Medan is the capital city of North Sumatra, Indonesia. It is a bustling metropolis that boasts a rich cultural heritage. Visitors will be treated to an array of experiences, from culinary delights to historical landmarks, and natural wonders to bustling markets. Medan is home to Indonesia's largest inland lake, Lake Toba, which is a popular destination for tourists seeking a serene and scenic retreat. The city also offers a range of cultural attractions, such as the Maimun Palace and the Great Mosque of Medan. Foodies will delight in Medan's street food scene, which features unique and delicious dishes like soto Medan and martabak.

From Kuala Namu International Airport, visitors can take a taxi or use a ride-hailing app to reach Medan, which is approximately 40 km away. Alternatively, visitors can take a bus or train from other parts of Sumatra.

The best time to visit Medan is between June and September, when the weather is dry and pleasant. However, visitors can also enjoy Medan's cultural and culinary attractions year-round.

Medan has a tropical rainforest climate with high humidity and temperatures ranging from 25°C to 32°C throughout the year. The wet season is from October to March, while the dry season is from April to September.

Accommodation costs in Medan range from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels, with prices starting from IDR 150,000 (USD 10) per night. A mid-range hotel room costs around IDR 400,000 (USD 30) per night. Homestays and guesthouses offer cheaper options, starting from IDR 100,000 (USD 7) per night.

Medan is known for its street food scene, with many stalls and food carts offering a variety of local delicacies. Prices can range from IDR 10,000 (less than USD 1) for a snack to IDR 50,000 (USD 3-4) for a full meal. A mid-range restaurant meal for two people costs around IDR 200,000 (USD 15).

Medan is generally considered a safe city, but visitors should take precautions such as avoiding unlit areas at night and not flaunting expensive belongings. It is advisable for women to dress modestly and avoid going out alone at night. Racial and LGBTQ tolerance is improving, but visitors should still be aware and respectful of local customs and attitudes.

Medan has a population of approximately 2.5 million people, with a mix of ethnic groups including Malay, Chinese, and Batak. The majority religion is Islam, but there are also significant Christian and Buddhist populations. The official language is Indonesian, but many residents also speak Hokkien, Mandarin, and other regional languages.

Visitors to Medan can explore the city's cultural landmarks, such as the Maimun Palace and the Great Mosque of Medan. Foodies will enjoy sampling local delicacies like soto Medan, martabak, and durian fruit. Natural wonders like Lake Toba and the Bukit Lawang Orangutan Sanctuary are also popular destinations for day trips or overnight stays. For shopping enthusiasts, Medan's bustling markets offer a range of trinkets, textiles, and souvenirs to take home.