An insider’s guide to Jakarta: where to stay, eat and explore the city’s hidden gems

Jakarta is sprawling, so your base matters. For a polished stay in the city centre, DoubleTree by Hilton Jakarta – Diponegoro puts you close to Central Jakarta’s cultural landmarks while offering a leafy, resort-like respite from the traffic outside.

If you’re drawn to creative neighbourhoods, DoubleTree by Hilton Jakarta Bintaro Jaya in the south is plugged directly into Bintaro Jaya Xchange Mall, home to BX Sea and the BX Ice Rink, making it an easy launchpad for both retail therapy and exploration. 

Up north, Hilton Garden Inn Jakarta Taman Palem connects to Green Sedayu Mall for fuss-free dining and shopping. DoubleTree by Hilton Jakarta Kemayoran adds a playful touch with its Cookie Van shuttle to nearby JIExpo, which hosts various events and conventions.

Start where old meets new. The striking pairing of Istiqlal Mosque and Jakarta Cathedral, Southeast Asia’s largest mosque and a neo-Gothic church from the 1900s, sits side by side, a quiet symbol of the city’s layered identity. Then slip into Jakarta’s past at Kota Tua, where Dutch colonial buildings frame open squares, street performers and slow-moving bicycles. Nearby, Petak Sembilan Market in Glodok, Jakarta’s Chinatown and one of the oldest neighbourhoods, buzzes with energy – food stalls and heritage shops all jostling for attention.

For something more contemporary, explore Pasar Seni Ancol, where local artists showcase paintings and sculptures, or hole up for a few quiet hours at Guha Boboto OMAH Library, a cottage-core hideaway further west. If you’re chasing sea air, Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK) offers breezy coastal paths, best explored by scooter at sunset. 

For something a little different, head south to Bintaro Jaya Xchange Mall to discover the underwater world at BX Sea or glide across the ice at BX Rink, a surreal contrast to Jakarta’s tropical heat.

There’s no denying that the best way to explore a new city is through food. Feast on refined Indonesian fare at Plataran Menteng, which is set in a restored colonial home, or at Kaum, where dishes like bebek timus (smoked duck) spotlight flavours from across the Nusantara, with menus that evolve every few months. When night falls, Jalan Sabang becomes the city’s unofficial dining room – think smoky satay, rich noodles and late-night bites served kerbside. Then take things sky-high at Skye, 56 floors up, or slip into Barcadia for something more clandestine.

Over in Glodok, old-school institutions like Kopi Es Tak Kie and Pantjoran Tea House offer a slower, more nostalgic pace. But for something more modern, Acaraki at Kota Tua reinvents traditional herbal tonics, while Westloop Coffee and Kitchen nails the brunch brief. 

And if you’re waking up in Bintaro the next day, start at Kongsi for kopi and toast, then move on to Convoi for Indonesian fusion plates. If you like your nights a little more playful, Lucy Beer Mart keeps things light-hearted with innovative cocktails and neon party vibes.

Shopping in Jakarta is less about malls – though there are plenty – and more about discovery. For beautifully crafted textiles, BINhouse offers a deeply personal batik experience, where you can try on pieces and learn about the artistry behind each design. 

Treasure hunters should carve out time for Jalan Surabaya Flea Market, a stretch lined with antiques, curios and the occasional hidden café or indie art gallery tucked between stalls. For something more contemporary, browse local streetwear label Cosmonauts or pick up sustainable fashion pieces from Sejauh Mata Memandang. 

And if you’re in Bintaro over the weekend, Creativebox Bintaro is where the city’s creative crowd gathers. Expect garage sales, craft pop-ups and live music that spills into the night.

These recommendations are just the beginning. We’ve pulled together a Google Maps list with even more insider spots – save it for your next trip, and you’ll have a running guide to the best attractions, bars and restaurants that locals love. 

Ready to experience Jakarta like a local? Book your perfect stay with Hilton now.