Indonesia · 2026 itinerary
Medan 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Medan: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
Open-air food plaza and pedestrian zone around Lapangan Merdeka square, busy with street vendors and families.
🕐 16:00-23:00 daily
Free entry💡 Best at dusk when the food stalls open. Try the local martabak (stuffed pancake) from a stall near the fountain – about 15,000 IDR.
Hotels near Merdeka Walk →Striking mosque completed in 1906 with Mughal and Moorish influences, set in a large garden.
🕐 08:00-12:00, 13:30-16:00 daily
Free entry💡 Non-Muslim visitors welcome outside prayer times. Remove shoes and cover shoulders; robes are provided. Combine with Maimun Palace as they are 10 minutes apart on foot.
Hotels near Medan Grand Mosque (Masjid Raya Al-Mashun) →Char kway tiao · ££
Jumbo Seafood · ££
Deeper Into Medan
Royal palace of the Sultanate of Deli built in 1888, with Malay, Islamic and colonial architectural styles.
🕐 08:00-17:00 daily
💡 Free to enter the grounds and main hall, but donations accepted. Wear long trousers or a sarong; they lend them at the entrance.
Early 20th-century home of a wealthy Chinese merchant, restored with period furniture and family photographs.
🕐 09:00-17:00 daily
💡 Entry is 35,000 IDR (about £2). Go early to avoid crowds and check the upstairs balcony for quiet views.
Cha Sio Asan
Pizza Hut
Final Favourites & Departure
Provincial museum with exhibits on Batak, Malay and Nias cultures, including textiles, weapons and traditional houses.
💡 Entry 5,000 IDR (about 30p). The keris (ceremonial dagger) collection on the upper floor is the highlight. Allow 1 hour.
RM Garuda
Selat Panjang
Getting Around Medan
This is the fastest option from the airport. From Medan Station, the Grand Sakura Hotel is a 5-minute taxi ride (about 30,000 IDR). Don’t take the slow local economy bus from the station—spring for a metered taxi.
Use motorcycle taxis (ojek) for short hops between 2–5 km—they’ll slip through traffic. For longer evening trips or if it’s raining, book a car. Always type the hotel name exactly: 'Grand Sakura Medan'.
Buy a fixed-price coupon from the official taxi counter inside the arrivals hall. Avoid unmarked drivers offering rides right outside the terminal—they can charge double.
Get off at the Sisingamangaraja stop—it’s the closest to the hotel. You’ll need to walk or grab a scooter taxi (ojek) for the last 800 metres. Keep small bills ready for the fare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Medan?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Merdeka Walk and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Medan?
See our full best time to visit Medan guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Hotel Delta, Grand Sakura, Grand Aston City Hall. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.