CITY GUIDE
Surabaya
Discover Surabaya, explore the places worth seeing and build a route that matches your travel time.
15 September
Clear
Humidity 73%
ABOUT THE CITY
Get to know Surabaya
Surabaya is one of the destinations worth exploring in Indonesia. Its neighbourhoods, local culture, architecture and everyday rhythm make it a city best understood beyond a simple checklist of landmarks.
Use this guide to understand the city's basic geography, decide how much time to spend and create a more efficient itinerary.
Discovery Map
Places to visit in Surabaya
Explore the city's notable historic places, museums and tourist attractions.
Surabaya, Indonesia's vibrant second-largest city, pulses with a rich historical tapestry and an unyielding entrepreneurial spirit known locally as 'Kota Pahlawan' or the City of Heroes. Situated on the northeastern coast of Java, this bustling port metropolis seamlessly blends Dutch colonial architecture, traditional Javanese culture, and modern urban development into a dynamic sensory experience. Unlike the more heavily touristed paths of Bali or Yogyakarta, Surabaya offers travelers an authentic, unfiltered glimpse into modern Indonesian life, where the echoes of the 1945 Battle of Surabaya still inspire national pride across its bustling streets. Beyond its historical monuments, Surabaya serves as a major economic powerhouse and a culinary capital famed for its bold, robust East Javanese flavors. From the labyrinthine alleys of the historic Arab Quarter and Ampel neighborhood to the sleek, modern shopping malls of West Surabaya, the city presents a fascinating contrast of old and new. Visitors are welcomed with genuine Javanese hospitality, making it an exceptional destination for adventurous travelers eager to explore off the beaten path while enjoying world-class street food and deep cultural roots.
How should you explore the city?
Sightseeing in Surabaya offers a compelling journey through time, spanning from 15th-century sacred quarters to striking reminders of the colonial era and the Indonesian independence movement. Exploring the city involves navigating through distinct historical eras, anchored by landmarks that celebrate maritime heritage, religious diversity, and fierce national resilience. Whether you are wandering through bustling traditional markets, admiring preserved European-style facades, or exploring modern architectural marvels, the city's sights tell the vivid story of a hard-working port metropolis that shaped modern Indonesia.
Best Time to Visit Surabaya
The ideal time to visit Surabaya is during the dry season, which generally spans from May to October, when rainfall is minimal and outdoor exploration is most comfortable. Daytime temperatures remain consistently warm and tropical year-round, typically hovering around 30 to 32 degrees Celsius. Traveling during the shoulder months of May, June, or September allows visitors to enjoy pleasant weather while avoiding the peak domestic holiday crowds. The wet season, running from November to April, brings frequent tropical downpours and high humidity, though city sightseeing remains entirely manageable with flexible daily planning.
Getting Around Surabaya
Navigating Surabaya is relatively straightforward, thanks to an expanding network of public buses like the Suroboyo Bus, which famously accepts plastic bottles as a creative eco-friendly fare payment. For most travelers and tourists, ride-hailing apps such as Gojek and Grab offer the most convenient, reliable, and transparent way to book cars or motorbikes for getting across town. Traditional transportation options like the motorized becak (rickshaw) and local minibuses known as angkot provide a more traditional commuting experience, particularly useful for short trips within historic neighborhoods. Renting a car with a private driver is also a popular and stress-free choice for travelers looking to maximize their sightseeing time.
Where to Stay and Neighborhood Strategy
Choosing where to stay in Surabaya largely depends on your travel style, whether you prefer historical immersion or contemporary luxury. The Old Town and Chinatown areas near the port are ideal for history enthusiasts who want to be within walking distance of colonial-era buildings, bustling markets, and heritage walking trails. Meanwhile, West Surabaya represents the modern face of the metropolis, featuring upscale hotels, sprawling lifestyle malls, leafy residential avenues, and extensive dining complexes. Staying near Darmo or Gubeng provides a strategic central hub with excellent connectivity to major transport links, making it easy to venture out to all parts of the city.
LOCAL FOOD
What to eat in Surabaya
Suronesian cuisine is celebrated across Indonesia for its bold, spicy, and deeply savory flavor profiles, heavily influenced by Madurese, Chinese, and Arab culinary traditions. The local food culture thrives primarily on the vibrant street food scene, night markets, and legendary local warungs where recipes have been perfected over generations. Utilizing rich broths, pungent shrimp paste, peanuts, and fiery chili sambals, Surabaya's culinary landscape promises an unforgettable adventure for food lovers willing to dive into authentic local delicacies.
Rawon
A deeply aromatic and dark black beef soup flavored with buah kluwek nuts, served with bean sprouts and salted egg. This iconic East Javanese comfort food offers an earthy, rich broth unlike any other Indonesian dish.
Lontong Balap
A hearty local dish consisting of sliced rice cakes, bean sprouts, fried tofu, and lentho (fried bean fritters) drenched in a savory prawn broth. It is typically served with a generous dollop of spicy chili paste and sweet soy sauce.
Rujak Cingur
A unique traditional fruit and vegetable salad featuring boiled beef muzzle, served with a pungent, sweet-and-spicy peanut and fermented shrimp paste dressing. It is a true culinary adventure cherished by adventurous local foodies.
Sate Klopo
Beef skewers coated in grated coconut before being grilled over open coals, creating a delightfully smoky and nutty exterior. It is commonly served with a rich peanut sauce and steamed rice cakes.
Tahu Campur
A comforting mixed tofu soup featuring beef tendon, bean sprouts, noodles, cassava cakes, and fresh greens in a rich, flavorful broth flavored with petis paste. This filling dish is a beloved local favorite for lunch or dinner.
Bebek Goreng
Crispy fried duck seasoned with traditional aromatic spices and served alongside raw vegetables, fresh basil leaves, and fiery sambal. The duck is fried until perfectly golden and tender on the inside.
FIRST VISIT
Useful things to know before you go
- 01
Always carry some cash in Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), as traditional food stalls and smaller shops do not accept cards.
- 02
Download ride-hailing apps like Gojek and Grab prior to arrival for hassle-free transport and food delivery.
- 03
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites such as mosques and historical temples out of respect for local customs.
- 04
Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the tropical sun with sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle.
- 05
Embrace the local street food culture by visiting popular night food markets for authentic and freshly prepared dishes.
- 06
Learn a few basic Indonesian phrases like 'Selamat pagi' (Good morning) and 'Terima kasih' (Thank you) to connect with locals.
FAQ
Surabaya travel questions
Is Surabaya worth visiting for tourists?+
Yes, Surabaya offers a rich cultural experience far removed from standard tourist trails, featuring deep historical significance, incredible local cuisine, and vibrant modern developments.
How many days should I spend in Surabaya?+
Most travelers find that two to three days is the ideal duration to explore the city's key historical landmarks, architectural sites, and renowned culinary hotspots.
What is the primary language spoken in Surabaya?+
Indonesian is the official language used in administration and signage, while the local population predominantly speaks Javanese with a distinct Surobayan dialect.
Is it easy to get around Surabaya using public transport?+
The city features affordable public buses like the Suroboyo Bus, though most travelers prefer using ride-hailing apps like Gojek and Grab for greater convenience and efficiency.
What is the best way to travel to Surabaya from Jakarta?+
You can reach Surabaya quickly via domestic flights connecting Jakarta's airport to Juanda International Airport, or by taking the scenic and efficient cross-Java train network.
Are credit cards widely accepted in Surabaya?+
While major hotels, upscale restaurants, and modern shopping malls accept credit cards, cash remains essential for street food vendors, traditional markets, and local transport.
CITY EXPERIENCE
What to do in the city?
A city becomes more memorable when you combine major sights with local neighbourhoods and everyday experiences.
Discover the historic core
Start with the areas that explain the city's history, architecture and cultural identity.
Explore local neighbourhoods
Move beyond the main landmarks and spend time in residential streets, markets and local districts.
Taste the local food scene
Use markets, traditional restaurants and street-food areas to understand the city's everyday culture.
See the city after dark
Evening walks, illuminated landmarks and lively neighbourhoods can reveal a completely different side of the city.
HOW MANY DAYS?
Plan your time in Surabaya
Choose the amount of time you have and use the suggested rhythm as a starting point for your itinerary.
SUGGESTED PACE
Balanced itinerary
Cover the classic route on day one, then explore local neighbourhoods, markets and food spots.
BUILD YOUR JOURNEY
Start planning your Surabaya route
Choose your starting point, add the places you want to visit and shape the route around the time you have.
Open Route Planner