The Indonesian capital has operated as a seaport since around the 5th century, changing hands often between European colonizers and natives. Now, it has become a financial and commercial powerhouse that attracts around 2 million visitors each year. Among the many interesting attractions here include places of worship like the Istiqlal Mosque (the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia) and the nearby neo-Gothic St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral. The National Gallery of Indonesia and the Planetarium are also must-see places if you want to appreciate the arts and learn about the stars.