Sightseeing: Welcome to Medan, a city pulsating with life and history. Sumatra's urban gem beckons with colonial-era architecture, museums rich in cultural treasures, and a myriad of culinary delights. Join us on a journey through Medan's bustling streets, revealing hidden gems and iconic landmarks. Immerse yourself in the city's diverse tapestry, where tradition meets modernity, creating an unforgettable experience for every traveler.
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| Masjid Raya of Medan |
Cityscape and Atmosphere
Medan may seem like a bustling urban sprawl, filled with streams of cars and becaks, but it's also a city with a distinct Indonesian character. For some, it's a welcome return to the conveniences of 'civilization,' with modern malls and restaurants offering a blend of amenities and the charm of Dutch-colonial-era architecture.
Historical Charms
As you navigate the city, you'll encounter the ghosts of Medan's colonial-era mercantile past along Jl Ahmad Yani, stretching from Jl Palang Merah north to Lapangan Merdeka. This area is adorned with handsome colonial-era buildings, including the iconic Bank Indonesia, Balai Kota (Town Hall), and the main post office.
Museums and Cultural Exploration
Take some time to discover Medan's rich history and cultural heritage. The Museum of North Sumatra offers a glimpse into the region's past, showcasing artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of North Sumatra.
What To Do in Medan
Medan, Sumatra's bustling urban hub, maybe a transient stop for some travelers, but beyond its brash urban sprawl lies a city teeming with Indonesian character and historical charm. Take the time to explore Medan's hidden gems, from remnants of its colonial-era past to vibrant markets, museums, and iconic landmarks. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a culture seeker, or simply eager to experience the local way of life, Medan offers a diverse tapestry of activities to make your visit truly memorable.
Explore Colonial-Era Marvels
Stroll along Jl Ahmad Yani from JI Palang Merah to Lapangan Merdeka to witness the ghosts of Medan's colonial-era mercantile past. Marvel at handsome colonial-era buildings such as the Bank Indonesia, Balai Kota (Town Hall), and the main post office, showcasing the city's rich history.
Immerse Yourself in History at the Museum of North Sumatra
Located in a striking traditional building, the Museum of North Sumatra takes you on a journey through the region's history. From early North Sumatran civilizations to Dutch colonial-era artifacts, the museum's well-presented collection offers insights into the diverse cultural heritage of the area.
Step Back in Time at Tjong A Fie Mansion
Visit the Tjong A Fie Mansion on Jl. Ahmad Yani 105 was once the house of a famous Chinese merchant. This historic building, blending Victorian and Chinese styles, preserves the original hand-painted ceilings, intriguing art pieces, and Taoist temples, providing a glimpse into the city's past.
Marvel at Maimun Palace
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| Balairung Istana Maimun Medan - Source: wikipedia - commons - Maimun MIrza |
Admire the grandeur of Maimun Palace on Jl. Katamso is a 30-room palace built in 1888 with Malay, Mughal, and Italian influences. While only the main room is open to the public, it features the lavish inauguration throne and a modest collection of ceremonial kerises, offering a taste of royal history.
Visit Mesjid Raya
Explore the impressive Mesjid Raya, a mosque commissioned by the sultan in 1906, showcasing Moroccan-style architecture. With grand entrances, towering ceilings, ornate carvings, Italian marble, and stained glass from China, it's a testament to Medan's cultural diversity.
Discover these and more as you delve into the multifaceted experiences that Medan has to offer, combining history, culture, and the vibrant spirit of Sumatra.
Where to Sleep in Medan
Pondok Wisata Angel
Jl Sisingamangaraja 70
For backpackers, Pondok Wisata Angel stands out as the best option in town. Vibrant rooms adorned with blues and yellows offer a lively ambiance, attempting to offset the city's lively traffic. With a sociable street-front cafe, it's an ideal choice for those looking to connect with fellow travelers.
Tripadvisor Score Review: *2 (Link)
Residence Hotel
Jl. Tengah 1
Residence Hotel, painted in lime-green hues, presents a variety of rooms at different price points. From top-floor budget options with a cozy atmosphere to pricier, pleasant rooms, the Residence Hotel caters to different moods and budgets, ensuring a comfortable stay.
K77 Guest House
Jl. Seto 6B
Escape the city center and immerse yourself in a typical residential neighborhood experience at K77 Guest House. Hosts Johan and Lola go the extra mile to provide a welcoming environment. Clean, snug, and cool rooms, along with personalized tour arrangements, make this backpacker haven a standout choice.
Tripadvisor Score Review: ***4 (Link)
Gandhi Inn
Jl Gandhi 125
Situated just a short walk from Thamrin Plaza Mall and Pasar Ramai market, Gandhi Inn offers budget-friendly accommodation with rooms decked in sedate creams and browns. The hotel provides a peaceful haven to chill out between Sumatra adventures, offering assistance from the owner and the team.
Tripadvisor Score Review: *4 (Link)
D’Prima Hotel
Jl. Stasiun Kereta Api 1
Conveniently located atop the train station, D'Prima Hotel surprises with its quiet ambiance despite the central location. The hotel's clean and anonymous rooms feature modern amenities, including flat-screen TVs, kettles, and powerful hot showers. This makes it an excellent choice for travelers with train departures to the airport.
Swiss-Belinn Medan
Jl Surabaya 88
Description: A smart and bustling hotel, Swiss-Belinn Medan almost verges on earning a boutique label. The rooms feature cool, dark-slate floors, bathrooms with rough white-washed walls, subdued art, and deliciously comfortable beds. The hotel offers a range of facilities, including a popular restaurant, although some rooms are windowless, and the air-conditioning could be more powerful.
Tripadvisor Score Review: *3 (Link)
Hotel Deli River
Jl. Raya Namorambe 129
Description: A colonial-style retreat, Hotel Deli River consists of luxury cottages and rooms shaded by fruit trees overlooking the Deli River. While providing respite from the city smog, it is within striking distance (12km) of Medan. The tranquil setting, however, is accompanied by underwhelming restaurant offerings.
Tripadvisor Score Review: *4 (Link)
Swiss-Belinn Gajah Mada Medan
Jl. Gajah Mada no 49
Experience the standard business-class formula with a touch of modern luxury at Swiss-Belinn Medan. Boasting great facilities, various restaurants, and a glass-walled swimming pool with city views, this huge, modern hotel ensures a comfortable stay for business or leisure travelers.
Tripadvisor Score Review: *4 (Link)
Choose the accommodation that suits your style and make your stay in Medan truly memorable.
Where to Eat in Medan
Merdeka Walk
Location: Lapangan Merdeka, Jl Balai Kota
Description: Inspired by Singapore's alfresco dining, Merdeka Walk features a collection of outdoor eateries offering a diverse range of cuisines. From doughnut stalls to breezy sit-down restaurants serving grilled seafood and Malaysian-style noodles, the area also hosts what may be the world's glitziest Pizza Hut.
Bollywood Food Centre
Location: Jl Muara Takus 7
Cuisine: Indian Food
Description: Tucked away and resembling someone's front room with a family atmosphere, Bollywood Food Centre is acclaimed for serving the most authentic Indian cuisine in the city. Several Malay-Indian roti shops are located nearby.
Mie Tiong Sim Selat Panjang
Location: Jl Selat Panjang 7
Cuisine: Noodles
Description: Located on a street of food stalls, this stall is locally (and justifiably) famous for its mie tiong sim, soft handmade noodles topped with sweet, flavorful char siu pork. The chicken noodles and wontons are also highly recommended, situated behind Hotel Swiss-Belinn.
Pasar Ramai
Location: Ramani Market, Jl Thamrin
Description: The main fruit market offers a profusion of color and smells, featuring an impressive selection of local and imported tropical fruit. It's located next to Thamrin Plaza.
Sushi Tei
Location: Sun Plaza Mall
Cuisine: Japanese
Description: Situated at the back of Sun Plaza Mall, Sushi Tei is a celebrated chain serving some of Medan's best sushi. The menu includes an extensive array of tonkatsu, tempura, yakitori, sashimi platters, bowls of udon, and imaginative drinks.
Restoran Garuda
Location: Jl Gajah Mada 8
Cuisine: Indonesian Food
Description: A venerable Medan institution for nearly 40 years, Restoran Garuda specializes in Minang dishes, offering a variety of small, fiery, flavorful platefuls during a meal.
Traders
Location: Jl Kapten Pattimura 423
Cuisine: International Cuisine
Description: Plush Traders is a high-society kind of place, perfect for indulging in sushi, lobster dishes, or Australian Angus steaks. The restaurant is particularly known for expertly grilling chosen cuts of meat.
Tip Top Restaurant
Location: Colonial-era relic dating back to 1934
Cuisine: International Cuisine
Description: This colonial-era relic is great for a taste of bygone imperialism, offering an array of Indonesian, Chinese, and international dishes. The old-school ice cream is a must-try, and while the service may be lacking, the setting and atmosphere make up for it.