Indonesia · 2026 itinerary
Pekanbaru 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Pekanbaru: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
A modern building with a striking design, offering a glimpse into the city's administrative and civic life.
🕐 24/7
Free entry💡 The building is particularly impressive at night, when it's illuminated and reflected in the nearby water features.
Hotels near Pekanbaru City Hall →A museum showcasing the history and culture of the Sultanate of Riau, with a collection of artifacts and exhibits on the region's history, customs, and traditions.
🕐 Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 4pm
Free entry💡 The museum is located near the Grand Mosque, and visitors can take a stroll through the adjacent park for a peaceful break.
Hotels near Sultan Syarif Kasim II Museum →RM Sederhana Loket · ££
Ayam Goreng Suharti · ££
Deeper Into Pekanbaru
A grand mosque with a striking design, offering a peaceful and serene atmosphere for visitors.
🕐 24/7
💡 The mosque is a great spot for a quiet moment of reflection, and visitors can also explore the adjacent park and museum.
A small museum showcasing the history of the Riau Sultanate, with exhibits on the region's strategic importance and its role in Indonesian history.
🕐 Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 4pm
💡 The museum is located in a historic building and offers a glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage.
Rumah Makan Minan Harapan
Pempek Tini 628
Final Favourites & Departure
A scenic park featuring traditional Riau architecture, gardens, and a lake, offering a peaceful escape from the city.
💡 The park is a great spot for a picnic or a leisurely walk, and visitors can also rent a bike to explore the surrounding area.
Sate Ayam Dahlia
Bakso Dan Mie Ayam Bintara
Getting Around Pekanbaru
Pekanbaru does not have a tram system. You may consider using taxis or ride-hailing services instead.
From the bus terminal, take a taxi or ride-hailing to get to Hotel Toptel. The journey should take around 10-15 minutes and cost IDR 10,000 - 20,000 ( approx. $0.70-$1.40 USD).
From the train station, take a taxi or ride-hailing to get to Hotel Toptel. The journey should take around 10-15 minutes and cost IDR 10,000 - 20,000 ( approx. $0.70-$1.40 USD).
Make sure to agree on the fare with the driver before you start your journey. You can also use ride-hailing apps like Grab or Go-Van.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Pekanbaru?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Pekanbaru City Hall 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 Pekanbaru?
See our full best time to visit Pekanbaru 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 Grand Elite, Pangeran, Hotel Grand Zuri. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.