Old Town Jakarta (Kota Tua Jakarta) , also known as Kota Tua, is the original center of the city, which was once the key port and headquarters for the Dutch East India Company  under the name "Batavia" in the 17th-18th centuries. This area is a collection of well-preserved Dutch colonial architecture, including former offices, warehouses, and residences of the aristocracy. Many of these buildings have been converted into interesting museums, making it an essential destination for anyone interested in Jakarta's long and rich history.

The focal point of the Old Town is Fatahillah Square, a large public area surrounded by historical buildings. It is home to the Jakarta History Museum formerly the Batavia City Hall, and the Wayang Museum, which displays Indonesian puppets. Also present are the Fine Art and Ceramic Museum and the Bank Indonesia Museum. Tourists can rent colorful bicycles with wide-brimmed hats to ride and explore the square, which has become an iconic feature of Kota Tua.

The ideal time to visit is from the late afternoon until evening when the weather cools down and the square is bustling with activity. Street performers, vendors selling food and souvenirs, and tourists relaxing can all be seen here. The atmosphere is especially vibrant on weekends. Visitors will get to experience the cultural diversity of the people of Jakarta spending time together in this historic space.

• KRL Commuter Line (Commuter Train): Alight at Jakarta Kota Station which is immediately adjacent to the Old Town area.

• TransJakarta Busway (Bus Rapid Transit): Take the route heading to the Kota Busway Stop.

• Best Visiting Season: May to September is the dry season, with clearer skies, but be prepared for intense heat during the day. Late afternoon to evening is the most pleasant time to visit.

• Photography: The old buildings and colorful rental bicycles provide an excellent backdrop for photos. Try taking pictures during the "Golden Hour" for beautiful lighting.

• Food and Local Culture: Try local street food from the stalls around the square or in the old restaurants in the vicinity, and observe the costumes of the street performers.

• Caution: Although the area is spacious, be mindful of traffic in some surrounding areas and look after your personal belongings, especially in crowded sections.

Admission Fee:

• Old Town (Public Area): Free

• Museums in the Area: Admission fees vary per museum (budget-friendly).

• Reference: Jakarta History Museum admission is approximately 5,000 IDR for locals and 20,000 IDR for foreigners, which is roughly equivalent

Opening Hours:

• Old Town (Public Area): Open 24 hours

• Museums: Generally 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM or 5:00 PM (Please check the operating hours of each museum as they are subject to change).