Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Jakarta?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Jakarta?
Many visitors spend one to three days in Jakarta during their trip. If you're not sure how much time you might need here, we have the answers because your journey calls for making the most of every moment. The city offers the chance to discover the big city activities, spend time at the museums, sample the delicious cuisine, and find the best deals at the shops.
Jakarta is the huge capital city of Indonesia. Most visitors pass through quickly, or avoid the city completely, but if you spend some time here, it actually has a lot to offer. Visitors are often split on their opinion of Jakarta. Some people love it and some, well, they don't. The city is large and diverse, with incredibly friendly people and an authenticity that is missing from many of the more touristy parts of Indonesia.
Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Jakarta? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is 3 days enough time in Jakarta?
With three days at your disposal, you'll have more than enough time to take in all that Jakarta has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel or use Jakarta as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can relax while enjoying the big city activities, the famous sights and museums, and the food at your own pace. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.
How to spend 3 days in Jakarta
With its diverse attractions, Jakarta awaits with plentiful neighborhoods, attractions, and activities. Set aside a day to explore the city's historical and cultural sites as well as the special neighborhoods that give the city its own personality. It's the largest city in Indonesia. Most visitors pass through enroute to somewhere else, or they avoid it altogether, but those who spend some time here will find a fantastically authentic city with great food, friendly people, and a rich diversity of cultures.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Jakarta City Tour : Shopping and Food Culinary Tour ($78)
- Jakarta Heritage of Old Batavia Private City Tour (Historical) ($65)
- Jakarta City Tour (Explore Highlights places & Local activities) ($65)
You'll absolutely want to spend some time enjoying the food scene in this city, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine for a meal or two. There are so many different cultures represented in Indonesian cuisine, and you'll find them all in Jakarta. The food stalls, restaurants, and casual eateries all have their own flavor and style, which makes dining in this mega-city a true adventure.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Jakarta City Tour : Shopping and Food Culinary Tour ($78)
- Fun Food Tour Jakarta ($30)
- Mangga Besar Food Tour ($49)
Plenty of amazing museums and famous landmarks make Jakarta a special place to visit. Spend at least one full day visiting the sights that are appealing to you. There's a huge number of museums around town like the National Museum, Museum Layang-Layang, and Museum MACAN. There's also Merdeka Square, which is one of the world's biggest public squares and Istiqlal Mosque, which is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Jakarta Half Day Museum Tour with Pottery Classes ($59)
- Jakarta Landmarks and Shopping Tour ($70)
- Jakarta City Tour: Historical Landmarks Private Tour All Inclusive ($90)
This city is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. It's a huge city, so there's a very active nightlife scene, but it's mostly focused on locals and not tourists like you'll find elsewhere in Indonesia. For the best nightlife district, head to Kemang, which has many bars and clubs.
Shopping in Jakarta is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. The city is filled with high end luxury malls where you can buy the latest fashions and many international brands. Around town you'll also find everything from local handicrafts to chic boutiques and grand international chains.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Jakarta City Tour : Shopping and Food Culinary Tour ($78)
- Jakarta Landmarks and Shopping Tour ($70)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Jakarta.
Is 4 days enough time in Jakarta?
Four days is more than sufficient for an in-depth trip to Jakarta, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. Enjoy the chance to discover the big city activities, spend time at the museums, sample the delicious cuisine, and find the best deals at the shops on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel or use Jakarta as a hub for some nice day trips in the surrounding area.
Jakarta, Indonesia
How to spend 4 days in Jakarta
If you have more than 4 days in Jakarta, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.
Perhaps the most famous place in Jakarta is Istiqlal Mosque, so don't miss it. It might not be at the top of your list, but it's worth experiencing during your trip.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Jakarta.
Is 5 days enough time in Jakarta?
Five days is more than enough time to see everything that Jakarta has to offer. Many visitors prefer to spend one to three days here, so you'll be able to take in all of the big city activities, the famous sights and museums, the food, and shopping at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then you can take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the area.
How to spend 5 days in Jakarta
Having 5 days in Jakarta will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the city.
After you've explored most of Jakarta, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
A few tour suggestions include:
- DAY TRIP TO BANDUNG CITY From Jakarta ($130)
- Private Full Day Trip to Taman Safari From Jakarta ($106)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Jakarta.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Jakarta, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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