You’re wondering: where to stay in Jakarta. It’s a great question with a tough answer.
Jakarta is a city that never sleeps—chaotic, vibrant, and always full of action. From towering skyscrapers to cozy street food stalls, there’s always something going on here.
And because it’s such a huge city, you have quite a few options. Every neighborhood has its own vibe.
Do you want to be in the middle of city life, surrounded by gigantic shopping malls and a vibrant nightlife?
Or are you looking for a hip neighborhood with cool cafes and street art?
Maybe you’re traveling on a budget and want to stay smart without missing the highlights.
Don’t stress, we’ve listed the best places for you!
➡️ Monas (National Monument) – The iconic symbol of Jakarta with a great view over the city.
➡️ Kota Tua (Old City) – Colonial buildings, street performers and the best cup of coffee at Café Batavia.
➡️ Grand Indonesia & Plaza Indonesia – Two of the largest and most luxurious malls for shopping, dining and cinemas.
➡️ Menteng – A green neighborhood full of parks, art markets and stylish cafes.
➡️ Ancol Dreamland – A theme park and beach destination in one, perfect for a day of relaxation.
➡️ Glodok (Chinatown) – Narrow streets full of temples, street food and a unique mix of cultures.
Jakarta has had the MRT (subway) for a few years now, which connects parts of the city and is super handy for avoiding traffic jams.
You also have the TransJakarta buses, which have fast routes and often use a dedicated bus lane.
However, you can’t completely avoid the busy traffic in Jakarta.
Grab and Gojek (taxi and motorbike taxi apps) are the best options if you want to travel flexibly.
Want the real local experience? Try a ride in a bajaj (small three-wheeled taxi).
But with so much to offer, it can be difficult to choose the right neighbourhood to stay in.
Each neighbourhood has its own atmosphere, advantages and disadvantages, which we will discuss in the next section.
To make it even easier, we’ve included a detailed map at the end of this article with our recommended areas and must-see attractions.
Let’s start with a quick overview to help you find the perfect place for your stay.
The best areas to stay in Jakarta are Central Jakarta, Menteng, Kemang, and Kuningan.
These are by far the most popular areas for tourists.
If you stay in one of these areas, you’ll be fine and can easily explore the city.
However, as you might expect from a huge city like Jakarta, you have quite a few alternative options, such as Thamrin, Senayan, The Sudirman Central Business District (SCBD), Kota Tua, Pondok Indah, and Kemayoran.
Below, we’ll go into more detail about each of these recommended areas to help you decide which one is best for you.
⚠️ Tip: Tap the name of the area to jump straight to that section of the article for more information!
Central Jakarta – This is the heart of Jakarta, where you will find many of the city’s most famous landmarks, such as the National Monument (Monas), the Presidential Palace and the Istiqlal Mosque. There are also plenty of shopping and dining options in this area.
Menteng – Menteng is an upscale neighbourhood popular with both expats and locals. It is home to many embassies and foreign residences, as well as several cultural attractions such as the National Museum and Taman Suropati Park.
Kemang – This trendy neighborhood is known for its nightlife and artsy vibe. It’s a great place to find unique restaurants, bars and boutiques, as well as galleries and performance spaces.
Kuningan – Kuningan is a business and commercial district popular with both business and leisure travelers. It is home to several large shopping malls, as well as many international hotels and restaurants.
Thamrin – Thamrin is another business district known for its upscale shopping and dining options. It is also home to several luxury hotels, making it a popular choice for travelers looking for a bit of pampering.
Senayan – Senayan is a sports and entertainment complex with several large stadiums and arenas, a large shopping mall and numerous restaurants and bars.
SCBD – The Sudirman Central Business District (SCBD) is a modern and upscale area that is home to many international companies and embassies. It is also a popular nightlife destination, with several rooftop bars and clubs.
Kota Tua – Kota Tua, also known as Old Jakarta, is the historic center of Jakarta. It is home to many colonial-era buildings and museums, as well as several markets and street stalls.
Pondok Indah – Pondok Indah is a residential and commercial area popular with expats and affluent locals. It is home to several large shopping malls, as well as a golf course and a water park.
Kemayoran – Kemayoran is an emerging district with several new developments, including a convention center and an amusement park. It is also a convenient location for travelers attending events at the Jakarta International Expo.
This is the heart of Jakarta and one of the most popular areas for tourists.
Jakarta city center is home to many major attractions including the National Monument (Monas), Istiqlal Mosque and Jakarta Cathedral.
This is the major advantage of staying in this popular part of the city.
As you would expect from a central part of a city, it is well connected to other parts of the city, making it easy to explore various attractions.
The area has access to public transportation including buses, taxis and the TransJakarta Bus Rapid Transit system.
It is also known for its shopping malls and street markets.
Tanah Abang Market is one of the largest textile markets in Southeast Asia and offers a wide range of products at competitive prices.
The area offers a wide variety of culinary delights from street food vendors to high-end restaurants.
You can easily enjoy authentic Indonesian dishes and also explore international cuisine.
For many younger travelers, it’s good to know that Central Jakarta has a vibrant nightlife, with plenty of clubs, bars, and entertainment venues to suit all tastes.
As such a popular area, Central Jakarta offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels.
Throughout the year, Central Jakarta hosts a variety of cultural and festive events that let you experience Indonesian traditions and celebrations up close.
One last thing: Central Jakarta has a higher level of English proficiency among locals compared to some other parts of the city.
Is there anything you don’t like?
The traffic is incredibly annoying, so we highly recommend using the MRT and LRT systems as much as possible.
Because there are so many traffic jams, the pollution can be terrible at times, but this is also true of several other parts of the city.
And it’s noisy too.
Finally, Central Jakarta is relatively expensive compared to areas further from the city center, but there are definitely budget-friendly options.
This also applies to restaurants, bars, and hotels.
Who it’s for: Those who want to stay as central as possible.
Pros: Excellent access to public transportation, close to major attractions, great nightlife, higher level of English proficiency among locals.
Cons: Noisy, polluted, more expensive than other areas, traffic congestion.
Menteng is one of Jakarta’s oldest and most prestigious neighbourhoods, known for its colonial architecture, wide tree-lined streets and historic charm.
The area is home to several cultural attractions, including museums, art galleries and historical landmarks.
Places such as the National Museum of Indonesia and the National Gallery provide insight into the country’s culture and art.
Menteng is known for its green spaces and parks, offering a refreshing break from the bustling city atmosphere.
Taman Suropati and Taman Menteng are popular parks where you can relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Compared to the more hectic and busy parts of Jakarta, Menteng offers a more tranquil and luxurious atmosphere, making it an excellent retreat for those looking for a peaceful retreat.
Despite its tranquil surroundings, Menteng is still conveniently located near Jakarta’s city centre and major attractions.
You can easily reach other parts of the city via public transport or taxis.
Menteng is considered one of the safer neighborhoods in Jakarta, making it a good choice for those concerned about safety.
When comparing Menteng to the previous area, you should consider Menteng as a local experience.
Given Menteng’s more upscale and cosmopolitan environment and the fact that many expats choose to live here, English proficiency among locals is higher than in most other areas.
One of the advantages of being a colonial-era neighborhood is that there are quite a few unique accommodations, including boutique hotels and charming guesthouses.
What’s not to like about this area?
First, because it’s a prestigious neighborhood, Menteng is considered expensive.
Second, because it’s mainly a residential area, there’s no nightlife here.
Third, because it’s a colonial-era neighborhood, there’s a lack of modern amenities.
The last two points can easily be solved by taking public transport to the nearby city centre of Jakarta, which has an abundance of nightlife and modern amenities.
Who it’s for: Those looking for an authentic experience.
Pros: Historic charm, central location, quiet and upscale surroundings, safe environment.
Cons: Lack of nightlife, lack of modern amenities, considered an expensive area.
Kemang has a unique cosmopolitan atmosphere that attracts both locals and expats.
This diversity adds to the charm of the area, creating an international and open atmosphere.
It is known for its diverse and vibrant food culture.
The area offers a wide range of restaurants, cafes and bars serving international cuisine, making it a great place for foodies.
Likewise, Kemang’s nightlife is vibrant, with numerous bars, live music venues and entertainment venues.
While Kemang itself offers plenty of attractions, it is also conveniently located near other popular areas in South Jakarta, such as Blok M and Pondok Indah, which can be easily explored.
The area is known for its trendy boutiques, art galleries and unique shops.
You can find a variety of fashion items, artwork and handicrafts.
Kemang hosts various cultural events, live music performances and art exhibitions, allowing you to experience the local creative scene.
One of the main advantages is that Kemang offers a wide range of accommodation options, including budget-friendly hotels (as well as plenty of fancy places).
This means that budget-conscious travellers can stay centrally and take advantage of all the modern amenities this area has to offer, without paying a high price.
What’s not to like?
Well, Kemang has some of the same disadvantages as Central Jakarta.
Who it’s for: This area offers a little bit of everything for most types of travellers, but foodies should definitely consider staying here.
Pros: Modern amenities, good nightlife, fantastic food, budget-friendly accommodation available.
Cons: Loud and crowded, traffic congestion, limited local experience.
Kuningan is a business and commercial district that is popular with both business travelers and tourists.
Its central location provides easy access to various parts of Jakarta, making it easy for tourists to explore the city’s attractions and neighboring areas.
Kuningan has a modern infrastructure including well-maintained roads, shopping malls, restaurants and hotels, ensuring a comfortable stay for tourists.
It is known for its numerous office buildings, embassies and business centers.
It also offers a vibrant nightlife with a variety of bars, clubs and entertainment venues.
It mainly caters to its visitors, meaning you can expect luxury venues, restaurants and hotels.
It is fair to say that Kuningan is a bit of an upscale district.
You can easily find luxury hotels, serviced apartments and boutique accommodations.
One of the advantages for most tourists is that Kuningang has an international environment and since Jakarta is usually the first stop on a long journey, many western tourists don’t mind staying in an area that is not too different from their home country.
Which brings us to the first downside: the lack of authenticity. If you are looking for a more local experience, this is the place to stay.
If you are on a tight budget, you should also choose another area.
But if you are looking for an area with modern amenities and are willing to pay a bit more for Asian standards, Kuningan is a perfect choice!
Who it’s for: Those who like comfort and modern amenities.
Pros: Modern part of Jakarta, luxury hotels, restaurants, bars and nightlife, central location with good access to public transport.
Cons: Lack of authenticity, expect to pay a premium price.
Thamrin is one of the best areas to stay in Jakarta, especially if you are a first-time visitor looking for a central, modern and well-connected location.
Located in the heart of the city, you have everything at your fingertips: luxury shopping malls, iconic landmarks, good public transport and a vibrant nightlife.
From Thamrin, you can easily walk to famous places such as the National Monument (Monas) and the iconic Bundaran HI traffic square, where you can enjoy a beautiful fountain light show in the evening.
For shopping enthusiasts, this area is a dream, with Grand Indonesia and Plaza Indonesia, Jakarta’s two most famous malls, where you can not only shop but also enjoy restaurants, cinemas and rooftop bars with great views of the skyline.
If you prefer street food, Sabang Street is the place to go to enjoy delicious local dishes until late at night.
Another great thing about Thamrin is its excellent public transport connection, which is a real game changer in a city with so much traffic.
The MRT (metro) and TransJakarta buses provide quick and efficient connections to other parts of the city, while Gambir Train Station is just 10 minutes away for trips to places like Bandung.
What’s more, Thamrin is one of Jakarta’s most modern and safe neighbourhoods, with a wide range of hotels for both luxury and budget travellers.
Many of the streets here are pedestrian-friendly, which isn’t always the case in Jakarta, and the neighbourhood has an international and vibrant feel.
Whether you’re here to explore the city, shop, explore the culinary scene or simply want a stress-free and well-connected base, Thamrin offers everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable trip.
Senayan is a prime location in Jakarta, situated in the southern parts of the city while still being considered central.
It offers easy access to major attractions, business districts, shopping malls and cultural sites.
You have direct access to the massive rapid transit systems that will take you straight to the tourist heart of the city.
The area is home to Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, the largest stadium in Indonesia, which hosts various sporting events, concerts and cultural performances.
In addition, Senayan City Mall and Plaza Senayan offer excellent shopping, dining and entertainment options.
Nearby, you will find cultural attractions such as the National Museum of Indonesia, which houses an extensive collection of Indonesian artefacts and history, and the Textile Museum, which showcases the country’s rich textile heritage.
One of the main advantages is that Senayan offers more affordable hotels compared to the business districts, while having access to all the modern amenities.
And all you need to do to see the sights is take public transportation right outside your door.
What’s not to like?
During sporting events, this area gets extremely crowded.
You also have to travel a bit to reach the touristic heart of the city.
Who it’s for: Those looking for affordable hotels while staying in a modern environment.
Pros: Excellent access to public transportation, good range of accommodation including affordable hotels, modern neighborhood.
Cons: During sporting events, it gets extremely crowded.
SCBD (Sudirman Central Business District) is one of the most modern and stylish areas to stay in Jakarta, perfect for travelers who enjoy luxury, convenience and a vibrant nightlife.
This area is known as the city’s business district, but it offers much more than just offices and skyscrapers.
Here you will find some of the best hotels, high-end restaurants and chic rooftop bars with panoramic views of the city.
One of the biggest attractions is Pacific Place Mall, a luxury shopping mall with exclusive brands, cinemas and great dining options.
SCBD is also the place to be for nightlife, with iconic clubs such as Lucy in the Sky and The Pallas, where locals and expats gather for an evening of music and cocktails.
In addition, the famous Gelora Bung Karno Stadium is located nearby, which regularly hosts sporting events and concerts.
In terms of transport, SCBD is well served by the MRT (subway), with stations such as Istora Mandiri and Senayan providing quick connections to other parts of the city.
It is also one of the few areas in Jakarta that features pedestrian-friendly streets and green walking areas, which is a breath of fresh air in a city dominated by traffic.
Despite its upscale feel, there are also affordable dining options, such as the famous food courts and street food stalls around Senopati and Blok S.
SCBD is ideal for travellers looking for a modern, safe and well-connected area with a mix of high-end amenities and vibrant nightlife.
Whether you want to enjoy a luxurious stay, party at the best clubs or are simply looking for a comfortable and central base, SCBD offers everything you need for an unforgettable time in Jakarta.
Kota Tua, or Jakarta’s Old Town, is a great area to stay if you’re into history, colonial architecture and an authentic feel.
This area was once the centre of Batavia, the capital of the Dutch East Indies, and still exudes the charm of the past with its beautifully restored buildings, atmospheric squares and museums.
The heart of the area is Fatahillah Square, a lively plaza where street performers, bike taxis and tourists mingle amidst historic landmarks such as the Jakarta History Museum and Café Batavia, one of the city’s most famous colonial cafés.
Kota Tua is also a haven for street food lovers and local markets, with numerous stalls selling traditional snacks such as kerak telor and nasi uduk.
Although Kota Tua itself doesn’t have an MRT station, you can easily reach the area by the KRL Commuter Line, which stops at Jakarta Kota Station, within walking distance of all the major attractions.
In addition, there are many TransJakarta buses, which provide quick connections to other parts of the city.
Compared to modern areas such as Thamrin or SCBD, Kota Tua is a lot quieter and more affordable, with cozy guesthouses and budget hotels that are perfect for backpackers and travelers who want to discover the authentic side of Jakarta.
In the evenings, the area transforms into an atmospheric place with live music and illuminated colonial buildings, giving it a unique and romantic vibe.
If you are planning a trip to Jakarta and are looking for a neighborhood with character, historical charm and a relaxed atmosphere, then Kota Tua is a great choice.
Pondok Indah is one of Jakarta’s most exclusive and leafy districts, perfect for travelers looking for a luxurious and peaceful environment away from the hustle and bustle of the city center.
This upscale district in South Jakarta is known for its wide avenues, luxury villas and expat-friendly amenities, making it a popular choice for families and business travelers.
One of the biggest draws is Pondok Indah Mall (PIM), a huge shopping complex with three different sections where you can find everything: high-end boutiques, cinemas, international restaurants and even an indoor amusement park.
The district also has the Pondok Indah Water Park, a great place to relax and escape the tropical heat of Jakarta.
For golf enthusiasts, there is the exclusive Pondok Indah Golf Course, one of the best golf courses in Indonesia.
Although Pondok Indah is not as central as Thamrin or SCBD, it is well connected to other parts of the city via the MRT (subway), with stations such as Lebak Bulus and Fatmawati providing quick access to the city centre.
The area is also one of the most pedestrian-friendly in Jakarta, with wide sidewalks and plenty of parks for walking or jogging.
In addition, Pondok Indah is known for its safe and clean environment, making it ideal for travellers looking for a comfortable and relaxing place to stay.
Whether you are looking for a luxury hotel, want to enjoy top-notch restaurants or simply want to unwind in a green and modern environment, Pondok Indah offers everything for a relaxing stay in Jakarta.
Kemayoran is a diverse neighbourhood in northern Jakarta that offers a great base for both business travellers and tourists looking to stay close to some of the city’s major attractions.
The neighbourhood is best known for the Jakarta International Expo (JIExpo), a huge convention and events complex that regularly hosts concerts, fairs and festivals, such as the popular Jakarta Fair and international music performances.
Kemayoran is strategically located between the historic Kota Tua and the modern city centre, making it easy to explore both sides of Jakarta.
Its proximity to Gambir Train Station and TransJakarta bus lines makes travelling to other parts of the city easy, although the neighbourhood itself does not yet have an MRT station.
For aviation enthusiasts, Kemayoran offers a unique slice of history: it was formerly the site of Jakarta International Airport and still has some remnants of its aviation past.
Also nearby is Monumen Nasional (Monas), Indonesia’s iconic national monument, just a short drive away.
Kemayoran offers a wide range of accommodation options, from affordable hotels to more luxurious options, making it suitable for all budgets.
For foodies, there is a wide choice of dining options, ranging from local warungs to international restaurants, and you can enjoy authentic Indonesian cuisine without the high prices of tourist hotspots.
In the evening, Kemayoran has a relaxed atmosphere, without the hectic nightlife of areas such as SCBD, making it a great place for travellers looking to unwind after a long day of sightseeing.
If you are looking for a well-connected, affordable and diverse neighbourhood in Jakarta with access to both the historical and modern sides of the city, Kemayoran is a great choice.
