Medan Travel Guide
Medan is a very large city on the north coast of the island of Sumatra in Indonesia, and the capital and largest city of North Sumatra province. Medan isn't a tourist destination, but it's a convenient stepping stone to other places like the 'weekend getaway' Berastagi, the island of Penang, Malaysia, and the popular, beautiful crater lake, Lake Toba.
Current Conditions in Medan
What to See in Medan
- Istana Maimun
- Masjid Raya Medan
- Menara Air Tirtanadi
- Rumah Tjong A Fie
- Titi Gantung
Practical Tips
Medan's Kualanamu International Airport and Belawan sea port are visa-free and visa-on-arrival points. For more visa information, see the Indonesia page. Medan city is swamped by becaks and taxis (the preferable choice to get around). There is also a form of public transport known as the angkot (small minivan).
Full Medan Guide
🧭 About the City
With a population of about 2 million people, Medan is the fourth-largest city in Indonesia (after Jakarta, Surabaya and Bandung) and the largest city outside of Java. No ethnic group forms a majority; the largest ethnic groups are the Javanese, Batak, Chinese, Minangkabau, Malays, Acehnese and Indians, and there are many more smaller ones. Each ethnic group contributes to thousands of mouth-watering dishes found in every corner of Medan. They offer dozens of food streets and hawker centers to suit their appetite at any time of the day. From the sweet Javanese cuisine, to delicious Batak grilled pork, to hot Padang dishes, from savory Chinese noodles, to spicy Indian curry, this varied cuisine is available 24/7. It is obvious why the locals are so into food. The city is quite well known for "food-tourism", especially amongst other Indonesians. It's interesting to contrast the old, Dutch style green areas, with parks, lawns, and huge old Dutch houses (now turned into government offices or commercial business) and the hundreds and hundreds of newer, shoddy shophouses sprawled together by the hundreds in the commercial areas along with a few modern style malls. Look out for the motor becaks! A sort of motorized rickshaw, they are a common sight throughout Medan, spewing black smoke everywhere. Be patient when searching for one, as some drivers often demand large amounts of money and have a temper.
✈️ Getting There
Medan's Kualanamu International Airport and Belawan sea port are visa-free and visa-on-arrival points. For more visa information, see the Indonesia page. By plane: Medan's civilian airport, 1 Kualanamu International Airport (KNO IATA), is in Deli Serdang, about 45 minutes from the city. It handles domestic and regional international flights. After arrival, ATMs and an information desk are available inside the airport. International: AirAsia from Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Phuket Batik Air from Kuala Lumpur & Singapore Etihad from Abu Dhabi (from Oct 2025) Lion Air from Penang Malaysia Airlines from Kuala Lumpur Salam Air from Muscat (from Oct 2025) Saudia from Jeddah Singapore Airlines from Singapore Domestic: For destinations within Indonesia, there are some regional airlines and LCC that serve Medan to other cities, mostly around Sumatra island. Batik Air (part of Lion Air group) from Jakarta Citilink (part of Garuda Indonesia) from Jakarta, Batam, Pekanbaru Garuda Indonesia from Jakarta Lion Air serves big cities in Sumatra and Java island Pelita Air from Jakarta Super Air Jet from various cities Susi Air serves smaller cities in Aceh and North Sumatra Wings Air (part of Lion Air group) serves smaller cities in North Sumatra, Aceh, Dumai and Jambi Public transport: Train service is provided by Railink, the first integrated airport rail link in Indonesia. City check-in and electronic tickets are also available. The airport train runs around a dozen trips a day in each direction with the first trip from 2 Medan Main Train Station beside Merdeka Square on Balai Kota street around 06:00 and the last trip from the airport around 21:00. The last train from the city goes at around 20:00, BUT check at the train station for the latest schedule. It is the fastest and most comfortable way to get from the airport to central Medan, taking 31-41 minutes. Tickets officially can only be purchased by credit or debit card, not with cash, though if you are lucky, someone might help you if you have no card, or if yours doesn't work in their machine, which happens. A one-way ticket costs between Rp55k and Rp70k. No schedule change is allowed and the ticket is not refundable. Up to date schedules, pricing and booking can be checked here or on the "KA BANDARA" app, BUT it is advisable to check at the train station if you want to travel either very early or late. Payment can be done by Klik Pay BCA, Click Pay Mandiri, Visa or Mastercard debit/credit cards. Buses operated by state-owned bus company DAMRI connect the airport to two destinations in Medan: Jl. Gatot Subroto (next to Plaza Medan Fair) and Amplas bus terminal. The bus ticket is a bit cheaper than the airport train and normally takes 1-1.5 hours to reach the airport, if traffic is not heavy. The last bus from Plaza Medan Fair usually leaves around 18:00. If you miss the last one, you might be able to get together with others waiting there to go in on a taxi or grab taxi. Or take a rickshaw to the train station and take one of the last trains of the day. There are often also buses from the airport to destinations like Berastagi. Taxis cost Rp130,000-150,000 to the city center, but will leave immediately, and are faster and more comfortable than the bus. There is a Rp10,000 surcharge to all fares for airport pickup on top of the metered rate. Taxi drivers may charge more late at night. By bus: The central station for all larger buses in Medan is 3 Amplas Bus Station (not located in the center of the city though). This is where a lot of the smaller minivans go, and where travelers need to go to make connecting buses to further cities. Many of the large air-conditioned buses perform overnight routes. Larger, non air-conditioned buses and large luxury buses (often Mercedes) that are air-conditioned (some have toilets on board, though they are squatting toilets that are difficult to use when the buses are moving, given driving habits and road conditions throughout Sumatra). Trans Mebidang. A bus rapid transit system operated by the state-owned transport company Damri that serves various places around Medan, Binjai, and Deli Serdang. There are two lines that stops at various designated bus stops. Operating hours are 06:00-22:00. Fixed price: Medan - Lubuk Pakam line: Rp7,000 Medan - Binjai line: Rp6,000 Makmur/Halmahera, Jl. Sisingamangaraja Km 6,7. Large buses (AC or non-AC), runs daily (usually overnight) to major cities in Riau province. Bintang Utara, Jl. Sisingamangaraja across Makmur terminal. Large buses (AC or non-AC) to major cities in Riau province. ALS (Antar Lintas Sumatera), Jl. Sisingamangaraja Km 6,5. Large buses (AC or non-AC), with route to southern part of North Sumatra, Padang, Bukit Tinggi, Pekanbaru, Palembang, Kerinci, and major cities in Java island (Jakarta, Malang, Yogyakarta, Semarang, Bandung). Sempati Star, Jl. Asrama. Luxury double-decker bus with toilet, entertainment screen on board, pillow & blanket, serves several cities in Aceh province. Prices range from Rp180,000 for Patas Executive to Rp430,000 for First Class (2017). For East, typically Bukit Lawang, use 4 Pinang Baris Bus Terminal or possibly better bus shops near 5 Mawar Bakery Pinang Baris For South, typically Berastagi, go to Pt. Almasar Indonesia shop (loket), near Citra Garden 2, south of Medan. By car: The Trans-Sumatran Highway that connects the whole island crosses Medan's city center. Toll roads exist but only as far as Binjai to the north west and Tebing Tinggi to south east. By boat: Medan is not near the sea, but nearby Belawan is a major port. The passenger terminal is called 6 Bandar Deli. Ferries no longer run to Penang from Belawan. The nearest international ferry port is Tanjung Balai, Asahan, about four hours by train from Medan. To/from other parts of Indonesia: Domestic routes are served by PELNI, it links Belawan with various ports in Sumatra and other Indonesian islands. By train: Medan is connected by rail to other conurbations on the eastern coast of Sumatra, such as Tanjung Balai, Rantau Prapat, Pematang Siantar and Binjai. Executive, business and economy class trains are available, but if your budget allows, take the better class trains, which are faster and more comfortable. Tickets cost between Rp5,000 (economy) to Rp120,000 (executive). Online booking is available here.
🚌 Getting Around
Medan city is swamped by becaks and taxis. There is also a form of public transport known as the angkot (small minivan). By becak: There have long been two types, the noisy smelly motorized ones, called becak motor, and the human powered pedal ones, called becak dayung, or in English, trishaws or pedicabs. Recently they've been joined by the popular new Bajaj three wheelers, which are much quieter and more comfortable becak motor alternatives. These can also be called with their app Maxride. You have to be a good negotiator if you want to go by becak, with price ranging between Rp5,000-30,000 depending on distance and bargaining skills. The pedal ones are becoming scarce, but are much more fun for short trips. Most of their drivers are getting on in years, so they might not want to go too far. Beware of scam artists who quote you one price to lure you in, even by showing a physical note to show you how much it'll cost, and then demand 10 times that amount when you arrived at your destination. Somehow, it's always 10 times: for example, 3,000 becomes 30,000, 5,000 becomes 50,000. An audio and video recording of their license card in the becak and the conversation about what was agreed would be a useful defense. Very few becak drivers speak more than a few words of English, but a map and lots of pointing will get you to the right place, even if it takes twice as long as you thought. By taxi: Try to get a taxi from a reliable place such in front of malls, shopping centers or airport. Many taxi drivers will resist the use of a meter and want to bargain. Taxis with meters may put them on, but then say there is a minimum charge. Try to avoid the use of taxis other than Bluebird or Express and always use the meter as they are the two most reliable taxi companies in Medan, this is a general rule that applies throughout the regions of Indonesia where either of these two taxi companies are available. Express Taxi, ☏ +62 61 455 2211. White taxis (usually Toyota Vios), they can usually be found around Medan, especially around central city and mostly use meter. Call in advance and they will come in time too (minimum fee by call is Rp25,000). Blue Bird Taxi, ☏ +62 61 846 1234. Blue color taxis, the newest taxi company to start operate in Medan. Friendly drivers and always use meter. Minimum fee by call is Rp20,000. Medan is also served by online transport. You book them via their app from smart phones. Payment can be by cash, card or electronic wallet. The fee is calculated by app, so no need to bargain. They regularly offer promotions. The first two are the longest running: Grab GO-JEK Maxim InDrive The Bajaj three wheelers also have an app: Maxride Public transport is rather haphazard, though there are more or less fixed prices. Small minivans (called sudako or angkot by locals) have painted numbers (1 to 267 in Medan, or sometimes letters like MRX) that signify their routes, which even locals don't have memorized. If you speak Indonesian, just ask where people are standing by the roadsides which "bus" number corresponds to your location and what the price is in advance. When a van with the appropriate number approaches, flag them down as they don't make scheduled stops (just drive along a given route and drop off passengers when told or pick up new passengers when flagged). If you are a westerner, you might want to confirm the price before getting in, though there is another school of thought which believes it is better to just hand over Rp5,000 when you get to your desired destination, especially since drivers are always in a hurry and rarely speak any English. This type of transportation should only be braved by those with a point-to-point knowledge of Medan and a working knowledge of Indonesian so they know where to tell the driver to stop, unless you have a local friend who can take you around, or you have plenty of time to explore the city. Standard fare around town (per 2024) is Rp5,000/trip. Only trip from-to opposite side of the city should go up to Rp10,000-15,000. One easy route is Minibus #3 from the great mosque (at the side of Yuki Simpang Raya mall) to Sambu bus station near Medan Mall. Another useful route is MRX which goes between Amplas Bus Station - Yuki Simpang Raya - Lapangan Merdeka (near the train station) - Plaza Medan Fair (near Petisah Market)- Plaza Millenium and beyond. A larger bus called Trans Metro Deli (green-colored) also operates. These buses have AC, many are electric, and serve fixed routes and have fixed stops. Payment is via electronic money or QRIS. The bus routes are available in Moovit and Google Maps apps.
📸 What to See
Most tourists stop in Medan only to get transport to elsewhere in Sumatra, but Medan offers a glimpse of a large Indonesian city still unfrequented by western tourists, and shouldn't be quickly dismissed. Medan is more chaotic and has a bit more litter than Jakarta or Denpasar and open sewers abound. Furthermore, fewer people speak English in Medan compared other large Indonesian cities, but even a little Bahasa goes a long way, and Sumatrans are still unjaded by westerners. Medan hosts a great lot of very nice Art Deco buildings from the Dutch colonial era, like the Old City Hall, the Post Office, the Great Mosque and many business buildings in and around Jl. Ahmad Yani. Some of them are in horrible shape, but most of them maintain their old splendor. Other attractions include: 1 Gunung Timur Temple (Vihara Gunung Timur), Jalan Hang Tuah. A Daoist temple of significant scale located about 500 m from Sri Mariamman Temple. It contains a large paved area with an impressively scaled incense burner, two covered badminton courts, a very large main hall and is partly surrounded by a moat and walls. It is particularly crowded with worshippers on Chinese New Year and Cap Go Meh. Free. 2 Great Mosque of Medan (Masjid Raya Medan or Masjid Raya Al Mashun), corner of Jalan Masjid Raya and Jalan Sisingamaraja (a 5-min walk to the east from Maimoon Palace, across from Yuki Simpang Raya department store). Built in 1906 and completed in 1909, the mosque was designed by a Dutch architect mixing Moroccan, European, Middle Eastern and Malay styles. During the month of Ramadan the whole Jalan Masjid Raya is closed to hold a night market where food and merchandise are sold. Women can visit, too, but they have to enter the central hall through a separate door and stay behind a provisory wall that separates the hall in two. Around the mosque is a graveyard for the sultan's extended family. Free. 3 Graha Maria Annai Velangkanni, Taman Sakura Indah, Jalan Sakura III No. 10 Tanjung Selamat (11 km from downtown/Little India, local bus 10/26/61+6 Rp5,000 each ~1 hr; car-hailing grab Rp 30,000 bike, Rp 50-60,000 car). 08:00-18:00. Catholic shrine with Tamil Hindu-style architecture, devoted to Our Lady of Good Health. Free. (updated Mar 2024) 4 Maha Vihara Maitreya, Jl. Boulevard Utara No. 1, Cemara Asri. Open most the times. One of the biggest Buddhist temple complexes in Medan, it is decorated with various statues of mythical Chinese creatures like dragons, kirin and phoenixes. To the left wing is a pond housing koi fish, while the right wing houses a playground, souvenir shop, a vegetarian canteen and a coffeehouse. The main hall houses statues of Buddha Sakyamuni, Bodhisattva and the Bodhisattva Satyakalama Avolokitesvara. As this is a holy site, always obey the regulations stated by the temple. Free. (updated Jul 2024) 5 Maimoon Palace (Istana Maimun), Jalan Brigjend Katamso (5 mins walk from Great Mosque). A royal palace of Sultanate of Deli, built by Sultan Makmun Al Rasyid Perkasa Alamsyah in years 1887–1891, the palace covers 2,772 m² and has 30 rooms. It has unique interior design, mixing elements of Malay cultural heritage, Islam, Spanish, Indian and Italian style. Only a small number of rooms can be visited, with a history of the sultan family and a few artefacts, portraits and photographs and partly occupied by shops. Quite busy and popular place with locals and tourists. Additional fee if want to get photos in traditional costume (Rp50,000). No English text. Rp10,000. (updated Mar 2024) 6 Rahmat International Wildlife Museum & Gallery, Jalan S. Parman No 309, ☏ +62 61 456 9964, wildlife@rahmatgallery.com. 09:00-17:00. Opened in 1999 and is chiefly the most incredible global taxidermy collection you could imagine. This place has to be seen to be believed - it's the sort of thing that could only happen in Asia! A veritable treasure-chest, it features numerous critters of sea, land and sky as well as the collected flotsam of the eccentric founding Afghan's life hunting big game, fishing, hob-nobbing and generally getting around the world. An obvious labour of love by Doctor Rahmat, who has since been installed as the chairman of the Indonesian Museum Association, this place is a small stay against the sea of Sumatran rain forests being destroyed and poached every year. Worth supporting against ill-contrived zoos otherwise found throughout the region. Rp50,000. (updated Sep 2022) 7 Sri Mariamman Temple (Kuil Shri Mariamman). A Tamil Hindu temple. Beware: there are two of these! This one's the one on the corner not so far from town. The other one is down a long alley and is closed up. Featuring many brightly colored statues of all the major gods from the Tamil Hindu pantheon and a few naga stones, this temple is testament to the reach of the ancient Tamil maritime empire and the age of the Tamil community in Sumatra. Events regularly take place at this temple. Free. 8 Sikh Temple. Located in the old Chinese school 50 m to the right of the Shri Mariamman Tamil Hindu Temple, opposite the maternity hospital. After you walk in to the impressive grounds, turn to the left and walk behind the stairway. The humble temple hall is located to your left. Note: Do not enter without both permission and proper attire! There is supposed to be a larger one elsewhere in the city. Free. 9 Tjong A Fie Mansion (Rumah Tjong A Fie), Jalan Ahmad Yani (10 minutes' walk south of the train station, across from Tip Top restaurant), ☏ +62 811 613 0388, info@tjongafiemansion.org. This mansion was built by an important businessman in Medan, a leader of the local Chinese community who formed several successful business ventures in his lifetime, working with both Dutch colonial authorities, Indonesian Muslims, plantation owners, exporters and worldwide traders of all stripes. Because of his substantial wealth and philanthropic activities involving mosques, hospitals, temples and orphanages, Tjong A Fie became a defining figure in the history of Medan. He worked to improve conditions for those on tobacco, rubber and other plantations, objecting to indentured servitude and other degrading work conditions for ethnic Chinese laborers. This colorful and ornately decorated building tells his story, and that of his descendants, as well as filling in some details about the city's past. Rp35,000. (updated Nov 2021) 10 Tirtanadi Water Tower (Menara Air Tirtanadi), Jalan Sisingamaraja No. 1 (intersection of Jalan Sisingamaraja, Jalan Pandu and Jalan Cirebon). One of Medan's icons, the water tower was built by the Dutch government in 1908 with a height of 42 m. It is state-owned by PDAM Tirtanadi. Free. 11 Medan Zoo (Kebun Binatang Medan), Jl. Bunga Rampai IV, Simalingkar, ☏ +62 838-9085-3009 (WA). 08:30-17:30. See critically endangered local fauna, Sumatran tiger. It is the only surviving tiger population in the Sunda Islands. Rp15,000 weekdays, Rp20,000 weekend. (updated Aug 2024) 12 North Sumatra Museum (Museum Negeri Sumatra Utara), Jl. HM. Joni No.51. Tue-Sun, 08:30-16:00. It is the largest museum in North Sumatra which displays various historical and cultural relics of the nation, arts and crafts from various ethnic groups in North Sumatra. (updated Aug 2024)
🎯 What to Do
Theme parks: 1 Pantai Cermin Theme Park & Resort, Sales office : Jalan D.I. Panjaltan No. 153, Theme Park : Dusun 1 Desa Pantai Cermin Kanam, Kec. Pantai Cermin, Kabupaten Serdang Bedagai, ☏ +62 61 4510956 (Sales office), +62 61 456-2893, fax: +62 61 4520922. weekdays 11:00-17:00, weekends and public holidays 09:00-6:30. The water theme park is located in Cermin Beach, Serdang Bedagai. The theme park is organized by a Malaysian investor and the local government. Swimming, sun bathing and kayaking. To go there, take a rental car, private car or mini bus (sudako) at Jalan. MT. Haryono (in front of Medan Mall) and stop at Perbaungan city. Then take a machine trishaw to the beach. The whole journey may take about 1-2 hours. weekdays: Rp40,000 (adult), Rp20,000 (children); weekends and public holidays: Rp60,000 (adult), Rp40,000 (children). Spas: Although Sumatra does not have the same international reputation as Bali or Thailand for massage, it still forms a significant part of local culture. In rural areas, there will usually be a masseuse available for low cost, if you ask around, while Medan offers true 'spa' facilities, which are highly recommended for anyone seeking a spa experience away from the hustle and bustle of the city at a fraction of the cost elsewhere in the world. Mostly hotels also have their own spa. You can contact your receptionist for further info. 2 Quan Spa, JW Marriott Hotel 17th floor, ☏ +62 61 455-3333, quanspamedan@marriotthotels.com. Daily 10:00–21:00. Located on the 17th floor of the JW Marriott has full 5-star hotel spa facilities, with a one hour massage from Rp250,000 for 1-hour massage, more for more elaborate rituals. This is of course a very expensive fee in Indonesia. From Rp250,000 for 1-hour massage. 3 Zengarden, Jalan S No. 22/272 Parman, ☏ +62 61 451-9306, +62 61 7702-9845, hello@zengarden.co.id. Weekdays: 10:00-22:00, weekends: 09:00-21:00. Located in the heart of Medan. Skillful, clean and very affordable by local standards. Reservations are recommended. Rp150,000-280,000. Eucalyptus Spa. There are two branches of Eucalyptus Spa in the city, one at the Travellers Suite hotel. Prices there are lower, from Rp120,000 for 1 hour. 4 De'Spa, Jalan Malaka No.136, ☏ +62 61 414-8416. 5 Ocean Spa, Cemara Asri. Family karaoke: 6 H.o.M.E Family Karaoke, Jl. Patimura, ☏ +62 61 453-6567. 7 Karaoke Keluarga (K2) Family Karaoke, Kompleks Multatuli, ☏ +62 61 457-5055.
🛍️ Shopping
Though Medan doesn't have many super malls like Jakarta or Surabaya, it does have plenty of medium-sized malls. 1 Cambridge City Square, Jl. S. Parman No 217 (intersection of Jl. S. Parman, Jl. Gajah Mada & Jl. Zainul Arifin (5-min walk from Sun Plaza along Jl. Zainul Arifin), ☏ +62 61 455-4999. Daily 10:00–22:00. Cambridge City Square consists of office spaces, a mall, condominium and the Grand Swiss-Belhotel International linked together. The mall is less than a quarter of the size of Sun Plaza, but houses many restaurants and cafes like Nelayan Jala-jala (dim sum restaurant), Starbucks Coffee, Es Teler 77 (Indonesian street food), Pepper Lunch (teppanyaki restaurant), Haagen-Dazs, Magal and many more. There's even ice skating. A Berastagi Supermarket is in LG floor. There are also several boutiques which sell knock-off "branded" items. (updated Oct 2026) 2 Centre Point, Jl. Timor (behind the train station). Daily 10:00–22:00. An upscale-mall, Centre Point aims to combine mall, apartments, hotel and office into one big integrated complex. Has Mr. DIY, Lotte Mart (Korean hypermarket), Cinema XXI (movie theater) & food court in top floor, Metro (department store), a modern gym, and many more international retailers of brand-name items. If you take a train from airport, after exiting train station, you can cross the street into the mall. (updated Oct 2026) 3 Grand Palladium Mall, Jl. Kapten Maulana Lubis No. 8. Daily 10:00–22:00. No longer grand, this out-of-fashion mall is adjacent to Hotel Aryaduta in the city center. Used to be popular, but most outlets have now closed, as happens to malls in fickle Medan. All the large stores have left, but there are still a few small shops selling things like gems and CDs, and a few good restaurants. Be sure to try Tiong Sim Noodle & Hong Kong BBQ (open until 02:00 daily!): Their roasted pork and noodles is very famous locally. Nearby Sun Plaza is a livelier destination - it's about a 10-min drive or 15min walk from Palladium. Lippo Plaza is between the two. (updated Mar 2023) 4 Medan Mall, Jl. MT Haryono. Daily 10:00–22:00. A popular place for shoppers where you can find almost everything from fine jewelery, clothing and food to groceries. Directly connected to Pusat Pasar, a big traditional market behind Medan Mall. The adjacent Olympia Mall is a wholesale market. 5 Plaza Medan Fair, Jl. Gatot Subroto No 30. Daily 10:00–22:00. One of the major malls in Medan, renowned for selling electronics and gadgets. Has Transmart Carrefour (hypermarket), Matahari (local department store), Ayam Kalasan (Indonesian restaurant famous for its roast chicken), and many other chain restaurants. Slightly cheaper than Sun Plaza. On the top floor, you will find many small outlets selling gadgets or PCs and accessories and a Mr DIY. Cell phone network Three ("Tri") has its Medan office near the KFC. (updated Mar 2023) 6 Sun Plaza, Jl. Zainul Arifin Nomor 7 (intersection of Jl. Zainul Arifin & Jl. Diponegoro). Daily 10:00–22:00. Located downtown in the Central Business District area, just at the border of Kampung Keling (Little India), surrounded by major international banks. It is one of the largest high-end shopping malls in Medan. Plenty of food choices from western to eastern. Has more luxurious goods than other malls in town; however, many of them are knock-off branded products. The products can range from C to AAA grades. It is strongly advised to bargain. Some good buys include Mont Blanc pens which can be purchased for Rp100,000-200,000 apiece, complete with gift box and warranty card. Also has ice skating, Cinemaxx (movie theater), Sogo (department store), Gramedia (largest book store chain in Indonesia), Ace Hardware, etc. Very crowded especially on weekends or public holidays. (updated Oct 2026) 7 Thamrin Plaza, Jl. Thamrin. Daily 10:00–22:00. One of the oldest malls with large Matahari (department store), Timezone arcade, top-floor food court and limited international brand stores. Located near Chinatown. There's a wholesale market beside Thamrin Plaza called Pasar Rame that opens from 09:00-17:00 daily. Look around for dried fruit with sugar. 8 Yuki Simpang Raya Shopping Mall, Jl Sisingamangaraja XII (across the street from Masjid Raya), ☏ +62 61 735-4027. Daily 12:00–21:00. A long-running little shopping center across the street from the big mosque, very convenient to the hotel district, but not yet recovered from the Corona period. It may look abandoned, but it's open. Unlike the giant chain malls, this one sells mostly locally made clothing and home furnishings. Lots of rattan furniture, interesting plastic table and chair creations, toys, tents... There is also a large arcade and kids' playground on the top floor, a supermarket on the ground floor, as well as a popular bowling alley, pool hall, and a gym on the 3rd floor. The gym is well equipped, other than a lack of enough dumb bells, and costs either Rp20,000 per visit or you can become a monthly member. Gymnastics for kids opened recently, also on the 3rd floor. Cell phone shops near the front entrance. Across Jln Amaliun from Yuki there is a food center and cafe. Buses to Siantar and thereabouts leave from the parking lot. There are also many food stalls and cafes along Jln Amaliun. (updated Oct 2026) 9 Pasar Petisah. A central market, sells vast array of meat, fish, fruit and vegetables. Plaza Medan Fair is very nearby. (updated Jul 2024) 10 Gelora Supermarket, Jl. Sisingamangaraja and Jl. Amaliun. A supermarket and small department store for children's school uniforms and other items. Their old building next to the railway tracks is now closed and they have moved into the Madani Hotel Building. (updated Jul 2024) 11 The Plaza Millenium, Jl. Kapitan Muslim (on the MRX minibus route). Medan's cell phone plaza. Four floors almost completely devoted to phones. Pretty girls do their best to get you to choose their booth, from the hundred or so which all seem to offer the same merchandise. There's a food center, a cinema, and kids' amusement area on the top, and there are also a couple of fast food joints, a supermarket and a gym on the ground floor. There are also phones and accessories shops across the street. (updated Jul 2024) 12 Mr Ben, Jl. Muara Takus 70-72 (near Jl. Pagaruyung food street in Kampung Keling), ☏ +62 61 455-4116. 07:30–19:30, closed Sun. Not a mall, just a good sized shop that has been a long running source for all those hard to find food items that foreigners crave. They have a lot of competition since the giant supermarket chains have arrived, but you will still find items here that you won't get anywhere else in Medan. Personal service and very reasonable prices. Cheeses, interesting local coffees, and health food items. Well worth visiting. (updated Jul 2024) 13 Delipark Mall & Rivapark, Jl. Putri Hijau / Guru Patimpus No 1, Medan. 10:00–22:00. The largest upscale mall, part of Podomoro City Deli Medan. Their tenants include Sogo Dept Store, Marks & Spencer, Pull & Bear, Uniqlo, Tumi, Swarovski, Transmart Supermarket, Ace Hardware, Starbucks and many more. (updated Jan 2024)
🍜 Food
With its ethnic diversity, Medan is a culinary delight. Here you will find several of Indonesia's regional cuisines, as well as localised versions of Chinese and Indian cuisine. Common sights are mie pangsit (a variant of wonton noodles, sometimes without wonton - commonly pork, but beef and chicken version exist), nasi padang or nasi minang, kwetiau/bihun/mie/nasi goreng (fried noodle/kway teow/vermicelli/rice), bakso (meatball soup served with/without noodle) and sate padang (satay with spicy yellow sauces origin from West Sumatra). Ayam penyet, Javanese style fried chicken, is popular, as is sate and mie Aceh. Also you may try some of Medan's specialties such as soto medan, mie sop, mie rebus medan, mie balap and bihun bebek. Budget: 1 Kedai Kopi Apek, Jalan Hindu, Kesawan. Historic coffee house with excellent Lintong Coffee served up by Apek. This place was set up by Apek's father in 1922. Serves kopi susu and roti bakar srikaya (kaya toast). Contains stalls with Indian roti cane bread with goat curry, martabak and soto soup. Outside are nasi gurih, bakmi and kwetiau noodles. Piece of Medan history. (updated Jul 2024) 2 Bollywood Food Centre, Jl. Muara Takus No 7 (behind Sun Plaza), ☏ +62 61 453694. This is nice place for real, homely Indian food. (updated Jul 2024) 3 Cahaya Baru Indian Restaurant, Jalan Teuku Cik Ditiro (In Little India), ☏ +62 811-6407-878, cahayabaruindianfood@gmail.com. The North and south Indian restaurant is one of Medan's best kept secrets, which has been featured in Kompas newspaper as the only restaurant in Medan which serves a wide range of authentic North-Indian cuisine. It offers delicious vegetarian and curry dishes. Main dish Rp 20-70k, drink 10-50, lassi 30-35, beers 40-50, nasi kandar 15-35, martabak 25-50, add 10% service tax. (updated Jul 2024) 4 Restoran Garuda, Jalan H. Adam Malik, ☏ +62 61 453 7346, info@restorangaruda.com. Well known for its rendang (Padang-style beef dish cooked slowly in coconut gravy and chili) and ayam pop (Padang-style chicken dish cooked in coconut gravy), it has many branches including RM Berjaya. (updated Jul 2024) 5 Lontong Kak Lin, Jalan Teuku Cik Ditiro. Serving tasty and cheap lontong sayur (rice cakes in hot vegetables curry), this humble eatery is not much to look at for the uninitiated. There are queues to buy breakfast and lunch here. (updated Jul 2024) 6 Mie Aceh Titi Bobrok, Jl. Setia Budi. Has been dubbed by an Indonesian lifestyle magazine as the most popular local dish in Medan. A simple dish of noodle served with chili sauce and crab, rumour has it that the secret ingredient which make the Aceh-style noodle irresistible is a dash of Acehnese marijuana, which is the commonest drug that could be imported illegally from the region. But that, of course, only heightened the mystery and the notoriety of the delicious mie Aceh. (updated Jul 2024) 7 Pagaruyung Alley. Located in Medan's "Little India" or Kampung Keling as it's called by locals. They offer, of course, Indian and Indonesian cuisine. Business begins when the sun sets and goes until 02:00 Well known for satay (chicken, lamb, mutton, liver, intestine, etc.), fried rice and martabak telur (egg pancake topped with diced potatoes, and onions, often served with curry). Also excellent Minang style "pick and mix" rice and fruit juices. (updated Oct 2026) 8 Sadar jiwo noodlebar, Jl. Teuku Cik Ditiro No.36, Madras Hulu, Kec. Medan Polonia, Kota Medan, Sumatera Utara 20152 (In Little India), ☏ +62 811-6407-878. Indonesian and Japanese noodles. AC. Main dish 18-48k, entry 20-28k, drink 5-18k. (updated Dec 2024) 9 Mie Ayam Jamur Juara, Jl. Taruma Simp. Airlangga (in Little India. One block north of Capsule Inn Medan.), ☏ +62 61 453-0962, +62 811-606-0962. Small street food stall. Likely one of the cheapest places but still good. Main dish Rp 10-13k, drink 6-10k. Example: nasi ayam penyet 10k. (updated Jul 2024) Mid-range: 10 Koki Sunda, ☏ +62 61 453-3282. As the name implies, serves tasty Sundanese food and beverages such as Nasi Liwet and Es Delima. It's at the heart of the city at the corner of S.Parman and Hasanuddin so it's hard to miss if you travel around the city. Its reasonably priced and wide array selection of delicious food is well known to the locals and visitors. Koki Sunda now opens in Tanjung Morawa and Pekan Baru. 11 Jalan Selat Panjang/ Sumatra/ Semarang. This is where some of the oldest Chinese eateries in Medan serve their renowned cuisines, such as mie pangsit tiong-sim (noodle served with stuffed dumplings), kwetiau goreng (wok-fried Chinese rice-fettuccine), popia (Chinese-style vegetable-stuffed spring roll) and many more. If you want to eat halal, of course you should beware of the pork content in the dishes, but you could always ask for a no-pork version of the dish and a different wok to cook your food in. (updated Jul 2024) 12 Tip Top Restaurant, Jalan Jenderal Ahmad Yani no 92 A-B (across from Tjong A Fie Mansion), ☏ +62 61 451-4442, tiptopmedan@gmail.com. Used to be the restaurant in Medan, this unique restaurant can trace its history back to the Dutch colonisation. The food has a nostalgic taste clinging on every bite, such as the ox-tongue sandwich and the bitter-ballen, but the best experience you could have here is watching the buzz of Kesawan Square from your rattan chair on the verandah. Also famous for its cake. (updated Jul 2024) 13 OnDo Grill Batak, Jl. Pabrik Tenun No.45. A unique Batak restaurant where you can find the gems of Batak dishes, without all the germs. Cafe-like ambience with non-stop jazz music. Serves a reasonably-tasting saksang (a pork dish cooked in pork blood), babi panggang karo (Batak/Karo-style chopped roast-pork) and arsik (Batak-style fish dish). Don't forget to taste the hot pora-pora (a dish of sauteed papaya and cassava leaves cooked in coconut gravy and rawit chili). (updated Jul 2024) 14 Rumah Makan Islam Marikena, Jl. Jamin Ginting No.94. 10:00–21:00. Serves traditional Halal Batak-Karo dishes, like arsik, a traditional goldfish/carp dish, and ayam cipera, a type of Karo soup made with corn, chicken, and other spices and left to stew in water. (updated Jul 2024) Splurge: 15 Taipan Restaurant, Capital building, 1st Floor, ☏ +62 61 455-6333. Serves mainly Chinese style menu. Dim sum is served usually for breakfast and lunch only. Try their coconut Thai dessert or specialty tofu dish. (updated Jul 2024) 16 Gut German Kitchen, Jl. Kapten Patimura No.342. 11:00–21:00. A German restaurant in town. (updated Jul 2024) Others: Durian is one of the most famous fruits of both Medan and North Sumatra. Get the best price and taste when the season comes, which on July and December. North Sumatra has a lot of durian fields like; Sibolangit, Brastagi, Langkat, Sidikalang, Siborong-borong, Tarutung, Sibolga, Nias, Padang Sidempuan, Lima Puluh and Perbaungan. Get Medan durian at Jalan Sumatera, Jalan Semarang, Jalan Adam Malik, Ucok Durian, Si Bolang Durian and more. Rp5,000-50,000 each depending on size and season. For food souvenirs, you may choose pancake durian. Jalan Majapahit on Petisah area (across from Cambridge City Square) has a lot of stores selling homemade cakes and juices. Most stores also allow sampling before buying. Try the local specialty bika ambon (spongy-texture cake with pandan flavor) or jus martabe (mix of passion and tamarillo fruit) juice. 17 Bolu Meranti, Jl. Razak No.7C. The home-made roll cakes with variety of tastes, such as cheese, blueberry, mocha. The most famous roll cakes in town. (updated Jul 2024) 18 Medan Home Dairy, ☏ +62 813-9703-3540. They have European-style "best natural yogurt in Indonesia". Located at TASBI Complex. They are producing many kinds of goat and cow milk cheeses, as well. For the goat milk products they are using fresh, pasteurized (twice) organic goat milk. 19 Zuki Bakery, Jl. S.Parman No.103. Bika Ambon, spekoek, prunes, roll cake (Bolu Gulung), breads. They bake items fresh every day and also make their on syrups, including marquisa syrup, terong belanda syrup and kietnah syrup. (updated Jul 2024)
☕ Drinks & Nightlife
Cafes: Given that Indonesian coffee is excellent and Indonesians love to drink it, it should be no surprise that Medan has many hundreds of cafes. You'll find all the espresso based drinks in your favorite, whether that's a tiny neighborhood place or a Starbucks. Many also have food available. Prices are surprisingly reasonable and most have wifi. A popular local creation is the Sanger, espresso with milk and sugar. There are several clubs, pubs and karaoke joints to visit at night in Medan. 1 Bistronomix, Jl. Perintis Kemerdekaan (just across from JW Marriott Hotel). Popular especially with youngsters. (updated Jul 2024) 2 Harbour 9, Forum 9 building ground floor (near Lapangan Benteng). Offer outdoor seating just beside Deli river, but many mosquitoes at night. (updated Jul 2024) 3 Healy Mac's, Centre Point complex Blok M. The only branch of Healy Mac's in Indonesia. Nice food. Priced reasonably. (updated Jul 2024) 4 Holywings, Jl. A Rivai. Good food and reasonable priced drinks. Live music usually starts at 21:00. Occasionally may hires famous singers. (updated Jul 2024) 5 Retrospective Entertainment (Retro), Jl. Putri Hijau, Capital Building 6th Floor. (updated Jul 2024) 6 Shoot Resto Bar Club, Jl. Kapten Pattimura 423, ☏ +62 61 453 1884. A pool bar with big screen playing sports channel (football games on the weekends) accompanied by regular live bands and DJ performance. It also has a large collection of wine from all over the world. (updated Jul 2024) 7 Stroom KTV, Selecta. (updated Jul 2024) 8 The Tavern Pub, Hotel Danau Toba. Was once one of the most popular going out pubs for expats in the city, but now is a little run down and attracts a sleazier crowd. It features live music from local bands. It's fairly small, fairly popular and is crowded on the weekends with groups of friends, couples, and some rather friendly girls hanging out. A bit expensive for the standard. (updated May 2018)
🛏️ Where to Stay
Budget: 1 Dazhong Backpacker's Hostel, JL Muara Takus (near Sun Plaza and Jln Pagaruyung night food market), ☏ +62 822-7309-3888. Check-out: 12:00. A/C single or double rooms. Free Wi-Fi. Free lockers. Bring your own lock. Single Rp100,000, double Rp125,000. (updated Jul 2024) 2 Hotel Zakia, ☏ +62 61 732-2413. Budget accommodation next to the Grand Mosque. Includes breakfast. It is reasonably clean and central. Rp55,000-120,000. (updated Jul 2024) 3 Pondok Wisata Istana XI, Jl Amaliun 9 (opposite Yuki Plaza parking lot side entrance), ☏ +62 61 733-1190. Looks more expensive than it is. A range of rooms are available in this medium-size hotel, starting at Rp120 000. They also have very reasonable monthly rates. (updated Jul 2024) 4 Reddoorz hostel @ capsule inn medan, Jl. KH. Zainul Arifin No.176, Madras Hulu, Kec. Medan Polonia, Kota Medan, Sumatera Utara 20151 (in Little India, 10 min walk from Cambridge or Sun plaza mall; if coming through Damri bus, ask driver to drop you near Halte Cambridge.), ☏ +62 21 806-29666. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Futuristic capsules, no upper bedsheet, small foldable tray/table (detachable from wall). Shower, towel, hot+cold water, soap, no shampoo. No water bottle, water fountains fine to use for refill. Two lockers (one for shoes, one for cabin-sized bag). Toilets with toilet gun/shower but no toilet paper. Rooftop. Small market/bazaar outside the hostel. on the main street some nights, but noise does not reach inside capsule. Ground or 1F as café+ reception, 2F female dorm, 3F male dorm, 4F rooftop. There is no power point inside capsule. It has two USB-A sockets (labeled "fast" and "slow", but both are very bad). Bad Internet upload. 24-hour front desk. Friendly staff. Street food outside is fantastic. There's a small, but super nice shopping centre a very short walk down the street, across a short bridge, with supermarket downstairs, restaurants on ground, and cinema and skating rink on the top floor. Good for a touch of civilization before/after jungle trekking. dorm (ac) Rp 100,000. (updated Nov 2025) Mid-range: 5 Antares Hotel, Jalan Sisingamaraja No 84 (on same street and near Hotel Garuda Plaza and Hotel Sumatera), ☏ +62 61 732-4000. Discounts on weekends. Breakfast buffet included in the price. SatTV with HBO, Star Sports, Discovery Channel, CNN. A/C. Clean, but room doors not properly noise-proofed, so you will hear anything and anyone walking the corridor on their way from the elevator. Bring ear plugs if you are a light sleeper. There is a children pool on the 3rd floor. Rooms from Rp229,000. (updated Jul 2024) 6 Citi International Sun Yat Sen, Jalan Sun Yat Sen No. 77, ☏ +62 61 736-3479, fax: +62 61 7324 857. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Clean, no-frills modern hotel with hot & cold shower, air conditioner and Wi-Fi in rooms and cafe. Provide free shuttle to train station. From Rp242,000 per night for Standard Room. 7 Grand Inna Medan (Hotel De Boer), Jl. Balai Kota No.2, ☏ +62 61 415-7744. A 4-star hotel. The oldest hotel in Medan was built in 1898. From Rp350,000. (updated Aug 2024) 8 Swiss-Belinn Medan, Jl. Surabaya No.88, ☏ +62 61 888-15531. A 3-star hotel. From Rp350,000. (updated Jul 2024) 9 Hermes Palace Hotel, Jalan Pemuda No 22 (southeast of Tjong A Fie Mansion, about 10min walks), ☏ +62 61 451-5777, fax: +62 62 4515 999, info@hermeshotelmedan.com. 3-star hotel with 106 rooms, offer shuttle service to train station, 24-hour room service, cafe & bistro, fitness center, etc. From Rp530,000. 10 Danau Toba International Hotel, Jalan Imam Bonjol No. 17 (5min walks west from Sun Plaza, the same street with Vihara Borobudur), ☏ +62 61 415-7000, marketing@hoteldanautoba.com. Pleasant 5-star hotel with 311-rooms, free Wi-Fi, professional staff, gym and large swimming pool and excellent, inexpensive Indonesian food available on 24-hour room service (international options are available but perhaps less impressive). Sometimes takes tour groups. Popular music venue The Tavern. From Rp500,000 per night. 11 Santika Premiere Dyandra Hotel, Jalan Kapten Maulana Lubis No 7 (across from Lapangan Benteng), ☏ +62 61 451-1999, medanpremiere@santika.com. Club Premiere Sky Lounge on 10th floor. From Rp 650,000. (updated Jul 2024) 12 Hotel Deli River, Jl. Raya Namorambe No. 129, ☏ +62 61 703-2967, contact@hotel-deliriver.com. Check-in: 10:00–20:00, check-out: 13:00-14:00. Charming oasis of a hotel in the suburbs south of Medan, on the route to Berastagi. There are 14 cottage-style rooms and the service includes breakfast in the restaurant and free Wi-Fi. There is a swimming pool for guests. Owners and staff are very friendly and helpful. Watch out for the geese in the hotel grounds! around Rp725,000. (updated Jul 2024) 13 favehotel S. Parman Medan, Jl. S. Parman No 313A (Just besides Rahmat International Wildlife Museum & Gallery), ☏ +62 61 8881-5929, medaninfo@favehotels.com. Opened on May 2017, the 131-rooms hotel is easily recognized by its distinctive exterior architecture with purple color. Part of favehotels chain. from Rp 350.000. (updated Jul 2024) Splurge: 14 The Aryaduta Hotel Medan, Jalan Kapten Maulana Lubis No 8 (adjacent to Grand Palladium Mall), ☏ +62 61 457-2999, info.medan@aryaduta.com. 5-star hotel opened in 2007 near business and government district. Resort style swimming pool, Pool Cafe, the Lounge and the Kitchen restaurant. From Rp900,000. 15 Grand Aston City Hall Hotel and Serviced Residence, Jalan Balai Kota No. 1 (across Merdeka Walk), ☏ +62 61 455-7000, info@grandastonmedan.com. The building is in the national archive of historic places and was restored. From Rp800,000. 16 JW Marriott Hotel Medan, Jalan Putri Hijau No. 10 (head straight from Grand Aston about 10 min walk), ☏ +62 61 455-3333, toll-free: +1 803 606 278. 5-star hotel. From Rp800,000. 17 Adimulia Hotel Medan, Jl. Pangeran Diponegoro No. 8 Medan 20112 (about 100 meters from Lapangan Benteng), ☏ +62 61 888-17333 (hotline), +62 6188817651 (sales), +62 6188817626 (reservation), info@adimuliahotel.com. 4-star luxury hotel in Medan with 260-rooms. start from Rp 800,000. (updated Jul 2017) 18 Grand Mercure Maha Cipta Medan Angkasa, Jalan Sutomo No. 1 (across from University of HKBP Nommensen), ☏ +62 61 455-5888, +62 61 7664 5588, fo-rsv@grand-angkasa.com. Previously Grand Angkasa Hotel, now taken over by Accor group and the place was renovated. A 5-star hotel with 266-rooms, free Wi-Fi, personal safety box and a choice of smoking/non-smoking room. Its location is a bit far from shopping center or other landmarks, so you need to take taxi to go somewhere place. Student from the nearby university have been known to cause violence when there are strikes. Just stay in the room should a strike happen. From US$89. 19 Cambridge Hotel, Jl. S. Parman No.217, ☏ +62 61 4300-9999. 5-star hotel with 246 guest rooms in the CBD. Adjacent to the Cambridge condominium and city square. Rooftop dining at the "Edge Restaurant" or chill out while listening to live music at the "View Music Lounge & Bar" on the 26th floor. (updated Jul 2024)