Medan has a lot to offer from its Dutch colonial past, with over 10 historical sites worth exploring during your visit to the city.
Why now is the time to visit Medan's historical monuments- Medan has 42 buildings of historical value.
- However, nearly 90% of them have already been demolished or renovated.
- Of Medan's 73 colonial buildings, only 42 are protected.
- The Mega El Tra building, built in 1912, is an example of a demolished historic building.
- Medan's top 10 historical landmarks include Merdeka Square, Maimun Palace, Al Osmani Mosque and Chong Ah Phee House.
Medan's Historical Charm
Medan, the capital of Indonesia's North Sumatra province, is rich in history and culture, with many Dutch colonial buildings and traditional architecture.
The area has a long history and is influenced by many different cultures, with buildings from the Dutch colonial era, Islamic-influenced mosques and opulent mansions from the Chinese community.
By visiting these historical sites, you can experience North Sumatra heritage , Indonesian colonial architecture and Medan cultural heritage . You can understand the history and culture of this land while immersing yourself in the atmosphere of Medan.
| Places of interest | Features |
|---|---|
| Tjong A Fie Mansion | A magnificent mansion built in the late 19th century that offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of Chinese businessmen of the time. |
| Medan Central Mosque | Built in 1909, this is one of the largest mosques in Indonesia and features five impressive minarets. |
| Mount Sibayak | From the hiking trail up the active volcano, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the city of Medan. |
Located in the heart of Medan , the Tjong A Fie Mansion is a luxurious mansion built in the late 19th century. It is known as the residence of a Chinese businessman named Tjong A Fie. The building still evokes the lifestyle of the Chinese upper class during the Dutch colonial period.
The exterior of the mansion is ornately decorated, and the courtyard is surrounded by a beautiful garden. Inside, the interior, furnishings, and decorations that evoke the atmosphere of the time remain. These are carefully preserved as part of Medan's historical heritage .
Tjong A Fie Mansion is a place to experience Medan's Chinese heritage and colonial architecture , offering visitors a glimpse of a bygone era.
Maimun Palace
Maimun Palace, one of Medan's most famous historical buildings, was built at the end of the 19th century. It is the royal palace of the Malay dynasty. It features a unique architecture that combines Malay, Islamic and Italian styles. Maimun Palace has a total floor area of 2,772 square meters and 30 rooms.
Maimun Palace is popular as one of the top 10 historical attractions in Medan . The palace, which was used as a residence for the royal family, has a luxurious throne room and beautiful gardens. It is a wonderful place to experience the history and culture of Medan. Maimun Palace is the last remaining Malay royal palace, the only one left after the other Malay dynasties' palaces were destroyed during the 1946 social revolution .
| Features | detail |
|---|---|
| coordinate | 3°34′31″N 98°41′02″E |
| Construction Start Year | 1887 |
| Year of completion | 1892 |
| Total Floor Area | 2,772 square metres |
| Total number of rooms | 30 rooms |
Maimun Palace is an important heritage site that tells the history and power of the Medan royal family. It is known as the Medan Royal Heritage Site . When you visit this representative building of Indonesian architecture , you will feel like you have traveled back in time and experience the historical atmosphere.
Medan Central Mosque
Medan Central Mosque is a historic mosque in Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia. Built in 1909, it is one of the largest religious facilities in Indonesia. Its exterior is known for its intricate decorations and five minarets, and is a representative example of Indonesian Islamic architecture.
The mosque is not only a place of worship but also an important historical landmark in the region, where visitors are enchanted by the beautiful decoration of this majestic building and can get a feel for Medan's history and culture.
| Features | detail |
|---|---|
| Architectural style | Indonesian Islamic architecture |
| Year of completion | 1909 |
| Number of minarets | 5 bottles |
| Capacity | Approximately 5,000 people |
Medan Central Mosque is one of the largest mosques in Medan . It is one of the most important historical buildings in Indonesia. By visiting this building, you can experience the deep history and culture of Medan.
Lake Toba
Lake Toba, which can be reached on a day trip from Medan, is a popular spot. It is known as the largest volcanic lake in the world and has a beautiful view of North Sumatra . You can enjoy the lake by boat or take a walk around the volcanic lake .
Samosir Island is located in the middle of the lake and is home to the remains of royal residences and temples. It is popular with tourists from Medan. The surrounding area has a tranquil atmosphere and is an attractive place for visitors.
| item | data |
|---|---|
| Area of Lake Toba | 1,130 km² |
| The deepest part of Lake Toba | 505 m |
| Lake Toba altitude | 900 m |
| Area of Samosir Island | 523 km² |
Lake Toba is the perfect place to enjoy the natural beauty of North Sumatra . Experience the beauty of the lake, the surrounding landscapes and the history of the islands. It's also an easy day trip from Medan.
Mount Sibayak
Mount Sibayak near Medan is a popular hiking spot. There is a spectacular view of Medan city from the summit. There are hiking trails that can be enjoyed by beginners to intermediate hikers.
Mount Sibayak is a volcanic area, and you can see the scenery of smoke rising from the volcano. You can experience the nature of Medan with the smell of sulfur. The view from the top of the mountain is wonderful, and you can see the cityscape of Medan.
- An active volcano with an elevation of 2,212 meters
- There are hiking trails for beginners to intermediate hikers.
- A volcanic landscape characterized by smoke and the smell of sulfur
- A scenic spot overlooking the city of Medan
Mount Sibayak is a popular destination for visitors to Medan, where visitors can enjoy the unique characteristics of the volcanic landscape. There are trails to suit hikers of all levels, from beginners to advanced hikers.
North Sumatra Provincial Museum
When visiting Medan, a visit to the North Sumatra Provincial Museum is a must. This museum showcases the rich history and culture of North Sumatra , and offers a close-up look at the region's precious cultural heritage , including traditional textiles, crafts and archaeological remains.
Explore the museum and learn about the history and culture of North Sumatra . From indigenous life to the influence of the Dutch colonial period, you'll experience fascinating cultures . The impressive exhibition galleries are a great way to learn about and appreciate the depth of Medan's history .
- Exhibition of traditional crafts and archaeological materials
- The Life and Culture of the Indigenous People of North Sumatra
- Dutch colonial history
- Introduction to the natural environment and ecosystem
A visit to the North Sumatra Provincial Museum is an essential cultural experience when visiting Medan , providing a glimpse into the region's rich history and traditions and a great opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of what Medan has to offer .
historical landmarks Medan
Medan has many buildings from the Dutch colonial era. Historical landmarks Medan , Medan heritage sites , and colonial era architecture can be seen here, giving a sense of Indonesian culture and history.
Tjong A Fie Mansion is a luxurious mansion built in the late 19th century that gives an insight into the life of Chinese businessmen at that time. Maimun Palace was built between 1887 and 1891 and is a combination of Malay, Islamic and Italian styles.
Medan Central Mosque is a mosque built in 1909. It features five minarets. You can feel the history of Medan.
Visiting these sites offers a glimpse into the lifestyle and culture of the past. Seeing Medan's historical landmarks is a great opportunity to experience history and culture.
| Landmark | Year Built | Architectural Style | Admission Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tjong A Fie Mansion | Late 19th century | Chinese | 35,000 IDR |
| Istana Maimun | 1887-1891 | Malay, Islamic, Italian | Free |
| Masjid Raya Al-Mashun | 1909 | Islamic | Donation |
Green Hill City Park
Green Hill City Park in Medan is a wonderful place surrounded by greenery, away from the high rise buildings of the city, where you can relax and unwind from the noise of the city .
There are walking trails and picnic areas, providing a place of rest and relaxation for visitors. The lush greenery will help you to calm your mind.
Shopping Mall in Medan
There are many shopping malls in Medan. You can enjoy a variety of products from local handicrafts to international brands. You can also feel the history and culture of Medan.
Large shopping centers such as Sun Plaza, Medan Mall, and Centre Point Mall have a wide variety of items, including clothing, miscellaneous goods, and groceries. If you stop by between sightseeing, you can enjoy shopping and looking for souvenirs. Experience Medan's fascinating retail experiences .
| Shopping Mall | Features |
|---|---|
| Sun Plaza | The largest shopping mall in Medan. A wide range of products from international brands to local brands. |
| Medan Mall | A historic shopping mall that retains the architectural style of the Dutch colonial era. You can also enjoy miscellaneous goods and food. |
| Centre Point Mall | It is popular with families as it also has a cinema and amusement facilities, and you can also purchase local handicrafts. |
Medan has many medan shopping malls . You can enjoy shopping and sightseeing at the same time. We recommend Sun Plaza, Medan Mall, and Centre Point Mall, which have historical architecture and attractive local products. Enjoy Medan's retail experiences to your heart's content.
Medan's Nightlife
Medan is a fun city at night. There are various night entertainments such as night markets , izakayas , nightclubs , etc. It is also nice to walk at night and feel the night life of Medan .
We will introduce you to some spots to enjoy Medan at night.
Medan Night Market
The night market is the face of Medan at night. It is lined with outdoor stalls and attracts locals. You can enjoy street food and shopping.
Nightlife on Delbridge Road
Delbridge Road is home to many bars and clubs. It is the center of night entertainment in Medan , where you can enjoy music and drinks in a sophisticated atmosphere.
| How to enjoy the night | Recommended spots |
|---|---|
| Night Market | Night markets in Medan |
| Bar/Club | Delbridge Road |
| shopping | Night Market, Delbridge Road |
| Gourmet | Night market stalls, Delbridge Road restaurants |
Medan, the city of gourmet food
Medan is the capital of the Indonesian province of North Sumatra and is especially known for its gastronomic culture. From traditional cuisine to cutting edge restaurants, Medan offers many dining experiences.
To enjoy Medan cuisine, try sate padang, bika ambon and durian ukok, which are home-cooked dishes made with fresh ingredients.
Modern cuisine is also popular, using local ingredients and innovative cooking techniques - look for unique restaurants.
Colonial architecture
Medan has many historical buildings built during the Dutch colonial period. Brick buildings run through the city. You can feel the beauty of Medan colonial architecture , Indonesian historical buildings , and brick buildings . Visiting these colonial buildings in Medan will give you an idea of the history of this provincial city in Idonesia.
Moorish-style Juan Deli train station
Medan Railway Station, located in the center of the city, was built by the Dutch at the end of the 19th century. It is in the Moorish style , with a red brick exterior and elegant decorations. It is still a transportation hub and is highly regarded for its historical value.
Tjong A Fie Mansion features gorgeous décor
Medan's signature landmark is the Tjong A Fie Mansion , built in the late 19th century . This opulent mansion, with its ornate décor and lush gardens, is a testament to the lifestyle of Chinese businessmen of the time.
| Building Name | Year | Architectural style | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Juan Deli Train Station | Late 19th century | Moorish style | Red brick construction, elegant decoration |
| Tjong A Fie Mansion | Late 19th century | Splendid decoration | Chinese businessman's mansion and lush gardens |
Medan's colonial architecture allows people to feel the history and culture of Indonesia. The sight of Medan dotted with brick buildings is the very essence of Medan's charm .
Sultan's City
Medan was the capital of the Sultanate of North Sumatra and is rich in history and royal heritage, including Maimun Palace, royal residences and political centres.
Medan's cityscape showcases Sultanate architecture, with red-brick buildings and intricately decorated palaces, testifying to the city's dynastic history .
Medan still retains streets that evoke the history of Indonesia's royal family . The Medan Sultanate's heritage is both a source of pride for the region and a tourist attraction.
| Buildings | Historical role |
|---|---|
| Maimun Palace | Sultan's Palace |
| Tjong A Fie Mansion | Chinese businessman's residence |
| Medan Central Mosque | Royal Place of Worship |
A city of sightseeing and shopping
Medan is popular for its history and shopping. The capital of North Sumatra province, it offers historical sites, fine dining and shopping. Medan, where nature and culture come together, is a fascinating place in Indonesia.
In Medan, some people like to visit buildings from the Dutch colonial period. There are many brick buildings. You can also buy local specialties at traditional markets and shopping malls. You can enjoy the charm of Medan.
Medan at night is also attractive. You can have fun at the night market, taverns, and nightclubs. It's also nice to walk around the city and feel the lively atmosphere. Medan is an attractive place for sightseeing and shopping.
| Tourist attractions | Recommended points |
|---|---|
| Tjong A Fie Mansion | A magnificent 19th-century mansion with gorgeous décor and gardens |
| Medan Central Mosque | One of the largest mosques in Indonesia, with its detailed decoration and five impressive minarets |
| Green Hill City Park | A refreshing green park away from the hustle and bustle of the city |
Conclusion
Medan has many Dutch colonial buildings, royal palaces, mosques, etc. These will help you learn about Indonesia's history and culture. In addition, there are many attractions such as nature, shopping, and gourmet food.
Medan offers an exotic cultural experience, with buildings from the Dutch colonial era still standing, and great shopping and fine dining.
Medan is rich in history, culture and natural attractions. A visit to this city will give you a taste of history and modern attractions, making it a wonderful experience.
FAQ
What historical sites are there in Medan?
Medan has many Dutch colonial buildings, including Tjong A Fie Mansion, Maimun Palace and Medan Central Mosque, which are famous for their historical and cultural value.
What kind of nature tourism can you enjoy in Medan?
Lake Toba and Mount Sibayak are natural attractions. Lake Toba is the world's largest volcanic lake and can be enjoyed by boat. Mount Sibayak is an active volcano that can be climbed.
What else is there to see in Medan?
Besides its history, Medan has other attractions, such as the Green Hill City Park, a green space, and shopping malls offering a wide range of products.
In the evening, you can enjoy the night markets, bars and clubs. It is also a gourmet town where you can enjoy local cuisine.
What are the characteristics of Medan's historical architecture?
Medan is home to many Dutch colonial buildings, including elegant brick buildings, the Royal Palace and royal residences that can still be seen today.
What kind of tourist destination is Medan known for?
Medan is a city of history and shopping. You can enjoy historical sites, fine cuisine, and shopping. Medan, where nature and culture blend together, is an attractive travel destination.