Things To Do in Pasar Santa

Pasar Santa (Santa Modern Market) has long stood as a neighbourhood fixture. This modern market doesn’t just draw local crowds; it has become a beloved destination for international visitors as well. Case in point: English musician Ed Sheeran stopped by one of the vinyl stores at Pasar Santa during his Jakarta concert on March 3, 2024.

Located in Kebayoran Baru, Pasar Santa is celebrated as an icon of South Jakarta, especially among communities devoted to creativity, art, music, and culinary exploration. Yet its current cultural cachet belies a long and fluctuating past.

Pasar Santa began its journey as a traditional market in 1971, catering to everyday essentials, such as vegetables, groceries, and other staples. The market underwent a major renovation in the early 2000s, transforming it into a three-story building with modern amenities, while carefully preserving the charm of a traditional market.

But it wasn’t until the early 2010s that the younger crowds flocked to the market. The rise of creative businesses has sparked Pasar Santa to no longer be a mere place to shop; it has evolved into a pulsing alternative hangout, appealing to those seeking new experiences and a fresh, dynamic atmosphere.

The result? A seamless harmony between heritage and modernity.

Three levels of discovery

Where shall you start? That depends on what you want to do… and find!

Basement

The basement is the heart of fresh produce—vegetables, meats, and fish. It comes alive in the early morning, operating from 6-10:30 AM, drawing early risers seeking the freshest ingredients.

Ground floor

This level features household goods and textiles, open from 11:30 AM to 6 PM. It preserves the traditional market vibe while meeting the everyday needs of shoppers.

First floor

The upper floor is a playground for creativity. Here, visitors find unique culinary stalls, antique shops, and artisanal startups, making it a magnet for creative entrepreneurs and trendsetters alike.

Beyond commerce, Pasar Santa thrives as a socially conscious hub. Vendors frequently engage in charitable activities, including donations to orphanages. Moreover, foodies will find a rich array of traditional Indonesian fare and international cuisine. The combination of food, creativity, and lively ambience ensures the market remains endlessly engaging.

Technology and modern adaptation

Pasar Santa is investing in e-commerce platforms and digital marketing strategies, allowing vendors to engage both online and offline customers. This is in sync with their ambition to expand their reach and create a more advanced ecosystem. Most purchases can be done digitally with QRIS.

Activities to do at Pasar Santa

This modern market is adjacent to a modern playground for homeware, thrift treasures, and casual hangouts in South Jakarta. Even as new hangout spots emerge across the city, Pasar Santa remains a must-visit, especially on weekends.

Events and festivals to keep an eye out for

Pasar Santa also hosts events every few months, such as Santa Festival and Santa Sell Out, featuring bazaars, fashion, coffee, and live music. Some stalls even host DJs spinning vinyl, creating an atmosphere that’s both lively and unique.

Grooming nails and hair as art

Grooming has become a statement in itself, from meticulously curated nail art to the precision of a high-end barbershop cut. Pasar Santa has no shortage of nail salons and traditional barbershops on the ground and first floors. Together, they celebrate self-expression, attention to detail, and the art of refinement, proving that true luxury lives in the small, deliberate choices that define your look.

Culinary adventures

The first floor doubles as a food haven. Options include rawon, chicken rice, hot dogs, sweet treats, baked potatoes, pasta, nasi liwet, coffee, and burgers. You’ll never get hungry here.

1. Bakmie Asta: Halal, MSG-free noodle dishes, open 11 AM-7 PM.

2. Betutu Mengwi: Traditional Balinese halal dishes, including nasi campur with crispy chicken, open Monday–Saturday, 11 AM-10 PM.

3. Dunia Kopi: Boasts a wealth of coffee varieties, each hailing from its distinct regions in Indonesia, 7 AM-6 PM.

4. Kemenkan Bakes: Gluten-free cakes and pastries, available Tue–Sun, 11 AM-8 PM.

5. Matcha Nata: Premium ceremonial-grade matcha drinks, open 11 AM-7 PM.

6. Neustadt Eatery: Baked potatoes and fries with signature creamy dressings, 11 AM-8 PM.

7. R&D Trattoria: Homemade pasta with innovative twists, open Tuesday–Sunday, 12-7 PM.

8. Sabiq Smash Burger: Local gourmet burgers with halal patties, open daily 11 AM-9 PM.

9. Tuan & Nyonya: Unique coffee menu set in a vintage ambience, open daily 7:30 AM-8:30 PM.

Hunting for vintage treasures

Thrifting is a highlight, with an assortment of curated secondhand items like t-shirts, jackets, pants, dresses, hats, accessories, room décor, shoes, glasses, and collectables. Many items are vintage or imported, some decades old, including tape recorders, cassettes, and vinyl records. Book lovers can also browse indie bookstores located within the market.

Photo ops to pose on

There may not be any photobooths, but there sure are many stalls that feature Instagrammable interiors. More so are vintage corridors, mirror walls, and vinyl corners. Look up or just simply around you—mirrors are almost everywhere!

Shopping for everyday essentials

The ground floor hosts stalls selling household goods, clothing, stationery, phones, and tailor services. The basement is perfect for fresh groceries.