Things to do in Medan

More about North Sumatra

Thinking about going on a vacation to Indonesia? You can consider Medan to put on your next destination list. Medan is the capital and largest city of North Sumatra, Indonesia. Located near the Strait of Malacca and Port Belawan, Medan is a melting pot of multicultural heritages and a financial center for Sumatra. The city is the heart for the production and trade commodities, like cinnamon, tobacco, tea, coffee, rubber, and palm oil. It’s also a home to major shopping centers in Indonesia, along with Jakarta, Bandung, and Surabaya.

In tourism, Medan is blessed with a wide range of historical and cultural sites dispersed throughout the city, such as colonial Dutch-style buildings, Istana Maimoon, Raya Al-Mashun Mosque, Tugu Monas, Tugu Pahlawan, and many more. Due to this cross-culturalism, Medan is also known for its diverse food scene. This culinary diversity has become Medan tourist attractions the whole time because the city houses numerous local restaurants serving authentic Indonesian flavors.

You’ve already got 2 advantages of visiting Medan: bargain hunting and food explorations. However, Medan is beyond all that–you can also enhance your trips by discovering other top Medan attractions, including the world’s famous Lake Toba. Go through several info below to know more about places to visit in Medan. 

Best Things to Do in Medan

Since Medan has everything to offer to its visitors. Make sure you only prioritize several Medan attractions to make your trips enjoyable. Take a look at some lists below about what to do in Medan:

KidZilla Medan Mall

Are you a family traveler with kids? Even during unfriendly weather, you can take your children to KidZilla in Medan Mall. Here, they can spend fun time with you, jump into the ball pit, play with brightly-colored balls, and race down exciting slides. Don’t worry–this is going to be a fun and safe learning environment for them, too!

Spa Treatments at Griya Ananta Family Spa and Salon

Next stop would be for mothers; in the middle of your hectic time with kids, you can have your own quality time, too. Head to Griya Ananta Family Spa and Salon for the best spa treatments you wish. Whether you go for a fresh or beauty package, aromatherapy massage, hot stone massage, or anything, you’ll leave the place with recharged energy and a rejuvenated body. Remember that happy kids need happy moms!

Timezone Thamrin Plaza Medan

There are a range of entertainments in Medan’s shopping center, one of them is Timezone at Thamrin Plaza. As the pioneer of indoor entertainment in Indonesia, Timezone offers you numerous rides, arcade games, claw machines, etc for all ages. Bring your whole family here, try your luck to get as many game tickets as possible, and exchange them for attractive prizes. Your kids will have a blast in this amazing place.

Funworld Ring Road City Walks Mall

Another thrilling indoor space in Medan is Funworld Ring Road City Walks Mall. After hours in Timezone, you might try Funworld, in case your kids still want more fun. Get your adrenaline-pumping ride with Roller Coaster and Bazooka Drop Tower, take a spin on the Carousel, and play educational games on the various arcade machines–it’s exactly the time you strengthen your family bond!

Lake Toba

Get enough of indoor activities already? Now, go for the greatest natural landscape of Medan, Lake Toba. Not only does it provide breathtaking natural wonders; Lake Toba is a home to the Batak tribe. You can get around the traditional village and discover their festive culture. Besides, get pampered with a luxurious camping in Bohemian-style tents to admire appealing surroundings and take pictures of it. Before leaving, make sure to get some souvenirs: Ulos, a precious handwoven textile; or Sumatra Mandheling (Arabica coffee beans) to cherish your memories.

Transports in Medan

As the capital of North Sumatra, Medan has some public transports to help you navigate the city, such as:

Angkot (Minibuses)

Short for “Angkutan Kota”, angkot is shared minibuses following fixed routes in the city. You have to ask locals or drivers about the specific routes. The approximate fares of this transport start from RM 1,12 to RM 1,40 per trip.

Becak (Motorized Rickshaws)

Similar to tuk-tuks in Thailand, becak or motorized rickshaws are commonly used for short trips or to reach areas not covered by other public transports. For short distances, you may spend around RM 2,81 to RM 5,62; while RM 8,43 to RM 14,05 for longer rides. Always make sure to negotiate the fares before the trips because this transport has no meters.

Taxis and E-Hailing Services

Metered taxis are available in Medan; they offer more convenient longer journeys in the city. You usually have to spend around RM 1,97 to RM 2,81 for the base fares and RM 1,40 per kilometer after the base fares. Ensure that you choose reliable taxi operators before starting the trips. Alternatively, you can also use e-hailing services to book rides via mobile apps. Prepare budgets around RM 2,81 to RM 14,05, depending on the distance, to get around the city.

Trans Metro Deli Buses

Trans Metro Deli is a public bus service offering more comfortable and organized rides than angkot. It serves key areas and some suburban locations, starting from RM 1,12 to RM 1,40 per trip.

Trains

Medan’s train system is limited to intercity routes, but there’s Kualanamu Airport Rail Link connecting the city center to Kualanamu International Airport. At around RM 28,09, you can get to the airport from Medan in 30 minutes.

Recommended Restaurants in Medan

Get ready to get on a culinary adventure of Medan! Its abundant food scene will leave you wanting more. Check out these must-visit restaurants below:

Wajir Seafood

Address: Jl. Kol. Sugiono No.3 i, A U R, Kec. Medan Maimun, Kota Medan, Sumatera Utara 20212, Indonesia

Operational hours: 4 to 10.30 pm (Monday-Saturday) and 11 am to 10.30 pm on Sunday

Wajir Seafood is known for its modest outdoor dining and traditional seafood specialties. As a popular restaurant in Medan, it serves a range of mouthwatering seafood selections, like butter fried shrimp, salted egg squid, sour stone crab, and more. The place is always filled with visitors craving for fresh and scrumptious sea protein.

LKKR (Lekker Urban Food House Putri Hijau)

Address: Putri Hijau Driving Range, West Medan City, Jl. Putri Hijau No.1, Silalas, Medan Barat, Medan City, North Sumatra 20111

Operational hours: 11.30 am to 10 pm daily

LKKR (Lekker Urban Food House Putri Hijau) is an airy cafe with a relaxed vibe serving international, Asian, and local dishes. Many visitors said that you should try its big-size pizza to fill you up. Various authentic local food will also set out on your table; you gotta eat them slowly while enjoying the views of a golf club.

Shopping in Medan

Medan also welcomes shopaholics around the world too, so don’t forget to explore the city’s retail therapy below to enrich your trips:

Delipark Mall

Address: Podomoro City Deli Medan, Jl. Putri Hijau Dalam No.1 Blok OPQ, Kesawan, Kec. Medan Bar., Kota Medan, Sumatera Utara 20111

Operational hours: 10 am to pm daily

Delipark Mall is the largest shopping area in Medan which has attracted many locals and tourists. It features a wide range of popular retail shops and well-known dining options. However, the highlighted quality of this mall is Riverpark, an outdoor space for visitors to appreciate nature, technology, and art at the same time. You can also stare at the night skies, breathe in the breezy air, sense the calming nature, while enjoying late night activities in this open-air spot.

Central Market Medan

Address: Medan Mall, Jl. Pusat Pasar, Pusat Ps., Kec. Medan Kota, Kota Medan, Sumatera Utara 20212

Operational hours: 7 am to 6 pm daily

Where previously we had the largest modern shopping center in Medan, now we have the largest traditional market, Central Medan Market. The market is connected to the Medan Mall, so you’ll find a wide selection of goods, food, and entertainment. Just come to see it and let this shopping area surprise you!

Best Time to Visit Medan

Medan experiences a tropical climate with 2 seasons: dry and wet. Therefore, the best time to visit Medan is during the dry season taking place from May to September, yet April to May is the most comfortable time to have trips in Medan because the temperatures are nice and warm with less humidity. Avoid visiting during September to December, since the rain would be a barrier to travel around the city. If you prefer economic vacations, consider going in September and expect for occasional showers.