Things To Do
in Medan
Medan is Indonesia's largest city on Sumatra, a cultural crossroads where Malay, Batak, and Chinese influences mingle. It serves as a gateway to natural wonders like Lake Toba and the Gunung Leuser National Park, while also offering bustling markets and colonial architecture. The Kesawan district in the old town buzzes with street food stalls and retro cafes, reflecting a dynamic urban scene.
In Medan you can savor spicy Mie Aceh, Soto Medan, and diverse cuisines from across Indonesia, all within a city known for its warm hospitality.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Maimun Palace, a stunning example of Malay architecture. Marvel at the intricate designs and learn about the royal history of the region. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the nearby Medan Grand Mosque, one of the largest in Southeast Asia.
Enjoy a local lunch at a nearby restaurant, sampling traditional dishes such as Nasi Padang and Soto Medan. Post-lunch, head to the Tjong A Fie Mansion, where you can explore the opulent life of a wealthy Chinese merchant. The guided tour will provide insight into the cultural blend of Medan's diverse communities.
As evening falls, visit the bustling Kesawan Square, where you can enjoy street food from various vendors. Sit back and soak in the vibrant atmosphere while tasting local delicacies like Martabak and Kwetiau. End your day with a walk along the illuminated streets, admiring the colonial architecture.
Set off early for a scenic drive to Lake Toba, the largest volcanic lake in the world. Marvel at the stunning landscapes and lush hills as you approach the lake, making stops at local villages along the way. Arrive at Parapat and take a boat ride to Samosir Island for breathtaking views.
Once on Samosir, explore the Batak culture by visiting local traditional houses and museums. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the lakeside, surrounded by serene natural beauty. Afterward, take a refreshing swim in the lake or hike to a viewpoint for panoramic views of the area.
As the sun sets over Lake Toba, indulge in a dinner at a lakeside restaurant, savoring fresh fish and other local specialties. Enjoy the tranquil ambiance as you watch the sunset reflect on the water. After dinner, take a peaceful stroll along the shore, listening to the gentle lapping of the waves.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| 🧃Lunch or street food snack | $1-3 |
| 🚕Taxi starting fare | $0.75-1.50 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $25-60 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $1-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich, diverse culinary scene with iconic local dishes
- Straightforward access to natural attractions like Lake Toba and Berastagi
- Warm, welcoming locals and a lively street-food culture
- Relatively affordable compared to many other Indonesian cities
- Heavy traffic and air pollution in peak times
- Very hot and humid conditions for much of the year
- Some areas can be crowded and chaotic for first-time visitors
- Limited public transport options beyond the city center
- "Halo" - Hello
- "Terima kasih" - Thank you
- "Berapa harganya?" - How much does it cost?
- "Di mana toilet?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Tolong" - Please / Help
- "Apa kabar?" - How are you?
- "Selamat pagi" - Good morning
- "Permisi" - Excuse me
- "Bisa bahasa Inggris?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Medan
Visit one of these nice places.
A striking yellow-and-green royal palace with Moorish-influenced architecture; golden domes and ornate details offer dramatic subject matter, especially in soft morning light.
An iconic grand mosque near the palace grounds; its domes and arches make it a compelling silhouette at golden hour.
Colonial-era city hall with distinctive façade and surrounding squares, ideal for architectural photography and street scenes.
Colorful storefronts, neon signs, and lively street life create dynamic urban photography opportunities after dusk.
Coastal views and sunset reflections provide a relaxed shoreline setting to practice landscape and candid shots.
Food in Medan
Medan Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A spicy, flavorful noodle dish from Aceh, often with meat or seafood, chili, and rich stock. Commonly found in stalls around Kesawan and across the city.
Must-Try!
A fragrant beef soup with vermicelli, herbs, and fried shallots; a comforting option at many local warungs and markets.
Rice with a variety of dishes served from a stall or small eatery; look for spicy sambals, suwir (shredded meat), and vegetables.
Rice vermicelli with duck in a comforting savory broth, a well-loved Medan street-food staple.
Batak-influenced thick noodles with a rich sauce and meat, often enjoyed in local eateries around the city.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A buzzing open-air strip in Medan’s old town where you can sample a wide array of street foods, from noodles to grilled skewers and sweets.
Open-air food courts with numerous stalls offering Indonesian staples, fresh fruit drinks, and regional specialties.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Cover shoulders and knees when visiting mosques or temples; remove shoes where required and follow local rules.
A simple handshake is common; use polite language and address elders with appropriate titles when possible.
Use the right hand or both hands when presenting items; it is considered respectful in many social settings.
Medan is busy and crowded; keep voices moderate in public and be mindful at religious sites and residential areas.
Safety
Tipping in Medan
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated in tourist-focused spots; 5-10% in nicer restaurants if service charge isn’t included. Leave small tips for hotel staff or guides if satisfied with service.
Cash is widely used, especially in markets and street stalls. Cards are accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, and shopping centers; ATMs are common in city areas. Have small change for transit and casual vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Dry season with lower rainfall and hot days; good for outdoor city walks and longer day trips, but stay hydrated and wear sun protection.
Heavy rainfall from October through February can disrupt outdoor plans; carry a compact umbrella or rain jacket, and plan indoor activities around market districts and museums.
Medan at Night
Hiking in Medan
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular nearby volcano with accessible trails and rewarding crater views; best done with a guide and comfortable footwear.
Jungle trekking area famed for orangutan viewing; expect humid trails and wildlife encounters.
A scenic waterfall near the Lake Toba region; short hikes lead to viewpoints with sweeping valley vistas.
Airports
How to reach Medan by plane.
Medan’s main international airport, located about 20-30 miles from the city center; accessible by taxi, private transfer, or rail links when available, with domestic and international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant indigenous group in the region with distinct languages, traditions, and cuisine; their cultural influence is felt in local events and food.
Major contributors to Medan’s culinary variety and business landscape, visible in markets, temples, and street food offerings.
Long-standing residents contributing to the city’s cultural blend and labor sectors.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport, with local leagues, casual pick-up games, and large crowds during major matches.
A widely played indoor/outdoor sport, common in community centers and clubs.
Popular in schools and urban neighborhoods; street courts can be found around the city.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Medan.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in most eateries, with many daily specials featuring tofu, tempeh, vegetables, and rice. When ordering, ask for no meat stock or fish sauce, and look for vegetable-based curries and noodle dishes labeled as vegetarian.