The best areas to stay in Jakarta are Central Jakarta, Menteng, Kemang, and Kuningan.
These are among the most popular areas for tourists.
However, as you can expect from an enormous city like Jakarta, you have quite some alternative options.
These include Thamrin, Senayan, The Sudirman Central Business District (SCBD), Kota Tua, Pondok Indah, and Kemayoran.
That might be a bit of a confusing answer to your question about where to stay in Jakarta.
In this article, we go into much detail about what we believe are the best areas to stay in Jakarta, regarding the type of traveller you are.
If you want to go straight to the recommendations, tap on the following button.
Or simply continue reading if you want to know a bit more about Jakarta itself.
The bustling capital city of Indonesia is a vibrant and dynamic metropolis that offers a unique blend of culture, history, and modernity.
With iconic landmarks like the Istiqlal Mosque, the National Monument, the Museum Nasional Indonesia but also the Jakarta Cathedral, and the remains of the Dutch influence that ended halfway through the 20th century.
Add its towering skyscrapers, bustling streets, and vibrant nightlife to it and Jakarta can be an overwhelming destination for tourists to navigate.
For many, Jakarta is the starting point of the exploration of several islands in Indonesia, including Java.
And although smaller and historical-rich cities may be more interesting when it comes to culture, Jakarta has plenty of things to offer to stay at least a few days before heading east.
So we highly recommend you stay here for at least three days.
Each area comes with its advantages and disadvantages and certain areas are more suitable for a certain type of traveller.
All of this will be explained in the next paragraphs.
At the bottom of this article, you can find a map with all the recommended areas including the city highlights.
With that being said, let’s jump straight to our recommendations.
Where to stay in Jakarta? Keep reading!
Overview of the best areas to stay in Jakarta
Below, you find a table with an overview of all the recommended areas along with a short explanation of what makes that area so special.
You can tap on one of the green links to go immediately to that recommended area, or just continue reading the article.
| Best areas to stay in Jakarta | What’s so special about the area? |
|---|---|
| 1. Central Jakarta | This is the heart of Jakarta, where you’ll 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. |
| 2. Menteng | Menteng is a leafy and upscale neighborhood that is popular with expats and locals alike. It’s home to many embassies and foreign residences, as well as several cultural attractions like the National Museum and the Taman Suropati park. |
| 3. 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. |
| 4. Kuningan | Kuningan is a business and commercial district that is popular with both business travelers and tourists. It’s home to several large shopping malls, as well as many international hotels and restaurants. |
| 5. Thamrin | Thamrin is another business district that is known for its high-end shopping and dining options. It’s also home to several luxury hotels, making it a popular choice for travelers looking for a bit of pampering. |
| Senayan is a sports and entertainment complex that is home to several major stadiums and arenas, as well as a large shopping mall and numerous restaurants and bars. | |
| 7. SCBD | The Sudirman Central Business District (SCBD) is a modern and upscale area that is home to many international companies and embassies. It’s also a popular nightlife destination, with several rooftop bars and clubs. |
| 8. Kota Tua | Kota Tua, also known as Old Jakarta, is the historic center of Jakarta. It’s home to many colonial-era buildings and museums, as well as several markets and street food stalls. |
| 9. Pondok Indah | Pondok Indah is a residential and commercial area that is popular with expats and affluent locals. It’s home to several large shopping malls, as well as a golf course and a water park. |
| 10. Kemayoran | Kemayoran is an up-and-coming neighborhood that is home to several new developments, including a convention center and an amusement park. It’s also a convenient location for travelers attending events at the Jakarta International Expo. |
How to get around in Jakarta?
Getting around Jakarta as a tourist can be challenging due to the city’s heavy traffic and somewhat limited public transportation options.
The most common way to get from point A to point B in this large city is by using a ride-hailing app.
The most popular ones are Gojek and Grab.
Although these include motorbike taxis, we highly recommend avoiding motorbike taxis as these are incredibly unsafe with many lethal accidents on a daily basis.
Jakarta has recently built a modern MRT and LRT system that serves several key areas in the city.
Especially the MRT is extremely useful for tourists and it will save you a lot of time as you’re not stuck in Jakarta’s horrible traffic.
What is the best time of the year to visit Jakarta?
The best time to visit Jakarta is during the dry season, which typically falls between May and September.
During this period, the weather is relatively cooler and less humid compared to the rest of the year.
Also, there is less rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploration.
However, it’s worth noting that Jakarta experiences hot and humid weather throughout the year, so be prepared for warm temperatures regardless of when you visit.
Avoiding the wet season, which usually occurs from October to April, can help you enjoy your trip without the inconvenience of frequent rain showers and potential flooding.
The best areas to stay in Jakarta are:
1. Central Jakarta
This is the heart of Jakarta and among the most popular areas for tourists.
Central Jakarta is home to many significant landmarks, including the National Monument (Monas), Istiqlal Mosque, and Jakarta Cathedral.
This is the major perk when staying in this popular part of the city.
As you can expect from a central part of a city, it’s well-connected to other parts of the city, making it convenient for you to explore various attractions.
The area has access to public transportation, including buses, taxis, and the TransJakarta Bus Rapid Transit system.
It’s also known for its shopping centers and street markets.
Tanah Abang Market is one of Southeast Asia’s largest textile markets, and you can find a wide range of products at competitive prices.
The area offers a huge variety of culinary delights, from street food vendors to high-end restaurants.
You can easily savor authentic Indonesian dishes and explore international cuisine as well.
For many younger travellers, it’s good to know that Central Jakarta boasts a vibrant nightlife scene, with many clubs, bars, and entertainment venues catering to different tastes.
As it’s such a popular area, Central Jakarta offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels.
Throughout the year, Central Jakarta hosts various cultural and festive events that allow you to experience Indonesian traditions and celebrations up close.
One last thing: in Central Jakarta, you’ll find a higher level of English proficiency among locals compared to some other areas in the city.
Is there anything not to like?
The traffic is a huge pain so we highly recommend using the MRT and the LRT systems as frequently as possible.
Because there is so much traffic congestion, the pollution can be horrible sometimes, but this also applies to several other parts of the city.
And it’s also noisy.
Lastly, Central Jakarta is relatively expensive compared to the areas further away from the city center, however, there are definitely budget-friendly options to find.
That includes restaurants, bars and hotels.
For who: those who want to stay as central as possible.
Advantages: great access to public transport, located near significant landmarks, great nightlife scene, higher levell of English proficiency among locals.
Disadvantages: noisy, polluted, more expensive than other parts, traffic congestion.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Jakarta in this area are visually listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
2. Menteng
Menteng is one of Jakarta’s oldest and most prestigious neighborhoods, known for its colonial-era architecture, wide tree-lined streets, and historical charm.
The area is home to various cultural attractions, including museums, art galleries, and historical sites.
Places like the National Museum of Indonesia and the National Gallery provide insight into the country’s culture and art.
Menteng is renowned for its green spaces and parks, providing 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 crowded parts of Jakarta, Menteng offers a more tranquil and upscale ambiance, making it an excellent retreat for those seeking a peaceful stay.
Despite its calm surroundings, Menteng is still conveniently located near Central Jakarta and major attractions.
You can easily access other parts of the city using public transportation or taxis.
Menteng is considered one of the safer neighborhoods in Jakarta, making it a favorable choice for those concerned about security.
When you compare Menteng to the previous area, you should see 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 parts.
One of the advantages of a colonial-era neighborhood is that it has quite some unique accommodations, including boutique hotels and charming guesthouses.
What’s not to like about this area?
First of all, as it’s a prestigious neighborhood, Menteng is considered expensive.
Secondly, as it’s mostly a residential area, you don’t have a nightlife scene here.
Thirdly, as it’s a colonial-era district, it lacks modern amenities.
However, the last two points can easily be fixed by taking public transport to the nearby Central Jakarta where there is an abundance of nightlife and modern amenities.
For who: those looking for an authentic experience.
Advantages: historical charm, central location, quiet and upscale environment, safe area.
Disadvantages: lack of nightlife, lack of modern amenities, considered an expensive area.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Jakarta in this area are visually listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
3. Kemang
Kemang has a unique cosmopolitan ambiance, attracting both locals and expatriates.
This diversity adds to the neighborhood’s charm and creates an international and open atmosphere.
It’s famous for its diverse and vibrant dining scene.
The area offers a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and bars serving international cuisines, making it an excellent place for food enthusiasts.
Similarly, Kemang’s nightlife is bustling, with numerous bars, live music venues, and entertainment options.
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 explored easily.
The neighborhood 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, providing you with an opportunity to experience the local creative scene.
One of the major perks is that Kemang offers a wide variety of accommodations, including budget-friendly hotels (as well as plenty of upscale places).
That means that budget-conscious travellers can stay centrally and take advantage of all the modern amenities this area offers without paying a premium price.
What’s not to like?
Well, Kemang has a bit of the same disadvantages as Central Jakarta.
For who: this area offers a bit of everything for most types of travellers, but food lovers should definitely consider staying here.
Advantages: modern amenities, proper nightlife scene, fantastic food scene, budget-friendly accommodations available.
Disadvantages: noisy and crowded, traffic congestion, limited local experience.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Jakarta in this area are visually listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
4. Kuningan
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 convenient for tourists to explore the city’s attractions and neighboring areas.
Kuningan boasts a modern infrastructure, including well-maintained roads, shopping malls, restaurants, and hotels, ensuring a comfortable stay for tourists.
It’s known for its numerous office buildings, embassies, and business centers.
Additionally, it offers a vibrant nightlife scene with a variety of bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
It caters mostly to its visitors, which means that you can expect upscale venues, restaurants, and hotels.
It’s fair to say that Kuningan is a bit of a luxury district.
You can easily find upscale hotels, serviced apartments and boutique accommodations.
One of the perks for most tourists is that Kuningang has an international environment and as Jakarta usually is the first stop of the long travel, many Western tourists don’t mind staying in an area that isn’t much different than their home country.
That brings us to the first flaw: the lack of authenticity. If you’re looking for a more local experience, you should definitely stay here.
If you’re on a tight budget, then you should also choose another area.
But, when you’re looking for an area with modern amenities and are willing to pay a bit of a premium price for Asian standards, Kuningan is a perfect choice!
For who: those who enjoy the comfort and modern amenities.
Advantages: modern part of Jakarta, upscale hotels, restaurants, bars and entertainment venues, central location with good access to public transport.
Disadvantages: lack of authenticity, expect to pay a premium price.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Jakarta in this area are visually listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
5. Thamrin
Thamrin is another business district that is known for its high-end shopping and dining options.
It’s also home to several luxury hotels, making it a popular choice for travelers looking for a bit of pampering.
Without repeating ourselves, Thamrin has basically the same advantages and disadvantages as the previously recommended area, although you can fairly say that Thamrin caters more to the luxury traveller.
Many of the top brands in the hotel industry have a hotel here.
For who: luxury travellers.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Jakarta in this area are visually listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
6. Senayan
Senayan is a prime location in Jakarta, situated in the southern parts of the city, while still considered central.
It provides easy access to major attractions, business districts, shopping centers, and cultural landmarks.
You have direct access to the mass rapid transit systems that leads you straight to the tourist heart of the city.
The area is home to Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, the largest stadium in Indonesia, where various sports events, concerts, and cultural performances take place.
Additionally, Senayan City Mall and Plaza Senayan offer excellent shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
Close by, you can find cultural attractions such as the National Museum of Indonesia, which houses a vast collection of Indonesian artifacts and history, and the Textile Museum, which showcases the country’s rich textile heritage.
One of the major perks is that Senayan offers more affordable hotels compared to the business districts while you have access to all the modern amenities.
And all you need to do for sightseeing is take public transport that’s right at your doorstep.
What’s not to like?
During sports events, this part gets extremely busy.
Also, you have to travel a bit to reach the tourist heart of the city.
For who: those looking for affordable hotels while staying in a modern area.
Advantages: excellent access to public transport, good range of accommodation that includes affordable hotels, modern area.
Disadvantages: during sports events, it gets extremely busy.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Jakarta in this area are visually listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
7. SCBD
The Sudirman Central Business District (SCBD) is a modern and upscale area that is home to many international companies and embassies. It’s also a popular nightlife destination, with several rooftop bars and clubs.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Jakarta in this area are visually listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
8. Kota Tua
Kota Tua, also known as Old Jakarta, is the historic center of Jakarta. It’s home to many colonial-era buildings and museums, as well as several markets and street food stalls.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Jakarta in this area are visually listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
9. Pondok Indah
Pondok Indah is a residential and commercial area that is popular with expats and affluent locals. It’s home to several large shopping malls, as well as a golf course and a water park.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Jakarta in this area are visually listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
10. Kemayoran
Kemayoran is an up-and-coming neighborhood that is home to several new developments, including a convention center and an amusement park. It’s also a convenient location for travelers attending events at the Jakarta International Expo.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Jakarta in this area are visually listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
Map of the best areas to stay in Jakarta
The next image is a map of the best area to stay in Jakarta including its highlights. The image is in high resolution so you can easily zoom in to see all the details.
A map will follow soon.
There you have it, our recommendations for where to stay in Jakarta.
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