Things to do in Jakarta (2024): Experiences & Activities

Discover the vibrant heart of Indonesia with our guide on the top things to do in Jakarta. As the bustling capital city continues to evolve, so do the myriad of experiences and activities it offers to locals and visitors alike. From cultural gems and historical landmarks to modern attractions and culinary delights, Jakarta promises a diverse tapestry of adventures. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a foodie eager to explore the culinary scene, or someone seeking the pulse of contemporary urban life, there's an activity out there for you in the sprawling heart of Indonesia.

Sandwiched between urban train lines, the thriving Chinatowns and shopping malls lives Jakarta’s Kota Tua (Old City). Home to some of the biggest amusement parks, luxurious hotels, and oldest buildings in the city, Kota Tua is a must-visit for any tourist or new resident of the city. To keep things simple, the NOW! Jakarta editorial team recommends that you visit Fatahillah Square, a lively plaza that occasionally hosts events such as traditional dance shows. Adorning the plaza are plenty of places to visit and experience and to help you find your way around the old city, this is what we’d recommend for a half-day (or if you want to walk and cycle around the old town, a day) trip up North:

Need more guidance? Here's our Visitor's Guide to Kota Tua.

With a myriad of cuisines developed over Indonesia’s thousands of islands, the archipelagic nation’s dishes are one of its cultural highlights. While tasting this diverse palette of flavors is one of life’s many joys, it’s just as fun learning how to cook Indonesia’s iconic dishes. If you’re already a budding MasterChef of Indonesian plates, why not try your hand at another Asian specialty or International cuisine?

Here’s a list of some of the places offering regular cooking classes:

As Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta has an extensive history having survived several kingdoms, sultanates, and colonial conquests. Much of the records documenting this history have been lost but the ones that do remain are exhibited in the city’s many museums. If you’re looking to explore them, here’s a list of museums you could visit within a day or two in Jakarta’s central and Western regions:

If traveling around the city is too much for you, why not dive into Indonesia’s indulgent shopping centers and malls? Mall culture is big in the capital (and other major cities in Indonesia), and it’s one of the top things to do in Jakarta. Below we’ve got a list of some of the most popular and newest malls in the city. 

As one of the more distinctive things to do in Jakarta Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (or just Taman Mini) is a classic East Jakarta day trip. With easy access by the toll road, this sprawling theme park brings together all aspects of Indonesian culture into one centralised hub. It was recently revitalised in 2022 to update the park with more capacity and close down irrelevant attractions. Traditional Indonesian buildings from all over the archipelago border the centerpiece of the park: a miniaturized map of Indonesia immortalised in a lake. Dotted around this 146-hectare park are various museums, attractions (like the bird park), warungs (a small Indonesian eatery), and Indonesian restaurants. There’s so much more to explore to this park but ensure you visit on a weekday: national holidays and weekends are notoriously busy and overcrowded.