For history lovers, checking out Jakarta historical sites should definitely be at the top of their list of things to do in Jakarta. And if you can relate to this, you’ve come to the right place! Luckily, there are tons of cool landmarks in Jakarta to satisfy your curiosity. Keep scrolling to discover some historical sites in Jakarta.
1. Sunda Kelapa
Forget the usual tourist traps—Sunda Kelapa Jakarta is one of the historical places in Jakarta that offers a fresh take on the past. The highlight at Sunda Kelapa is the impressive line-up of traditional wooden phinisi ships, recognized by UNESCO as cultural treasures.
If you’re curious, the ship owners are usually around and more than happy to give you a tour, explaining the history and mechanics.
- Address: Jl. Maritim No.8, Penjaringan, North Jakarta
- Opening Hours: Open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Entrance Fee: Rp7,000 (USD 0.44) per person (additional fees may apply if you want a guided tour)
2. Rumah Si Pitung
Want to meet Jakarta’s Robin Hood? Head over to Rumah Si Pitung! Here, you can dive into the life of Si Pitung, a local hero who fought against Dutch rule. It’s a great way to explore the history of Jakarta from a slightly unique angle.
If you’re lucky, there’s even a chance to see a Betawi pencak silat performance—a traditional martial art that’s as beautiful as fierce, just like Si Pitung!
- Address: Jl. Kampung Marunda Pulo, Marunda, Cilincing, North Jakarta
- Opening Hours: Open Daily from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Entrance Fee: Rp5,000 (USD 0.31) per person
3. Wayang Museum
The Wayang Museum is a treasure trove of wayang—puppets—that bring legendary tales, myths, and epics to life. You’ll find all kinds—wayang kulit, wayang golek, wayang orang, and wayang klitik—from all over Indonesia, plus puppets from India, Thailand, and Malaysia.
The craftsmanship is stunning—so detailed it might leave you in awe!
- Address: Jl. Pintu Besar Utara No.27, Kota Tua, West Jakarta
- Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Entrance Fee: Rp5,000 (USD 0.31) per person
4. Taman Prasasti Museum
Do you want to dig into Jakarta’s history, which you won’t find in books? Head to Taman Prasasti! It’s an open-air museum set in an old Dutch cemetery from the 18th century, with gravestones that each have their own story. You’ll find names of important figures from that era and snippets about their lives.
Photography fans will love the chance to capture the unique headstone designs—everything from angel sculptures to marble obelisks and intricate reliefs!
- Address: Jl. Tanah Abang I No.1, Gambir, Central Jakarta
- Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Entrance Fee: Rp5,000 (USD 0.31) per person
5. National Archives Building
Love colonial history and vintage architecture? The National Archives Building is a must-see! This spot used to be home to high-ranking VOC officials in the 18th century, and it’s got all the classic details—big windows, carved wooden doors, tiled floors, and one-of-a-kind interior designs.
There are also some awesome old Jakarta photos to check out, giving you a better sense of life and the historical ties between Indonesia and the Netherlands.
- Address: Jl. Gajah Mada No.111, Krukut, Taman Sari, West Jakarta
- Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Entrance Fee: Free (there might be separate fees for special exhibitions or events)
6. Istiqlal Mosque
Islam is huge in Indonesia, and there’s no better spot to dive into it than Istiqlal Mosque. In fact, it’s the biggest mosque in Southeast Asia! It was even inaugurated by President Soekarno to stand for unity and tolerance.
They have guided tours too, so you can hear all about the mosque’s role and Islamic culture from the experts themselves.
- Address: Jl. Taman Wijaya Kusuma No.1, Gambir, Central Jakarta
- Opening Hours: Open daily from 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Entrance Fee: Free (there might be a small fee for guided tours)
7. Jakarta Cathedral
Catholicism has deep roots in Indonesia, too, and the Jakarta Cathedral is proof! Built around the 19th century, the church has a museum with a collection of old artifacts—vestments, church items, statues, and historical papers.
It’s a unique chance to see how Catholicism developed in a Muslim-majority country. If you’re up for it, attending a mass will give you a firsthand look at local Catholic traditions!
- Address: Jl. Katedral No.7B, Kecamatan Gambir, Central Jakarta
- Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Entrance Fee: Free
8. Taman Mini Indonesia Indah
Locals might see TMII as more of a tourist attraction in Jakarta than a historical site, but it deserves a shout-out! Why? Because you get to see mini versions of traditional houses from all over Indonesia in one place without leaving Jakarta! How cool is that?
Plus, there’s a museum if you want to dive deeper, so check it out!
- Address: Jl. Raya Taman Mini, East Jakarta
- Opening Hours: Open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Entrance Fee: Rp35,000 (USD 2.2) per person for general admission; Rp10,000 (USD 0.63) per person for the museum
9. Joang ’45 Museum
Indonesia went through some tough times under Japanese occupation, and if you want to see what it was like, Gedung Joang ’45 is the spot.
It’s a historic building that showcases the country’s fight for freedom, with a collection of photos, documents, and artifacts from those challenging times—a real eye-opener to the darker side of history.
- Address: Jl. Menteng Raya No.31, Menteng, Central Jakarta
- Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Entrance Fee: Rp5,000 (USD 0.31) per person
Done with a day of getting around Jakarta and diving into its past? Time to kick back at Sonar. You’ll find the perfect spot to relax with three unique concepts—Paraiso, Di Lusso, and Ukiyo. There’s nothing better than ending your day in a cozy, luxurious space that feels just like home!
There you go—ten excellent Jakarta historical sites that should be on your bucket list for an epic adventure. Hope you get to explore and soak up the city’s rich history!
