Looking for off-the-beaten-path things to do in Jakarta? You’re in the right place! Skip the usual touristy spots you’ve heard about a million times, and check out our list of activities that’ll make your trip unique.
Scroll down to see the 10 best things to do in Jakarta for every kind of traveler below!
1. Taste Jakarta’s Best Bites at Pasar Baru
What are things to see and do in Jakarta? One of them is to taste Jakarta’s best bites at Pasar Baru.
Let’s be real—trying out something new, especially food can feel a little scary. But hey, that’s the kind of thing that makes vacations stand out, right? If you’re feeling adventurous, make your way to Pasar Baru in Central Jakarta and dive into the local food scene.
Check out famous snacks and foods like Cakue Ko Atek, Bakmi Gang Kelinci, and Pondok Bakso Loncat. You don’t have to spend a fortune—meals go from as low as Rp15,000 (USD 0.94) up to Rp70,000 (USD 4.39) a pop, depending on the stall.
2. Take a Short Trip to Thousand Islands
Wondering what to see in Jakarta, especially in the outer part of the region? If city life isn’t your thing and you’d rather chill with nature, Thousand Islands is calling your name! There’s a ton to do, but diving is the main attraction. You’ll get to see some fantastic coral reefs and loads of marine life.
Head to Pramuka Island, Sepa Island, or Pari Island for the ultimate adventure. They’re perfect spots whether you’re just starting out or already a diving pro.
3. Live the Betawi Life at Setu Babakan
Looking for exciting things to do in Jakarta in the morning? Early risers, Setu Babakan in South Jakarta is where you want to be!
Start your day with a relaxing boat ride on a lake while the morning’s still nice and cool. You’ll also get to explore traditional Betawi homes, munch on local treats like kerak telor, and sip on bir pletok. It’s a super chill way to enjoy the authentic Betawi village atmosphere—definitely not your typical Jakarta morning!
4. Join a Batik Workshop
Learning about batik is one of many fun things to do in Jakarta, especially if you’re into local culture. If you want to try making your own, the Textile Museum in Tanah Abang has got you covered! They have workshops where you can dive into the basics.
But don’t rush off just yet—before you leave, take a moment to explore their batik collection from different parts of Indonesia. It’s definitely worth checking out!
5. Dive into Jakarta’s Past at Fatahillah Museum
Among Jakarta historical sites, Fatahillah Museum tops the list if you’re interested in diving into the city’s history. It’s the perfect spot to learn about the city’s roots, from the prehistoric days to the Sundanese Kingdom and the Dutch colonial era.
You can take a guided tour to really understand how Jakarta grew over the years. And don’t worry about language—there are English-speaking guides to make sure you get all the good stuff!
6. Marvel at Indonesia’s Cultural Diversity at TMII
A trip to Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) should be on your bucket list of things to do in Jakarta for a day. Trust us, you’ll need an entire day to enjoy TMII fully—it’s massive! At 150 acres, it’s almost as big as Epcot Center in Florida.
With a whole day to spare, you can explore the pavilions representing various regions of Indonesia. While it’s not just about Jakarta, it’s an awesome way to get the big picture of Indonesia’s rich heritage.
7. Explore Jakarta’s Creative Front at Art:1 New Museum
Flying solo and wondering what things to do in Jakarta alone? Why not swing by Art:1 New Museum? Jakarta’s not all about tradition—this city’s got a super creative side too! Located in Central Jakarta, Art:1 showcases modern and contemporary art from both local and international artists.
It’s not just about paintings; you’ll also get to explore interactive art installations that’ll give you a new visual and emotional experience.
8. Shop at Grand Indonesia
What’s a trip without some shopping, right? Swing by Grand Indonesia Shopping Town in Thamrin to pick up some cool souvenirs for your friends and family. This place is massive, so you’ll definitely find whatever you’re looking for, and everything’s top quality.
And if you’re in the mood for some designer shopping, they’ve got brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Prada too. Go ahead and shop ‘til you’re ready to drop!
9. Savor Global Delights
With Jakarta being such a melting pot, it makes sense that you can find all kinds of popular restaurants in Jakarta offering global flavors! If you’re feeling a bit homesick, these restaurants might just be the perfect spot to grab a bite of some good ol’ soul food and feel right at home.
First up, there’s Hakkasan, where you can enjoy real-deal Chinese food with a fancy twist. For those French cravings, Le Quartier is a must-try, loved by Jakarta foodies. And if pizza and pasta are what you’re after, Mamma Rosy is the place to be!
10. Relax Your Body and Mind at the Spa
After all the cool, unique things to do in Jakarta you’ve experienced, why not unwind with a soothing spa treatment?
If you’re ready to get back to familiar luxury, treat yourself to an international spa at one of the city’s top hotels. But if you’re still in the mood for something a little different, check out spots like Gaya Spa Wellness or Ame Spa—perfect for a one-of-a-kind, relaxing experience.And there you have 9 awesome things to do in Jakarta that’ll make your trip unforgettable! Want to make your stay extra special? Spend your days at one of Sonar’s three spots—Paraiso, Di Lusso, or Ukiyo. No matter which one you pick, you’re guaranteed to feel right at home, but with that extra touch of elegance.
