🇮🇩 Kota Tua: Jakarta’s Charming Side

When in Jakarta, it is easy to feel intimidated by the sheer scale of the city and forget some of its more charming districts. Indeed, the traffic is overwhelming and many neighbourhoods can feel way too gritty for traditional exploration.

However, you if want to enjoy some true Old World charm in the heart of Jakarta, you should definitely come to Kota Tua and spend a whole day there. Kota Tua was the heart of the Netherlands colonial administration in Batavia, until the government moved to Tanah Abang in the 20th century. There are many buildings there in the “Indies” style, a variant of Dutch architecture for the tropical climate.

At the heart of Kota Tua stands the old Stadhuis (City Hall), which is now a history museum. In front of it is a square with a lot of live music. There are many other museums around, about art, wayang and the old bank. You can spend a whole day. Walk beyond the square to see Toko Merah (coffee house) and Jembatan Kota Intan (a 17th century bridge)!

#indonesia #jakarta #kotatua

Post by je ne sais quoi | Aug 24, 2025