Where to Stay in Jakarta (2026)

Jakarta is an enormous megacity, so choosing the right neighbourhood can make a big difference to your stay. Menteng is leafy and historic, with colonial architecture, parks, museums and excellent Indonesian restaurants. Kebayoran Baru has a more relaxed, residential feel, with green streets, independent shops, cafes and the Blok M area’s lively food and nightlife scene. Kuningan is one of the city’s main business districts, packed with skyscrapers, embassies, shopping malls and restaurants, making it a practical base. SCBD is the place for Jakarta’s contemporary side, with glass towers, designer malls, smart restaurants, rooftop bars and some of the city’s liveliest nightlife. Tanah Abang is busier and more local, centred around one of Jakarta’s biggest textile and clothing markets, with easy access to central sights.

Menteng

The historic neighbourhood of Menteng is known for its grand colonial-era houses, embassies and tree-lined streets, with highlights including Taman Suropati, Taman Menteng and the Museum Perumusan Naskah Proklamasi. There are plenty of excellent Indonesian restaurants, cafes and galleries to explore too, while nearby Jalan Surabaya is famous for its antique market. It’s also one of Jakarta’s smarter residential areas, so expect a good selection of boutique, luxury and upmarket hotels.

Kebayoran Baru

Kebayoran Baru is a great choice for foodies, shoppers and first-time visitors who want a lively neighbourhood with a more relaxed feel than central Jakarta. The area is best known for Blok M, a buzzing hub of restaurants, cafes, bars, shops and street food stalls, while Taman Langsat and Taman Ayodya offer pockets of greenery. Browse the boutiques and independent shops around Senopati, hunt down Indonesian favourites in the local dining spots, or head to Blok M Plaza and Blok M Square for shopping. There’s a good range of hotels here too, from smart city stays to stylish boutiques, and the MRT makes getting around especially easy.

Kuningan

The Kuningan neighbourhood is dominated by office towers and embassies, but there’s more to it than just work; Lotte Shopping Avenue, Kuningan City and Mall Ambassador are packed with shops and restaurants, while Taman Rasuna provides a welcome patch of greenery. The area also has a lively dining and bar scene, particularly around Mega Kuningan, with everything from Indonesian restaurants to international dining spots. The hotel choice is strong here, with polished five-star properties, serviced apartments and upscale city stays.

SCBD

Tanah Abang

Tanah Abang is a good base for budget-conscious travellers, shoppers and anyone keen to experience a busier, more local side of Jakarta. The area is best known for Tanah Abang Market, one of Southeast Asia’s biggest textile markets, where you’ll find everything from batik and clothing to fabrics and souvenirs at bargain prices. Thamrin City is another shopping hotspot, while Kampung Bali offers a glimpse of older Jakarta and a variety of street food. It’s not the prettiest or most peaceful part of the city, but there’s a good selection of affordable hotels, and central sights such as the National Museum and Grand Indonesia are within easy reach.