Planning a trip and curious what to do in Jakarta in one day? This guide covers the very best things to do in Jakarta so you can have the perfect trip.
The capital city of Indonesia is a bustling metropolis home to over 10 million people. Located on the island of Java, Jakarta is well-known for its diverse population made up of Javanese, Malay, Chinese, Arab, Indian, and European cultures. On my trip to Bali, I decided to stop over in Jakarta to check out what this melting pot of a city had to offer visitors.
Jakarta is the type of place where people either love it or hate it. And I must admit, it is a city that shocks the senses with the immense number of people, insane number of scooters, and constant (but friendly) attention. However, I greatly enjoyed my time wandering Jakarta and I’m glad I was able to see a bit of Indonesia beyond Bali.
So if you’re a budget solo traveler headed to Jakarta, I hope this one day in Jakarta guide offers you some insight to have a great time!
↠ Read More: 20 Travel Tips for Indonesia!
Solo Female Travel in Jakarta
As nervous as I was about spending one day in Jakarta as a solo female traveler, I actually really quite enjoyed my time wandering around the city. I was a little concerned about being on my own after reading a few horror stories online, but I never once felt unsafe or uncomfortable while I was there.
As a tall, fair blonde woman, I did get a lot of attention, but it was all very friendly. Mostly shouts of hello and how are you? 🙂
If you trust your instinct and do what you can to set yourself up for success, it can be a good place to visit alone. A few of my key tips – never travel alone at night, look and act confident, and only take authorized or regulated taxis!
Where to Stay in Jakarta
Figuring out where to stay in Jakarta was a challenge. The city’s tourist attractions are quite spread out and a fair distance apart from one another.
I ended up staying at the budget hotel FaveHotel Wayid Hasim which was just fine. It was cheaper than the other options below and also put me in a more central location to what I wanted to see. I had my own private room and bathroom, which was what I needed after a full day of travel – it was totally satisfactory for a short 24 hours in Jakarta.
In the morning, I taxied to the furthest point in my route and committed myself to walking through my itinerary and eventually back to my hotel. When everything was said and done, I’d put in over 15 miles in the day!
Best Places to Stay in Jakarta:
Kosenda is a very charming boutique hotel. It’s located near the Plaza Indonesia shopping malls and has a restaurant on site serving up delicious offerings. This hotel is a little pricey, but is a beautiful place to stay if you have the budget!
Artotel is another widely recommended hotel in Jakarta. It’s located in the same neighborhood as Kosenda. Boasting great reviews and ratings, Artotel is another boutique hotel for those looking for artistic decor. Not the best option for budget travelers, but a beautiful place to spend the night.
Wonderloft Hostel has some of the best reviews for hostels in Jakarta. It’s located near Kota Tua and has budget-friendly prices. The decor of this place is also really hip and trendy and it offers a great base for Jakarta explorations.
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14 Best Things to Do in Jakarta, Indonesia
I spent 24 hours in Jakarta and got a good idea of what there is to do here. It was just enough to see the best of the city. If you’re also short on time, this can easily be turned into a one day in Jakarta Itinerary.
1. Visit the National Monument and climb to the top to see the city from above.
To go to the top of the National Monument, you’ll need to pay 20,000 rupiah ($1.50) per person. Inside there are a few different exhibits that showcase major events in the history of Indonesia, specifically related to its history of Dutch colonization. The line to get to the top can be long because they limit the number of visitors at a time. When I visited, it took about two hours to actually make it to the top.
2. Wander around Glodok and admire the vibrant temples.
Glodok, Jakarta’s Chinatown, is a vibrant neighborhood known today for its many electronic shops. Come wander and pop into the many vibrant temples, markets and shops that Glodok is also well-known for. The locals here were extremely friendly and excited to say hello!
3. Get lost in alleyways and fresh fruit markets.
One of my favorite things to do in a new city is to walk around without a destination. Take in the busy sights and sounds of Jakarta and turn down a street you may otherwise walk right past. The sights and smells of local street food in Jakarta fill your senses and the fresh produce markets are full to the brim of bright, fragrant fruit and produce.
4. Visit Kota Tua and stop by the Fatahillah Museum.
Kota Tua is the old part of the city that was the original downtown area of Jakarta. Come marvel at the old colonial-style buildings and take in the historical significance. Kota Tua was dubbed the capital of the Dutch East Indies during the 17th – 18th centuries. Pretty neat!
And while you’re here, pop into the Fatahillah Museum, also known as the Jakarta History Museum. The museum has exhibits covering the vast history of Jakarta all the way back to prehistoric days.
5. Stop by Sunda Kelapa Harbor.
Another area of Jakarta bursting with history, Sunda Kelapa was an early busy trading post that launched the Dutch control over Indonesia. Today it is considered a bit of a rough area, but offers a different look at Jakarta.
6. Shop at Pasar Baru, Jakarta’s oldest shopping center.
Near the National Monument, Pasar Baru is one of the oldest markets in Jakarta established in 1820. Stop by to see the various wares vendors offer such as beauty supplies, clothing, electronics and more.
7. Stop by Kopi Es Tak Kie for their famous iced coffee.
Kopi Es Tak Kie is a popular cafe known for its famous iced coffee. This cafe has been around since 1927 and has been visited by many celebrities. It’s the perfect place to pop in and take a break after exploring the Glodok area. For only 17,000 rupiah ($1.30) for delicious iced coffee, it’s well worth the stop!
So refreshing after a long day walking in the sun
8. Learn more about the city at the National Museum of Indonesia.
The National Museum covers the history of nearly all of Indonesia’s territories and has been actively working to preserve and exhibit Indonesia’s history over the course of two centuries. Located in central Jakarta, if you’re a history buff I recommend stopping by. Be sure to come earlier in the day, the museum closes at 4 pm.
9. Marvel at one of the largest mosques in Asia at the Istiqlal Mosque.
Istiqlal Mosque is an impressive place of worship that actually charts as the 6th largest mosque in the world. It was built to celebrate Indonesia’s independence and opened in 1978. You can find the mosque near the Merdeka Square in central Jakarta.
10. Stroll through Jakarta’s iconic Merdeka Square.
Merdeka Square is a spacious public space you’ll probably recognize as the location of the National Monument that towers from the center of it. It’s conveniently near many of the best things to do in Jakarta and is definitely worth the time.
11. Step into the Jakarta Cathedral.
Jakarta is a diverse city, and making time for its other religious landmark is a must. Built in 1901, this Roman Catholic cathedral is most recognized for its neo-Gothic architecture and eye-catching spires.
12. Snap photos at the lush Taman Mini Indonesia Park.
The Taman Mini Indonesia Park is a fantastical garden and recreational area devoted to showcasing the beauty of Indonesia. The grounds feature incredible local architecture, temples, and blooming gardens.
Not to mention the unique dinosaur structure that’s sure to grab your attention. The park is in East Jakarta, about an hour from the National Monument.
13. Shop til you drop at one of the city’s many markets.
Walking through one of Jakarta’s many markets is a great way to pass the time, grab a delicious local snack, a fresh fruit juice, and even a souvenir. I personally enjoy simply getting lost in a city to get better acquainted with it, and markets in Asia are a great place to do so.
Some of Jakarta’s best markets are Pasar Baru and Tanah Abang Market.
14. Grab a drink at Skye Bar and enjoy views from above.
Also located in central Jakarta, the Skye Bar is a great place to end your busy day exploring the city. Stop by for a drink or two and enjoy the sky-high views of Jakarta. Come at night to enjoy the sparkling city below.
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, if you click my links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission. Learn more on my disclosure page. Thank you for your support!
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