Looking for the best things to do in Banda Aceh? This vibrant city at the northern tip of Sumatra, Indonesia, is rich in history, culture, and warm hospitality. As the capital of Aceh Province, it offers a unique travel experience, from historical landmarks to deep-rooted traditions and incredible local charm.
A visit to the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque is a must, with its stunning architecture and deep cultural significance. The Tsunami Museum is even more moving, honouring the victims of the 2004 disaster and showcasing the resilience of the Acehnese people. But what truly makes Banda Aceh special is its people. During our trip, the locals greeted us with smiles, kindness, and even photo requests, making us feel incredibly welcome.
Beyond its history, Banda Aceh is known for its thriving coffee culture and distinct way of life influenced by Sharia law. Whether you’re exploring historic sites, relaxing at a local café with a Gayo or Mandheling coffee, or immersing yourself in the city’s traditions, every moment here feels meaningful.
So, if you’re planning a trip, this guide to the top things to do in Banda Aceh will help you make the most of your visit. Let’s dive in!
How to Get to and around Banda Aceh
Getting to Banda Aceh
Flight
The easiest way to get to Banda Aceh (Sultan Iskandar Muda International Airport) is by taking a direct 1.5-hour flight from Kuala Lumpur with AirAsia, which operates 1-2 flights daily.
Once you arrive, reaching the city is easy! You can book a ride with Grab or Gojek, take a taxi (around 30 minutes), or hop on the train (about 40 minutes) to the city centre.
For domestic travellers, direct flights from Medan to Banda Aceh are available with Citilink and Lion Air. If you’re looking for the best fares, checking Skyscanner or Trip.com is always a smart move.
Buses
We opted for an overnight bus with Kurnia to travel from Medan to Banda Aceh (IDR 220k via Easybook), but it wasn’t great. The 15-hour ride had tight legroom, bumpy roads, smoking passengers, and even a flat tyre. We arrived at 8 AM, completely exhausted, then took a Grab to the city centre (15-20 minutes, IDR 31k).
If you’re taking a bus to Banda Aceh, go for a VIP sleeper bus like JRG or Harapan Indah. They offer private cabins, blankets, and pillows, and take only 9 hours with fewer stops. Our return trip with Harapan Indah (IDR 380k via Traveloka) was much better, though the fast driving and winding roads made sleeping tricky.
For a more comfortable ride, make sure to book JRG suite class (IDR 350k via their website) or Harapan Indah, it’s worth the upgrade! If you’re set on taking a sleeper bus to Banda Aceh, these are your best bets for a comfortable journey!
Getting around Banda Aceh
E-hailing services
Getting around Banda Aceh is easy with Grab and Gojek. They’re affordable, reliable, and great for exploring the city or getting to Banda Aceh Airport. Just download the app, sign up with your phone number, and choose a payment method (cash, debit, or credit card). Before booking, make sure your payment option is set up correctly!
Walking
If you’re staying in the city centre, Banda Aceh is quite walkable, with decent sidewalks and plenty to see. Just be prepared for heat, humidity, and occasional air pollution, which can make walking less comfortable.
We don’t recommend renting a scooter, but for short distances, walking works fine. For longer trips, Grab or Gojek is your best bet!
Top Things to Do in Banda Aceh
Spending a day or two in the city is the perfect way to experience its rich history and culture. Explore Banda Aceh’s attractions like the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque, learn about the past at the tsunami museums, indulge in delicious local food, or relax on the nearby beaches. With so many things to do in Banda Aceh, this city offers a unique travel experience!
The Baiturrahman Grand Mosque (Masjid Raya Baiturrahman)
The Baiturrahman Grand Mosque is Banda Aceh’s most iconic landmark and a powerful symbol of strength and faith. Originally built in 1612 and rebuilt by the Dutch in 1879, it famously withstood the 2004 tsunami, sheltering hundreds.
With seven domes, towering minarets, and a striking black-and-white design, this mosque is truly breathtaking. Step inside to admire its peaceful marble interiors, but remember to dress modestly (cover knees, shoulders, and head) and remove your shoes. Visiting outside prayer times makes for a more relaxed experience.
For us, this was the highlight of Banda Aceh, a must-visit and the perfect first stop! If you love stunning mosques, consider adding The Great Mosque of Medan to your list. Its breathtaking architecture and rich history make it another must-see.
Aceh Thanks to the World Monument
After visiting the mosque, we headed to Lapangan Blang Padang Park to see the Aceh Tsunami “Thanks to the World” Monument. It is a touching tribute to the global support Aceh received after the tsunami.
Shaped like three waves to symbolize the disaster’s force, the monument features “thank you” in 53 languages, representing the 53 countries that offered help. Simple yet powerful, it stands as a reminder of the world’s compassion and unity.
The Aceh Tsunami Museum
The Aceh Tsunami Museum in Banda Aceh is a must-visit. It honours the victims of the 2004 tsunami and serves as both an educational centre and an emergency shelter. Entry is IDR 15k for foreigners.
Walking through the museum is an emotional experience. You begin in a dark corridor with water on both sides, accompanied by haunting sounds that evoke the fear of the disaster. Inside, you’ll find photos, survivor stories, and exhibits that highlight the resilience of the Acehnese people.
What made our visit extra special was meeting the friendly locals and schoolchildren who stopped to practice their English with us. Their warmth gave the visit a personal touch. You can explore the museum in about an hour, but even a quick visit is worth it.
PLTD Apung Ship: A Symbol of Tsunami Resilience
Although we didn’t have the chance to visit the PLTD Apung Ship ourselves, it comes highly recommended by other travellers. This massive 2,600-ton electric generator barge was carried an astonishing 2-3 kilometres inland by the sheer force of the 2004 tsunami.
Today, it stands as a museum, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of the disaster’s devastation and the recovery efforts that followed. Exploring the ship offers a powerful glimpse into the impact of the tsunami and the remarkable resilience of the Acehnese people.
Ulee Lheue Beach
The day before heading to Pulau Weh, we stopped by Pelabuhan Ulee Lheue to check ferry schedules. With some free time, we strolled along Ulee Lheue Beach, soaking in the stunning sea views.
As the afternoon progressed, the beach came to life with street vendors grilling chicken satay, corn, and serving fresh coconuts. It’s a popular spot for locals, especially on weekends, with families relaxing and some even taking a swim.
We wrapped up our visit with a quick walk to Baiturrahim Mosque before heading back to freshen up for the evening. Ulee Lheue Beach is a perfect blend of local life, culture, and coastal beauty; a great spot to relax and unwind.
A Taste of Acehnese Cuisine
Get ready to dive into the bold and unique flavors of Acehnese cuisine! During our 2-day stay in Banda Aceh before heading to Pulau Weh, we had the pleasure of sampling some amazing local dishes and exceptional coffees.
The highlight for me was the impressive variety of cakes and pastries. Since it was my birthday, I treated myself to several delicious treats from Bread Light. Their red velvet cake and tiramisu were out of this world. Trust me, it’s a secret you’ll want to keep!
Of course, you can’t visit the city without trying some classic Banda Aceh food like Mie Aceh and one of our favourite Indonesian dishes, Nasi Goreng.
$ Selaras Rasa
For a family-friendly spot with great value and popular takeaway options, Selaras Rasa is a fantastic choice. We had the mie ayam steak with noodles for IDR 30k each and refreshing watermelon juice for IDR 12k each. It’s a budget-friendly option with tasty local food that doesn’t disappoint.
$ Kedai Kopi Seirama
This hidden gem, conveniently located just outside our homestay, is perfect for coffee lovers. Kedai Kopi Seirama serves expertly crafted Acehnese coffee with beautiful latte art. We enjoyed a latte and a mocha, each priced at just IDR 20k, and they were fantastic.
$$ Mie Razali
For a true taste of local flavours, Mie Razali is a must-visit. They serve a range of noodle dishes, including mie aceh, a spicy noodle dish packed with beef or seafood and a rich, flavourful curry sauce. It’s a spicy treat that you can’t miss!
$$ Bread Light
If you have a sweet tooth, Bread Light is a must-visit bakery in Banda Aceh! While it’s a bit on the pricier side, the quality of their treats makes it totally worth it. For my birthday, we indulged in a large box of tiramisu for IDR 70k and a slice of their amazing red velvet cake for IDR 55k. The next day, we tried their pastries, including chocolate croissants, custard and peach croissants, and cheesy sausage pastries; all priced at IDR 18k each. Everything was absolutely delicious, and I’ll definitely be coming back for more!
Where to Stay in Banda Aceh
Banda Aceh has a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets, from budget-friendly homestays to luxurious hotels. Here are some of the best places we recommend:
- $ My Home Homestay ($15/night) – We stayed at My Home Homestay, Banda Aceh for two nights and found it perfect for our needs. It’s conveniently located within walking distance of cafes, restaurants, and top attractions
- $$ Hotel Kyriad Muraya ($55/night) – If you’re looking for a touch of comfort and style, Hotel Kyriad Muraya is a great choice. This 4-star hotel offers stylish and comfortable rooms and is conveniently situated near key attractions in Banda Aceh. It’s a solid mid-range option with a good balance of quality and price
- $$$ Hermes Palace Hotel – ($80/night) – For a bit of luxury, the Hermes Palace Hotel in Banda Aceh is a top pick. This 5-star hotel offers elegant accommodations just a 10-minute drive from the city centre and major attractions. If you want to treat yourself, this is the place to do it
Practical & Budget Travel Tips for Banda Aceh
Make the most of your Banda Aceh trip with these practical and budget-friendly tips:
- Best Time to Visit: Visit Banda Aceh during the dry season (May to September) for warm weather and fewer chances of rain
- Respect Local Customs: Dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees, and avoid public displays of affection to respect local customs
- Get Around for Less: Use affordable e-hailing apps like Grab or Gojek to move around easily and save money compared to regular taxis. They’re convenient, safe, and widely used in most parts of Indonesia
- Stay Safe: Banda Aceh is generally safe, but always stay alert, avoid isolated areas after dark, and follow local safety advice
- Stay Smart & Save: Opt for guesthouses or budget-friendly hotels to keep your accommodation costs low
- Language Tips: Learn a few key Bahasa Indonesia phrases to help with interactions and price negotiations
- For more tips, check out our Ultimate Travel Resources Guide for all the tools and apps you need for planning your trip.
- For a comprehensive packing list, check out our Packing Guide, which includes essential tips and items to help you prepare for your journey
Above all, set up comprehensive travel insurance before your trip. We recommend SafetyWing Nomad Insurance for reliable coverage and peace of mind while travelling abroad. For more information and to get started, check out SafetyWing website.
Final Thoughts on Banda Aceh
Banda Aceh really surprised us, especially with its amazing coffee culture. As coffee lovers, we couldn’t get enough of the local Sumatra Gayo coffee and the cosy cafes around the city. If you’re into coffee, this is definitely the place to be!
At first, we were unsure about the strict Sharia law, but we quickly felt at ease. The locals were so friendly and welcoming, and dressing modestly made us feel right at home.
What we loved most about Banda Aceh was the mix of tradition, history, and hospitality. It’s a lot calmer than Medan, with less traffic, kind people, and tasty food. The city has so much to offer, and we’d definitely recommend spending a day or two here to experience it all.
Banda Aceh Travel Map
Get Inspired
In the heart of Indonesia, shrouded in the mists of time and the lush canopies of the tropical rainforest, there is a land of natural beauty, where ancient volcanoes stand as sentinels over verdant landscapes, and serene lakes mirror the ever-changing skies. This is where the earth whispers tales of creation, turmoil and tranquillity, a true testament to nature’s breathtaking beauty.
Explore the rich culture, dive into the clear waters of Pulau Weh and explore the tropical rainforests of Bukit Lawang – one of only two places where you can see the Orangutans in their natural habitat. Visit the enchanting Lake Toba – the world’s largest volcano crater lake, where 74,000 years ago the Toba super volcano erupted creating a 10-year-long global volcanic winter, resulting in a mass extinction of humans leaving as low as 3000 survivors worldwide. Sumatra is rich in natural beauty, cultural diversity and ancient history that touched us all!
Looking to explore even more? Our 3-week Indonesia itinerary takes you through the country’s most incredible destinations.
