Jalan Braga is located in central Bandung, and connects Jalan Asia Afrika, named after the famous conference of the non aligned nations in 1955, and Jalan Lembong. It is the place in Bandung where you can see remnants of its colonial past, and what happens to them if maintenance is disregarded. The once-beautiful buildings that line the street are now, with some exceptions, up for a complete overhaul or at least, a thorough renovation. The whole neighborhood displays a tired look of what it once was, and although it still is one of the sites where history is brought back alive, it's not alive and kicking, but more alive but tired.
Starting from the Asia Afrika side, one of the first things noticeable is the cluster of bakeries, offering various freshly-baked breads and cakes. Although the newer ones called Canary bakery and café and French look more inviting, there is another bakery worth your attention. Sumber Hidangen , formerly known as ‘ Het Snoephuis' , (the candy house) was established as early as 1929 by the Dutch, making it the oldest bakery in Bandung. It is still up and running, and both the traditionally Dutch delicacies as the interior haven't changed that much since colonial times. It is open daily from 08.30 until 19.00 except Sundays, and specialties include krentenbollen (raisin rolls), butter bread, pasteikorst (pastry crust) and saucijzenbrood (mincemeat rolls)
Another golden oldie is the antique shop a bit further down the road on No. 59, called Sin Sin . Being in existence since 1943, it is filled up with antique furniture, woodcarvings and jewellery, and is probably more reliable than the streetside stalls selling paintings of unknown age and origin. It is opened daily from 8.30 to 18.00 and can be reached through 022-4238574. On No. 32, there's a bookshop called Intervarsity (022-436874) offering a small selection of English cultural and social books.
Jalan Braga is, except for the bakeries and antiques, not really much of a shopping Walhalla, and actually becomes more alive when the shops are closed. There are several bars towards the Northern end of the street, with a somewhat shady atmosphere attracting mostly prostitutes and expats and tourists. If you're up for a less cultural experience, try the North Sea Bar at No. 82 or the Amsterdam café on No. 74. If that isn't loud enough for you, there's also a disco, not too surprisingly called Braga Disco and a Dangdut bar , just off Jalan Braga. So those who come for a trip down memory lane, as well as die hards wanting to booze away some memories, Jalan Braga is the place to go to soak up its somewhat musty colonial history.