Medan has always been just a gateway city, a tourists’ jump-off to the beauty that is North Sumatra, Indonesia. But it is more than just a convenient entry to reach Lake Toba and enjoy its natural scenery coupled with a lively culture or even the other attractions on Sumatra Island. Medan has its own set of charms that will interest tourists of any kind.

One of the first things you must check when you go to Medan is its food scene. Curry chicken noodles, rice cakes, and duck soup are some of its famed dishes. After filling up your tummy, fill up your heart with Medan’s most important landmarks, like Tjong A Fie Mansion, Mesjid Raya Al Mashun, and Istana Maimun. If you love wildlife, head to Bukit Lawang, where you can spot Sumatran orangutans during a hike.

It may not look like it, but Medan has so much in store for travel-savvy individuals.

To help with your trip planning, I’ve added links to the locations on Google Maps. Feel free to click/tap on the links posted below. Then, use the “save” feature on the Google Maps app for easy reference. But before you start ticking goals off your bucketlist, here are travel essentials & discounts you’ll need to check. Pre-book online for a hassle-free trip!

Medan travel essentials

Click below to compare rates & read reviews:

Medan HotelsTours + discountsFlights

See also: 4 Places To Visit in Lake Toba.

View all travel tips on: Medan.

1. Maimun Palace

Location: Jl. Brigjend Katamso No.45-H, A U R, Kec. Medan Maimun, Kota Medan, Sumatera Utara 20151, Indonesia. Save on Google Maps.

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2. Masjid Raya Al-Mashun

Location: Jl. Sisingamangaraja No.61, Mesjid, Kec. Medan Kota, Kota Medan, Sumatera Utara 20156, Indonesia. Save on Google Maps.

3. Kuliner Pagaruyung Food Street

Location: Jl. KH. Zainul Arifin, Petisah Tengah, Kec. Medan Petisah, Kota Medan, Sumatera Utara 20112, Indonesia. Save on Google Maps.

4. Jalan Selat Panjang Food Alley

Location: Pasar Baru, Medan Kota, Medan City, North Sumatra 20212, Indonesia. Save on Google Maps.

5. Rumah Makan Bintang Bawal

Location: Jl. Taruma No.15B, Petisah Tengah, Kec. Medan Petisah, Kota Medan, Sumatera Utara 20112, Indonesia. Save on Google Maps.

6. Mariamman Hindu Temple

Location: Jl. Teuku Umar No.18, Petisah Tengah, Kec. Medan Petisah, Kota Medan, Sumatera Utara 20151, Indonesia. Save on Google Maps.

7. Tjong A Fie Mansion

Where to go near Medan

8. Lake Toba

Location: North Sumatra, Indonesia. Save on Google Maps.

9. Sipiso Piso Waterfall

Location: Pengambaten, Merek, Karo Regency, North Sumatra 22173, Indonesia. Save on Google Maps.

Beyond Medan

Jakarta

Location: Jakarta, Indonesia. Save on Google Maps.

Jakarta Travel Essentials

Where to stayTours + discounts

Bali

Location: Medan City, North Sumatra, Indonesia. Save on Google Maps.

Bali Travel Essentials

Where to stayTours + discounts

What places have you added to your bucketlist? Have you been to beautiful places in Medan that should be on this list? Feel free to share your thoughts!

Places to visit in Medan

Medan tourist spots, things to do in Medan, where to go in Medan & more.

Note: Destinations featured above are not listed by rank.

Where to Stay in Medan

Click below & search recommended Medan hotels/hostels/home rentals within your budget. Remember to set your min/max price, travel dates, and sort by review ratings. I often book online with these trusted booking sites below for rock-bottom prices & convenient bookings.

AgodaBooking.com

Book sooner rather than later if you already have your dates set. Cheaper-priced rooms and hotels with high reviews tend to get fully booked faster, especially during busy days like weekends, holidays & peak tourist seasons.

Don’t Stop Here

Click below for more travel inspiration: