continue to Glodok for food.
Kota Tua & Fatahillah Square
One of the better areas to explore on foot, especially if food is part of the plan. You’ll find temples, old shops, markets, and small places to eat around the area.
Glodok Chinatown Market & Petak Sembilan
A better pick for an evening than adding another museum or monument. There’s plenty of food, coffee, music, and people-watching, and the area is easy to reach by MRT
Blok M & M Bloc Space
Where to stay
Where you stay makes a big difference because getting across Jakarta can take time. These options cover different budgets and areas, from central and practical to more modern and upscale.
The location is the main reason to choose it. It sits at Bundaran HI and connects directly to Grand Indonesia, so getting around or finding food doesn’t require much planning.
Hotel Indonesia Kempinski Jakarta
Another very convenient luxury option around Bundaran HI. The malls and MRT are within walking distance, which helps a lot when you only have a few days in Jakarta.
Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta
A less formal option in the Thamrin area, with a more creative look than a typical business hotel. Good for someone who wants to stay central without choosing one of the large luxury hotels.
Artotel Thamrin Jakarta
A practical choice if food is a priority. It’s right around the Sabang area, so there are plenty of places to eat nearby while you’re still based in Central Jakarta.
Ashley Tang Menteng
One of the more affordable options on this list. The Harmoni location works well for reaching Monas, the National Museum, Kota Tua, and Glodok.
Yello Hotel Harmoni