Old Jakarta

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

Things to do


Top hotels in Old Jakarta

Holiday Inn & Suites Jakarta Gajah Mada, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn & Suites Jakarta Gajah Mada, an IHG Hotel
4 out of 5
Jl. Gajah Mada No. 211, Jakarta, Jakarta
The price is S$69 per night from 9 Mar to 10 Mar
S$69
includes taxes & fees
9 Mar - 10 Mar
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Jakarta. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (336 reviews)
"near old chinatown and ancient town"

Reviewed on 3 Feb,2025

Holiday Inn & Suites Jakarta Gajah Mada, an IHG Hotel
Mercure Convention Center Ancol
Mercure Convention Center Ancol
4 out of 5
Jl. Pantai Indah - Ancol Jakarta, Jakarta
The price is S$77 per night from 23 Feb to 24 Feb
S$77
includes taxes & fees
23 Feb - 24 Feb
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Jakarta. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Pasar Baru and National Monument ...
7.2/10 Good! (187 reviews)
How can laundry cost that much ?
"Very nice , breakfast . The price to get your clothes laundered was outrageous. The best breakfast buffet for $5 usd and to get a couple pairs of underwear/ undershirts and socks was going to cost $20 usd !!!! Wow I could get my undies dry cleaned for less than that in the states!! But overall good ..."

Reviewed on 21 Nov,2024

Mercure Convention Center Ancol
Discovery Ancol
Discovery Ancol
4 out of 5
Jl. Lodan Timur No. 7, Jakarta, Jakarta
The price is S$74 per night from 2 Mar to 3 Mar
S$74
includes taxes & fees
2 Mar - 3 Mar
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Jakarta. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Pasar Baru and National Monument are located ...
7.2/10 Good! (55 reviews)
"Hotel is dated but clean and staff are friendly and approachable. Unfortunately there are lots of mosquitoes especially at the lobby area and guest receptions area. These are in the hotel and not outside. Best to eliminate this at its their first impressions when we come in and where guests sit around ..."

Reviewed on 26 Aug,2024

Discovery Ancol
Hotel 88 Mangga Besar 62 by WH
Hotel 88 Mangga Besar 62 by WH
3.5 out of 5
Jl. Mangga Besar Raya No. 62, Jakarta
The price is S$33 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
S$33
includes taxes & fees
1 Mar - 2 Mar
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Jakarta. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Pasar Baru and National ...
7.6/10 Good! (39 reviews)
"Aircondition not working, they not change the room also smoking in the room , I am asthma patient I request non smoking room but all room are smoking room there, I am not recommending any one to take that hotal, even you pay $20 more you get the 5 times better hotal in Jakarta in that area."

Reviewed on 25 Nov,2023

Hotel 88 Mangga Besar 62 by WH
Sparks Life Jakarta, ARTOTEL Curated
Sparks Life Jakarta, ARTOTEL Curated
4 out of 5
Jalan Mangga Besar No.42, Jakarta, Jakarta
Fully refundable
The price is S$48 per night from 13 Feb to 14 Feb
S$48
includes taxes & fees
13 Feb - 14 Feb
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Jakarta. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a nightclub. Popular attractions Central Park Mall and Plaza Indonesia ...
7/10 Good! (100 reviews)
Pas le meilleur choix
"Belle hotel dans un quartier qui a peu a offrir. Personnel souriant et disponible. Tres.bon service. La climatisation était impossible à contrôler. Belle piscine que nous n'avons pas n'utilisé."

Reviewed on 15 Feb,2024

Sparks Life Jakarta, ARTOTEL Curated
Holiday Inn Express Jakarta International Expo, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express Jakarta International Expo, an IHG Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Jalan Pekan Raya Jakarta Pintu 6, Kemayoran, Jakarta, Jakarta
The price is S$42 per night from 24 Feb to 25 Feb
S$42
includes taxes & fees
24 Feb - 25 Feb
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Jakarta. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (264 reviews)
"Had a pleasant stay at Holiday Inn Express Jakarta Simatupang for a night. The hotel offers great value for the price, making it a solid choice for a short stay. The room was clean, comfortable, and well-equipped with all the essentials. One of the highlights of this property was the nice new pool ..."

Reviewed on 3 Feb,2025

Holiday Inn Express Jakarta International Expo, an IHG 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 Pantai Marlin while you're exploring the area.

Ancol
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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
Old Jakarta

Jakarta Utara

If you're spending time in Jakarta Utara, check out sights like Dunia Fantasi or Mangga Dua and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Boulevard Utara LRT Station or Boulevard Selatan LRT Station.

Jakarta Utara
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 Istiqlal Mosque 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 Orchid Garden Mall or Central Park 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