What to Do in Semarang in 5 Days? Travel Guide and Tips

Day 1 | Morning

Wisata Sam Poo Kong

Opening Hours: Open on Mon-Sat,8:00am-8:00pm

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Hours

Location: Jl. Simongan No.129, Bongsari, Semarang Bar., Semarang City, Central Java 50148, Indonesia

Zheng He's seven voyages to the West are almost a household name, three of which were visits to Indonesia. Zheng He's fleet docked twice in Semarang, which was a wild land back then. The Zheng He Temple was built to commemorate the arrival of Zheng He. The architectural style of the temple is mostly in the classical Indo-Chinese style, with soaring pagoda-like roofs, huge round drums, and many Chinese lanterns and dragons.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Hermansyah 1107: Sam Poo Kong Temple in Semarang City is not just a place of worship. This temple is also an iconic tourist spot that is full of history. On the way, Sam Poo Kong Temple is a symbol of acculturation of Chinese culture with Javanese customs. The temple building stands majestically dominated by red colors and typical Chinese architecture.

Meliaf: A very interesting and cultural place. If you’d like to visit, I suggest you bring sunglasses or umbrella, because it can be very hot. There are several good spots for photo if you’re a traveller. The entrance ticket is also very affordable. If you like architectural photography, this place is a must visit!

Day 1 | Afternoon

Now we come to another great highlight in the city: Lawang Sewu.

Lawang Sewu

Recommended Length of Stay: 2.0-3.0 Hours

Location: Tugu Muda Complex, Jl. Youth, Sekayu, Central Semarang, Sekayu, Central Semarang, Semarang City, Central Java 50132, Indonesia

The so-called thousand-fold gate was a railway bureau building in the Dutch era, and now it is a railway museum with a jet train. The reason why it is called Qianzhongmen is because it has a lot of doors, and the highlight is its building itself.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Hermansyah 1107: Lawang Sewu is a historic building owned by PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) which was originally used as the Head Office of the private railway company Nederlandsch-Indische Spoorweg Maatschappij (NISM). The Lawang Sewu building was built in stages on an area of ​​18,232 m2. The main building began on February 27, 1904 and was completed in July 1907. While the additional buildings were built around 1916 and completed in 1918.

Melia Fitriana: This is a must-see historical site at the heart of Semarang City, Central Java Province. I and my wife came here five years ago and spent almost two hours sightseeing and taking pictures inside the colonial buildings and outside on the colonial steam locomotive. Inexpensive. Clean place. I plan to come again in the evening to take beautiful night pictures.

Day 1 | Evening

If you want to explore other popular attractions later, Hotel Tentrem Semarang is a suitable place for you to stay and refresh.

Hotel Tentrem Semarang

The Hotel Tentrem Semarang is an ideal spot for travelers wanting to discover the city. Visitors to Semarang will find that the Hotel Tentrem Semarang is a fantastic accommodation choice.

The hotel is only 4km from Tawang Train Railway Station and 8km from Achmad Yani International Airport, giving guests a number of convenient transportation options. Keeping busy is easy, with Baiturrahman Grand Mosque, Cathedral of St. Virgin Mary Queen of the Rosary and Simpang Lima all nearby.

In their spare time, guests can explore the hotel's surroundings. This Semarang hotel provides parking on site.

If you are looking for a convenient place to stay, our guests have told us that this location is excellent.

Day 2 | Morning

Semarang Old City

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 Hours

Location: Central Java, Semarang City, Semarang Utara, Bandarharjo, Old Town, 50175

This is the once prosperous old town of Sanbaoyuan. The scale is small but the buildings are very characteristic. There are ancient old churches and thousand-door houses, as well as 3D art museums and other recreational projects. Walking on the road in the city, feel the breath of history and culture.

Reviews from Real Guests:

sha_: Kota lama Semarang or Old Town Semarang is one of Indonesian heritage. It was a beautiful area where you can feel as if you are back in the old times. The architecture is beautiful and everything seems calming. It is a must visit place when you visit Semarang. When i visit this place i see cute animals and pretty greenery there.

Melia Fitriana: It was good experience visit Kota Lama Semarang. So many good spot for taking pictures. The place really comfortable, clean and well managed. There are so many chair for just sit and relax. Or we can take a sips at coffee shop. Just cant wait the pandemic over, so we can freely walk around this area without wearing a mask 😀👍

Day 2 | Afternoon

When time permits after visiting Semarang Old City, don’t forget pay a visit to Istana Batu.

Istana Batu

Opening Hours: Saturday to Thursday 8.30am-4.45pm

Recommended Length of Stay: 1.0-2.0 Hours

Location: Downstream, Semarang Indonesia

This royal museum in Sanbaoyuan was built in 1939. It was originally a royal palace and was the occasion for the royal wedding banquet at that time. Now it is a museum, displaying the throne symbols of successive sultans and the silverware and furniture of the royal family.

Day 2 | Evening

Looking for a bed nearby after finishing your journey at Istana Batu? Awann Sewu Boutique Hotel & Suite is one of your top choices.

Awann Sewu Boutique Hotel & Suite

Awan Sewu Boutique Hotel & Suite located in Tugu Muda and Lawang Sewu Areas.Awan Sewu Boutique Hotel & Suite also offers rooftops with iconic views of Semarang, such as Lawang Sewu and Tugu Muda.

Day 3 | Morning

Taman Djamu Nyonya Menneer

Opening Hours: Sunday to Friday,8am-15.30pm

Recommended Length of Stay: 2.0-3.0 Hours

Location: Jl. Raden Patah 191-199 Semarang, INDONESIA

This is a park at the foot of the mountain. You can take a leisurely walk in the herb garden. In addition, there is a market here, and there are flower sellers and food.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Kelapkelip: bagus tempatnya, adem, bnyak yg jual makanan juga

Day 3 | Afternoon

Having the chance to enjoy the charming Taman Djamu Nyonya Menneer, Marabunta Building next to it is another great place that you will never want to miss!

Marabunta Building

Recommended Length of Stay: 1.0-2.0 Hours

Location: 23 Jalan Cendrawasih, Semarang 50137, Indonesia

Reviews from Real Guests:

Meliaf: A nice place to hang out with friends and listen to some music. Used to be an old theatre building from the Dutch colonization era, embracing the rustic feeling that you have inside mixed with new modern outlook of a night lounge.

Day 3 | Evening

If you want to explore other popular attractions later, Po Hotel is a suitable place for you to stay and refresh.

Po Hotel

Welcome to the Crowne Plaza Semarang , the ' Place to Meet ' in Indonesia . Business travelers will appreciate the hotel location for it's ideal business haven and perfect place for leisure. Crowne Plaza Semarang is bustling downtown business district located nearby government offices, regional corporate offices and major banks . Hotel provide a meeting space and business services, which include High Speed Internet Access, faxing, copying, printing and an available PC . Book your reservation today, and come let us show you Crowne Plaza Semarang experience with warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Day 4 | Morning

Simpang Lima

Recommended Length of Stay: 0.5-1.0 Days

Location: 2C5F+V58, Lamper Lor, Kecamatan Semarang Selatan, Kota Semarang, Jawa Tengah 50249

Reviews from Real Guests:

Fat9277: Saat ini Lapangan Pancasila atau Lapangan Simpang Lima sudah menjadi landmark kota Semarang merupakan ruang terbuka yang biasa digunakan oleh masyarakat Semarang untuk beraktivitas. Kota Semarang sendiri menjadi identik dengan Simpang Lima, karena pusat kegiatan dan keramaian berada disini.

Trip.com User: this is landmark of semarang city. a lot of famous food at here but you must go here at night. on sunday there is a car free day and a lot of street food!!

Day 4 | Afternoon

Semarang Tawang Station nearby is the top choice before you leave Simpang Lima and hit the road.

Semarang Tawang Station

Location: Jl. Taman Tawang no. 1, Semarang 50174, Indonesia

Reviews from Real Guests:

Hermansyah 1107: Semarang can be said to be an important railway city, as the birthplace of railways in Indonesia. The presence of the train was marked by the first grounding of the construction by the Governor General of the Dutch East Indies, Mr. L. A. J Baron sloet Van den Belee in 1864. The construction of the railway line with a gauge width of 1435 mm was carried out by the Nederlandsch Indische Spoorweg Maatschappij (NISM), the Responsibility-Kemijen crossing was successfully completed on August 10, 1867. Furthermore, NISM continued the construction of the railway line to the Vorstenlanden area (Yogyakarta and Surakarta) and was completed in 1872.

Day 4 | Evening

If you want to explore other popular attractions later, Horison Nindya Semarang is a suitable place for you to stay and refresh.

Horison Nindya Semarang

Hotel Horison Nindya Semarang is the only hotel in the eastern part of Semarang city with three-star hotel facilities. Located in the industrial area of Semarang city by offering 167 spacious rooms. The hotel is designed for guests who want to rest comfortably before returning to activity. The hotel has an eco-friendly and the only go green certified building concept in central java. It is very easy to find supermarkets near the hotel, various kinds of Semarang specialties, coffee shops, restaurants and easy access to the toll and city center as well as airports and stations.

Day 5 | Morning

Sakapatat Beergarden & Resto

Location: Jl. Diponegoro no. 24, Semarang 50231, Indonesia

Reviews from Real Guests:

Meliaf: The outdoor seating is very cozy. Real bar ambience. The music is good and the food selections are great. A bit pricey but I guess the food worth the price. They hold lots of events that made the place even more live! Drinks selections are great as well. You could feel the international atmosphere there. Staff are friendly. Visiting there at night is more recommended.

Trip.com User: good place to hanging out with friend cause a lot of coffeeshop

Day 5 | Afternoon

Having the chance to enjoy the charming Sakapatat Beergarden & Resto, Gereja Blenduk next to it is another great place that you will never want to miss!

Gereja Blenduk

Recommended Length of Stay: 1.0-2.0 Hours

Location: Semarang, Central Java

The Blenduk Church in the center of the old Dutch port area was built in 1753. Although this Dutch-era church is not particularly gorgeous, it is already a well-preserved building in the dilapidated old town of Semarang. The church has a huge dome, as well as a striking baroque structure and a rare wooden pulpit. Religious services are still provided here.

Reviews from Real Guests:

zhora nisha: The Blenduk Church is not just a place of worship. However, Blenduk Church is a cultural heritage with the name Blenduk Church Site. Referring to the Ministry of Education and Culture of the Directorate General of Culture, that the definition of Cultural Conservation is a Cultural Heritage that is Material, or what is commonly referred to as Tangible. Thus, the Blenduk Church is not just a place to worship, but also one of the historical tours in Semarang. #triplocal

Meliaf: Historical place in the old town of Semarang. The buildings around this church also have the old city architecture. There are also restaurants, cafes and hotels nearby. The location is near with tawang station.

* All reviews in the blog are machine-translated.