Yulia Saf 
Jakarta, the multicultural capital city of Indonesia, is located on the Northwest coast of Java and is a dream destination for any traveler! Its charming and vibrant atmosphere will make you fall in love with it, but before you can visit, you need to decide where to stay in Jakarta!
I visited Jakarta a few years back and had an amazing time during my short stay. So, based on what I saw of the some and a bit of extra research, I compiled a list of the 5 best areas to stay in Jakarta.
Even though all 5 neighborhoods are an excellent choice for your stay, Menteng is the best area to stay in Jakarta for tourists visiting for the first time, as it has numerous tourist attractions, fabulous restaurants, and hotels!
In addition to talking about these great Jakarta neighborhoods, I also handpicked the top hotels in each area. Whether you want to spend a luxurious vacation in the city or explore Jakarta on a budget, you’ll find a recommendation for you!
I highly suggest you book your hotels in advance because this city is super popular and crowded! Whether it is luxury or mid-range hotels, It doesn’t matter – all of them sell out in a second!
Hop on, and let’s discover this beautiful city!
Quick Picks for Your Stay
Eager to book your Jakarta hotel right this minute? Then have a look at the best hotels in Jakarta, all located in Menteng:
Contents
- Quick Picks for Your Stay
- 1. Menteng – where to stay in Jakarta for the first time
- 2. Sudirman Central Business District – for luxury
- 3. Old Town (Kota Tua) – where to stay for culture
- 4. Kemang – best place to stay in Jakarta for relaxation
- 5. Jalan Jaksa Street – where to stay in Jakarta on a budget
- BONUS: Where to stay in Jakarta near the airport
- BONUS 2: The best hotels for families in Jakarta
- FAQs about where to stay in Jakarta
- Final words on the best places to stay in Jakarta
Check out this map! It will help you visualize the 5 areas of Jakarta that I will talk about in this post:
- Menteng: for first-timers
- Sudirman CBD: for luxury
- Old Town (Kota Tua) : for culture
- Kemang: for relaxation
- Jalan Jaksa Street: for budget travelers
1. Menteng – where to stay in Jakarta for the first time
Looking for the best area in central Jakarta? Then come along, and let’s discover the vibrant neighborhood of Menteng. Once a colonial suburb, it is now filled with tourist attractions, markets, and fabulous restaurants!
Yes, Menteng is perfect for first-time visitors, and trust me, you’ll find so many cool things to see and do. Although it’s located in Central Jakarta, the area has tree-lined streets and plenty of parks where you can catch a breath of fresh air and escape the crowds.
You’ll also be super well-connected to other areas by public transport to explore around as much as you want! Although it might take you a few days to discover all of Menteng’s major attractions.
TIP: I highly recommend using public transport, specifically the Jakarta MRT, for getting around the city. The traffic in the city is hectic – I was surprised by how bad it was – so driving is not only difficult, but it will probably take you a really long time.
Some spots that you shouldn’t miss in Menteng are Monus (map), i.e., the National Monument, and the Great Mosque of Sunda Kelapa (map). The National Museum of Indonesia features historical and archeological exhibits and is a great place to visit if you want to learn about the country’s history.
Other nearby attractions include the Istiqlal Mosque (map), the largest mosque in Southeast Asia, and The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption (map), an impressive Catholic cathedral. After visiting both of these landmarks, you can rest and relax in Lapangan Banteng Park (map)!
When you need a rest from all the sightseeing, head to Situ Lembang Park (map) and take a relaxing stroll among the greenery. And if you want to do some shopping, Grand Indonesia (map) is the ultimate place to spend the day. This large shopping mall features everything from designer stores to supermarkets.
There are plenty of other shopping opportunities in Menteng, and there are also many restaurants where you can try traditional Indonesian food and international cuisine.
Menteng truly offers a little bit of everything, so it’s the best area to stay in Jakarta if you have limited time to explore the city. So, if you’re in the city for 2 nights and want to get a little bit of everything – history, culture, dining, shopping – Menteng will deliver!
NOTE: The Gambir Station (map) is the city’s main train station, situated right next to Merdeka Square. So, if you’re planning a trip to somewhere else on Java Island, base yourself in Menteng, so you’ll be close to the train station. If possible, take the executive train – it’s the most comfortable! More info on schedules and prices is available here.
An upscale hotel boasting elegantly decorated rooms, an outdoor pool, and 2 restaurants serving delicious international dishes and snacks. Guests can also enjoy wine and cigars in the hotel lounge, request car hire, and turn to the concierge desk for anything else they might need.
Other accommodation options in Menteng
This 3-star hotel offers room service, a 24-hour front desk, karaoke, and comfortable, air-conditioned rooms with Wi-Fi and satellite TV
At this budget property, you can stay in single or double rooms, get free Wi-Fi access and complimentary breakfast
A well-equipped studio with a great balcony, a kitchen, free Wi-Fi, and access to a pool
Menteng is the most popular tourist area in Jakarta, so the top-rated hotels sell out super quickly. So, if there’s no availability for your dates in the hotels recommended above, no need to worry! Below, you’ll find additional hotels in each price category, listed from most to least expensive:
- DoubleTree by Hilton Jakarta ($$$) – one of the best luxury hotels in Jakarta, the DoubleTree has tastefully decorated rooms, a fitness center, and 2 pools. Other perks of staying here include room service, airport transfers, and on-site dining.
- Stanley Wahid Hasyim ($$) – within walking distance of many attractions, this hotel provides free Wi-Fi and parking, as well as a delicious complimentary breakfast. Laundry facilities and a 24-hour desk are also available on-site.
- Konko Hostel Jakarta ($) – offering both single rooms and dormitory beds, the hostel has clean and allergy-free spaces, a shared lounge, and a luggage storage space. There’s also evening entertainment and a tour desk that can help you plan your stay.
Things to do in Menteng
- Admire the National Monument, Monus, in Merdeka Square
- Stop by the Great Mosque of Sunda Kelapa
- Visit the Istiqlal Mosque and The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption
- Relax in Lapangan Banteng Park
- Learn about the country’s history at the National Museum of Indonesia
- Embark on a guided tour of the city’s highlights
- Go for a walk in Situ Lembang Park
- Do some shopping at Plaza Indonesia
2. Sudirman Central Business District – for luxury
Jakarta’s Business District is one of the largest business centers in Asia! As you can imagine, this famous neighborhood is filled with office buildings, skyscrapers, exclusive shopping malls, and many tourist attractions. Located in South Jakarta, Indonesia, about a 30-min taxi ride from Menteng, this lively area is perfect for luxury seekers!
The Central Business District never sleeps! There’s always something to do here, no matter the hour. If you can check out all the shopping malls during that day, get ready to drink and party in the most vibrant clubs once the sun sets!
Senayan City (map) and Pacific Place Mall (map) are both amazing places to shop in Sudirman, and you can easily spend an entire day hitting the shops and eating at the food courts.
This area is also known as the hub of Jakarta nightlife! There are many nightlife venues here. The H Club SCBD (map) is an amazing nightclub serving delicious cocktails, while The Swillhouse (map) is a great hip-hop bar. And if you’re planning to take a break from all these urban activities, don’t forget that beautiful Bali is not too far away!
If you want to indulge in the most delicious dishes and try their local cuisine, there are plenty of cool restaurants that are super posh – I recommend Wolfgang’s Steakhouse Jakarta (map). But I also suggest you try out the street food. There’s a certain charm about it; sometimes it tastes even better than the restaurant food!
And if you want something else besides shopping, partying, and dining, you should definitely check out the MOJA Museum. This is a super cool interactive museum where you can take some of the most amazing photos from your trip!
I already mentioned that the MRT is the best way to get around the city – it’s faster than driving and more affordable, but if you’re looking for alternative ways of getting around Jakarta, I recommend either Grab or taxis.
However, you need to be careful with taxis – rigged meters are not uncommon. In fact, this is one of the most prevalent tourist scams. So, the best way around this is to agree on a fare before you even get in the taxi – ideally, you’d get the agreed-upon price in writing. And if you’re looking for reliable taxi services, I’d recommend BlueBird!
If you’re looking to stay in the top Jakarta luxury hotels, the St. Regis is an amazing option! This luxury hotel boasts a year-round outdoor pool, a sauna, a fitness center, and a garden, plus 3 amazing restaurants. You can choose from several breakfast options each morning, play billiards, and even get a haircut while staying here.
Other accommodation options in Sudirman Central Business District
At this aparthotel, you can rent studios and suites, get access to a pool, and dine at the family-friendly restaurant
An eclectic hotel with a bar, a restaurant, and free private parking, also offering access to a fitness center
Admire the panoramic city views from the large windows of this place that offers a pool and free parking
Things to do in Sudirman Central Business District
- Spend the day shopping at Senayan City and Pacific Place Mall
- Party the night away at The H Club SCBD
- Attend a hip-hop show at The Swillhouse
- Enjoy dinner at Wolfgang’s Steakhouse Jakarta
- Learn about the country’s military history at the Satriamandala Museum
- Try traditional Indonesian street food
- Visit the MOJA Museum and snap some cool photos
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3. Old Town (Kota Tua) – where to stay for culture
Do you want to dive deep into Jakarta’s culture and visit all its museums and historic sites? Then you’ll love the Old Town (or Kota Tua in Indonesian)! This is one of the most famous neighborhoods in the city, and you’ll soon understand why! A 40-min train ride North of Menteng, this charming area abounds with things to do!
Set around Taman Fatahillah Square (map) in North Jakarta, this neighborhood is the oldest part of the city, and it was established in the 17th century by Dutch colonists. The square is the focal point of the neighborhood, and it’s the best place to see traditional dance shows.
Your eyes will be amazed by the fusion of colonial architecture and modern elements! There are many museums in the Old Town that you shouldn’t miss, like the Wayang Museum (map) and Jakarta History Museum (map), both centered around Taman Fatahillah Square.
Besides all the cultural and historical attractions, there are also many fun theme parks in Jakarta’s Old Town! Most are set in Ancol Bay City, an entertainment complex along Jakarta’s marina district that includes Taman Impian Jaya Ancol (map), a large recreation center that includes a variety of cool rides and water-based activities. This is also a great spot for families, as there are many fun and amazing things to do!
You should definitely take the kids to Sea World Ancol, a huge aquarium with feeding shows, and the Atlantis Water Adventures Ancol, a waterpark with a floating playground! Once you’ve had your fun for the day, head to Ancol Beach (map) to admire the stunning sunset!
Glodok, Jakarta’s Chinatown, is also located in Kota Tua, and you can’t miss at least one trip here. It’s such a great spot to spend your day – this is the largest Chinatown in the country. You should definitely visit the Glodok Chinatown Market (map), explore the stalls, and get some souvenirs for the people back home!
If you thought that’s all Kota Tua has to offer – well, you’re wrong! Here, you’ll come across the Mangga Dua Mall (map) and also, several other shopping malls. And if you’re looking to party, take a taxi to Pantai Indah Kapuk Street (map) – it’s a 45-min drive from Kota Tua – and experience the vibrant nightlife!
Now let’s check out the best hotels in Jakarta Old Town:
Holiday Inn & Suites Jakarta Gajah Mada
A 4-star hotel with a fitness center and 3 restaurants, plus a garden and a lounge. Guests can also order room service, relax on the sun terrace, and benefit from free parking. Luggage storage and concierge services are also provided by the hotel.
Other accommodation options in Old Town (Kota Tua)
Boasting an indoor pool, this hotel also offers free private parking, room service, and a free breakfast
A shared kitchen, a terrace, and dormitory rooms are available at this conveniently located hostel, also offering free Wi-Fi
Featuring 1 bedroom, a full kitchen, and a bathroom, this apartment also provides access to a pool and a gym
Things to do in Old Town (Kota Tua)
- Admire the architecture in Taman Fatahillah Square
- Visit the Wayang Museum and the Jakarta History Museum
- Spend a fun family day at the Taman Impian Jaya Ancol recreation center
- Take the kids to Sea World Ancol and Atlantis Water Adventures Ancol
- Explore the Museum Bank Indonesia (map)
- Get some souvenirs from the Glodok Chinatown Market
- Shop at the Mangga Dua Mall
- Venture out to Pantai Indah Kapuk Street and party the night away
4. Kemang – best place to stay in Jakarta for relaxation
Finding a place to stay in Jakarta that isn’t super noisy or full of tourists can prove difficult. So, if you don’t want to be in the center of all the action, I recommend the Kemang area in South Jakarta. This residential area is about an hour’s train ride away South of Menteng and offers plenty of parks and family-friendly places.
The area is very popular with expats as many international schools are around. During the day, you can explore the neighborhood’s small streets, and if you want to visit the city center, you can get there by using public transport. Under normal traffic conditions, you should get there in 30 minutes, but it may take longer if it’s super crowded.
While in Kemang, you should visit Dia.lo.gue (map), a contemporary art center that also features a cafe and a souvenir shop, and take the kids to The Playground Kemang (map) – I’m sure they’ll have plenty of fun, especially on the miniature zipline.
Como Park (map) is another great place to spend the day, and it’s ideal if you’re traveling with a dog. There’s a large pet playground and a coffee shop where you can relax! The neighborhood also hosts a variety of cafes and restaurants, and you’ll never be short of choices for where to eat and drink.
Yet another great spot for the whole family is the Ragunan Zoo, situated in the rainforest! There’s a dedicated children’s zoo, and you can also watch some of the animals during feeding time!
And if you’re still looking for great things to do with family, I highly recommend venturing out of Kemang (it’s best to take a taxi) and making the 30-min drive to the Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (map). This is a very cool miniature park, and once you’re done exploring it, visit the nearby SkyWorld Indonesia, an extremely popular science museum.
This stunning 5-star hotel features many luxurious amenities, including an indoor and outdoor pool, tennis and squash courts, and 3 international restaurants. All rooms are spacious and boast elegant decor, while guests also have access to a 24-hour butler service.
Other accommodation options in Kemang
A perfect place to stay in Jakarta that has fully-equipped apartments, a pool, and a garden
This Jakarta accommodation is perfect for budget travelers, offering a free airport shuttle, complimentary breakfast, and room service
Offering comfort and space, this studio comes with a kitchen and access to a shared pool
Things to do in Kemang
- Visit the Dia.lo.gue contemporary art center
- Take the kids ziplining at The Playground Kemang
- Spend a relaxing afternoon at Como Park
- Have a casual dinner at the Hachi Grill Ampera (map)
- Meet the animals at the Ragunan Zoo
- Plan a trip to Taman Mini Indonesia and SkyWorld Indonesia
5. Jalan Jaksa Street – where to stay in Jakarta on a budget
If you’re wondering which part of Jakarta is best to stay on a budget, I have the answer for you! Jalan Jaksa Street is a notable street in Menteng, always bustling with life and hosting many budget hotels and hostels, making it the ideal spot for backpackers and budget travelers.
Jalan Jaska is a street that is technically located in Menteng, but it acts as a subdistrict as the area is different from Menteng. Although it’s set in the city center, this area is not as expensive, and many hotels here have super cheap prices. Plus, there are tons of secondhand bookstores, pubs, money changers, and laundromats.
If you’re just staying for one night in the city and moving on to the next location on your bucket list, Jalan Jaksa may be a great option, as you can easily visit the other neighborhoods by public transport.
Since this is just one street, there’s not too much to do, but the one thing you shouldn’t miss is a meal at Sate & Seafood Senayan (map), an Indonesian restaurant with excellent reviews. Once you’re no longer hungry, you can go out and explore the Menteng neighborhood!
From here, you can easily reach the National Library of the Republic of Indonesia (map) and the National Gallery of Indonesia – just check to see whether it’s open first!
NOTE: There are no luxury hotels on Jalan Jaksa Street, so if you want a more upscale stay, check out the luxury hotels I recommend for Menteng.
Other accommodation options in Jalan Jaksa
This 3-star hotel has a 24-hour reception, on-site ATM, and a restaurant, plus offers concierge services
An affordable hotel with comfortable and nicely decorated rooms, laundry services, a restaurant, and free Wi-Fi
There are no Airbnb exactly here, but this is located nearby and has a kitchen and a shared pool
Things to do in Jalan Jaksa
- Grab something to eat at Sate & Seafood Senayan
- Explore the National Library of the Republic of Indonesia
- Visit the National Gallery of Indonesia
- Get some street food from Nasi Goreng (map)
| 👑 Luxury price: | US$150 |
| 💵 Mid-range: | US$80 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | US$40 |
| 📍 Best area: | Menteng |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | The Hermitage |
| 🧳 Best mid-range hotel: | Hotel Des Indes |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Bobopod Thamrin |
BONUS: Where to stay in Jakarta near the airport
If you’re visiting Jakarta on a tight schedule, you certainly don’t want to risk missing your flight. Well, the solution is simple – book a hotel near the airport. The Soekarno–Hatta International Airport (map) is located in the city of Tangerang, on the Western outskirts of Jakarta, and is surrounded by some great hotels.
Below, you’ll find my selection of the top Jakarta airport hotels in each price category, listed from most to least expensive:
- Anara Airport Hotel ($$$) – a 4-star hotel directly connected to Terminal 3 of the airport, so you don’t need to worry about getting to and from the airport. The hotel features a restaurant, fitness center, and air-conditioned rooms.
- d’primahotel Airport ($$) – this comfortable hotel offers a free roundtrip airport shuttle, as well as a free area shuttle, an on-site restaurant, and free Wi-Fi. Parking is available free of charge, while breakfast is served for an added fee.
- Digital Airport Hotel ($) – offering clean and cozy pods, this hotel is ideal for people on a budget. It’s situated right next to Terminal 3, so there is no need to worry about transportation, and it offers luggage storage and free Internet access.
BONUS 2: The best hotels for families in Jakarta
Planning a family trip to the Indonesian capital? Well, you’re going to need some fantastic hotels that will satisfy the needs of all your family members. Don’t worry, I’ve got you!
Below, you’ll find a list of family-friendly accommodations in Jakarta for each price range, starting with luxury hotels and ending with budget accommodations!
- Fairmont Jakarta ($$$) – relax by the pool with the kids, play in the garden, or go cycling! This hotel has 7 restaurants on-site (basically 1 for each night of your stay), beautifully furnished family rooms, a spa, and a fitness center.
- Raffles Jakarta ($$$) – spend some quality time with your family on the children’s playground or take the little ones to the kids’ club. This hotel features luxurious facilities for the adults, including an outdoor pool and a garden.
- Veranda Hotel ($$) – a modern hotel with comfortable family rooms, air conditioning, and friendly staff that can help you arrange car hire, airport transfers, and more! The hotel also offers a kid-friendly buffet and extra beds for an added fee.
- Habitare Apart Hotel ($$) – at this aparthotel, the little ones can enjoy a kids’ pool, while the adults can go for a swim in the indoor pool. Each of the family rooms is air-conditioned and features a private bathroom and a kitchenette.
- ibis Jakarta Raden Saleh ($) – the hotel features a restaurant providing a kids’ buffet, but you can also choose from a variety of meals and enjoy a continental breakfast. Other amenities include free parking, luggage storage, and concierge services.
FAQs about where to stay in Jakarta
🤩 Which is the best area to stay in Jakarta?
The best area to stay in Jakarta is Menteng, with its numerous attractions, amazing restaurants, and top-rated hotels, such as The Hermitage and Hotel Des Indes.
⚠️ Is Jakarta a safe place to visit?
Yes, Jakarta is a safe city, but tourists should be careful of their belongings when visiting busy areas and avoid walking alone at night.
🌞 Which month is best in Jakarta?
The best months to visit Jakarta are June to September. This is the dry season when the weather is warm, the humidity is low, and there’s little rain, making it ideal for exploring the city. Avoid visiting in the monsoon season (October to March).
📅 How many days do you need in Jakarta?
Stay at least 4 or 5 days in Jakarta; that way, you can explore the city without being in a rush and get to visit the main attractions.
🏨 Which are the best hotels in Jakarta for families?
The luxurious Fairmont Jakarta and the more affordable Veranda Hotel are some of the best hotels in Jakarta for families. These accommodations have great reviews and facilities like swimming pools and a children’s playground.
🚈 How do you get around in Jakarta?
🏖️ Does Jakarta have nice beaches?
Ancol Beach in the Kota Tua neighborhood is the nicest beach in Jakarta. Even though this is a very nice beach, don’t expect it to be as clean or as beautiful as the beaches in Bali.
🕺 Where to stay in Jakarta for nightlife?
The best place to stay in Jakarta for nightlife is Sudirman Central Business District, where you can party in great clubs like The H Club SCBD and The Swillhouse and stay at great hotels, such as The St. Regis Jakarta and Citadines Sudirman.
👩❤️👨 Where to stay in Jakarta for couples?
There are many romantic hotels in Jakarta, but if you’re planning a couples’ getaway, I’d single out Holiday Inn & Suites Jakarta Gajah Mada in Kota Tua and The Dharmawangsa Jakarta in Kemang.
Final words on the best places to stay in Jakarta
Well, we’re at the end of my travel guide on where to stay in Jakarta! I hope that all this info was helpful and you can easily decide on which area to stay in Jakarta and what hotel to book.
For anyone who’s super indecisive or a bit overwhelmed by the many options for accommodation in Jakarta, I’ve picked my 2 favorite hotels in the city, both situated in Menteng:
- The Hermitage – an upscale hotel with elegant rooms, a pool, and 2 restaurants serving delicious food
- Hotel Des Indes – this comfortable hotel is conveniently located near many important attractions and features spacious rooms and a gym
As I mentioned before, you need to book your hotel in Jakarta in advance! You can’t imagine how crowded this city can get, and its accommodations as well!
If you have any questions about Jakarta or where to stay, leave me a comment below, and I’ll answer ASAP!
Have a fun trip,
Yulia
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