Indonesia's capital and its other international airport (IndiGo flies Mumbai–Jakarta non-stop): the National Monument (Monas), the Istiqlal mosque opposite the cathedral, Dutch-era Kota Tua, the Thousand Islands by boat, and huge malls. Traffic is famously slow, so most travellers spend a night or two and take the train on to Yogyakarta, or fly on to Medan or Silangit for Lake Toba. North Indian and South Indian restaurants are easy to find in the business districts.
Highlights
- Monas observation deck
- Istiqlal Mosque and the cathedral facing it
- Kota Tua and Fatahillah Square
- National Museum
- Taman Mini Indonesia Indah
- Day boat to the Thousand Islands
- Mall food courts
Things to do
- Monas and Merdeka SquareMorning · 2h
- Istiqlal Mosque and Jakarta CathedralMorning · 1h 30m
- Kota Tua old town and Fatahillah museumAfternoon · 3h
- Taman Mini Indonesia IndahMorning · 4h
- Mall dinner and shoppingEvening · 2h 30m
Tours & tickets
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When to go
Best time: May – September
Worth knowing
Lebaran Travel Rush
Idul Fitri falls on 10-11 March 2027, with national holidays from 9 to 15 March. Java's trains and flights sell out weeks ahead, fares hit the legal cap, toll roads and the Ketapang–Gilimanuk ferry jam, and Jakarta empties. Book every Java leg early or avoid that week.
- Idul Fitri (Lebaran) homecoming — The end of Ramadan, when tens of millions travel home (mudik). Trains, flights and the Java–Bali and Bali–Lombok ferries sell out a month ahead and fares hit the legal cap; Jakarta empties and some restaurants close. In 2027 it falls two days after Nyepi, so the second week of March is the hardest of the year to travel in Indonesia. During Ramadan before it, Lombok and Java restaurants may be screened off by day.