'%3e%3cpath%20d='M47.04%2025.9043H0.959961V37.3329H47.04V25.9043Z'%20stroke='%23987F61'%20stroke-width='2'%20stroke-linecap='round'%20stroke-linejoin='round'/%3e%3cpath%20d='M7.67988%2037.333H2.87988V43.0473H7.67988V37.333Z'%20stroke='%23987F61'%20stroke-width='2'%20stroke-linecap='round'%20stroke-linejoin='round'/%3e%3cpath%20d='M45.1203%2037.333H40.3203V43.0473H45.1203V37.333Z'%20stroke='%23987F61'%20stroke-width='2'%20stroke-linecap='round'%20stroke-linejoin='round'/%3e%3cpath%20d='M42.2399%2020.1904H5.75992C3.64792%2020.1904%201.91992%2021.9047%201.91992%2024V25.9047H46.0799V24C46.0799%2021.9047%2044.3519%2020.1904%2042.2399%2020.1904Z'%20stroke='%23987F61'%20stroke-width='2'%20stroke-linecap='round'%20stroke-linejoin='round'/%3e%3cpath%20d='M39.3598%204.95215H8.6398C6.5278%204.95215%204.7998%206.66643%204.7998%208.76167V20.1902H43.1998V8.76167C43.1998%206.66643%2041.4718%204.95215%2039.3598%204.95215Z'%20stroke='%23987F61'%20stroke-width='2'%20stroke-linecap='round'%20stroke-linejoin='round'/%3e%3cpath%20d='M18.2396%2012.5713H12.4796C10.3676%2012.5713%208.63965%2014.2856%208.63965%2016.3808V20.1903H22.0796V16.3808C22.0796%2014.2856%2020.3516%2012.5713%2018.2396%2012.5713Z'%20stroke='%23987F61'%20stroke-width='2'%20stroke-linecap='round'%20stroke-linejoin='round'/%3e%3cpath%20d='M35.5199%2012.5713H29.7599C27.6479%2012.5713%2025.9199%2014.2856%2025.9199%2016.3808V20.1903H39.3599V16.3808C39.3599%2014.2856%2037.6319%2012.5713%2035.5199%2012.5713Z'%20stroke='%23987F61'%20stroke-width='2'%20stroke-linecap='round'%20stroke-linejoin='round'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_42_2225'%3e%3crect%20width='48'%20height='48'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
Indonesia
After spending time exploring the city myself and having a base in various parts of the city, I’ve created a guide with what I think are the best neighbourhoods to base yourself in, and for whom, as well as some hotel recommendations in each area.
Quick Guide: Best Areas to Stay in Jakarta
If you don't have time to read the whole guide here is a short overview of the best areas to stay in Jakarta and the three Hotels I would recommend to anyone visiting Jakarta for the first time.
Menteng – Best for first-time visitors, cafés, museums, and a central location.
SCBD & Sudirman – Best for luxury travelers, nightlife, rooftop bars, and business trips.
Central Jakarta (Thamrin) – Best for shopping, sightseeing, and convenience.
Kota Tua – Best for history lovers.
Kemang – Best for digital nomads, expats, cafés, and longer stays.
ASHLEY NEWAIR Menteng
This is a fantastic mid-range hotel in Menteng, offering a comfortable stay at a surprisingly affordable price. The rooms are modern, spacious, and the beds are really comfotable. One of the biggest highlights is its excellent location, putting you within reach to many of Jakarta's top attractions.
Check prices and availability
The Langham, Jakarta
This is one of the newest luxury hotels in the city and it's absolutely breathtaking. Expect elegant rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, spectacular skyline views, a world-class spa, and multiple outstanding restaurants. If you're looking to spoil yourself, this is a great spot.
Check prices and availability
Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta
This has long been regarded as one of Jakartas finest hotels. With spacious rooms, exceptional service, and several award-winning restaurants it's a favorite among both business and leisure travelers. The outdoor pool offers a peaceful escape from Jakarta's busy streets.
Check prices and availability
Map of The Best Areas & Hotels in Jakarta
Menteng – The Best Area for First-Time Visitors
If I had to recommend just one neighborhood for most travellers, it would be Menteng.
It’s located in Central Jakarta, and is a charming and safe neighborhood that feels a lot calmer than many other parts of the city while still being close to many of Jakarta's biggest attractions.
Here you’ll find beautiful colonial-era buildings, embassies, museums, excellent cafés, and some of the city's best restaurants.
You'll also be within easy reach of the National Monument (Monas), Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta Cathedral, and numerous shopping malls. Because the area is so central, it's easy to get around using Grab, taxis, or Jakarta's MRT.
I based myself here for parts of my trip to Jakarta and loved it. Even though there’s nothing specific to see in this area, the central location makes it easy to reach all sides of the city, and since there are so many great spots to eat around here, you can actually walk to some of them and not have to rely on transport.
Best Hotels in Menteng
We stayed at the Ashley Newair Hotel and would absolutely come back. They had spacious rooms, comfortable beds, great breakfast and a nice pool that I sadly never got to try.
DoubleTree by Hilton Jakarta - Diponegoro
This is one of the best-value luxury hotels in Menteng and it offers spacious modern rooms, a huge lagoon-style swimming pool and excellent service. Despite being located in the heart of Jakarta, the hotel feels surprisingly peaceful thanks to its lush tropical gardens.
Check prices and availability
ASHLEY NEWAIR Menteng
This is a fantastic mid-range hotel in Menteng, offering a comfortable stay at a surprisingly affordable price. The rooms are modern, spacious, and the beds are really comfotable. One of the biggest highlights is its excellent location, putting you within reach to many of Jakarta's top attractions.
Check prices and availability
The Hermitage, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel
This is one of Jakarta's most elegant boutique hotels. Set inside a beautifully restored 1920s Dutch colonial building, it combines historic charm with modern five-star comfort. The rooms are beautifully designed, the rooftop pool is stunning, and the service is exceptional.
Check prices and availability
Travel with peace of mind and get travel insurance before your trip.
I personally use SafetyWing and highly recommend it for every kind of trip. Check their prices & plans here.
SCBD & Sudirman – Best for Luxury Hotels & Nightlife
If you've seen photos of Jakarta's beautiful skyline, chances are they were taken in the Sudirman Central Business District (SCBD). This is the most modern side of Jakarta, and it’s filled with skyscrapers, luxury shopping malls, rooftop bars, fine dining restaurants, and stylish cafés.
If you're coming to Jakarta mainly for shopping and rooftop bars, then I would definitely base myself here. The price tag might be a bit higher with mostly luxury hotels in the area, but you'll be in the centre of Jakartas best restaurants and nightlife scene. If your budget allows it, this is one of the nicest places to stay.
Best Hotels in SCBD & Sudirman
The Langham, Jakarta
This is one of the newest luxury hotels in the city and it's absolutely breathtaking. Expect elegant rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, spectacular skyline views, a world-class spa, and multiple outstanding restaurants. If you're looking to spoil yourself, this is a great spot.
Check prices and availability
Fairmont Jakarta
This hotel is located next to Gelora Bung Karno Stadium and is perfectly positioned for shopping, concerts, sporting events and exploring SCBD. It's an excellent blend of business luxury and resort-style relaxation with spacious rooms and a beautiful outdoor swimming pool.
Check prices and availability
The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Pacific Place
Connected directly to Pacific Place Mall, this hotel is perfect if shopping and fine dining are high on your list. The suites are among the largest in Jakarta, with luxurious furnishings and outstanding city views. Service is also as amazing as you would expect from Ritz-Carlton.
Check prices and availability
Thamrin – Best for Shopping & Sightseeing
If your idea of the perfect city break involves shopping, great restaurants, and being close to Jakarta's biggest attractions, Thamrin is one of the best places to stay.
Located in the heart of Central Jakarta, this bustling district is home to some of the city's most famous shopping malls, including Grand Indonesia and Plaza Indonesia, as well as countless restaurants, cafés, and rooftop bars. It's also well connected by the MRT and TransJakarta bus system, making it easy to explore other parts of the city without spending hours in traffic.
Thamrin is particularly popular with first-time visitors because it offers the perfect balance between sightseeing and modern city life. You'll be just a short drive from Monas (the National Monument), Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta Cathedral, and many of the city's best museums.
Best Hotels in Thamrin
Hotel Indonesia Kempinski Jakarta
This hotel is located directly next to the famous Bundaran roundabout and connected to Grand Indonesia Mall so the location is unbeatable if you want to go shopping. You'll also get elegant rooms with city views, rooftop swimming pool, luxurious spa and outstanding restaurants close by.
Check prices and availability
Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta
This has long been regarded as one of Jakartas finest hotels. With spacious rooms, exceptional service, and several award-winning restaurants it's a favorite among both business and leisure travelers. The outdoor pool offers a peaceful escape from Jakarta's busy streets.
Check prices and availability
All Seasons Jakarta Thamrin
Travelers on a mid-range budget will find excellent value here. The rooms are modern, comfortable, and surprisingly spacious for the price, while the location places you within walking distance of MRT stations and major shopping malls. It's a great budget friendly option.
Check prices and availability
Every now and again I'll send you my latest travel updates and guides.
Kemang – Best for Digital Nomads & Longer Stays
If you're planning to spend more than a few days in Jakarta, Kemang is one of the city's most enjoyable neighborhoods to call home. Popular with expats, creatives, and digital nomads, the area has a much more relaxed atmosphere than Central Jakarta.
Instead of towering office buildings, you'll find leafy streets lined with independent cafés, international restaurants, coworking spaces, boutique shops, and lively bars.
Kemang is also one of the best places to experience Jakarta's café culture. It's the kind of neighborhood where you can spend the morning working from a coffee shop, enjoy lunch at a trendy restaurant, and finish the evening with cocktails and live music. While it's a little further from Jakarta's main tourist attractions, it's an excellent choice if you want to experience everyday life in the capital.
I stayed here for a while and thought it was a great. First I stayed more centrally and saw the sights, then I moved here for a more relaxed stay and café-hopping. I stayed at Lamandau House which was a bit closer to Blok M. I loved the hotel and the beds were super comfy, so I would definitely come back.
Need mobile data when you land?
I always set up an eSIM before flying so I'm connected the moment I arrive. Compare the best plans from Airalo here.
Best Hotels in Kemang & Around
Hotel Monopoli
This is one of Kemang's trendiest boutique hotels, known for its modern design, stylish rooms, and lively rooftop pool. The hotel has a young, vibrant atmosphere and is surrounded by some of the neighborhood's best cafés, restaurants, and bars.
Check prices and availability
Lamandau House
If you're looking for a boutique stay with plenty of character, this is one of the most charming hotels in Jakarta. The rooms are spacious and thoughtfully designed. The hotel is tucked away in the leafy neighborhood of Kebayoran Baru surrounded by trendy cafés and restaurants.
Check prices and availability
Kuretakeso Kemang Hotel
For travellers looking for excellent value in the heart of Kemang, this is a fantastic choice. This Japanese-inspired hotel combines modern comfort with spacious rooms, minimalist décor, and even traditional onsen-style public baths. It's located within walking distance of cafés, restaurants and bars.
Check prices and availability
Want to make the most of your trip to Jakarta?
Browse the highest-rated tours and experiences here.
Kota Tua – Best for History Lovers
If you're interested in Jakarta's colonial past, Kota Tua, also known as the Old Town, is the place to stay. This historic neighbourhood was once the center of the Dutch East Indies and is filled with beautifully restored colonial buildings, museums, charming cafés, and lively public squares. Walking around Kota Tua feels completely different from the modern skyscrapers found elsewhere in Jakarta.
The area is home to attractions such as Fatahillah Square, the Jakarta History Museum, the Wayang Museum, and Sunda Kelapa Harbor. It's especially beautiful in the early morning or late afternoon when the temperatures are cooler and the historic streets are less crowded.
It's not far from the charming China Town, also called Glodok, as well. However, it's important to know that it's a longer drive to other sights in central Jakarta.
Best Hotels in Kota Tua
Mercure Jakarta Batavia
Located just steps from Fatahillah Square, this is one of the best places to stay if you want to explore Jakarta's historic district on foot. The hotel combines modern comforts with architecture that reflects the area's colonial heritage.
Check prices and availability
House of Tugu, Old Town Jakarta
For a truly unique experience, this is hard to beat. This boutique hotel feels more like a living museum, with beautifully decorated rooms filled with Indonesian antiques, artwork, and historical treasures. Every corner tells a story, making it one of the most memorable places to stay in the city.
Check prices and availability
Holiday Inn & Suites Jakarta
Just a short drive from Kota Tua, this hotel offers spacious modern rooms and excellent value for money. The hotel features one of the largest swimming pools in the area, a fitness center, and several dining options. It's ideal for families or travellers who want easy access to both the Old Town and China Town.
Check prices and availability
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jakarta worth visiting?
It depends on how long you’re staying in Indonesia and what you want to see. I thought it was a fun place to visit, but if you only have a week or two in Indonesia, I would honestly spend it elsewhere.
However, if you’re looking for a very authentic side of Indonesia or just want to visit the most populated city in the world, or go on an epic shopping spree, Jakarta is a nice spot to visit.
How many days should you stay in Jakarta?
I recommend spending 2–4 days in Jakarta. This gives you enough time to visit the city's major attractions, explore a few different neighborhoods, enjoy the incredible food scene, and experience Jakarta's nightlife without feeling rushed.
What is the safest area to stay in Jakarta?
Menteng, Thamrin, SCBD and Kemang are all considered safe and popular with both international visitors and locals. As with any large city, it's always wise to stay aware of your surroundings, particularly late at night, and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas.
Is Jakarta expensive?
Compared to many major cities around the world, Jakarta is surprisingly affordable. Budget travellers can easily find comfortable accommodation and inexpensive local meals, while luxury travelers will often find five-star hotels and fine dining at prices that are significantly lower than in Europe, Australia, or North America.
What is the best area for nightlife?
For rooftop bars, cocktail lounges, and upscale nightlife, head to SCBD. If you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere with live music, craft beer, and trendy cafés, Kemang is an excellent choice.
Is Jakarta easy to get around?
Yes, although traffic can be pretty heavy. Fortunately, Jakarta has an excellent MRT system, the extensive TransJakarta bus network, commuter trains, and affordable ride-hailing apps like Grab and Gojek. If possible, try to avoid travelling during weekday rush hours, when congestion can be at its worst. We made that mistake once and were stuck in traffic for hours.
Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Jakarta
Jakarta is a massive city filled with contrast. You'll find areas packed with skyscrapers, others with colonial buildings, and you’ll see traditional street vendors next to trendy cafés or Michelin starred restaurants. Every neighbourhood has its own personality, so the best place to stay really depends on the type of trip you're planning.
If it's your first visit, I recommend staying in Menteng or Thamrin, where you'll be close to the city's main attractions while having plenty of restaurants and cafés nearby.
If luxury is your priority, you can't go wrong with SCBD, while digital nomads and longer-term visitors will probably feel most at home in Kemang.
Plan Your Trip to Jakarta
Hopefully this guide has given you everything you need to plan an unforgettable trip to Jakarta. To make planning even easier, I've included all the resources I personally use when I travel.
Every recommendation is based on tools and services I genuinely use and would recommend to friends and family.
By using these links you help me continue to create free travel guides like this one.
Thank you for supporting Travels with Ingrid!
If you have any questions about travel in Indonesia, or just want to follow along as I travel the world full time, don‘t hesitate to reach out to me on social media.
I would love to connect and help out!
-Ingrid
