Old Jakarta Travel Guide

Jakarta

Old Jakarta
Old Jakarta
Old Jakarta
Old Jakarta
Old Jakarta

While wandering the atmospheric streets of the city’s historic center visit eclectic museums and uncover the colonial origins of Jakarta.

Old Jakarta (Kota) is where Jakarta’s Dutch colonial years began in the 1600s. Formerly known as Batavia, this neighborhood features Dutch- and Chinese-influenced architecture, markets, museums and lively squares. The Dutch East India Company established Old Jakarta in 1619. It grew into one of the most resplendent Dutch colonial towns. Today, visit the area to glimpse life in Jakarta prior to the onset of modern skyscrapers.

The neighborhood’s heart is Fatahillah Square, a paved plaza framed by grandiose colonial palaces. This was once the administrative center of Batavia. From here the Dutch East India Company controlled much of its trading activity. Enjoy a relaxed drink or hearty lunch in Café Batavia in an exquisite 19th-century building. Its art deco and teakwood furnishings recreate the ambiance of Dutch colonial years.

Explore the museums surrounding Fatahillah Square. Housed in the former town hall is the Jakarta History Museum, which covers everything from prehistoric to colonial and independence history. Learn about the art of Javanese puppetry at the Wayang Museum. Browse superb exhibits at the Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics.

Follow the square’s adjoining tree-lined streets, many home to handicraft stalls and colorful food carts. Sample local snacks such as siomay bandung (fish dumplings and peanut sauce) and gado-gado (vegetable salad with peanut sauce). About a 10-minute walk north of the square is Kota Intan Bridge. Built in the 17th century, it is one of Indonesia’s last surviving Dutch-built wooden drawbridges.

South of the main square is the Museum Bank Indonesia. Find interactive exhibits that retrace Indonesia’s financial and trading past. Nearby is the impressive Jakarta Kota Station. Continue south to Jakarta Chinatown, a lively district of confectionary stores, electronics retailers, teahouses, temples and restaurants.

Reach Old Jakarta easily via public buses, trains and taxis. Consider renting a bike at Fatahillah Square and cycling to the city’s old port, Sunda Kelapa. Admire the array of brightly painted fishing boats and see a slice of seafaring history at the Museum Bahari Maritime Museum.


Popular places to visit


Top hotels in Old Jakarta

Mercure Jakarta Kota

Mercure Jakarta Kota

4 out of 5
Jalan Hayam Wuruk 123, Jakarta, Jakarta
The price is ₹2,731 per night from 8 Nov to 9 Nov
₹2,731
₹3,305 total
8 Nov - 9 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Jakarta. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Central Park Mall and Thamrin City Shopping ...
7.8/10 Good! (379 reviews)
Nice
Everything is nice. Location, personnel, breakfast - very good. The only note is the bathroom stuff would be nice to update

Reviewed on 6 Oct 2025

Mercure Jakarta Kota
Holiday Inn Express Jakarta International Expo by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Jakarta International Expo by IHG

3.5 out of 5
Jalan Pekan Raya Jakarta Pintu 6, Kemayoran, Jakarta, Jakarta
The price is ₹2,462 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
₹2,462
₹2,979 total
16 Nov - 17 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Jakarta. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (289 reviews)
nice hotel

Reviewed on 16 Aug 2025

Holiday Inn Express Jakarta International Expo by IHG
Holiday Inn & Suites Jakarta Gajah Mada by IHG

Holiday Inn & Suites Jakarta Gajah Mada by IHG

4 out of 5
Jl. Gajah Mada No. 211, Jakarta, Jakarta
The price is ₹3,693 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
₹3,693
₹5,001 total
26 Oct - 27 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Jakarta. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (429 reviews)
Yati the Pastry Chef was exceptional. He always greeted us and spent time recommending various foods.

Reviewed on 22 Sept 2025

Holiday Inn & Suites Jakarta Gajah Mada by IHG
Mercure Convention Center Ancol

Mercure Convention Center Ancol

4 out of 5
Jl. Pantai Indah - Ancol Jakarta, Jakarta
The price is ₹4,232 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
₹4,232
₹5,121 total
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Jakarta. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Central Park Mall and Grand Indonesia ...
7.2/10 Good! (193 reviews)
It was a good experience thank you

Reviewed on 12 Sept 2025

Mercure Convention Center Ancol
Putri Duyung Ancol

Putri Duyung Ancol

3 out of 5
Jl. Lodan Timur No 7, Jakarta, Jakarta
The price is ₹2,812 per night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov
₹2,812
₹3,483 total
17 Nov - 18 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Jakarta. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge) and a free local area shuttle. Popular attractions Central Park Mall and ...
7.2/10 Good! (75 reviews)
need renovation

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2024

Putri Duyung Ancol
Novotel Jakarta Mangga Dua Square Hotel

Novotel Jakarta Mangga Dua Square Hotel

4 out of 5
Jalan Gunung Sahari Raya 1, Jakarta, Jakarta
The price is ₹3,960 per night from 23 Nov to 24 Nov
₹3,960
₹4,791 total
23 Nov - 24 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Jakarta. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Central Park Mall and Grand Indonesia are ...
7.8/10 Good! (507 reviews)
.

Reviewed on 23 Sept 2025

Novotel Jakarta Mangga Dua Square Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Old Jakarta

Old Jakarta

Ancol

Unique features of Ancol include the seaside views and restaurants. Make a stop by Dunia Fantasi or Allianz Ecopark Ancol while you're exploring the area.

Ancol
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Mangga Besar

Bars and shopping are notable features of Mangga Besar. You might consider stopping by Plaza Glodok while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Mangga Besar
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Taman Sari

Shopping, historical sites and spas are some highlights of Taman Sari. Make a stop by Mangga Dua Square or Pasar Baru while you're exploring.

Taman Sari
Istiqlal Mosque which includes modern architecture and a square or plaza

Gambir

Monuments, museums and shopping are some highlights of Gambir. Make a stop by Merdeka Palace or National Monument while you're exploring.

Gambir
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Grogol

4/5(1 area review)

Shopping, art galleries and spas are just a few things travellers enjoy about Grogol. Check out Central Park Mall or Taman Anggrek Mall while you're exploring the area.

Grogol
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Central Jakarta

Central Jakarta is popular for its popular shops. Explore top sights like Jaksa Street and Sarinah Mall, and you can get around town on the metro at Bundaran HI MRT Station.

Central Jakarta


Old Jakarta Travel Guide