Medan Baru, Medan Travel Guide

Explore Medan Baru: A charming neighborhood in Medan, Indonesia, offering a blend of traditional markets, historical sites, and delectable local cuisine.

Medan Baru, located in the vibrant city of Medan, Indonesia, offers a unique blend of traditional Indonesian culture and modern urban life. This neighborhood is known for its bustling markets, diverse culinary delights, and rich historical sites, making it an ideal destination for tourists seeking an authentic experience. Stroll through the streets of Medan Baru to discover a variety of local shops and markets where you can find traditional Indonesian crafts, textiles, and souvenirs. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Pasar Petisah market, a favorite among locals for its fresh produce, spices, and street food stalls that serve mouth-watering Indonesian dishes. Medan Baru is also home to several historical landmarks and cultural sites. The Tjong A Fie Mansion, a beautifully preserved colonial-era house, offers a glimpse into the life of one of Medan’s most influential historical figures. Additionally, the neighborhood is dotted with temples and mosques that showcase the architectural diversity and religious harmony of the area. When it comes to dining, Medan Baru does not disappoint. The neighborhood boasts a variety of eateries, ranging from street food stalls to upscale restaurants, offering both local and international cuisine. Be sure to try the famous Medanese dishes such as Soto Medan and Bika Ambon, which are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Medan Baru’s strategic location also makes it a convenient base for exploring other parts of Medan and beyond. With its warm and welcoming atmosphere, Medan Baru provides tourists with a rich and enjoyable cultural experience.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Medan Baru.

Visit Pasar Petisah early in the morning to experience the market at its liveliest and get the freshest produce.
Wear comfortable shoes as exploring the neighborhood involves a lot of walking.
Try the local street food but ensure it’s from a stall with good hygiene practices.
Carry some cash with you as many small shops and street vendors do not accept credit cards.
Engage with locals; they are friendly and often eager to share stories and tips about the area.

Explore Medan Baru: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Medan Baru

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

Kampoeng Selfie (Kongsi)

Explore the colorful creativity of Kampoeng Selfie in Medan, a vibrant tourist attraction filled with art, culture, and stunning photo opportunities.

4.3

Paket Wisata Medan tour Ende Holidays

Discover Medan's unique charm and rich culture with Ende Holidays, your gateway to North Sumatra's unforgettable adventures.

5.0

CAMUCAMU MEDAN

Discover the vibrant flavors of Indonesia at Camucamu Medan, a culinary gem in the heart of Medan City offering unique dishes and a warm atmosphere.

5.0

Lapang bola

Experience the vibrant culture and outdoor fun at Lapang Bola, a top tourist attraction in Medan, North Sumatra, perfect for relaxation and local interactions.

Best landmarks in Medan Baru

Top-rated picks

Best Landmarks

Rahmat International Wildlife Museum & Gallery

Discover the captivating world of wildlife at Rahmat International Wildlife Museum & Gallery in Medan, where conservation and education come together.

4.6

Mariamman Temple

Explore Mariamman Temple in Medan, a stunning Hindu temple showcasing exquisite architecture and rich cultural traditions in North Sumatra.

4.6

Vihara Gunung Timur

Discover spiritual serenity at Vihara Gunung Timur, a beautiful Buddhist temple in Medan with stunning architecture and a peaceful atmosphere.

4.7

Tjong Yong Hian Gallery

Explore the Tjong Yong Hian Gallery in Medan, a historical landmark showcasing Indonesia's rich artistic heritage and cultural stories.

4.5

Best restaurants in Medan Baru

Top-rated picks

Best Restaurants

The Traders Restaurant

Discover culinary excellence at The Traders Restaurant in Medan - indulge in premium steaks and Western cuisine within a vibrant atmosphere.

4.6

Sajian Bhinneka

Discover the essence of Indonesian flavors at Sajian Bhinneka in Medan - where every dish tells a story.

4.4

INTERLOKAL

Discover authentic Indonesian flavors at Interlokal in Medan—where tradition meets contemporary dining.

4.7

KEWIN KITCHEN

Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Kewin Kitchen in Medan - where delightful dishes meet fine wines in an inviting atmosphere.

4.3

Best bars in Medan Baru

Top-rated picks

Best Bars

Level 02

Discover the vibrant nightlife at Level 02 in Medan, where signature cocktails and a lively atmosphere create an unforgettable experience.

4.3

Shoot. Resto.Bar.Club

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Medan at Shoot. Resto.Bar.Club, where dining meets dancing in a stylish setting.

4.4

SKY the Oasis Rooftop Bar & Lounge

Discover Medan's skyline at SKY the Oasis Rooftop Bar & Lounge, where cocktails, live music, and stunning views unite for an unforgettable experience.

4.8

HW Helen's Live Bar Medan

Discover the vibrant nightlife at HW Helen's Live Bar Medan, featuring live music, unique cocktails, and a friendly atmosphere.

4.8

Best nightclubs in Medan Baru

Top-rated picks

Best Nightclubs

Shoot. Resto.Bar.Club

Discover the vibrant nightlife of Medan at Shoot. Resto.Bar.Club, where music, drinks, and entertainment come together for an unforgettable experience.

4.4

H7 Club & KTV

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Medan at H7 Club & KTV, where music, karaoke, and a lively atmosphere await.

4.5

Sky Club Karaoke & Sport Lounge

Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Sky Club Karaoke & Sport Lounge in Medan, where music, sports, and fun come together.

4.3

District LT.03

Experience the electrifying nightlife at District LT.03, Medan's premier night club, where music and dance come alive.

5.0

Best shops in Medan Baru

Top-rated picks

Best Shops

Sun Plaza

Explore Sun Plaza in Medan, a vibrant shopping mall offering diverse shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences in the heart of North Sumatra.

4.6

Plaza Natal

Discover the vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment experience at Plaza Natal, Medan's must-visit shopping mall.

4.9

Qboid Concept Store

Explore Qboid Concept Store, a vibrant outlet mall in Medan, where unique products and local crafts await every visitor.

4.1

Explore Medan Baru on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Medan Baru, mapped for you.

Medan Baru Essentials

Medan Baru is easily accessible from various neighborhoods in Medan. From Medan's city center, you can take a taxi or an online ride-hailing service like Gojek or Grab, which are widely used and affordable. Alternatively, public buses (angkot) and minibuses connect Medan Baru with other areas. If you're coming from Kualanamu International Airport, the airport train service provides a convenient and quick route to Medan city, where you can transfer to local transport to reach Medan Baru.
Medan Baru is best navigated using a combination of taxis, online ride-hailing services, and public transport. The angkot (minibus) system is a popular and inexpensive way to get around. For longer distances, taxis are readily available, and biking is an option in certain areas. The neighborhood is also pedestrian-friendly, with many attractions within walking distance.
Medan Baru is generally safe for tourists; however, it's advisable to stay alert, especially in crowded areas. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit or unfamiliar areas. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur, particularly around markets and busy streets. Areas surrounding the main bus terminals may have higher crime rates, so exercise caution in these regions.
In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police assistance and 118 for medical emergencies. Local hospitals and clinics are available in Medan Baru. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available for purchasing over-the-counter medications.
Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head when entering mosques and other religious sites. Public Transport: Do be polite and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a nod; handshakes are common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it may be considered rude.
To experience Medan Baru like a local, explore street food stalls and local markets, where you can sample authentic Indonesian cuisine. Engage with local vendors and residents, as they often have stories to share about the neighborhood's culture. Don't miss trying the famous Medanese dish 'nasi goreng' or visiting the nearby Masjid Raya Al Mashun, a historic mosque that showcases stunning architecture.

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Medan Baru

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Medan Baru. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHalo
  [ha-lo]
- GoodbyeSelamat tinggal
  [se-la-mat ting-gal]
- YesYa
  [ya]
- NoTidak
  [ti-dak]
- Please/You're welcomeSilakan
  [si-la-kan]
- Thank youTerima kasih
  [te-ri-ma ka-sih]
- Excuse me/SorryMaaf
  [ma-af]
- How are you?Apa kabar?
  [a-pa ka-bar?]
- Fine. And you?Baik. Dan kamu?
  [ba-ik. dan ka-mu?]
- Do you speak English?Apakah kamu bisa berbicara bahasa Inggris?
  [a-pa-kah ka-mu bi-sa ber-bi-ca-ra ba-ha-sa ing-gris?]
- I don't understandSaya tidak mengerti
  [sa-ya ti-dak meng-er-ti]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseSaya ingin melihat menu, tolong
  [sa-ya in-gin me-li-hat me-nu, to-long]
- I don't eat meatSaya tidak makan daging
  [sa-ya ti-dak ma-kan da-ging]
- Cheers!Selamat minum!
  [se-la-mat mi-num!]
- I would like to pay, pleaseSaya ingin membayar, tolong
  [sa-ya in-gin mem-ba-yar, to-long]
- Help!Tolong!
  [to-long!]
- Go away!Pergi!
  [per-gi!]
- Call the Police!Panggil polisi!
  [pang-gil po-li-si!]
- Call a doctor!Panggil dokter!
  [pang-gil dok-ter!]
- I'm lostSaya tersesat
  [sa-ya ter-se-sat]
- I'm illSaya sakit
  [sa-ya sa-kit]
- I'd like to buy...Saya ingin membeli...
  [sa-ya in-gin mem-be-li...]
- I'm just lookingSaya hanya melihat-lihat
  [sa-ya han-ya me-li-hat-li-hat]
- How much is it?Berapa harganya?
  [ber-a-pa har-ga-nya?]
- That's too expensiveItu terlalu mahal
  [i-tu ter-la-lu ma-hal]
- Can you lower the price?Bisakah kamu menurunkan harganya?
  [bi-sa-kah ka-mu me-nu-run-kan har-ga-nya?]
- What time is it?Sekarang jam berapa?
  [se-ka-rang jam ber-a-pa?]
- It's one o'clockSekarang pukul satu
  [se-ka-rang pu-kul sa-tu]
- Half past (10)Setengah (sepuluh)
  [se-ten-gah (se-pu-luh)]
- MorningPagi
  [pa-gi]
- AfternoonSore
  [so-re]
- EveningMalam
  [ma-lam]
- YesterdayKemarin
  [ke-ma-rin]
- TodayHari ini
  [ha-ri i-ni]
- TomorrowBesok
  [be-sok]
- 1Satu
  [sa-tu]
- 2Dua
  [du-a]
- 3Tiga
  [ti-ga]
- 4Empat
  [em-pat]
- 5Lima
  [li-ma]
- 6Enam
  [e-nam]
- 7Tujuh
  [tu-juh]
- 8Delapan
  [de-la-pan]
- 9Sembilan
  [sem-bi-lan]
- 10Sepuluh
  [se-pu-luh]
- Where's a/the...?Dimana ada...
  [di-ma-na a-da...]
- What's the address?Berapa alamatnya?
  [ber-a-pa a-la-mat-nya?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Bisakah kamu tunjukkan (di peta)?
  [bi-sa-kah ka-mu tun-juk-kan (di pe-ta)?]
- When's the next (bus)?Kapan bus berikutnya?
  [ka-pan bus be-ri-kut-nya?]
- A ticket (to ....)Selembar tiket (ke ....)
  [se-lem-bar ti-ket (ke ....)]

History of Medan Baru

Medan Baru was developed during the Dutch colonial era in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The establishment of the Deli Railway in 1886 significantly boosted the area’s connectivity and economic growth, enabling the transport of tobacco and other goods from the thriving plantations in North Sumatra. The colonial influence is evident in the architecture and urban planning of the area, with wide boulevards and colonial-style buildings that reflect this historical period.
Medan Baru is a representation of the cultural diversity of Medan, which is home to various ethnic groups, including the Batak, Malay, Chinese, and Indian communities. This cultural amalgamation has enriched the local traditions, cuisine, and festivities. The area hosts numerous cultural events that showcase this diversity, including traditional Batak music and dance performances, as well as culinary festivals highlighting the region's unique dishes.
Following Indonesia's independence in 1945, Medan Baru experienced rapid urbanization and population growth. The area became an important commercial hub, attracting businesses and migrants from other regions. The establishment of educational institutions and public facilities further contributed to the development of Medan Baru as a vital part of Medan's urban landscape.
In recent years, Medan Baru has faced challenges related to urbanization, including traffic congestion and environmental issues. Despite these challenges, the neighborhood has seen efforts towards revitalization, with investments in infrastructure and community development projects aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents while preserving its historical and cultural heritage.
Medan Baru is renowned for its vibrant culinary scene, which reflects the rich cultural tapestry of the region. Street food stalls and local restaurants offer a diverse array of dishes, from the famous Medan sate and nasi goreng to Chinese dim sum and Indian roti. Food festivals and local markets play a crucial role in showcasing the area's culinary heritage, making it a popular destination for food enthusiasts.