Shopping in Medan
Discover 12 markets, shops, and shopping spots in Medan, Indonesia. From local markets to specialty stores — curated from real traveler tips.
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Sun Plaza
Located downtown in the Central Business District area, just at the border of ''kampung keling'' (Little India), surrounded by major international banks. It is one of the largest high-end shopping mall in Medan. Plenty of food choices from western to eastern. There is a hypermarket chain, Hypermart, on the top floor, which stocks almost anything. Has more luxurious goods than other malls in town; however, many of them are knock-off branded products. The products can range from C to AAA grades. It is highly advisable to bargain. Some good buys include Mont Blanc pens which can be purchased for just IDR 100,000 to 200,000 apiece, complete with gift box and warranty card. Also has Cinemaxx (movie theater), Sogo (department store), Gramedia (largest book store chain in Indonesia), Ace Hardware, etc. Very crowded especially on weekends or public holidays.
Jalan Zainul Arifin Nomor 7 (intersection of Jalan Zainul Arifin & Jalan Diponegoro) 10am-10pm daily -
Cambridge City Square
Combining four concepts into one, Cambridge City Square consists of office spaces, a mall, condominium and the Grand Swiss-Belhotel International linked together. The mall is less than a quarter of the size of Sun Plaza, but houses many restaurants and cafes like Nelayan Jala-jala (dim sum restaurant), Starbucks Coffee, Grand Duck King (Chinese restaurant famous for their duck cuisine), Es Teler 77 (Indonesian street food), Pepper Lunch (teppanyaki restaurant), Haagen-Dazs, Jittlada (Thai cuisine), etc. A small supermarket, Berastagi Supermarket, is located in LG floor. There are also several boutiques which sell knock-off "branded" items.
Jalan S. Parman No 217 (intersection of Jalan S. Parman, Jalan Gajah Mada & Jalan Zainul Arifin 10am-10pm daily Website -
Centre Point
Largest upscale-mall after Sun Plaza, Centre Point aims to combine mall, apartment, hotel and office into one big integrated complex. As of 2015, the apartment and hotel are still under construction. Has Lotte Mart (hypermarket), Cinema XXI (movie theater) & food court in top floor, Parkson (department store), and many more retailers of brand-name items. If you take a train from airport, after exiting train station, you can just cross the street into the mall.
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Grand Palladium Mall
Mediocre mall adjacent to Hotel Aryaduta in the city center. Has Hypermart, Matahari (department store) and some good restaurants. Be sure to try Tiong Sim Noodle & Hong Kong BBQ (open until 2AM daily!): Their roasted pork and noodles is very famous locally. No international brands for clothing, shoes and accessories. Sun Plaza is be a better destination - it's about a 10min drive from here.
Jalan Kapten Maulana Lubis No. 8 10am-10pm daily -
Plaza Medan Fair
One of the major malls in Medan renowned for selling electronics and gadgets. Has Carrefour (hypermarket), Matahari (local department store), Ayam Kalasan (Indonesian restaurant famous for its roast chicken), etc. Slightly cheaper than Sun Plaza. On the top floor, you will find almost all outlets selling gadgets or PCs and accessories.
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Masindo Jewellery
Established on 1927 and located in the center of the city. Various jewellery including necklaces, bangles, bracelets, earrings, men's and women's rings, pendants in 24K gold which are structured by pearls, and a diversity of gemstones. Designed by an expert designer. A branch known as D'On Jewellery specializes in diamonds.
Jalan Gwangju No 30 -
Medan Mall
A must-go place for shoppers where you can find almost everything from fine jewelery, clothing and food to groceries. The adjacent Olympia Mall is a wholesale market. There is also a wet market located just behind the Central Pasar that operates only in the morning and a dry market that operates only in the evening.
Jl. MT Haryono 10AM-10PM daily -
Thamrin Plaza
One of the oldest mall with large Matahari (department store), Timezone arcade, top-floor food court and limited international brand stores. Located near the Chinatown. There's a wholesale market beside Thamrin Plaza called ''Pasar Rame'' that opens from 9AM-5PM daily.
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Medan Home Dairy
They have European-style "best natural yogurt in Indonesia". Located at TASBI Complex. They are producing many kinds of goat and cow milk cheeses, as well. For the goat milk products they are using fresh, pasteurised (twice) organic goat milk.
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Tondi Gallery
Contemporary art by local, national and international artists.
Jalan Keladi Buntu No 6 Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12pm-5pm -
Hels
Complete design services in graphics and fashion.
Jalan Sei Batang Serangan No 39/54 Rp10,000-120,000
Travel tips by Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA 3.0). Data may have changed — verify opening hours before visiting.
Shopping Guide for Medan: Markets, Stores & Souvenirs
Shopping in Medan is one of the best ways to experience the city's local culture beyond the usual tourist trail. Whether you're browsing open-air markets for fresh produce and local delicacies, hunting for antiques in backstreet shops, or searching for artisan crafts and design goods to take home, Medan's shopping scene has something for every kind of traveler and every budget.
This guide covers 12 shopping spots in Medan sourced from Wikivoyage — the traveler-written travel guide — ensuring you're getting recommendations from real visitors who've been there. Unlike algorithmically ranked lists, these are the shops, markets, and stores that travelers actually tell each other about.
Types of Shopping in Medan
Medan's shopping landscape includes several distinct categories. Markets are the heart of local commerce — weekly or daily gatherings where you'll find fresh food, second-hand clothing, handmade goods, and antiques at prices far below tourist shops. Specialty stores in Medan often have decades of history and deep expertise — bookshops, wine merchants, tea rooms, craft suppliers, and independent fashion boutiques. Souvenir and gift shops vary widely in quality: the best ones in Medan sell locally made products, while others sell identical mass-produced goods found in every city. This guide steers you toward the former.
Shopping Tips for Travelers in Medan
- Visit markets early. The best stalls at Medan's markets fill up fast. Arrive in the first hour of opening for the widest selection and freshest goods, especially for food markets.
- Carry local currency. Many independent shops and market vendors in Medan prefer cash. Have small denomination local currency on hand to avoid problems at card-only or cash-only stalls.
- Check opening days carefully. Many specialist shops in Medan close on Sundays and some close on Mondays or Wednesday afternoons. Always verify hours before making a special trip.
- Ask about provenance. When buying what appears to be locally made or artisan goods in Medan, don't hesitate to ask where items are made. Genuine local products make far better souvenirs than imported look-alikes.
- Budget for customs limits. If you're traveling internationally, keep in mind duty-free allowances for your home country, especially for food products, alcohol, and tobacco bought in Medan.
- Bargaining culture varies. In some markets in Medan light bargaining is expected; in most established shops, the price is fixed. Follow local cues — if other shoppers are negotiating, it's acceptable; if prices are clearly marked, they typically aren't.
Best Souvenirs to Buy in Medan
The most meaningful souvenirs from Medan are the ones that can't be bought elsewhere — locally produced food and drink, handmade objects by local artisans, books published in the city or about the region, and items that reflect the city's distinct cultural identity. Avoid mass-produced miniatures and branded merchandise that you'll find in identical form in every tourist shop. Instead, focus on the specialty stores and markets listed in this guide where authentic local products are the norm.
Shopping Neighborhoods in Medan
Like most cities, Medan's best independent shopping is concentrated in specific neighborhoods rather than spread evenly across the city. Historic city centers and old towns tend to have the highest density of specialty shops, antique dealers, and design boutiques. Residential neighborhoods often host the best local food markets and everyday shopping that tourists rarely discover. This guide's listings span the city so you can plan your shopping around whichever neighborhoods you're already visiting.
Meet Fellow Travelers While Exploring Medan
Solo travel and group shopping are not mutually exclusive. Many Nomax users find travel companions for market days, afternoon shopping strolls, or finding someone who knows the city well enough to point you to the best local stores. Download Nomax to connect with other travelers currently in Medan — whether you want a market guide, a fellow bargain hunter, or simply someone to share the discovery of a great find.
Frequently Asked Questions: Shopping in Medan
Where to shop in Medan?
Medan has 12 curated shopping spots including markets, specialty stores, and local boutiques. This guide covers the best places to shop, from open-air markets with local produce and handmade goods to bookshops, antique dealers, and souvenir stores. Use the Nomax app to connect with fellow travelers who can share their favourite shopping finds in Medan.
What souvenirs to buy in Medan?
The best souvenirs from Medan are those that reflect the city's culture and craftsmanship — local food specialties, artisan products, books about the city or region, handmade ceramics or textiles, and locally produced beverages. Markets are the best place to find authentic souvenirs at fair prices. Other travelers on Nomax often share tips on where to find genuinely local products versus tourist-trap shops.
Are there any markets in Medan?
Yes, Medan has several markets listed in this guide including weekly food markets, antique fairs, and craft markets. Markets are excellent for experiencing local daily life and finding unique items you won't find in chain stores. Opening days and hours vary — check individual listings for current schedules before visiting.
What are the best specialty shops in Medan?
Medan has a range of specialty shops covering books, design, fashion, food and drink, antiques, and local crafts. Many of the shops in this guide are independent stores with deep expertise in their niche — a far better experience than mall shopping. The listings here are sourced from traveler community knowledge, so they tend to be the kinds of places locals actually recommend.
How do I find shopping companions in Medan?
Download Nomax to instantly connect with other travelers in Medan. Whether you want a local recommendation, a shopping companion for a market day, or someone who knows where to find the best local products, Nomax lets you chat with and meet fellow travelers in the city. It's free and available on iOS and Android.
Is it safe to shop in Medan as a solo traveler?
Shopping in Medan is generally safe for solo travelers. At markets, keep an eye on your belongings and use a secure bag. For valuable purchases, ask for receipts and check the return policy. When browsing late-evening markets, stick to well-lit areas. Connect with other travelers on Nomax for up-to-date safety tips from people currently in Medan.
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