Medan is a lively city full of history, culture, and amazing food. It is the capital of North Sumatra, Indonesia. While many travellers pass through Medan on their way to famous nature spots like Lake Toba or Bukit Lawang, the city itself has a lot to offer if you take the time to explore it.

Whether you’re stopping here on your way to a jungle adventure or planning a full city trip, Medan is a great place to explore.

One of the best parts of visiting Medan is experiencing its mix of cultures. People from many backgrounds, such as Batak, Chinese, Malay, and Indian, live together here. You can see this cultural mix in the food, buildings, and daily life. This makes Medan feel both rich in tradition and exciting to discover.

Food lovers will also enjoy Medan. The city is known across Indonesia for its tasty local dishes, from spicy soups to sweet and creamy durian treats.

Medan has warm weather all year long because of its tropical climate. But some times of the year are better for travelling.

The best time to visit Medan is from May to September, during the dry season. There’s less rain, and you’ll have more sunny days for walking around or going on day trips to places like Lake Toba or Bukit Lawang.

Furthermore, the rainy season usually starts in October and ends in April. It can still be a good time to visit, but sudden rain showers may change your plans. If you're heading into nature, like trekking in the jungle, it’s safer and more fun during dry months.

Also, try to avoid school holidays or long weekends in Indonesia if you want to skip the crowds. But if you want to enjoy local celebrations, visiting during holidays like Ramadan or Chinese New Year can be a unique experience.

Here are five great places to check out while you're in Medan. You’ll be fascinated by Medan’s culture, history, and local charm.

Maimun Palace is one of Medan’s top landmarks. Built in 1888, it was once home to the Sultan of Deli. The palace has a bright yellow exterior and a design that mixes Malay, Indian, Middle Eastern, and European styles. Inside, you’ll see royal furniture, photos, and even clothes from the old royal family. Some areas allow you to dress up in traditional royal outfits and take fun photos. It’s a great place to learn about Medan’s royal history and take colourful photos for your travel album.

Close to Maimun Palace is the Great Mosque of Medan, built in 1906. It’s one of the most beautiful mosques in Indonesia, with white walls and black domes. The inside is peaceful, with high ceilings and beautiful decorations. Visitors are welcome, but remember to dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering. It’s a calm place to reflect and enjoy beautiful architecture.

This mansion belonged to Tjong A Fie, a wealthy Chinese businessman who helped build the city of Medan in the early 1900s. His home is now a museum and one of Medan’s top cultural attractions. You can tour the house and learn about the life of Tjong A Fie, see antique furniture, and hear stories about Medan’s past. The building mixes Chinese, European, and Malay styles, showing the harmony between different cultures at the time.

Looking for a fun night out with great food? Visit Merdeka Walk, an open-air food court in the middle of Medan. Here, you’ll find all kinds of food, from local favourites like soto Medan and nasi goreng to Western and Asian fusion dishes.

It’s also a great spot for people-watching, listening to live music, and relaxing after a long day of exploring. It’s especially lively in the evening and perfect if you’re travelling with friends or family.

This is one of Medan’s most unique spots. It’s a Catholic church, but it looks like a colourful Indian temple! Built by Indian Catholics, the building is tall and beautifully designed, with bright paint and detailed carvings.

Even if you’re not religious, it’s worth visiting for the architecture and peaceful vibe. You can also visit the small museum inside and learn about the story behind the church and its builder, Father James Bharataputra. It’s a little outside the city center, so it's best to go by taxi or with a local driver.

Medan is not just a great city; it’s also the perfect starting point for amazing nature trips nearby. Just a few hours’ drive from Medan, Lake Toba is one of the largest volcanic lakes in the world. At the centre of the lake is Samosir Island, where you can relax, swim, or explore Batak villages. It’s calm, peaceful, and surrounded by green hills.

Lake Toba is a great place to rest and enjoy nature. You can rent a scooter and ride around the island, visit waterfalls, or just enjoy the cool mountain air.

Additionally, if you love wildlife and adventure, head to Bukit Lawang, a small village on the edge of the jungle. It’s part of the Gunung Leuser National Park, home to the endangered Sumatran orangutan. You can take a jungle trek with a guide and see these amazing animals in their natural home. The trek can be short or long; some people even do overnight trips and camp in the forest. The village itself is friendly, with riverside guesthouses and jungle views.

Both Lake Toba and Bukit Lawang are about 3–5 hours from Medan by car. You can go on your own or book a tour from the city. Many travellers spend a few nights there before returning to Medan or continuing their trip in Sumatra.

Once you’re done exploring, these hotels provide the perfect spot to relax and recharge.

Medan is more than just a stopover city; you may enjoy its charm from beautiful mosques and mansions to buzzing night markets. There’s plenty to explore. Plus, with Lake Toba’s peaceful waters and Bukit Lawang’s wild jungle just a few hours away, Medan is a perfect base for your North Sumatra adventure.

If you’re looking for a mix of city life and nature, Medan is the place to go. Come for the food, stay for the culture, and don’t forget your camera to take memories here that you won’t forget! Also, don't forget to explore Traveloka for great deals on activities, flights, and hotels. Traveloka offers a user-friendly platform where you can easily compare options, select the best choices based on your preferences and budget, and secure your bookings with just a few clicks.