Things to Do in Jakarta: 3 Fun-Filled Days of Where to Go, Eat, and Stay!

Looking for the best things to do in Jakarta? Buckle up, Bob’s Bestie, there’s plenty to enjoy!

Jakarta, Indonesia’s bustling capital, is where the skyline shines, the food scene sizzles, and there’s always something exciting waiting around the corner. From exploring iconic landmarks to diving into the local art scene, Jakarta offers a myriad of activities that will both educate and thrill you.

For food lovers, this vibrant city is packed with hidden culinary gems that’ll keep you coming back for more. And yes, your cravings will follow you home!

Here are Bob’s top picks for where to stay, go, and eat in J-town, so you don’t have to do the heavy lifting. Without further ado, here are a few fun things to do in Jakarta for 3 days!

Read More: 14 Best Date Ideas in Jakarta: A Guide to Romance and Adventure

Day 1 – Cultural Experience

National Monument

Start your Jakarta adventure strong with a visit to one of the city’s most iconic landmarks—the National Monument, or as locals call it, Monas. This 132-meter-tall landmark stands proudly at the heart of the city, built to honor Indonesia’s fight for independence.

Topped with 35 kg of gold, Monas isn’t just iconic. Take the elevator up to the observation deck for a sweeping view of Jakarta’s skyline, or explore the historical exhibits inside the monument.

Surrounded by an 80-hectare park, the Monas area is perfect for a relaxed stroll, a scenic ride on the tourist tram, or a quick photo session under the tropical sun!

Address: Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat No. 12, Gambir, Jakarta 10110

Opening Hours: 8 AM – 10 PM

Ticket:

• Adults: Rp24,000 (approx. USD 1.50)
• Students: Rp13,000 (approx. USD 0.80)
• Kids: Rp6,000 (approx. USD 0.40)
• Entry to the park: Free

National Museum of Indonesia

Right across from Monas, the National Museum of Indonesia (locally called Museum Nasional) is a treasure trove of the country’s rich past, literally! It’s home to over 60,000 prehistoric and anthropological artifacts and 5,000 archaeological pieces from across Asia.

Nicknamed “Gedung Gajah” thanks to the bronze elephant statue at its entrance, this museum is a must-visit for history lovers and curious wanderers. Inside, you’ll find everything from fossilized human skulls to ancient gold-plated royal weapons. The highlight? The Treasury Room, filled with glittering jewelry and ceremonial objects. No photos allowed here, though.

Don’t miss the ceramics exhibit next door if you’re into artful details. The neoclassical architecture and indoor courtyard are also a dream for your camera roll!

Address: Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat No. 12, Gambir, Jakarta 10110

Opening Hours:

• Tue – Thu: 8 AM – 4 PM
• Fri: 8 AM –11:30 AM and 1 PM – 4 PM
• Sat – Sun: 8 AM – 5 PM
• Closed on Mondays and national holidays

Ticket:

• Locals: Rp5,000 (approx. USD 0.30)
• Children: Rp2,000 (approx. USD 0.15)
• Foreigners: Rp10,000 (approx. USD 0.60)

Lunch at Smriti Jakarta

If you’re into culinary storytelling with a vintage twist, Smriti Jakarta is your next stop. Tucked away in Gambir, this restaurant fuses traditional Indonesian flavors with a touch of global flair, all served in a setting that feels like you’ve stepped into a stylish train carriage from the past!

Smriti will charm you with its deep red drapes, carved wooden furniture, antique weaponry, and moody lighting. It’s like a feast for both your taste buds and your eyes. The Main Dining Room offers cozy rectangular tables, while private cabins are perfect for business lunches or karaoke nights. Yes, there’s a private karaoke room with its own toilet!

The menu? Think Rendang Steak, Mangut Salmon, Oyster Bakar, and Klepon Cake, a beautiful balance of heritage and innovation. You’ll even find cocktails infused with local ingredients like pare, jinten, and manggis!

Address: Jl. Tanah Abang Timur No.3, Gambir, Jakarta

Opening Hours:

• Mon – Thu, Sun: 10 AM – 11 PM
• Fri – Sat: 10 AM – 1 AM

Price/person: Rp250,000 (approx. USD 15)

Kota Tua Area

Wrap up your first day with a visit to Kota Tua, Jakarta’s Old Town, where time slows down and stories from the past come to life!

This historic district blends Dutch colonial architecture with vibrant street life, making it one of the most photogenic and educational things to do in Jakarta.

Start at Taman Fatahillah, the central square, where you can rent colorful sepeda onthel, snap photos, or just people-watch over street snacks. Around the square, you’ll find several must-visit museums such as:

• Museum Fatahillah: Former city hall, now a museum with underground colonial-era jails.
• Museum Wayang: Home to 4,000+ traditional puppets from Indonesia and beyond.
• Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics: Showcases Indonesian artwork and historical ceramics.
• Museum Bank Indonesia: A beautifully restored building telling the story of banking in Indonesia.
• Museum Bahari (a short ride away): Explores maritime history near Sunda Kelapa Port.
• Toko Merah: A bold-red colonial gem—great for photos, though entry is limited.

Address: Jl. Taman Fatahillah No. 2, Tamansari, Jakarta Barat

Opening Hours: Most museums open 8 AM – 4 PM, closed on Mondays

Ticket: Varies, most start from Rp5,000 (approx. USD 0.30)

Read More: Before You Visit: Do’s and Don’ts of Basic Indonesian Etiquette

Day 2 – Recreation Time

Pulau Seribu

Ready to swap skyscrapers for sunshine on your second day?

Just a short boat ride from the city, Pulau Seribu is the perfect escape from Jakarta’s urban rush. Despite the name, this “Thousand Islands” archipelago offers just enough islands to explore: peaceful, scenic, and refreshingly crowd-free!

Getting there is easier than you think. Budget-friendly boats depart from Kali Adem Port (Rp65,000 – Rp85,000 / approx. USD 4 – USD 5.50), while speedboats from Marina Ancol offer a quicker, comfier ride (Rp175,000 – Rp250,000 / approx. USD 11 – USD 16).

Here are Bob’s top picks for a breezy island-hopping day:

• Pulau Pramuka – Chill vibes, water sports, and calm shores.
• Pulau Putri – Visit the undersea tunnel aquarium or hop on a glass-bottom boat!
• Pulau Tidung – A favorite for snorkeling, diving, and white-sand beach strolls.
• Pulau Bidadari – Home to rare plants and a Dutch colonial fort (Martello).
• Pulau Harapan – Lush coral reefs and vibrant marine life await under the waves!

Bob’s pro tips: Don’t forget to bring extra sunscreen and a waterproof bag. Your camera will thank you later!

Read More: 8 Best Affordable Steaks in Jakarta That Will Satisfy Your Cravings on a Budget!

Day 3 – Where the Cool Kids Hang

Dunia Fantasi (Dufan)

Kick off your final day in Jakarta with a rush of adrenaline at Dufan (Dunia Fantasi), the city’s legendary amusement park in Ancol. From wild coasters to gravity-defying spins, Dufan’s got thrills for every level of daredevil!

Here are Bob’s must-try for heart-racing fun:

• Tornado: 360° flips in the air. Chaotic, disorienting, and iconic!
• Hysteria: Shoot up 60 meters, then drop straight down. Free-fall fans, this one’s for you!
• Halilintar: A classic roller coaster packed with speed, twists, and sharp drops!
• Kicir-Kicir: Sounds cute, but spins you silly. Get ready to lose all sense of direction!

The bonus? These rides are all included with the regular ticket! Bob’s quick hacks: Arrive early to beat the queue and save the Kicir-Kicir for last!

Address: Jl. Lodan Timur No.7, Ancol, North Jakarta

Opening Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM

Ticket:

• Weekday: Rp275,000 (approx. USD17)
• Friday: Rp300,000 (approx. USD18.50)
• Weekend: Rp400,000 (approx. USD25)

Museum MACAN (Modern and Contemporary Art in Nusantara)

After the thrills of Dufan, how about a change of pace? Head to Museum MACAN, one of Jakarta’s most beloved art spaces, where creativity takes center stage. This modern museum showcases paintings, installations, sculptures, and multimedia works from both Indonesian and international artists.

Think Affandi, Raden Saleh, Yayoi Kusama, Banksy, and Basquiat. Yes, they’ve all been here!

Exhibitions rotate frequently, so whether you’re a returning visitor or a first-timer, there’s always something new to catch. From immersive rooms to head-turning installations, Museum MACAN is the kind of place that sparks thought, reflection, and a whole lot of photo options!

For the best experience, get your ticket online to skip the queue and check the current exhibit lineup while you’re at it.

Address: Jl. Panjang No. 5, Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta

Opening Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM (closed on Mondays)

Ticket:

• Regular: Rp100,000 (approx. USD 6.25)
• Students/Seniors: Rp90,000 (approx. USD 5.60)
• Children (3–12 years old): Rp80,000 (approx. USD 5)

Read More: Should You Stay at a Capsule Hotel? Let’s Dive Into Whether or Not It’s Worth a Try

Ice Juice Kedungsari

After a morning of visual inspiration, treat yourself to a hearty, homey lunch just 7 minutes away at Ice Juice Kedungsari, a low-key legend in Kebon Jeruk. This spot has been keeping locals happy for years with affordable comfort food and fresh, tropical juices.

Expect simple, satisfying dishes like Ayam Goreng Kalasan, Nasi Rames, Nasi Pecel, and Nasi Rawon. Pair it with their signature drinks, Kopyor Durian, Alpukat Kopyor, or classic mix juices that hit the spot on a hot Jakarta day!

It’s casual, quick, and a great way to experience local flavor without the fuss. Come before 5 PM, this place closes early, and the Kopyor Durian sells out fast!

Address: Jl. Perjuangan No. 2, Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta (next to RCTI)

Opening Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM

Price Range:

• Food: from Rp25,000 (approx. USD 1.60)
• Drinks: from Rp28,000 (approx. USD 1.75)

M Bloc Space

End your Jakarta adventure on a high note at M Bloc Space, a lively creative compound that’s equal parts artsy, edgy, and effortlessly cool!

Tucked in the heart of Blok M, this former Peruri (state-owned printing facility) has been transformed into a cultural playground for foodies, music lovers, and indie art enthusiasts.

Expect local boutiques, vinyl shops, exhibition spaces, and a whole row of eateries, from comfort food to craft coffee. By evening, the place comes alive with live music, poetry readings, film screenings, or even open-air DJ sets.

Check M Bloc’s socials before you go. There might be a pop-up gig or film night waiting for you!

• Address: Jl. Panglima Polim V No. 37, Melawai, Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta
• Opening Hours: 8 AM – 12 AM (hours vary per tenant, mostly close at 9 – 10 PM)
• Admission: Free entry, ticketed for certain events only

Bundaran HI

Wrap up your 3-day Jakarta escape with a breezy evening walk at Bundaran HI, a city icon that comes to life after dark. Short for Bundaran Hotel Indonesia, this roundabout isn’t just a traffic landmark; it’s a symbol of independence and one of the capital’s most photogenic spots.

Surrounded by skyscrapers, five-star hotels, and high-end malls like Plaza Indonesia and Grand Indonesia, the area buzzes with energy day and night. Come during sunset or early evening when the dancing fountain lights up, perfect for snapping skyline shots or people-watching from the sidelines.

Try to visit on a Sunday morning during Car Free Day, when the whole area transforms into a pedestrian paradise filled with joggers, street performers, and food stalls. Zero cars, 100% vibes!

• Location: Intersection of Jl. Jenderal Sudirman & Jl. MH Thamrin, Central Jakarta
• Opening Hours: Open 24/7
• Admission: Free!

Looking for an Affordable Stay in Jakarta?

Make your Jakarta getaway even more memorable with a stay at Bobobox, where comfort, convenience, and cool tech vibes come together! Are you exploring solo or tagging along with a travel buddy? Our smart pods are the perfect place to rest and recharge!

With seven Bobopod locations across Jakarta, you’ll always be close to the action! From Bobopod Kota Tua, Bobopod Juanda, Bobopod Pancoran, Bobopod Tanah Abang, Bobopod Kebayoran Baru, Bobopod Thamrin to Bobopod ITC Kuningan, each location puts you right where you want to be!

Book your stay via the app and discover a smarter way to travel. And hey, don’t miss out on Bobobox Travel Week 2025, our biggest promo of the year! Score amazing deals and stand a chance to win lucky draw prizes like smartphones, luggage, and more. Time to pack your bags and maybe win some!

 

Writer: Ratna Asih
Featured photo: Eko Herwantoro via Unsplash