Looking for things to do in Bandung? Known as the City of Flowers, Bandung is not only beautiful but also lively and full of adventure. This highland city in West Java blends cool mountain air, colonial charm, creative cafes, and volcanic landscapes—all in one destination.
From sunrise hikes to street food alleys and art spaces, this guide covers the must-see activities to make the most of your time in Bandung. Each destination is accessible, making your journey in Bandung easy, even if it’s your first time.
Don’t believe it? Here are the top things to do in Bandung that will guarantee an unforgettable trip!
How Many Days in Bandung?
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Bandung is the third-largest city in Indonesia, so we recommend spending around 3–4 days for a balanced and fulfilling experience. This timeframe will allow you to explore the city’s main attractions with ease while also leaving room for leisure activities.
Additionally, it will also give you time to venture out of the town’s borders, going as far as the hills and mountains. These areas, like Lembang and Ciwidey, are known to be some of Bandung’s natural gems.
Getting Around Bandung
There are several convenient ways to get around and explore Bandung. Here are the best options:
1. Rental Cars
Rental cars are ideal for those who prefer flexibility in their travel arrangements. This will allow you to explore Bandung without having to wait for taxis or get caught in the rain, considering the town is famous for its unpredictable weather changes.
2. Ride-Hailing Services
If you still want to be flexible with your time but save money at the same time, you can choose ride-hailing services. Apps like Grab, Gojek, and InDriver are available to serve you in Bandung for 24 hours.
3. Public Transport
This last one is reserved for those who seek adventure on a budget! Getting on public transport such as buses, angkot (public minivan), or trains will allow you to explore every nook and cranny of the city.
However, you have to be more patient with this one, knowing how jam-packed Bandung can be at times.
7 Things to Do in Bandung for First-Timers
Bandung is a huge place with lots and lots to explore. Not sure what to do first? Here are seven things to try if you’re new to the city!
1. Walk Around Braga Street
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- Address: 3JJ5+WQV, Jalan, Braga, Sumurbandung, Bandung City, West Java 40111
- Opening hours: 24 hours
Braga Street is an iconic destination and a must for anyone exploring things to do in Bandung. Often referred to as the “Little Dutch” of Bandung, this historic street is lined with preserved colonial buildings, lending it a unique European ambiance. The street is alive with art galleries, vintage shops, and colorful murals, making it a favorite spot for photographers and culture lovers alike.
You’ll find a variety of restaurants and cafes along Braga, such as Braga Permai, which has been serving classic dishes since 1923, and the hip Café Braga Art Café, popular for its creative menu and local artwork. For those interested in history, visit the Grey Art Gallery & Gold Bricks Cafe, where you can admire works by local artists or catch an exhibition. At night, Braga transforms into a lively social hub with bars and live music venues, offering plenty of fun things to do in Bandung after dark.
Don’t miss the street food vendors selling local snacks like batagor (fried fish dumplings) and pisang molen (banana pastry). Braga Street is open 24 hours, but the best time to visit is in the late afternoon or evening when the atmosphere is at its peak.
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2. Explore Alun-Alun Bandung
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- Address: Jl. Asia Afrika, Balongede, Kecamatan Regol, Kota Bandung, Jawa Barat
- Opening hours: 24 hours
Just a short walk from Braga, Alun-Alun Bandung is the city’s main square and a central gathering point for locals and visitors. The square is surrounded by lush lawns and features the iconic Grand Mosque of Bandung, with its twin minarets and striking architecture. The area is always buzzing with activity, from street performers and pop-up markets to family picnics and cultural events.
In the evenings, Alun-Alun comes alive with a bustling night market. Here, you can browse stalls selling everything from local handicrafts and clothing to delicious street food like martabak and sate. The square is also a popular spot for community events, parades, and festivals, especially on weekends and holidays.
For a unique perspective, climb to the top of the mosque’s minaret for panoramic views of Bandung’s cityscape. Alun-Alun Bandung is open 24 hours, and entry to the square is free, making it one of the most accessible things to do in Bandung.
3. Shop in Pasar Baru
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- Address: Jl. Otto Iskandar Dinata No.152, Kb. Jeruk, Kec. Andir, Kota Bandung, Jawa Barat 40181
- Opening hours: 10 AM–06 PM
Pasar Baru is Bandung’s oldest and most famous market, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and wide selection of textiles, batik, and handicrafts. A visit here is a must for anyone interested in shopping or experiencing local culture. The market is a multi-story maze of stalls offering everything from traditional fabrics and clothing to souvenirs, shoes, and accessories.
Vendors are friendly and open to bargaining, so don’t hesitate to negotiate for the best price. For foodies, Pasar Baru also offers a variety of local snacks and sweets, such as peuyeum (fermented cassava) and kue cubit (mini pancakes). The market is open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM.
Pasar Baru is a great place to observe daily life in Bandung and pick up unique gifts to take home. Exploring the market is one of the fun things to do in Bandung, especially if you enjoy discovering hidden gems and mingling with locals.
4. Check Out Lengkong Night Market
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- Address: 3JG8+FVX, Jl. Lengkong Kecil, Paledang, Kec. Lengkong, Kota Bandung, Jawa Barat 40261
- Opening hours: 6 PM–3 AM
For a taste of Bandung’s vibrant nightlife and culinary scene, head to Lengkong’s Night Market. As the sun sets, Lengkong Kecil Street transforms into a bustling food haven, with stalls and carts selling a diverse range of Indonesian and international dishes. You’ll find everything from Korean barbecue, steak, and Japanese soufflé pancakes to local favorites like nasi goreng, seblak, bakso (meatball soup), and fried baby crabs.
The market operates from 6 PM until 12 AM, making it a perfect spot for late-night cravings or a post-adventure meal. The lively atmosphere is enhanced by live music, street performers, and the constant buzz of locals and tourists enjoying the food and company.
Lengkong’s Night Market is also known for its affordable prices and generous portions, making it a favorite among students and young travelers. Visiting this night market is one of the most fun things to do in Bandung, especially if you want to experience the city’s street food culture at its best.
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5. Relish Bandung’s Signature Restaurants
Photo: Gijon Steakhouse via Instagram
Bandung’s culinary scene is as diverse as its culture. The city is home to a wide range of signature restaurants, from traditional Sundanese eateries to trendy international bistros. Sampling local cuisine is one of the essential things to do in Bandung, and there’s no shortage of options to choose from. Some of the must-visit restaurants include:
- Dapoer Pandan Wangi: Famous for its Sundanese menu and traditional setting.
- Raja Sunda: Offers classic Sundanese dishes in a family-friendly atmosphere.
- Warung Nasi Bu Imas: Renowned for its authentic flavors and generous portions.
- Alas Daun: Unique for its “eat with your hands” concept and fresh, organic ingredients.
- RM Ampera: A Bandung institution serving Sundanese favorites since the 1960s.
- Plataran Bandung: Blends Indonesian classics with a modern twist in a stylish venue.
- Gijon Steakhouse: Perfect for meat lovers craving a hearty steak.
- Nonna Osteria: Serves Italian comfort food in a cozy setting.
- Paskal Food Market: A vibrant food court with a diverse selection of local and international dishes.
Many of these restaurants are located near popular attractions, making it easy to plan a culinary adventure as part of your exploration of things to do in the Bandung area
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6. Explore Ciwidey’s Tea Plantation
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- Address: Ciwidey, Kabupaten Bandung, Jawa Barat
- Opening hours: 24 hours
For a change of pace, escape the city and head to Ciwidey, located about an hour’s drive south of Bandung. This region is famous for its rolling tea plantations, cool mountain air, and stunning natural scenery. The tea fields stretch as far as the eye can see, creating a sea of green that’s perfect for photography and relaxation.
Visitors can take guided tours of the plantations, learn about the tea-making process, and sample fresh tea straight from the source. Popular plantations include Rancabali Tea Plantation and Walini Tea Plantation, both offering scenic walking trails and panoramic viewpoints.
Ciwidey is also home to other attractions like Kawah Putih (the White Crater), a surreal volcanic lake with turquoise waters, and the hot springs of Cimanggu and Ranca Upas. Exploring Ciwidey’s tea plantations and natural wonders is one of the most refreshing things to do in the Bandung area, especially for nature lovers and families.
Photo: Bobobox Internal Asset
Just a 10-minute drive from Kawah Putih and Rancabali Tea Plantation, Bobocabin Ranca Upas, Bandung, offers a perfect blend of comfort and nature. Each cabin is smart-equipped—think mood-lit interiors, Bluetooth speakers, and a Smart Window that transforms sunrise into a daily show—while outside, a private campfire, shared kitchen, and serene lake set the stage for those chill, memorable evenings.
Wake up to crisp mountain air (10–26 °C!), sip hot tea from your kettle, then step out to explore the emerald tea terraces and volcanic scenery that make Ciwidey one of the most scenic regions near Bandung. Whether you’re recharging with a loved one or bonding over deer-feeding at Kampung Cai, Bobocabin Ranca Upas brings warmth, tech, and lakeside charm to your tea-plantation escape.
Also Read: From Mental Clarity to Physical Fitness: The Incredible Benefits of Hiking
7. Visit Lembang and Its Greenery
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Lembang, situated in the northern highlands of Bandung, is renowned for its cool climate, lush landscapes, and wide range of outdoor activities. The area is surrounded by pine forests, tea plantations, and scenic hills, making it a popular destination for weekend getaways and family outings.
Top attractions in Lembang include:
- Great Asia Africa: A cultural theme park showcasing replicas of landmarks from Asia and Africa.
- Floating Market Lembang: Offers a unique shopping and dining experience on the water, with boats selling local snacks and souvenirs.
- Farmhouse Susu Lembang: Features European-style architecture, petting zoos, and fresh dairy products.
- Kebun Begonia: A colorful flower garden perfect for photos and picnics.
- Orchid Forest Cikole: Home to thousands of orchid species and eco-friendly walking trails.
Lembang is also known for its fresh produce, including strawberries, corn, and vegetables, which you can pick yourself at local farms. Visiting Lembang and its greenery is one of the most fun things to do in Bandung, offering a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty.
Bobocabin Cikole, Bandung, offers a cozy forest getaway just minutes from the Orchid Forest and Tangkuban Perahu volcano, nestled among pine trees and crisp mountain air. After exploring Floating Market Lembang or breezing through Kebun Begonia, return to gather around your outdoor fireplace, sip a hot drink, or roast marshmallows under the stars.
Whether you’re packing up after strawberry‑picking or adventure‑park thrills, Cikole’s cabins provide the perfect place to unwind. It’s a fresh take on Lembang lodging—comfortable, tech‑savvy, and perfectly positioned for those seeking both nature and convenience.
Experience Modern Comfort at Bobopod Bandung
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After a day packed with exploring the best things to do in Bandung, there’s nothing better than unwinding in a comfortable, modern space. Bobopod Bandung offers a unique accommodation experience that blends futuristic design with cozy comfort. Each pod is equipped with adjustable lighting, air conditioning, Bluetooth speakers, and smart controls through the B-Pad, ensuring a restful night’s sleep after your Bandung adventures.
Conveniently located near major attractions like Alun-alun Bandung, Istana Plaza, Cihampelas Walk, and Mall 23 Paskal, Bobopod is the perfect base for exploring the city. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or on a business trip, Bobopod’s flexible room options and tech-savvy features make it a top choice for modern travelers.
Special Offer: Bobobox Travel Week 2025
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For the ultimate Bandung adventure, make Bobopod Bandung your home base. Enjoy modern comfort, smart amenities, and a convenient location close to all the action. Ready to explore? Download the Bobobox app now and unlock exclusive deals for your next stay at Bobopod Bandung. Your perfect Bandung escape starts here!
Featured photo: Rifqi Ali Ridho via Unsplash
Writer: Syifa Nuri Khairunnisa
