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For the longest time, the capital of Japan, Tokyo, has had the top spot when it came to the biggest city in the world by population. Based on a UN report released in November, it has been dethroned by the Indonesian capital Jakarta. Home to nearly 42 million people, Jakarta is now the most populous city in the world, followed by the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka with 36.6 million people, and Tokyo following closely at 33.4 million people. The 4th and 5th spots are claimed by Delhi and Shanghai, respectively.
The last report was released in 2018, and if you have been following the world news, you’d know that with Japan’s ageing population and a declining birth rate, Tokyo slipping off the top spot just makes sense. And in the past few years, Indonesia has been on a strong growth journey, going from lush green rice fields and temples to being the world's largest producer of nickel and an economy to reckon with.
Visiting Jakarta
If you’re also the kind of traveller who thinks of Bali the minute they think of Indonesia, we hope this news has made you sit up and take notice of the capital city. One of the busiest cities in Asia, Jakarta is a dynamic and underrated tourist destination. Sure, the gorgeous beaches in other parts of Indonesia get way more recognition, but trust us, the capital city, too, deserves its spot. Culturally rich, with plenty to explore, and full of flavours, both literally and metaphorically, Jakarta, Indonesia, has so much to offer.
Cultural places to visit in Jakarta
Indonesia has a beautiful blend of cultures. Experience the gorgeous Buddhist temples around the city; There is Vihara Satya Dharma, which is a unique tri-dharma spot, with believers of Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism all finding solace in the temple. Or for more vibrant visuals, think red lanterns, incense fog, dragons carved everywhere, Vihara Dharma Bhakti is your place. The oldest temple in the city, it is one of the most famous places to visit in Jakarta. The oldest Hindu temple in Jakarta is, however, Pura Aditya Jaya, which often reminds visitors of Balinese architecture and is a beautiful symbol of the sections of Hinduism practised in Indonesia.
In addition to the temples in Jakarta, you can also check out Gereja Immanuel, which is an important protestant church with stunning neoclassical architecture. Catholicism is represented by the Jakarta Cathedral, which is one of the popular places to visit in Jakarta, with its neo-Gothic architecture and stained glass windows.
Heritage places to visit in Jakarta
Jakarta’s heritage circuit offers tourists a vibrant glimpse into the country’s past. The blend of galleries, museums, and dedicated zones makes Jakarta one of the most underrated cultural hubs in Southeast Asia. Start at Fatahillah Square, the city’s heritage heart, where Dutch-era architecture frames the lively plaza. Here, explore the Jakarta History Museum, a stunning 18th-century building that traces the city’s evolution from Batavia to the modern metropolis. A short stroll away is Toko Merah, an elegant red building from the 1730s that now functions as a cultural space, letting you soak in the architecture and more.
If you are an art lover, head to the National Gallery of Indonesia, home to an impressive collection that spans traditional works, contemporary installations, and rotating exhibitions from emerging artists in Indonesia. Nearby, the National Museum of Indonesia, often called the ‘Elephant Building’, is a lesson about the archipelago’s archaeology, ethnography, and royal artefacts, perfect for heritage lovers. If you want a more immersive experience, however, you can’t skip Taman Mini Indonesia Indah. With miniature houses, museums, and cultural zones representing each province, this park is a colourful, engaging way to explore Indonesia’s identity in a single day.
Fun places to visit in Jakarta
Jakarta is a mix of quirky thrills, outdoor adventures, and unexpected city secrets. Start with the wonderfully offbeat Strange Ghost Market at Kota Tua, where vendors sell haunted trinkets, spooky dolls, and folklore-inspired charms on weekends. If you are gutsy, pair that with the city’s Ghost Bus Route. While it is not a certified route, on this late-night ride, drivers narrate Jakarta’s eeriest urban legends while passing through supposedly haunted spots.
If adrenaline is what you crave, BSD Xtreme Park delivers everything from go-karting and BMX tracks to rope courses and ATVs, making it a perfect playground. Water babies can head to Epic Cable Park for wakeboarding sessions that are both beginner-friendly and high-intensity. And for motorheads, the Sentul International Circuit happens to be just outside the city. It hosts races, events, and occasional open track days, making it one of the top places to visit in Jakarta.
If you are travelling with family and kids, add the Jakarta Aquarium & Safari to your itinerary. It is a beautifully designed space featuring interactive exhibits, touch pools, and immersive underwater tunnels. For a natural escape, check out Angke Kapuk. Lush mangroves, wooden walkways, and boat rides make for a soothing break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
FAQs About Visiting Jakarta
1. How do you reach Jakarta from India?
You can fly directly from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru to Jakarta’s Soekarno–Hatta International Airport. Most flights take 5–7 hours.
2. How much does a 10-day Jakarta vacation cost?
A comfortable 10-day trip usually costs Rs 90,000–Rs 1.6 lakh per person, depending on flights, stay, and activities.
3. What’s the best time to visit Jakarta?
The ideal time is June to September, when the weather is drier and perfect for exploring.
4. Do Indians need a visa to visit Jakarta?
Yes, Indian travellers need a visa. You can apply for an e-Visa or get a visa on arrival, depending on your travel purpose.
5. What are the top places to visit in Jakarta?
Popular spots include the National Monument, Taman Mini Indonesia, Kota Tua, National Gallery of Indonesia, Ancol Dreamland, Sea World, and Fatahillah Square.