Merdeka Walk Medan
Medan's revitalized urban hub: a lively promenade with diverse food, cafes, and evening charm.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Less crowded, beautiful lighting
Merdeka Walk Medan
Best Time
Less crowded, beautiful lighting
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Medan's revitalized urban hub: a lively promenade with diverse food, cafes, and evening charm.
"Modern and lively ambience in the heart of Medan, a good place to spend quality time with family and friends."
🚗 Parking Woes? Go Motorbike!
Parking can be tough. Opt for a motorbike or public transport to avoid hassle.
🦟 Evening Insect Repellent
If dining outdoors at night, bring insect repellent for a more comfortable experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Modernized Merdeka Walk
Main promenade
Experience the revitalized space with its spacious layout, clean sidewalks, and vibrant evening lights.
Sunday Car Free Day (CFD)
Lapangan Merdeka
Join locals for morning sports, jogging, yoga, or simply soak in the energetic atmosphere.
Evening Ambiance
Outdoor seating areas
Enjoy dinner or coffee under the trees, illuminated by beautiful lights, creating a magical setting.
Culinary Delights
Various food stalls and restaurants
Sample local street food favorites and explore diverse dining options from casual to upscale.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Revitalized and Ready
Weekend Vibes & Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Woes? Go Motorbike!
Parking can be tough. Opt for a motorbike or public transport to avoid hassle.
🦟 Evening Insect Repellent
If dining outdoors at night, bring insect repellent for a more comfortable experience.
👟 Comfortable Shoes for CFD
Wear comfy shoes if you plan to join the morning sports activities during Car Free Day.
💡 Enjoy the Night Lights
The ambiance at night with the tree lights is magical; a must-see!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Woes? Go Motorbike!
Parking can be tough. Opt for a motorbike or public transport to avoid hassle.
🦟 Evening Insect Repellent
If dining outdoors at night, bring insect repellent for a more comfortable experience.
👟 Comfortable Shoes for CFD
Wear comfy shoes if you plan to join the morning sports activities during Car Free Day.
💡 Enjoy the Night Lights
The ambiance at night with the tree lights is magical; a must-see!
💰 Street Food Bargains
Explore the 'jajanan' for affordable and delicious local snacks like egg-sausage and baked meatballs.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Merdeka Walk is praised for its modern, lively ambiance and significant revitalization, offering a clean and spacious environment. It's a popular spot for families and friends, especially at night with its beautiful lighting and diverse dining options. However, it can get very crowded during weekend events like Car Free Day, and parking can be a challenge.
"Modern and lively ambience in the heart of Medan. Many big restaurants and coffee shops. Also many lights under the trees. The guests chairs are being put both indoor and outdoor area. The sidewalk is clean. There are pick up and drop off points for online vehicles. A good place to spend quality time with family and friends."
Retta Sinambela
"Well known for hangout in Medan City. Good place for family. Because of its well known, many people come here and make it crowded, sometimes it is kinda difficult to find parking space if you get there by car. So I recommend you using public transport or at least motorbike. You can enjoy lunch or dinner here, but I recommend you to come here at night because they have beautiful lighting. Around there, you can enjoy the view of building with old architecture while enjoying your food."
Deep Fried
"A lovely row of coffee shops and restaurants under the trees (or indoors) along the main road. As first time tourists we found the place from Google Maps and enjoyed dinner outside, with a cold beer! At night though, take insect repellant. Probably a great spot for a morning coffee or catch up with friends."
Vincent Oliver
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Merdeka Walk is centrally located in Medan. You can easily reach it by taxi, ride-sharing apps (like Gojek or Grab), or by motorbike. For those driving, be aware that parking can be challenging, especially on weekends.
While specific bus routes might vary, ride-sharing services are very popular and convenient for reaching Merdeka Walk. Many locals also use motorbikes.
Given the crowds, especially during Sunday's Car Free Day, using ride-sharing services or motorbikes is highly recommended to avoid parking difficulties.
Yes, there are designated pick-up and drop-off points for online ride-hailing vehicles, making it convenient for users of these services.
Depending on your starting point, Merdeka Walk is quite central. It's near attractions like Centre Point Mall, making it walkable from some areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Merdeka Walk is now a free-access public space following its revitalization. You can enter and enjoy the area without any admission fee.
Merdeka Walk is generally accessible throughout the day and into the night. Specific restaurant and cafe hours may vary, but the public space itself is open for enjoyment.
For a lively atmosphere with sports and street food, visit on Sunday mornings for Car Free Day. For a more relaxed experience with beautiful night lights, weekday evenings are ideal.
No advance booking is required to enter Merdeka Walk itself. However, if you plan to dine at popular restaurants, especially on weekends, making a reservation might be a good idea.
While generally open, parts of Merdeka Walk might be temporarily closed or have restricted access during special events or festivals. It's always good to check local announcements if you're planning a visit during a major holiday.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Merdeka Walk offers a diverse culinary scene, from local street food ('jajanan') like egg-sausage and baked meatballs to various restaurants and cafes serving Indonesian and international fare. +1
Yes, Merdeka Walk is known for its coffee shops, offering a great spot for a morning coffee or an afternoon pick-me-up. Some cafes have an aesthetic vibe.
Popular street food options include egg-sausage, baked meatballs, and 'mie goreng nyemek Bangladesh'. Exploring the stalls is part of the fun!
Absolutely! Merdeka Walk is a popular dinner spot, especially at night when the lights create a beautiful ambiance. You can choose from many restaurants. +1
While many street food options are meat-based, you can often find vegetable-based dishes or inquire at restaurants for vegetarian/vegan choices. It's best to ask directly at the stalls or restaurants.
📸 📸 Photography
The revitalized promenade with its modern design, the tree-lined walkways illuminated at night, and the surrounding historic architecture offer great photo opportunities. 
Drone footage has captured the transformation of Merdeka Walk and the surrounding area, showcasing its urban landscape and revitalized features.
Golden hour before sunset and the evening when the lights are on offer distinct photographic experiences. Sunday mornings during CFD can also provide dynamic street photography opportunities.
Keep an eye out for local events like the 'Kesawan Fashion Week' which has seen people catwalk on the zebra cross, offering unique street style shots.
Yes, Car Free Day is a vibrant time for photography, capturing people engaging in sports, families enjoying the space, and the bustling food stalls.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
There are numerous dining options to suit picky eaters, from street food to family-friendly restaurants. The evening ambiance with its beautiful lights also makes for a pleasant family outing after sunset. Just be mindful of crowds during peak weekend hours.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Opting for public transport or motorbikes for your commute will also save on transportation costs. Even enjoying a coffee at one of the many cafes can be relatively inexpensive compared to other cities. It’s a place where you can experience local life and flavors affordably.
🌃 Night Owls & Couples
While it can get busy on weekend nights, weekday evenings offer a more relaxed setting. You can enjoy a leisurely dinner, grab a coffee, or simply walk hand-in-hand, soaking in the vibrant yet charming nighttime environment of Medan.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Transformation of Merdeka Walk
+5The revitalization project aimed to create a central hub for recreation and social gathering. This includes enhanced lighting, comfortable seating both indoors and outdoors, and a generally more polished look. It's now a place where locals and tourists alike can enjoy quality time, whether for a casual stroll, a meal, or simply to soak in the city's atmosphere.
This transformation has positioned Merdeka Walk as a key destination in Medan, reflecting the city's development and commitment to creating vibrant public spaces. The modern amenities and improved aesthetics are frequently praised, making it a point of pride for the city.
+1Experiencing Medan's Car Free Day (CFD)
Beyond the sports, CFD at Merdeka Walk is also a culinary adventure. Numerous food stalls pop up, offering a wide array of local street food, often referred to as 'jajanan'. Visitors can sample affordable and delicious treats, making it a perfect spot for a hearty breakfast or brunch. The vibrant atmosphere, filled with people exercising and enjoying food, is infectious.
CFD is a prime example of how Merdeka Walk serves as a dynamic public space, catering to diverse interests. The energy is palpable, and it's a great way to experience the local culture and community spirit of Medan. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for crowds!
Culinary Scene: From Street Food to Cafes
Popular street food items include the savory egg-sausage, baked meatballs, and the flavorful 'mie goreng nyemek Bangladesh'. These quick bites are perfect for a casual snack or a light meal. For those seeking a more relaxed dining experience, a variety of restaurants offer Indonesian and international cuisine.
The area also boasts several aesthetic cafes, providing a cozy ambiance for coffee enthusiasts and those looking for a place to unwind. Some cafes are noted for their unique offerings, like ice coffee with traditional flavors. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a sit-down meal, Merdeka Walk's culinary landscape is sure to impress.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit