Makassar is a port city on the southwest coast of Sulawesi, facing the Makassar Strait, and it has been a trading hub for centuries. For a visitor, that history shows up in the old fort and harbour quarter, while the modern city spreads inland and along the coast.
Most of what you will want to see sits in the centre, with the colonial-era core and the waterfront close to each other, and the main commercial streets running inland from there. This guide covers which areas make sense as a base depending on your budget and how you like to travel, so you can pick a location first and then compare places to stay within it.
Best areas to stay in Makassar
1. Around Jalan Sultan Hasanuddin
This is the central commercial spine of the city, with addresses along it used by a range of accommodation, from simple hotels to serviced apartment-style properties. It suits first-time visitors who want to be in the middle of things and within easy reach of the centre.
Because it is a main street, expect traffic and city noise rather than quiet. It works well if you plan to move around by taxi or ride-hailing car during the day.
2. Around Jalan Maipa and the city centre
This central area sits close to the business and shopping core, and it is where you find larger, more standardised places to stay. It suits travellers who want reliable, no-surprises accommodation and quick access to the centre.
It is a practical base for a short stay, and being central means most of the city's main points are a short drive away rather than within walking distance.
3. Around Jalan Jampea
This small street in the centre has both budget guesthouse-style rooms and hostel beds, making it the most useful area if you are watching your spending. It suits backpackers and solo travellers who want a central location without paying central hotel prices.
Some of the places here include breakfast and have English-speaking staff, which is helpful on a first visit. The trade-off is simpler rooms and fewer facilities than the larger properties elsewhere.
4. Near Losari Beach
The waterfront around Losari Beach is the city's most recognisable address, and it is where you find modern hostel-style accommodation, including capsule dorms, alongside cafés and terraces. It suits travellers who want to be near the sea and within walking distance of the waterfront in the evening.
This is a good choice if you value atmosphere and proximity to the beach over being in the commercial centre, and it keeps you close to the older part of the city.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: hostel beds and capsule-style dorms, and small guesthouse-style rooms, often with air conditioning, hot water and breakfast included. These are concentrated around Jalan Jampea and near Losari Beach.
- Mid-range: standard city hotels and larger chain properties with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, breakfast and sometimes a swimming pool, found along the central commercial streets.
- Splurge: serviced apartment-style properties with studio units and facilities such as meeting rooms, a business corner and a swimming pool, in the central business area.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself around Jalan Sultan Hasanuddin or the adjacent city centre. It puts you on the main commercial spine, within easy reach of the old fort and harbour quarter and the waterfront, and it gives you the widest choice of accommodation at every level. From there you can reach the rest of the city by taxi or ride-hailing car without committing to a quieter or more remote neighbourhood.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I stay if I want to be near the waterfront?
Look at the area near Losari Beach, where you find modern hostel-style accommodation and cafés, and you can walk to the waterfront in the evening.
Where are the cheapest places to stay in Makassar?
Jalan Jampea in the centre has guesthouse-style rooms and hostel beds, and the Losari Beach area has dorm beds, both of which are the lower-cost options.
Do I need a car to get around from the central areas?
The central streets are a commercial spine rather than a walking district, so plan on using taxis or ride-hailing cars to reach the sights from your base.
What facilities can I expect in the mid-range and higher-priced places?
Mid-range city hotels typically include air conditioning, Wi-Fi and breakfast, sometimes with a swimming pool, while the serviced apartment-style properties add meeting rooms, a business corner and a pool.
Compare live prices for the area you have chosen using the booking tools on this page.