📝Free Itinerary | 48 hours in Jakarta 🇮🇩
Quick note on getting around:
👉This itinerary assumes that you will get around by using ride-hailing apps such as Gojek, Grab, or Bluebird 🚖(the third is a taxi company but since you can also book taxis on demand via the Bluebird smartphone app, I'd consider them all in the same category). Grab and Gojek may be more familiar to you if you’ve travelled other parts of Southeast Asia, and they do offer auto-translation as the drivers may send you messages in Bahasa Indonesia.
👉Jakarta's public transport system is not the most convenient or comfortable for foreign travelers. Given that most car rides you will take should cost you under USD 5, I'd highly recommend just sticking to getting around by ride-hailing.
Day One
Let's start the trip with some highlights of Indonesian history and cuisine.
Morning
When I have guests in town, I like to take them to Kawisari Cafe & Eatery to start the day with a local breakfast. [Do note that there is no air-conditioning here.]
Other local cafes in the area you could check out:
After getting fueled up, head over to the National Monument of Indonesia or 'Monas' for short. Even Indonesians who visit from other parts of Indonesia don't consider a visit to Jakarta complete without stopping by here. Be warned it can get sunny though!
Depending on the time and your energy levels, you could also pay a visit to the Istiqlal Mosque 🕌 and Jakarta Cathedral ⛪ for some quick photos outside, alternatively hail a taxi to drive by them before heading to lunch.
Note: Kota Tua (Old Town)
You'll notice that I've left Kota Tua or the Old Town out of this morning's itinerary as there's simply not enough time. If you are keen to see Kota Tua, I would forgo Monas, Istiqlal Mosque, and Jakarta Cathedral as you'll need some time to head further up North. The square itself is small, and the Jakarta History Museum is in need of an uplift. However, you may find it interesting to pair a visit to Kota Tua with the nearby Glodok (Chinatown). On balance, I'd prioritise Monas, which is an icon of Jakarta.
Afternoon
Experience a traditional Padang meal for lunch at Natrabu Minang Restaurant. Don't be alarmed when the staff set out a spread of over ten different dishes once you and your party are seated - you'll only pay for what you eat. Alternatively if you're a solo traveler, it's perfectly acceptable to walk up to the front of the restaurant to point at the dishes you'd like to have and the staff will arrange everything neatly on a single plate for you 🍽️
This afternoon let's indulge in some 'mall time' 🛍️
For a more unique experience, check out Sarinah department store - Indonesia's very first department store (before the glitzy mega malls) which reopened in 2022 after a major revamp. Don't forget to check out Sari Sari in the basement for some local cakes and pastries (kueh-kueh).
If you're more interested in international and luxury brands, then try one of the following malls.
[That said, import taxes often make shopping from international brands less attractive in Indonesia - perhaps your shopping is better done in Singapore, just a 2-hour flight from Jakarta? Check out one of my other guides at the bottom of this page ⬇️]
No time for an afternoon nap while traveling, but we always have time for an afternoon coffee, one of my favourites is Giyanti Coffee Roastery ☕
Feel free to relax in this charming cafe and read a book or people-watch for the afternoon.
Evening
I've included several options for dinner depending on your mood and preference.
If you would like to try a local eatery, I highly recommend Ikan Tude Manado which specialises in grilled fish 🐟 served with sambal.
If you love heritage buildings, dine at Tugu Kunstkring Paleis.
Day Two
Morning
Today you'll head down south to the Kemang district, a gentrified neighbourhood peppered with cafes, furniture shops and restaurants.
Enjoy some brunch at Kommunal 88.
Shop for homeware and other Knick-knacks.
Afternoon
Don't leave Jakarta (or Indonesia) without trying one of their famed massages!
If you're up for a splurge, I've had numerous friends recommend the spa at Raffles Hotel.
If massages aren't quite your thing, spend some time at M Bloc Space - a former money printing factory transformed into a trendy lifestyle space. You'll find cafes, shops, and a little supermarket focussed on local products here. If you're lucky, you might find some local musicians playing too.
Evening
Wrap up your stay in Jakarta with dinner at Daun Muda Soulfood by Andrea Peresthu.
✨Have a fun 48 hours in Jakarta! ✨
Where to stay?
To beat the traffic in Jakarta, location is everything! I'd recommend staying in Menteng, Central Jakarta which is a residential neighbourhood close to the National Monument (Monas), has lots of cute cafes, and two huge malls (Grand Indonesia and Plaza Indonesia).
If you prefer something slightly quieter, The Hermitage is a good option.
If convenience is your thing, consider one of the following hotels located near the Bundaran HI MRT station.
How to dress?
There's just two things you should remember:
Jakarta is in Southeast Asia, which means there's really only two seasons - hot and rainy ☔, or hot and sunny ☀️ so come dressed in light and airy clothing.
Indonesia is the world's largest Muslim-majority country in the world 🧕While foreigners aren't expected to don a headscarf, you'll find that most men and women dress somewhat conservatively. Female foreigners can definitely get away with dressing in a tank top and shorts but I felt out of place being so under-dressed while living in Jakarta and generally preferred tops with some sleeves, and bottoms that reach my knees.
Want to see more of Southeast Asia?
I'll be updating this page with more guides on Indonesia and Singapore (my home country) soon so do subscribe for updates!
Meanwhile, check out my foodie's guide to Jakarta below:
And a guide to the non-touristy version of Bali:
If you found this helpful, feel free to click below ⤵️to leave a tip. I'd take it as an encouragement to keep offering my best travel advice to fellow travelers like you😊
The home for unique & authentic travel
