Destinations
Things to Do in Medan: 15 Ideas with a Car and Driver
Fifteen things to do in Medan, from Maimun Palace and Tjong A Fie Mansion to durian stalls and day trips, grouped so you can see more in less time.
Medan is often treated as a stopover, but the city has enough history, food and nearby nature for one or two full days. Here are things to do in Medan, grouped by area so a car and driver can link them efficiently.
Heritage in the city centre
- Maimun Palace – the yellow palace of the Deli Sultanate
- Al-Mashun Grand Mosque – Moorish-style architecture near the palace
- Tjong A Fie Mansion – a merchant's house in the Kesawan heritage street
- Kesawan – old shophouses, cafés and colonial facades
- Merdeka Walk – city square with evening food stalls
Culture and faith
- Shri Mariamman Temple in Kampung Madras, Medan's Little India
- Graha Maria Annai Velangkanni – a striking Indo-Mughal style church
- North Sumatra State Museum – an introduction to the province's cultures
Food
- Durian stalls – eat on the spot; Medan is famous for it
- Old coffee shops – milk coffee and toast in the morning
- Night food tour – noodles, satay and martabak across the city
Day trips
- Berastagi – volcano views and fruit markets, about 2–3 hours away
- Bukit Lawang – orangutan trekking, about 3–4 hours away
- Sibolangit – forest walks closer to the city
- Lake Toba – best as an overnight trip
A one-day plan
| Time | Stop |
|---|---|
| 08:00 | Breakfast at an old coffee shop |
| 09:00 | Maimun Palace and the Grand Mosque |
| 11:00 | Tjong A Fie Mansion and Kesawan |
| 13:00 | Lunch |
| 14:30 | Kampung Madras |
| 16:00 | Souvenir shopping |
| 19:00 | Durian or Merdeka Walk |
A 12-hour rental with driver covers this comfortably. See our one-day city tour itinerary.
Plan your trip
Check which vehicles are available on your travel dates on the reservation page. For an overview of routes and travel times to the Toba region, see our guide to renting a car from Medan to Lake Toba.
Frequently asked questions
What is Medan famous for?
Maimun Palace, the Grand Mosque, Tjong A Fie Mansion, its food scene and durian, and as the gateway to Lake Toba.
How many days do I need in Medan?
One full day covers the main sights; add a second day for a trip to Berastagi or Bukit Lawang.
