Jakarta's historic core, Kota Tua, the Old Town, is where the Dutch colonial city of Batavia once stood, and its grand central square of Fatahillah is surrounded by some of the finest colonial architecture in Southeast Asia. The Jakarta History Museum, the Wayang Museum, and the Fine Art and Ceramic Museum all cluster around this square, and the surrounding streets of restored warehouses and cafés make Kota Tua one of the city's most rewarding areas to spend a morning. Mercure Jakarta Kota and Mercure Jakarta Batavia both sit in or near this historic district, with pool and spa facilities making them excellent bases for Old Town exploration. The National Monument (Monas), rising 132 metres above Merdeka Square, is Jakarta's most iconic landmark and a powerful symbol of Indonesian independence — best visited at sunrise before the city heat builds. The Istiqlal Mosque, the largest mosque in Southeast Asia, stands beside the National Cathedral in a piece of urban planning that makes a statement about Indonesian pluralism. The upscale Menteng district, with its tree-lined Dutch colonial boulevards and acclaimed restaurants, is within easy reach of Pullman Jakarta Indonesia Thamrin CBD and ibis Budget Jakarta Menteng. For travellers based in the city's commercial heart around the Thamrin and Sudirman corridors, Pullman Jakarta Indonesia Thamrin CBD, All Seasons Jakarta Thamrin, and Novotel Jakarta Gajah Mada all offer strong central positioning with easy access to the city's galleries, parks, and cultural landmarks by taxi or ride-hailing app.