Old Jakarta

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 €50 per night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov
€50
includes taxes & fees
17 Nov - 18 Nov
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! (300 reviews)
"Cleanliness,staff are nice, limited food option and traffic around the area is bad"

Reviewed on 31 Oct 2024

Holiday Inn & Suites Jakarta Gajah Mada, an IHG Hotel
Hotel Orchardz Jayakarta
Hotel Orchardz Jayakarta
3.5 out of 5
Jalan Pangeran Jayakarta No. 44, Jakarta, Jakarta
The price is €34 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
€34
includes taxes & fees
16 Nov - 17 Nov
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Jakarta. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free area shuttle. Popular attractions National Monument ...
7.6/10 Good! (82 reviews)
"Great value for money. Breakfast was a pleasant."

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2024

Hotel Orchardz Jayakarta
Mercure Convention Center Ancol
Mercure Convention Center Ancol
4 out of 5
Jl. Pantai Indah - Ancol Jakarta, Jakarta
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €62 per night from 11 Nov to 12 Nov
€62
includes taxes & fees
11 Nov - 12 Nov
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Jakarta. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Central Park Mall and Plaza Indonesia ...
7.2/10 Good! (186 reviews)
Nice but no wifi
"Nice get away from the city. Save and quiet area. Internet wifi terrible"

Reviewed on 18 Feb 2024

Mercure Convention Center Ancol
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
The price is €45 per night from 6 Nov to 7 Nov
€45
includes taxes & fees
6 Nov - 7 Nov
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! (254 reviews)
"Hotel is too isolated in the middle of the expo centre. There are no eateries around the hotel unless you drive out. It is unsafe to come back alone to hotel. If you are stranded any where in the expo if you plan to walk in, you will be rob. It is dark and feeling unsafe. Restaurant for breakfast ..."

Reviewed on 1 Jun 2024

Holiday Inn Express Jakarta International Expo, an IHG Hotel
Mercure Jakarta Kota
Mercure Jakarta Kota
4 out of 5
Jalan Hayam Wuruk 123, Jakarta, Jakarta
The price is €35 per night from 19 Nov to 20 Nov
€35
includes taxes & fees
19 Nov - 20 Nov
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Jakarta. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Central Park Mall and Plaza Indonesia ...
7.6/10 Good! (343 reviews)
"Nice, spacious hotel with staff willing to help with the best they can"

Reviewed on 30 Sep 2024

Mercure Jakarta Kota
Novotel Jakarta Gajah Mada
Novotel Jakarta Gajah Mada
4 out of 5
Jl Gajah Mada No 188, Jakarta, Jakarta
The price is €47 per night from 9 Nov to 10 Nov
€47
includes taxes & fees
9 Nov - 10 Nov
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Jakarta. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Central Park Mall and Plaza Indonesia are ...
8/10 Very Good! (348 reviews)
Novotel assures
"After checking into another hotel and finding it filthy (I wont be using OYO ever again) the predictable standards of a chain like Novotel were just what I needed. Veey good price with a pool and very clean. Not the greatest location."

Reviewed on 20 May 2024

Novotel Jakarta Gajah Mada
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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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 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 Sarinah Mall and National Monument, and you can get around town on the metro at Bundaran HI MRT Station.

Central Jakarta

Old Jakarta

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