Indonesia · City Guide
Jakarta
Jakarta is Indonesia's vast and energetic capital, a megacity of over 10 million people combining outstanding contemporary art and museum culture, an extraordinary street food and restaurant scene representing the full diversity of Indonesia's regional cuisines, the historic Dutch colonial quarter of Kota Tua, excellent shopping and a creative scene that has made it one of Southeast Asia's most dynamic urban destinations. From the National Museum and Istiqlal Mosque to the rooftop bars of SCBD, Jakarta rewards extended exploration.
Elect's take
"Jakarta has an energy and a culinary diversity that I find genuinely compelling. As the capital of the world's largest archipelago nation, the city brings together the food and culture of thousands of islands in a way that no other Indonesian destination can match."
The National Museum houses Indonesia's finest collection of archaeology, ethnography and history including outstanding bronze and stone artefacts. Istiqlal Mosque is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia, an impressive modernist building accommodating up to 200,000 worshippers. Kota Tua, the old Dutch colonial quarter, provides beautiful Dutch architecture around Fatahillah Square including the excellent Jakarta History Museum. The food scene in Jakarta is the most diverse in Indonesia, with restaurants representing Javanese, Sumatran, Sundanese, Balinese and dozens of other regional cuisines alongside an outstanding contemporary fine dining scene. The Senayan and SCBD districts provide excellent shopping, dining and nightlife.
Best time to visit
How to get there
What to expect
National Museum
Indonesia's finest archaeology and ethnography collection with outstanding bronze artefacts.
Istiqlal Mosque
The largest mosque in Southeast Asia, accommodating up to 200,000 worshippers.
Kota Tua
Jakarta's beautiful old Dutch colonial quarter around Fatahillah Square.
Indonesian Regional Cuisine
The most diverse food scene in Indonesia representing dozens of regional culinary traditions.
SCBD District
Jakarta's most fashionable area for shopping, dining and contemporary nightlife.
Archipelago Gateway
The capital bringing together the cultures of the world's largest archipelago nation.
