2025 Central Semarang Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in June)

Spent a few days exploring Semarang’s old town, and I was genuinely surprised by how much this city offers. Kota Lama feels like a step back in time — cobbled streets, Dutch architecture, and slow, cinematic sunsets. A must-visit: Gereja Blenduk, the iconic domed church surrounded by vintage buildings. But the real highlight? The food. Semarang’s street food hits hard — spicy, sweet, smoky. Don’t leave without trying ayam penyet kremes and tahu gimbal. For chili lovers, the sambal here doesn’t play. Pro tip: Start early to avoid the heat, and end your walk at Spiegel Bar & Bistro for a chill drink with a view. Semarang isn’t always loud, but if you slow down, it speaks. #SemarangTrip #KotaLama #KulinerSemarang #TravelIndonesia #HiddenGems

#cityplaybook #postandearn #localguides Nestled along the northern coast of Java, Semarang is a captivating blend of historical richness, cultural diversity, and modern vibrancy. As the capital of Central Java, this city offers a unique journey through time, from its colonial past to its contemporary allure. My exploration began in Kota Lama, Semarang's Old Town, often dubbed the "Little Netherlands." Strolling through its cobblestone streets, I was transported to the 18th century, surrounded by well-preserved Dutch colonial architecture. The iconic Blenduk Church, with its distinctive dome, stood as a testament to the city's historical tapestry. A short walk led me to Lawang Sewu, meaning "A Thousand Doors." This architectural marvel, once the headquarters of the Dutch East Indies Railway Company, is steeped in history and local legends. The building's grandeur and intricate design left me in awe. Venturing into Chinatown, I was greeted by the vibrant atmosphere of Pasar Semawis, a night market teeming with culinary delights. The aroma of freshly prepared lumpia Semarang, a local spring roll delicacy, was irresistible. Sampling this dish amidst the lively crowd was a highlight of my visit. A must-see is the Sam Poo Kong Temple, the oldest Chinese temple in the city, honoring the Chinese Muslim explorer Zheng He. The temple's striking red pagodas and serene ambiance offer a glimpse into the city's multicultural heritage. For a burst of color, Kampung Pelangi is unparalleled. This "Rainbow Village" transformed from a modest neighborhood into a vibrant tourist attraction, with houses painted in a kaleidoscope of colors and adorned with murals, making it a photographer's paradise. Best Time to Visit: June to August: Enjoy the dry season with pleasant weather, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Tips: Transportation: Utilize local transport options like Go-Jek or Grab for convenient travel around the city. Cultural Etiquette: Dress modestly when visiting religious sites, and be respectful of local customs. Local Delicacies: Don't miss out on trying lumpia Semarang, bandeng presto (pressure-cooked milkfish), and wingko babat (a coconut-based snack). Location: Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia #SemarangAdventures #KotaLamaSemarang #LawangSewu #SamPooKong

Semarang on night. Quite fun and lot of people on the streets

📍 Itinerary Overview 🚩 Sightseeing Route 🏖️ Must-Visit Attractions 🚇 Transportation 📷 Photo Spots 🍜 Local Cuisine 🏠 Accommodation 1.Rooms Inc Semarang 💡 Tips

#favouriteitinerary Gumaya Tower Hotel Semarang is a great place to stay for both business and leisure. The rooms are big, clean, and comfortable, with nice city views. The bed is soft, and the bathroom is modern with good amenities. The staff are friendly and always ready to help. The breakfast has many tasty options, including local and international food. The swimming pool and gym are well-maintained. The hotel is in a good location, close to shopping malls and restaurants. The price is reasonable for the quality. Overall, it’s a nice and comfortable hotel for a pleasant stay in Semarang.

Semarang is the fifth largest city in Indonesia and the capital of Central Java. The name itself has a strong connection with China. When Zheng He sailed to the West, he stopped here many times. Therefore, the local Chinese still keep the tradition of holding various commemorative activities during major festivals. While in Solo, I heard that Semarang is very lively during the Lunar New Year. So I changed my itinerary temporarily, took a train north for two and a half hours, and arrived at dusk. I took a taxi to see the city. Except for the former Dutch colonial area near the station, which is still maintained, the rest is full of ruins and old trees. There are not many decent buildings, let alone any decent chain hotels. I had no choice but to book this Novotel, located in the bustling city center, with main roads on both sides of the corner, and cars coming and going. It was destined to be a restless night. So I studied the direction of the windows and confirmed that I needed earplugs. Fortunately, there is a large shopping mall opposite the hotel. The hotel's decoration style is very local, and it is also in disrepair. The public area is classical and old-fashioned, and it is conservatively estimated to have been in operation for more than ten years. The room is dim and dilapidated, and the floor is uneven. The bathroom smells bad, the metal parts are covered with rust, and the shower needs to be taken in the bathtub. There are few benefits for Accor Platinum members. There is a lounge, but unfortunately, it is not open, and there is no remedy. The outdoor terrace pool on the third floor is irregular and mini, only suitable for playing in the water. Breakfast is arranged in the restaurant on the second floor the next day, and the food is sparse and not very fresh. The overall experience is not good, comparable to an American motel. I also tried very hard to be objective and find some advantages, but I failed. Only the cost performance is acceptable. But in this city, all hotels have good cost performance. Room-related: Room number: 327 Official name: Superior Queen Room Area: 32 square meters Mattress: Zeesindo TV: Toshiba Basin and bathtub: TOTO Toilet: Manual TOTO Hair dryer: Ideal Amenities: Large bottle Novotel custom Electric kettle: Kris Instant coffee: Novotel custom Tea bag: Novotel custom Bottled water: Cleo Mini bar: None

| A Luxurious Oasis Hidden in the World. ✨On the journey to find a unique accommodation experience, I came across Avance Hotel, like discovering a dazzling pearl sealed by time. 📍Location: The hotel is like a beauty standing alone, quietly located in [specific location]. The surrounding area is quiet and serene, yet cleverly connected to the city's pulse. It is just the right distance from popular attractions and transportation hubs, allowing you to escape the hustle and bustle while conveniently exploring the city's mysteries. 🏨Hotel Environment and Facilities: Stepping into the hotel is like stepping into a dreamland. Traditional and modern elements intertwine and blend here, with every corner exuding a rich artistic atmosphere. The meticulously crafted architectural exterior shines brightly in the sunlight; the interior courtyard is lush with greenery and vibrant flowers, with the central water feature being the finishing touch. The sound of flowing water adds vitality and life to the entire space. The rooms are fully equipped, with high-end bedding as soft as clouds, an intelligent control system at your fingertips, and a spacious bathroom with top-notch sanitary facilities, providing ultimate comfort and enjoyment. 🍽Dining and Cuisine: The hotel's restaurant is a culinary palace, gathering delicacies from all over the world. Local specialties, under the chef's exquisite culinary skills, exude a unique charm, with every bite being an ultimate tease to the taste buds; international cuisine is equally impressive, with exquisite plating like works of art, paired with carefully selected wines, creating a feast for the senses. 💁‍♂️Service: The service here is exemplary, with staff like caring friends, warm and professional. From the moment you step into the hotel, you are infected by their sincere smiles, with every need quickly perceived and perfectly met. Whether it's a customized travel plan or thoughtful turndown service, you feel the utmost care and respect, truly experiencing the warmth and comfort of being at home. If you desire a unique journey, Avance Hotel is the perfect choice, with its unique charm leaving an unforgettable mark on your trip.💕

| A Wonderful Stay Hey guys, today I want to recommend a hidden gem in Semarang - Po Hotel Semarang 😍 Great Location The hotel is located in the center of Semarang, with convenient transportation and close to many attractions, such as the famous Sam Poo Kong Temple, which can be easily reached on foot or by public transportation. There are also many restaurants, shopping malls, and convenience stores nearby to meet your various needs. Comfortable Accommodation The rooms are clean and tidy, with a warm and cozy layout, and the bedding is soft and comfortable, allowing you to enjoy a high-quality sleep during your tiring journey. The rooms are well-equipped with air conditioning, TV, free Wi-Fi, etc., providing convenience and comfort for your stay. Rich Hotel Facilities The hotel has a restaurant that offers a variety of delicious dishes and drinks, so you can taste the local specialties without leaving the hotel. In addition, there are leisure facilities such as a gym and swimming pool, so you can relax and enjoy life in your spare time. Thoughtful Service Team The hotel staff is warm and friendly, and the service is attentive and meticulous. From the moment you step into the hotel, you can feel their thoughtful service. Whether it is checking in or encountering problems during your stay, they will solve them for you in a timely manner, making you feel at home. High Cost Performance Compared with other hotels in Semarang, Po Hotel Semarang is very reasonably priced and cost-effective. Here, you can enjoy a high-quality stay for a relatively low price, which is very suitable for travelers on a budget. In short, Po Hotel Semarang is a very good hotel, whether you are traveling or on a business trip to Semarang, it can bring you a comfortable and convenient experience. If you have the opportunity to come here, don't miss it 💕

| Great value for money. For those planning a trip to Semarang, we have a great hotel recommendation for you today - Trembesi Hotel Semarang. 😍 Great Location The hotel is located in the center of Semarang, with convenient transportation and many shopping malls, restaurants, and attractions nearby. You can walk to Simpang Lima, a shopping and dining area, to try local specialties such as the famous Semarang spring rolls, and shop to your heart's content. Comfortable Accommodation The rooms are clean and tidy, with a cozy layout and soft and comfortable bedding, allowing you to enjoy a good night's sleep after a day of sightseeing. The hotel also offers a variety of room types, so whether you're traveling as a couple, with family, or on a business trip, you'll find a room that suits you. Thoughtful Hotel Facilities The hotel is well-equipped with free Wi-Fi, so you can stay connected with the outside world at all times. In addition, there is 24-hour hot water, air conditioning, and other basic facilities to make your stay convenient and comfortable. Quality Service The hotel staff are warm and friendly, and provide attentive and detailed service. From the moment you step into the hotel, you can feel their thoughtful service. Whether it's checking in or encountering problems during your stay, they will solve them for you in a timely manner, making you feel at home. Reasonable Prices Compared to other hotels in Semarang, Trembesi Hotel offers very reasonable prices and great value for money. You can enjoy a comfortable accommodation environment and quality service without putting too much strain on your wallet. In short, Trembesi Hotel Semarang is a very nice hotel. If you're planning a trip to Semarang, consider staying at this hotel. 💕

Getting There - Semarang kota Attractions - Mall Hotels - Tentrem Food & Restaurants - Shopping - Tentrem Mall #summervacation#beachvacation#hotelstay#urbanexplorer