Welcome to the metropolitan city of Jakarta, where you can find everything everywhere!
From exploring iconic landmarks to experiencing the local art scene, Jakarta offers a myriad of activities that will both educate and thrill you.
For food lovers, the capital city of Indonesia is home to a bunch of hidden gems that will leave you missing the town and coming back for more!
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of places to stay, go, and eat when you’re in J-town so you don’t have to. Without further ado, here are a few things to do in Jakarta for 3 days!
Things to Do in Jakarta for 3 Days
Day 1 – Cultural Experience
1. National Monument (Monas)
Photo: Affan Fadhlan via Unsplash
- Address: Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat No. 12, Gambir, Jakarta 10110 (Gmaps)
- Operating hours: 8 AM–10 PM
- Admission fee: Rp10,000 (1 USD)
Start your day with a visit to the iconic National Monument (Monas). The beauty of Monas lies in its architectural grandeur and symbolic significance of Indonesia’s independence.
The towering obelisk stands at a height of 132 meters, surrounded by a vast reflecting pool and trees that add to its visual appeal.
2. National Museum of Indonesia
- Address: Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat No. 12, Gambir, Jakarta 10110 (Gmaps)
- Operating hours: 8 AM–4 PM (closed on Mondays and national holidays)
- Admission fee: Rp15,000–30,000 (1–2 USD)
The National Museum of Indonesia is a place that focuses on the culture, history, and beauty of the country. The museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts, artworks, and traditional objects from all over Indonesia’s history.
Not only that, this museum is the ideal place for your Instagram feed as it features grand neoclassical architecture and beautiful indoor gardens.
3. Lunch
Choosing where to eat around the National Museum is quite hard considering there are plenty to choose from. Here are some of our recommendations:
- Dapur Babah Elite & Tao Bar (Gmaps)
- Penang Bistro Kebon Sirih (Gmaps)
- 91 Street Restaurant (Gmaps)
- Miyama Japanese Restaurant (Gmaps)
- Plataran Menteng (Gmaps)
4. Kota Tua Area
Photo: Rohim Ari via Unsplash
- Address: Jl. Taman Fatahillah No. 2, Pinangsia, Tamansari, Jakarta 11110 (Gmaps)
- Operating hours: 24 hours
- Admission fee: No tickets (free)
This area in Jakarta is known for its vibrant street art and murals, as well as the home of well-preserved buildings from the Dutch colonial era. The architecture features a very detailed decor, a blend of Dutch, Chinese, and Indonesian influences.
During day time, the street of Kota Tua is filled with tourists, meanwhile, as the sun sets, the street turns even more alive, accompanied by decorated lights as well as street performers.
While you’re here, you can also visit the museums that are located around the area, such as Museum Fatahillah, Museum Wayang, Museum Bank Mandiri, and Museum Bank Indonesia.
Day 2 – Recreation Time
1. Hutan Kota GBK
- Address: Pintu Tujuh Senayan, Jl. Jenderal Sudirman, RT.1/RW.3, Gelora, Kecamatan Tanah Abang, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10270 (Gmaps)
- Operating hours: 6 AM–10 AM and 3 PM–6 PM
- Admission fee: No tickets (free)
Hutan Kota GBK is a hidden oasis nestled within the bustling city of Jakarta. This urban green space offers a breath of fresh air, a sanctuary for nature lovers and city dwellers alike.
You can enjoy Jakarta’s highrise buildings while being sheltered by big trees. At the same time, you can also bring your picnic mat and relish a delightful meal in the heart of Jakarta.
2. Pulau Seribu
- Address: North of Jakarta, an hour from the city (Gmaps)
- Operating hours: 24 hours
- Admission fee: Ticket fee depends on places to visit and chosen activities on the island
Pulau Seribu Jakarta, also known as the Thousand Islands, is a breathtaking archipelago that showcases Jakarta’s tropical beauty.
With its pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, and vibrant marine life, Pulau Seribu provides a beachy getaway on the doorstep of a busy city.
Visitors can choose many activities, including snorkeling, diving, banana boating, or just walking along the beautiful shores.
Day 3 – Where the Cool Kids Hang
1. Dunia Fantasi (Dufan)
- Address: Jl. Lodan Timur No.7, RW.10, Ancol, Kec. Pademangan, Kota Jkt Utara, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 14430 (Gmaps)
- Operating hours: 10 AM–6 PM
- Admission fee: The regular ticket is Rp390,000 (USD 27), children’s ticket is Rp195,000 (USD 13)
Dufan, short for Dunia Fantasi, is an amusement park located in Jakarta. It offers a wide range of attractions and rides for visitors of all ages, from thrilling roller coasters to a family-friendly Istana Boneka ride.
They also have live shows, parades, interactive experiences, and musical performances to entertain everyone during their visit!
2. Museum MACAN (Modern and Contemporary Art in Nusantara)
- Address: Jl. Panjang No. 5, Kebon Jeruk, Jakarta Barat 11530 (Gmaps)
- Operating hours: 10 AM–6 PM (closed on Mondays)
- Admission fee: The regular ticket is Rp70,000 (USD 4.48), children’s ticket is Rp50,000 (USD 3.2)
Not in the mood for theme park rides? Spend your time observing international art installations at Museum MACAN.
Museum MACAN focuses on displaying paintings, sculptures, installations, as well as multimedia pieces from Indonesia and around the world.
Acclaimed artists such as Affandi, Raden Saleh, Damien Hirst, Jean-Michel Basquiat, David Hockney, Yayoi Kusama, and Banksy have had their pieces hung in the museum.
3. Lunch
Jakarta is known for its viral trendy places to hang out that also serve mouthwatering food. The places we’re about to recommend might not be close to one another but definitely packed with all the cool kids from the city.
Here’s our must-try Jakarta culinary list:
- Legend of Noodles (Gmaps)
- Bubur Cap Tiger (Gmaps)
- Futago Ya (Gmaps)
- Mike’s Pizza (Gmaps)
- Aged & Butchered (Gmaps)
- Osteria Gia (Gmaps)
- Shori Sushi (Gmaps)
- Mardin Fine Baklava Cafe (Gmaps)
4. M Bloc Space
- Address: Jl. Panglima Polim V No. 37, Melawai, Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta Selatan 12160 (Gmaps)
- Operating hours: 8 AM–12 PM (with some stores closing around 9–10 PM)
- Admission fee: No tickets, excluded certain events
M Bloc Space is a creative and cultural hub located in South Jakarta. The multi-purpose venue aims to support and showcase the local creative industry, be it fashion, culinary, or art.
5. Bundaran HI
- Address: Intersection of Jl. Jenderal Sudirman and Jl. MH Thamrin (Gmaps)
- Operating hours: 24 hours
- Admission fee: No tickets (free)
As a prominent landmark in Jakarta, Bundaran HI is a public space located in Central Jakarta. The monument represents the Indonesian struggle for independence and is a symbol of national pride.
Its strategic location offers easy access to surrounding shopping malls, hotels, restaurants, and other attractions. You can also hang around the monument and take pictures amongst the tall buildings surrounding it.
Looking for an Affordable Stay in Jakarta?
Create a more memorable experience in Jakarta by staying at Bobobox. The capsule hotel provides comfort in a futuristic pod that hosts one to two guests.
For your convenience, you can choose any pod across the city:
- Bobobox Pods Kebayoran Baru
- Bobobox Pods Pancoran
- Bobobox Pods Kota Tua
- Bobobox Pods Juanda
- Bobobox Pods Tanah Abang
Each pod is strategic and complete with easy access to Jakarta’s favorite destinations. So, book your stay via app and discover a new level of comfort and innovation that will leave you refreshed!
Writer: Samala Mahadi
Header image by: Eko Herwantoro via Unsplash
