Lawang Sewu atau yang lebih dikenal dengan bangunan seribu pintu merupakan landmark bersejarah kota Semarang. Awalnya dibangun sebagai markas Perusahaan Kereta Api Hindia Belanda, bangunan ini kaya akan makna sejarah. Bagi yang suka seram, banyak yang percaya gedung ini konon angker. Selain desain kolonial yang menarik secara estetika, masa lalu Lawang Sewu yang tragis telah menjadikannya daya tarik. Pada tahun 1942 digunakan sebagai penjara oleh Penjajah Jepang di mana beberapa tahanan dieksekusi. Pada tahun 1945, gedung ini menjadi pusat pertempuran 5 hari di Semarang, dimana para pejuang kemerdekaan Indonesia gugur berperang melawan tentara Jepang. Lima karyawan yang bekerja di sana juga tewas dan sebuah monumen didirikan di halaman untuk mengenang para pahlawan nasional. Pada tahun 2011 Lawang Sewu diresmikan oleh Ibu Negara Ani Yudhoyono dan dibuka kembali untuk umum setelah dilakukan renovasi besar-besaran. Bangunan A dan B kompleks terbuka untuk umum untuk wisata dan sering digunakan untuk kegiatan dan acara sosial dan budaya. Ikon sejarah dan arsitektur kota Semarang, Lawang Sewu tidak boleh dilewatkan.

Admiral Cheng Ho, or otherwise known as Zheng He, was a significant historical figure in Indonesian history, particularly in the city of Semarang. A Muslim explorer originating from China, Ho played a critical role in introducing Chinese culture and traditions to the Indonesian community. The son of Haji Ha Ma Zhi, Ho was the right hand man to third Chinese Emperor Yong Le in the Ming Dynasty. His expeditions lasted from the 1405 until the day he passed in 1433, where he visited 37 countries over the course of 28 years. As a tribute to his influence in Indonesian society, several landmarks have been erected in his honour - such as the Cheng Ho mosques in cities such as Surabaya, Palembang and Pasuruan. Since Ho’s arrival in Semarang during the Majapahit Empire, Semarang has developed a strong acculturation to Chinese and Muslim lifestyle and tradition. Ho is commemorated by the Temple Sam Poo Kong and an annual festival on the 29th and 30th day of the sixth month of the lunar new year. To experience the rich cultural heritage that Cheng Ho imprinted onto Semarang, a visit to Sam Poo Kong is a must.

Located in Gang Warung, Semarang, Pasar Semawis or better known as Waroeng Semawis, is a night market that sells a variety of scrumptious Indonesian and Chinese influenced foods and drinks. Initially established in 2004 to memorialize 600 years of Cheng Ho’s first expedition to Semarang, this night market is lined with street hawkers that sell a delectable selection of Semarang’s iconic foods. A vast selection of satays, fried rice, soups, noodles, desserts and Semarang specialities such as Pisang Plenet and Lumpia can be found here. Besides food there are also shops selling T-shirts, Chinese herbs and other Chinese knick-knacks For a true taste of Semarang , a visit to the Semawis Night Market is a must. The market is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from 6pm to 11 pm. Location: Jalan Gang Warung No. 50 Semarang Tengah, Semarang

Built in 1753 in the city of Semarang, the Blenduk Church in the Old Town or Kota Tua Semarang, is renowned for being the oldest Protestant Church in Central Java. Originally built in a traditional Javanese ‘Joglo’ style, the church then underwent a remodel in 1894 to the current iconic Doric order design that can be seen today. The emblematic octagonal copper dome (also known as mblenduk in Javanese) is said to be inspired by the Church of St Peter Basilica in Vatican City. Other iconic features of this church are the two surrounding clock towers, the stately baroque organ, floating octagonal pulpit, antique spiral wrought iron staircase and rattan teak pews. An architectural delight of colonial Dutch design, Blenduk Church is a must see destination.

You can not visit Semarang without indulging in Semarang’s iconic culinary dish : Lumpia Semarang. A dish that is similar to the springroll, the Lumpia has a sweet yet savoury taste and is filled with bamboo shoots, egg, chicken or shrimp. It can either be served in a soft wrap or deep fried, with a side of delicious thick brown sauce, freshly cut spring onions, birds eye chilli and lettuce. A delicacy of Semarang which was derived from Tiong Hoa origins, it is no wonder that the best Lumpia can be found in this small corner of Chinatown next to the Tay Kak Sie temple. When you come here, make sure to line up early as the stall can be crowded with people looking to buy the famous lumpia as souvenier. Location: Jalan Gang Lombok No. 11 Purwodinatan, Semarang