Jakarta Old Town (Kota Tua): A Complete Guide to History, Museums, and Things to Do

Check out these must-visit places when exploring Jakarta Old Town.

Jakarta Old Town, also known as Kota Tua, is one of the most iconic historical districts in West Jakarta. The area is surrounded by beautifully preserved Dutch colonial buildings—many of which now function as museums, cultural centers, cafés, and tourist attractions.

With affordable entrance fees and convenient access via KRL Commuter Line, TransJakarta, or JakLingko, Jakarta Old Town remains one of the most popular heritage destinations in the city. Before you plan your trip, remember that most attractions in Jakarta Old Town are closed on Mondays, so it’s best to schedule your visit on another day. To help you explore the area, here is a complete guide to its most notable museums, historical landmarks, and things to do.

Also read: Guide to the Best Italian Restaurants in Jakarta (2025 Edition)

Visiting the Museums and Historical Landmarks in Kota Tua

What to do in Jakarta Old Town? Relax—this expat-friendly guide will help you explore the area’s rich history, top attractions, and practical travel tips so you can enjoy one of Jakarta’s most charming and historic neighborhoods with ease. From iconic museums to heritage cafes and riverside photo spots, here are 10 must-visit places in Kota Tua:

1. Museum Sejarah Jakarta (Fatahillah Museum)

Located inside the former Batavia City Hall, this grand white building displays an extensive collection of colonial-era artifacts. You’ll find antique furniture, historical illustrations, and even an underground prison cell once used during Dutch rule.

• Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday 08:00–17:00 (closed on Monday)
• Ticket prices: IDR 5,000 (children & students) – IDR 50,000 (foreigners)
• Address: Taman Fatahillah No.1, Pinangsia, Taman Sari, West Jakarta

2. Museum Wayang

This museum highlights Indonesia’s rich puppet traditions, featuring wayang golek, si gale-gale, and iconic Unyil dolls. The building was once the first church in Batavia, and inside lies the tomb of Jan Pieterszoon Coen.

• Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday 09:00–15:00 (closed on Monday)
• Ticket prices: IDR 5,000 (students & children) – IDR 50,000 (foreigners)
• Address: Jln. Pintu Besar Utara No. 27, Pinangsia, Kota Tua, West Jakarta

3. Museum Seni Rupa dan Keramik

Housed in the historic Raad van Justitie building, this museum preserves Indonesia’s rich artistic heritage. Originally established as the Balai Seni Rupa in 1976 and the Museum Keramik in 1977, it later evolved into the Museum Seni Rupa dan Keramik in 1990.

The building itself dates back to 1870, when it served as the Dutch colonial court. Inside, you’ll find artwork spanning back to the 10th century, including masterpieces by renowned Indonesian artists. For a more interactive visit, guests can also participate in a clay-making workshop, perfect for those wanting a hands-on cultural experience

• Operating hours: Tuesday–Sunday 09:00–15:00 (closed on Monday)
• Ticket prices: IDR 5,000 (students & children) – IDR 50,000 (foreigners)
• Address: Jln. Pos Kota No. 29, Pinangsia, Kecamatan Taman Sari, West Jakarta

4. Café Batavia

A beloved cultural icon, Café Batavia sits right across from Fatahillah Museum and is designed inside a beautifully preserved heritage building. It’s popular during lunch and dinner, offering Indonesian and international dishes.

• Opening hours: Monday–Thursday 09:00–00:00; Friday 09:00–01:00; Saturday 07:00–01:00; Sunday 07:00–00:00
• Price range: IDR 20,000 – IDR 200,000 per person
• Address: Jln. Pintu Besar Utara No.14, Kota Tua, West Jakarta

5. Museum Bank Indonesia

This heritage building showcases the history of Indonesian currency—from ancient kingdoms to the colonial era. Open to the public since 2006, it remains one of the most modern and informative museums in Jakarta Old Town.

• Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday 08:00–16:00 (closed on Monday)
• Ticket prices: Starts from IDR 10,000
• Address: Jln. Pintu Besar Utara No.3, Pinangsia, Kecamatan Taman Sari, West Jakarta

6. Museum Bank Mandiri

A must-visit for banking and finance enthusiasts, this museum features old safes, vintage ledgers, coins, and operational tools used by Dutch trading companies.

• Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday 09:00–15:00 (closed on Monday)
• Ticket prices: Starts from IDR 3,000
• Address: Jln. Lapangan Stasiun No.1, Pinangsia, Kecamatan Taman Sari, West Jakarta

7. Jakarta Old Town Post Office (Kantor Pos Kota Tua)

Standing directly opposite Fatahillah Museum, this is Indonesia’s first post office, established during the VOC era in 1746. The building remains active today and is a fascinating glimpse into the city’s postal history.

• Address: Jln. Jembatan Batu No.1-18, Pinangsia, Kecamatan Taman Sari, West Jakarta 

8. Toko Merah

This striking red building once served as the residence of Batavia’s governors and became the site of significant historical events, including the Chinese massacre. Today, it is transformed into a stylish café and cultural venue.

• Opening hours: Monday-Friday 10:00-22:00; Saturday-Sunday 07:00-22.00 
• Address: Jln. Kali Besar Barat No.11, Roa Malaka, Kecamatan Tambora, West Jakarta

9. Kota Tua Canal (Kali Besar)

Located right across from Toko Merah, the historic canal was once a major route for Dutch trading ships. After revitalization, the area now serves as a cultural promenade and photography hotspot with scenic bridges and walkways.

•  Address: Kota Tua Jakarta, West Jakarta

10. Sunda Kelapa Port

As one of the oldest ports in Indonesia, Sunda Kelapa has been active since the 5th century. It once served the kingdom of Tarumanegara and later became a key trading port during the colonial period. Visitors can still see traditional pinisi boats docked along the harbor.

• Address: Ancol, Pademangan, North Jakarta

How to Get to Kota Tua

Reaching Jakarta Old Town (Kota Tua) is easy thanks to its central location and excellent public transportation access. The most convenient option for many expats and locals is the KRL Commuter Line. Simply take the Red Line (Jakarta Kota – Bogor) or Pink Line (Jakarta Kota – Tanjung Priok) and get off at Jakarta Kota Station, which sits right at the entrance of the heritage district. From the station, it’s only a short two-to-three-minute walk to Fatahillah Square, making this the fastest and most efficient way to avoid Jakarta’s traffic.

If you prefer buses, TransJakarta also offers multiple corridors that stop near Kota Tua. Routes heading toward Halte Kota or Museum Fatahillah will drop you close to the main attractions. For those staying near Sudirman, SCBD, or Thamrin, you can also combine the MRT with TransJakarta or switch to the KRL at Dukuh Atas, giving you a smooth, connected ride to the Old Town.

Another easy way to reach Kota Tua is by using JakLingko Microtrans, the small blue-and-white minibuses that serve neighborhood routes throughout Jakarta. They’re air-conditioned, affordable, and ideal for short-distance travel from nearby areas. If you prefer maximum comfort and door-to-door convenience, ride-hailing services like Grab and Gojek—or a regular Bluebird taxi—can take you directly to the main square, though traffic can get heavy on weekends.

Driving your own car is possible, but parking spaces around Kota Tua are limited, especially during peak hours. If you plan to drive, it’s best to visit on weekdays or early in the morning to secure a spot. Regardless of how you choose to get there, Kota Tua is designed to be walkable, so once you arrive, you can easily explore the museums, cafes, and landmarks on foot.

Tips for Visiting Jakarta Old Town

Jakarta Old Town offers a unique blend of history, culture, and urban heritage that you won’t find anywhere else in the city. Whether you enjoy exploring museums, admiring colonial architecture, relaxing in heritage cafés, or simply strolling through atmospheric streets, Kota Tua is an excellent destination for solo travelers, families, and culture lovers alike. To help you make the most of your visit, here are a few practical tips:

• Avoid Mondays because most museums and attractions are closed.
• Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid intense midday heat.
• Wear comfortable shoes, as the area is best explored on foot.
• Bring some cash for museum tickets, snacks, and small purchases.
• Rent a bike if you prefer a quicker and more flexible way to get around Kota Tua and explore its charming streets with ease.
• Photography enthusiasts should visit during golden hour for beautiful, warm lighting around Fatahillah Square and the canal.

Ready to explore Jakarta Old Town with complete comfort and convenience?

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Exploring Jakarta Old Town is even more enjoyable when you stay nearby, giving you easy access to its museums, cafés, and heritage streets at any time of day.

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Choose a Rukita coliving or apartment near West Jakarta or Central Jakarta and enjoy the perfect blend of historical surroundings and modern living.

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