What to do in Banda Aceh

Activities, attractions and tours

Tent and swings on seashore, Banda Aceh, Sumatra, Indonesia
Tent and swings on seashore, Banda Aceh, Sumatra, Indonesia
Air Terjun Seuhom @ Banda Aceh, Indonesia
Space of Hope (Bridge of Hope) Hallway toward the chimney to bring visitors to the Bridge of Hope (the space of hope). Called a bridge of hope because through this bridge visitors can see the 54 flags of the 54 countries who helped Aceh after the tsunami, the same number of flags premises number of stones arranged in the edge of the pond. In each flag and a stone inscribed with the word 'Peace' with the language of each country as a reflection of war and peace in Aceh before the tsunami conflict. With the earthquake and tsunami, the world saw firsthand the situation in Aceh, the Aceh peace support and help, as well as contributing to the building (reconstructed) of Aceh after the disaster occurred.
Baiturrahman Grand Mosque The original Masjid Raya ("Grand Mosque") was built in 1612 during the reign of Iskandar Muda, Sultan of Aceh. Some say the original mosque was built even earlier in 1292 by Sultan Alaidin Mahmudsyah. The original royal mosque features a multi-tiered thatched roof, a typicalAcehnese architecture. During the First Aceh Expedition, the mosque became a center of armed resistance to the Dutch and therefore it was destroyed razed to the ground on 6 Januari 1874 by the East Indies Governor General van Swieten. In March 1877, the Dutch offered to rebuild the mosque to the local rulers. Construction only began in 1879. The first stone was laid by Tengku Qadhi Malikul Adil who became the first Imam. Construction was completed on 27 December 1881 during the rulership of Muhammad Daud Syah, the last sultan of Aceh. Initially, many Acehnese refused to pray at Baiturrahman, because it was built by the Dutch with ambitions to conquer Aceh, however today it is the pride of Banda Aceh. At first, the Baiturrahman Mosque featured one dome and one minaret. More domes and minarets were added in 1935, 1958 and 1982. Today the mosque has seven domes and eight minarets, including one that is claimed to be the highest minaret in Banda Aceh. Baiturrahman Grand Mosque survived the 2004 earthquake and tsunami but suffered minor damages such as wall cracks. The earthquake had slightly tilted and cracked the 35 meter minaret by the main gate. During the disaster, The mosque served as a temporary shelter for displaced persons and only reopened for prayers after two weeks.

Banda Aceh Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Banda Aceh has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Banda Aceh is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Banda Aceh to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Banda Aceh Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Banda Aceh.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Banda Aceh attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

The Annual Vacation Sale

Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save.
Book now

Recommended things to do in Banda Aceh

Number of things to do
1
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Aceh Private Airport Transfer with English Speaking Driver: CA $81
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Banda Aceh

Discover the most popular places to visit in Banda Aceh

Baiturrahman Grand Mosque The original Masjid Raya

Masjid Raya Baiturrahman

You can find out about the history of Banda Aceh when you stop by Masjid Raya Baiturrahman. Amble around the area's parks or experience its museums.

Masjid Raya Baiturrahman

Aceh Tsunami Museum

You can spend time studying the exhibits at Aceh Tsunami Museum during your travels in Banda Aceh. Amble around the area's parks or experience its museums.

Aceh Tsunami Museum

Pasar Aceh Central

You can learn about the history of Banda Aceh with a trip to Pasar Aceh Central. While you're in the area, wander around the parks.

Pasar Aceh Central

Harapan Bangsa Stadium

Catch an event at Harapan Bangsa Stadium during your trip to Banda Aceh. While you're in the area, wander around the forests.

Harapan Bangsa Stadium

Taman Sari Park

Explore the great outdoors at Taman Sari Park, a lovely green space in Banda Aceh. Take in the museums while you're in the area.

Taman Sari Park

Pasar Ikan

You can enjoy retail therapy at Pasar Ikan during your stay in Banda Aceh. While you're in the area, wander around the parks.

Pasar Ikan

Taman Putroe Phang

Explore the great outdoors at Taman Putroe Phang, a lovely green space in Banda Aceh. Discover the area's museums and monuments.

Taman Putroe Phang

Tsunami Landmarks

Learn about the local history of Banda Aceh when you take a trip to Tsunami Landmarks. While you're in the area, wander around the parks.

Tsunami Landmarks

Museum Negeri Banda Aceh

You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at Museum Negeri Banda Aceh during your trip to Banda Aceh. Amble around the area's parks or experience its museums.

Museum Negeri Banda Aceh

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Frequently asked questions

Is Banda Aceh worth visiting?
Banda Aceh has a unique mix of culture, attractions and local charm. Whether you're into history, the outdoors or local culinary flavours, there's plenty to enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Banda Aceh?
Aceh Tsunami Museum and Museum Aceh are two awesome places to kick-start your getaway adventures. Remember to explore the shopping and dining options in Banda Aceh while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Banda Aceh?
The top tourist attraction in Banda Aceh is Aceh Tsunami Museum, so don't forget to put it on your sightseeing itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Banda Aceh?
You can easily tick off leading sights like Aceh Tsunami Museum, Museum Aceh and Harapan Bangsa Stadium with a three-day stay in Banda Aceh. On average, most travellers plan two days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stay a little longer and venture to Sabang.
What are some activities to do in Banda Aceh with kids?
If you're searching for activities and attractions for all of your group, we've got some awesome ideas for what to do in Banda Aceh with kids.
What to do in Banda Aceh for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Banda Aceh, with activities for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Masjid Raya Baiturrahman or Museum Negeri Banda Aceh.
Are there free things to do in Banda Aceh?
In Banda Aceh, Pasar Ikan is a popular spot for anyone wishing to tour the city without opening their wallet. Also, stroll around the local neighbourhoods and parks, and ask a local tour guide for tips. It's a great way to discover the best free things to do in Banda Aceh.