Where to Stay in Medan
Indonesia
|Pop. 2.4M
|3 neighborhoods covered
Medan at a Glance
8 categories
Top Tips for Medan
Things to know before you go
Local Tip
Explore the local 'warungs' (small eateries) and street food stalls for authentic and incredibly affordable Indonesian dishes like 'Nasi Padang' and 'Mie Gomak'. Don't be afraid to ask locals for recommendations.
Getting Around
Download Grab and/or Gojek apps before arriving. They are essential for getting around Medan efficiently and affordably.
Watch Out For
Overcharging by unlicensed taxis or becak drivers.
Solo Female Travel
Exercise caution. While generally safe, be aware of your surroundings, avoid walking alone in poorly lit or deserted areas at night, and dress modestly to avoid unwanted attention.
Hidden Gems in Medan
Lesser-known spots the locals love
Merdeka Walk
A pedestrian street lined with restaurants and cafes, Merdeka Walk comes alive in the evenings with locals enjoying food and socializing. It's a vibrant spot to experience Medan's social scene without the overwhelming tourist crowds.
Tjong A Fie Mansion
This beautifully preserved mansion offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of a prominent Chinese businessman in Medan during the colonial era. Explore its intricate architecture and rich history.
Pasar Ramadhan (Ramadan Market)
FREEIf you happen to visit during Ramadan, this temporary market is a must. Locals flock here to find a dazzling array of traditional sweets, savory snacks, and delicious meals to break their fast.
Rumah Makan Soto Sinar Pagi
A beloved local eatery famous for its authentic Soto Medan, a flavorful turmeric-based soup with chicken and spices. It's a simple, no-frills spot where you can taste a true Medan culinary staple.
Graha Maria Annai Velangkanni
FREEThis unique spiritual complex, dedicated to Our Lady of Velankanni, features stunning architecture and serene gardens. It's a peaceful retreat offering a blend of Indian and Catholic influences.
Hairos Water Park
A popular spot for local families to cool off and have fun, Hairos Water Park offers a variety of slides and pools. It's a lively place to escape the heat and enjoy a relaxed afternoon.
What It Costs in Medan
Daily budget per person in IDR
💡One of the cheapest destinations worldwide
IDR 300000/day
IDR 700000/day
IDR 1500000/day
Where to Stay in Medan
Honest neighborhood guide: where to stay and where to avoid
Best for
Walk to
- Maimun Palace15 min
- Medan Grand Mosque10 min
- Sri Deli Park20 min
Pros
- +Central location with easy access to major attractions
- +Abundant food options from street stalls to restaurants
- +Good public transport connections
Cons
- -Can be very crowded and noisy
- -Traffic congestion is significant
Top stays in Medan City Center (Pusat Kota)
JW Marriott Hotel Medan
$$$A luxurious option in the heart of the city offering excellent amenities and service.
Hotel Aryaduta Medan
$$Comfortable stay with good facilities and a central location for exploring.
Grandhika Setiabudi Hotel Medan
$$Modern hotel with convenient access to business and leisure areas.
Emerald Garden International Hotel
$$Offers a blend of modern comfort and traditional influences, with a pleasant courtyard.
Best for
Walk to
- Ring Road City Walks10 min
- Brastagi Supermarket15 min
Pros
- +Access to modern amenities and shopping
- +More affordable accommodation options
- +Less crowded than the city center
Cons
- -Further from historical attractions
- -Public transport coverage can be less frequent
Top stays in Ring Road/Gatsu
Raz Inn Hotel
$A no-frills, clean, and affordable option popular with budget travelers.
Super OYO 90352 Wisma Sederhana
$Basic but functional accommodation catering to budget-conscious travelers.
Heris Inn
$Simple and clean rooms in a convenient location for local exploration.
Best for
Walk to
- Merdeka Walk25 min
- Cambridge City Square30 min
Pros
- +World-class street food scene
- +Lively atmosphere, especially in the evenings
- +Good selection of budget and mid-range eateries
Cons
- -Can be very noisy and chaotic
- -Parking can be difficult
Top stays in Jalan Asia/Thamrin
Swiss-Belinn Medan
$$Modern hotel with clean rooms and good amenities, conveniently located near food hotspots.
The Reiz Condo Hotel
$$Offers apartment-style living with hotel services, great for longer stays or families.
Adi Wira Hotel
$A budget-friendly option with decent rooms and a location close to food streets.
Areas to be cautious
- Industrial outskirts and very remote areas: Lack of tourist infrastructure, poor lighting, and potential for increased petty crime due to limited visibility and fewer people around.
Insider tip: Explore the local 'warungs' (small eateries) and street food stalls for authentic and incredibly affordable Indonesian dishes like 'Nasi Padang' and 'Mie Gomak'. Don't be afraid to ask locals for recommendations.
Safety in Medan
ModerateSolo Female Travel
Exercise caution. While generally safe, be aware of your surroundings, avoid walking alone in poorly lit or deserted areas at night, and dress modestly to avoid unwanted attention.
At Night
Stick to well-lit, busy areas like main streets or popular dining districts. Avoid unlit side streets. Be aware of your belongings in crowded night markets.
Emergency
112
Common Scams to Watch For
- 1Overcharging by unlicensed taxis or becak drivers.
- 2Fake shopping deals or inflated prices in markets.
- 3Distraction theft in crowded areas.
Getting Around Medan
Transport, connectivity, and costs
✈️
Airport to City
Kualanamu International Airport (KNO) to city center: Airport Train (KA Bandara) takes ~30-45 mins, costs ~100,000 IDR. Taxi/Grab is ~150,000-250,000 IDR and takes ~60-90 mins depending on traffic.
🎫
Day Pass
Not applicable for tourists; single rides or app-based fares are used.
Single: Angkot fares are very cheap, ~3,000-5,000 IDR, but difficult to navigate. App rides start from ~10,000 IDR.
🚶
Walkability
Car NeededGrab, Gojek
📶
WiFi
Good15-30 Mbps
Public Transport
Local buses ('angkot') are ubiquitous but can be confusing for tourists. Ride-sharing apps are the most practical way to get around for visitors.
Ride-share
Grab (car and motorbike) and Gojek (car and motorbike) are widely available and recommended. Car rides typically cost 20,000-50,000 IDR for short to medium distances.
Transport Tip
Download Grab and/or Gojek apps before arriving. They are essential for getting around Medan efficiently and affordably.
WiFi & Remote Work
Free WiFi
Shopping malls, many cafes and restaurants, hotels.
Coworking
Limited dedicated coworking spaces; cafes are the primary option. Some hotels offer business centers. Daily cost is not standardized, but expect to pay for food/drinks in cafes.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Best months to visit: Jan, Feb, Jul
Hotels & Accommodation in Medan
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Who Is Medan Best For?
Matched recommendations for different traveller types
Foodie Explorers
This area is the epicenter of Medan's renowned street food scene, offering an overwhelming variety of local delicacies.
First-Time Visitors
Provides easy access to key historical landmarks and central amenities, making initial exploration straightforward.
Budget Travelers
Offers more affordable accommodation options and access to local amenities without the premium city center prices.
Families
Provides access to modern malls and slightly more relaxed residential areas, with proximity to family-friendly amenities.
Solo Travelers
The constant activity and abundance of food options create a vibrant and engaging atmosphere for solo exploration.
About Medan
Medan ( meh-DAHN, Indonesian: [ˈmɛdan] , Batak: ᯔᯩᯑᯉ᯳) is the capital and largest city of the Indonesian province of North Sumatra. The nearby Strait of Malacca, Port of Belawan, and Kualanamu International Airport make Medan a regional hub and multicultural metropolis, acting as a financial centre for Sumatra and a gateway to the western part of Indonesia. About 60% of the economy in North Sumatra is backed by trading, agriculture, and processing industries, including exports from its 4 million acres of palm oil plantations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medan
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Medan Guides by Traveller Type
Tailored neighborhood picks for how you travel