Semawis Night Market - Image 1
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Semawis Night Market Jeddah

4.5
·10k reviews·, Indonesia

A bustling weekend night market in Semarang offering a vibrant array of Indonesian and Chinese street food, live music, and a lively atmosphere.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekend evenings, 6:30 PM

Beat the crowds & find parking

CrowdMedium
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Semawis Night Market - Image 1

Semawis Night Market Jeddah

Best Time

Weekend evenings, 6:30 PM

Beat the crowds & find parking

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A bustling weekend night market in Semarang offering a vibrant array of Indonesian and Chinese street food, live music, and a lively atmosphere.

4.5
(10k reviews)

"Great culinary experience with lots of food to choose and reasonable prices."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Arrive Early for Parking

Parking can be tough! Aim for an early arrival around 6:30 PM on weekends to secure a spot. :car:

💰 Reasonable, Not Cheap

Prices are acceptable for a tourist area, but not bargain-basement. Enjoy the quality! :moneybag:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Indonesian Street Food Delights

Indonesian Street Food Delights

Savor authentic Indonesian snacks and meals, from savory to sweet. A must-try for a true taste of local cuisine.

Live Music Ambiance

Live Music Ambiance

Enjoy your meal with the sounds of live music, adding a vibrant and enjoyable atmosphere to your evening.

Tekur Gulung & Java Tea

Tekur Gulung & Java Tea

Discover unique treats like 'tekur gulung' and refreshing Java tea. A perfect pairing for your market adventure.

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Planning Your Visit

Weekend Foodie Paradise

Semawis Night Market is your go-to for street eats, but it's only open on weekends! Arrive early, around 6:30 PM, to beat the biggest crowds and snag a parking spot more easily. It's a lively spot, perfect for experiencing local flavors.

Budget Bites & Beyond

While prices are generally reasonable, expect them to be a bit higher as it's a popular tourist spot. Come with an open mind for diverse Asian street food, though some visitors note it leans more Indonesian/Chinese than broadly Asian.

Best Times

When
Weekend evenings, 6:30 PM
Why
Beat the crowds & find parking
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekend evenings, after 8 PM
Why
Lively atmosphere, more food
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

semarang habis hujan, dan wedang ronde: ngangenin. 🍵 #semarang #semarangstory #semawis
@rumroijen
53.9K likes • 484.7K views

🎯 Arrive Early for Parking

Parking can be tough! Aim for an early arrival around 6:30 PM on weekends to secure a spot. :car:

💰 Reasonable, Not Cheap

Prices are acceptable for a tourist area, but not bargain-basement. Enjoy the quality! :moneybag:

🍜 Diverse Asian Flavors

Expect a good range of Indonesian and Chinese street food. :ramen:

🎶 Enjoy the Vibe

Soak in the lively atmosphere with live music while you dine. :musical_note:

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Arrive Early for Parking

Parking can be tough! Aim for an early arrival around 6:30 PM on weekends to secure a spot. :car:

💰 Reasonable, Not Cheap

Prices are acceptable for a tourist area, but not bargain-basement. Enjoy the quality! :moneybag:

🍜 Diverse Asian Flavors

Expect a good range of Indonesian and Chinese street food. :ramen:

🎶 Enjoy the Vibe

Soak in the lively atmosphere with live music while you dine. :musical_note:

💧 Stay Hydrated

Grab a refreshing Java tea or other local drinks to complement your meal. :tropical_drink:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(10k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Semawis Night Market is a popular weekend destination praised for its delicious and well-prepared Indonesian and Chinese street food, vibrant atmosphere, and live music. While prices are acceptable for a tourist spot, some visitors note a lack of broader Asian diversity. Parking and crowds can be challenging, especially later in the evening.

"Little Chinese/Indo food market. Not so much diversity. We expected more of it.
The food that was there was very well prepared. And of course this is the most important."

Ray's

"I went here on a Friday night and it's not the biggest market but there is afew nice food stalls. There's some seating to eat your snacks and some love music to enjoy. It was quite lively but not that many Chinese dishes."

Paul B

"Despite the crowd, this place is quite clean. I found many interesting and delicious street foods here. But the price is not exactly cheap but still acceptable. It's a touristy area, after all."

Destria Aryani

What People Like

Delicious street food
Lively atmosphere
Live music

What People Dislike

Crowded evenings
Limited diversity

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Semawis Night Market is located in Semarang and is best accessed by car or ride-sharing service. Parking can be challenging, especially on weekend evenings, so arriving early is recommended. Reddit

No, Semawis Night Market operates exclusively on weekends. Make sure to plan your visit accordingly. Reddit

The market typically opens around 5:00 PM and closes at 10:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays. Reddit

While public transport might be available in Semarang, ride-sharing services are generally more convenient for reaching the market directly and managing luggage or food purchases. Reddit

The market is an open-air street market, so there isn't a single designated entrance. You can usually find access points along the main street where the stalls are set up. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there is no admission fee to enter Semawis Night Market. You can wander through the stalls freely. Reddit

There are no booking requirements. It's a walk-in market, so just show up during operating hours. Reddit

Most vendors accept cash, so it's advisable to carry enough Indonesian Rupiah. Some may accept digital payments, but cash is more reliable. Reddit

To avoid the largest crowds, try visiting right when it opens around 5:00 PM or shortly after 6:30 PM. It gets very busy later in the evening. Reddit

No, Semawis Night Market is a family-friendly destination and welcomes visitors of all ages. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

You'll find a variety of Asian street food, with a strong emphasis on Indonesian and Chinese dishes. Popular items include savory snacks, sweet treats, and refreshing drinks like Java tea. TikTokReddit

Prices are generally considered reasonable for a tourist area, though some visitors note they are not the absolute cheapest. The quality of the food is often praised. Reddit

Look out for local specialties like 'tekur gulung' and refreshing Java tea. Many visitors enjoy exploring the diverse snack options. Reddit

Despite the crowds, many visitors find the market to be quite clean, with well-prepared food. Reddit

While the market focuses on traditional dishes, you might find some vegetable-based snacks or options. It's best to ask vendors directly about ingredients. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the vibrant atmosphere of the food stalls, the colorful dishes, and the lively crowds. The live music performances also make for great shots. TikTok

Generally, it's acceptable to take photos, but it's always polite to ask vendors for permission, especially if you're focusing on them personally. TikTok

The market truly comes alive after sunset, with the lights of the stalls creating a magical ambiance. Early evening offers a good balance of light and activity. TikTok

The market itself is the main attraction. Focus on the bustling food stalls, the variety of cuisines, and the energy of the visitors. TikTok

A smartphone with good low-light capabilities is usually sufficient. If you're serious about photography, a camera with a versatile lens that handles low light well would be ideal. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Semawis Night Market offers a fun and engaging experience for families. The variety of street food means there's likely something to please even picky eaters, from sweet treats to savory bites. The lively atmosphere with music can be entertaining for children, and the market is generally considered clean, which is a plus for parents. Reddit

Tip: Arrive earlier in the evening to avoid the thickest crowds and make it easier to keep track of little ones. Consider trying some of the more visually interesting snacks or drinks that might capture their attention. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

While not the absolute cheapest, Semawis Night Market offers great value for money given the quality and variety of food available. It's an excellent way to sample many local dishes without the cost of sit-down restaurants. Reddit

Tip: Come with cash and be prepared to try a few different small dishes rather than one large meal to experience more flavors within your budget. Reddit

🍜 Foodie Adventurers

For those who love to explore new tastes, Semawis Night Market is a must-visit. Dive into the authentic Indonesian and Chinese street food, and don't shy away from trying unique items like 'tekur gulung'. TikTokReddit

Tip: Go with an open mind and be adventurous! Ask vendors for recommendations if you're unsure what to try. The lively ambiance and diverse offerings make it a foodie's dream. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Culinary Exploration at Semawis

Semawis Night Market is a haven for street food enthusiasts, offering a diverse array of Asian flavors, with a notable focus on Indonesian and Chinese cuisine. Visitors can expect to find everything from savory snacks to sweet desserts, making it a perfect spot for a culinary adventure. While the market is celebrated for its well-prepared food, some reviews suggest it might not offer the vast diversity of cuisines some travelers anticipate, leaning more towards local Indonesian and Chinese specialties. Reddit

When exploring the market, keep an eye out for unique local treats like 'tekur gulung' and refreshing beverages such as Java tea. The prices are generally considered acceptable for a tourist destination, though not the absolute cheapest. It's a great place to sample multiple dishes and experience the vibrant food culture of Semarang. TikTokReddit

For the best experience, arriving early on weekend evenings is highly recommended. This allows you to navigate the stalls more easily, find seating, and avoid the peak crowds that gather later in the night. The lively atmosphere, often enhanced by live music, makes dining here a memorable experience. InstagramReddit

Navigating the Weekend Crowds

Semawis Night Market is a popular weekend destination, and as such, it can get quite crowded, especially as the night progresses. Visitors often recommend arriving around 6:30 PM to get a head start on the busiest periods. This timing helps in securing a parking spot, which can be a challenge, and allows for a more relaxed experience when ordering food and finding a place to sit. Reddit

The lively atmosphere is part of the market's charm, with many people enjoying the food and the sounds of live music. While the crowds can be dense, many reviewers note that the market remains surprisingly clean, which is a significant plus for a bustling street food venue. Reddit

If you prefer a less intense experience, consider visiting closer to opening time. However, if you enjoy a vibrant, energetic environment, the later hours offer the full Semawis Night Market experience. Remember to be patient and enjoy the communal feel of this popular local spot. Reddit

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