Old Jakarta

Jakarta
Old Jakarta featuring a river or creek
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

OYO Townhouse 2 Hotel Gunung Sahari
OYO Townhouse 2 Hotel Gunung Sahari
2.5 out of 5
Jl. Gunung Sahari Raya No.33, Gunung Sahari Utara, Sawah Besar, Jakarta, Jakarta
Fully refundable
The price is RM56 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
RM56
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this hotel in Jakarta. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Popular attractions Pasar Baru and Lapangan Banteng are located nearby. Discover ...
3/10 (2 reviews)
Not so recommended if you dun get discount
"1. Staffs was friendly, but room was filthy. Found cockroaches and ants colony in the room. The hotel staff nicely try to offer replacement rooms, but its condition is about the same. Sorry, I will not back. 2. Internet was horrible. Keep disconnected somehow when your gadget (laptop/ipad/iphone) ..."

Reviewed on 21 Jan 2023

OYO Townhouse 2 Hotel Gunung Sahari
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 RM189 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
RM189
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Jakarta. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (186 reviews)
"Nice hotel and great location"

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2024

Holiday Inn & Suites Jakarta Gajah Mada, an IHG Hotel
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 RM129 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
RM129
per night
6 Apr - 7 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Jakarta. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Golf Bandar Kemayoran Jakarta ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (229 reviews)
"Good service and location, room size are quite big, good breakfast"

Reviewed on 26 Mar 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 RM132 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
RM132
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Jakarta. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Plaza Glodok and Pancoran Chinatown Point ...
7.6/10 Good! (326 reviews)
You won't regret staying in Mercure.
"Had our stay for more than 2 weeks there during my Jakarta trip meeting my family in town. We had great stay in Mercure. The service was excellent, all staffs are friendly. House keeping team did fantastic job helping in cleaning our room. Overall, it is recommended staying in Mercure and you won't ..."

Reviewed on 4 Mar 2024

Mercure Jakarta Kota
Zuri Express Mangga Dua
Zuri Express Mangga Dua
3 out of 5
Jalan Mangga Dua Dalam No. 55 - 56, Jakarta, Jakarta
The price is RM106 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
RM106
per night
30 Mar - 31 Mar
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Jakarta. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Popular attractions Mangga Dua Square and Mangga Dua are ...
7.8/10 Good! (55 reviews)
Fair
"Overall a good hotel."

Reviewed on 2 Jan 2020

Zuri Express Mangga Dua
Novotel Jakarta Mangga Dua Square Hotel
Novotel Jakarta Mangga Dua Square Hotel
4 out of 5
Jalan Gunung Sahari Raya 1, Jakarta, Jakarta
The price is RM215 per night from 4 Apr to 5 Apr
RM215
per night
4 Apr - 5 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Jakarta. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions National Monument and Central Park Mall ...
7.8/10 Good! (452 reviews)
"Great central location to mall right next door to hotel"

Reviewed on 6 Feb 2024

Novotel Jakarta Mangga Dua Square 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 Allianz Ecopark Ancol while you're exploring the area.

Ancol
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Mangga Besar

Bars and shopping are notable features of Mangga Besar. You might consider stopping by Plaza Glodok while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Mangga Besar
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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


Old Jakarta