Flights from Copenhagen (CPH) to Surabaya (SUB)

About Surabaya

Discover Surabaya

Why visit Surabaya?
Surabaya is Indonesia’s second-largest city and the vibrant gateway to East Java, known for its lively port heritage, wide boulevards, and mix of historic quarters and modern districts. You will find a dynamic urban energy balanced by green riverside promenades and welcoming neighbourhoods.

What to expect
The city is spread out along the coast, with distinct areas such as the historic North Surabaya port zone, the business and shopping avenues around Tunjungan, and leafy residential districts further south. Expect busy streets, colourful street life, and a growing café and creative scene sitting alongside traditional markets.

Plan your trip
Surabaya works well as both a standalone city break and a starting point for exploring East Java’s natural highlights. Many travellers use the city as a base before heading to Mount Bromo, the Ijen crater, and coastal towns, while still enjoying Surabaya’s hotels, dining, and shopping when they return.

Top sights in Surabaya

Hero Monument (Tugu Pahlawan)

Visit this striking landmark and its small museum to learn about Surabaya’s role in Indonesia’s modern history.

House of Sampoerna

Explore a beautifully preserved colonial-era compound that now houses a museum, gallery, and café in a quiet courtyard setting.

Surabaya Submarine Monument

Step inside a preserved Russian-built submarine on the riverfront and get a feel for life on board a naval vessel.

Tunjungan Street

Stroll along one of Surabaya’s main arteries, lined with shopping centres, hotels, and historic buildings lit up in the evening.

Suramadu National Bridge

Drive or ride across this long bridge to Madura Island for wide sea views, especially atmospheric around sunset and after dark.

Kenjeran Beach

Head to the coast east of the city to enjoy sea breezes, local snacks, and leisurely walks along the waterfront.

Arab Quarter and Ampel area

Wander through narrow lanes lined with traditional shops, old houses, and markets selling textiles, spices, and everyday goods.

Surabaya Zoo and City Forest

Combine a visit to one of Indonesia’s oldest zoos with nearby green spaces that offer a change of pace from the busy streets.

Experience Surabaya’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Taxis and ride-hailing services are the most practical way to move between Surabaya’s spread-out districts, especially in the heat. City buses and angkot minibuses serve local routes, while walking works best within compact areas like Tunjungan and the old town. Always allow extra time during rush hours.

Local life & culture
Daily life centres on work, family, and neighbourhood communities, with lively streets from early morning until late evening. You will see students, office workers, and families gathering in parks, riverside promenades, and modern malls, as well as in older quarters where traditional trades and markets remain active.

Where to unwind
Surabaya offers several urban parks and riverside areas that are most pleasant in the early morning or after 5.00pm, when temperatures ease. City squares, landscaped promenades, and hotel pools provide places to rest, while a short drive to the coast or nearby hills makes for an easy day trip.

A taste of Surabaya

Street food & local specialties
Surabaya is known for bold, savoury flavours, with street stalls and humble eateries serving favourites such as hearty rice dishes, noodles, and snacks. Explore neighbourhood food streets and traditional markets in the evening, when more vendors appear and locals gather for a relaxed meal.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping centres and mixed-use developments house a broad range of cafés and restaurants, from local chains to international names. Food courts make it easy to sample several dishes in one sitting, with smaller portions and shared plates encouraging you to try different tastes with friends or family.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special night out, look for hotel restaurants, rooftop venues, or high-floor lounges that overlook the city lights. Some venues pair contemporary Indonesian menus with international options, offering a calm setting away from the busy streets and a memorable view over Surabaya’s skyline.

Retail therapy in Surabaya

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Surabaya has several large shopping centres that double as lifestyle hubs, bringing together international fashion brands, local designers, cinemas, and wide dining choices. Air-conditioned interiors and generous opening hours make them popular meeting spots throughout the week.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller markets and traditional streets are ideal for discovering textiles, batik, and everyday household items. Districts around Tunjungan, North Surabaya, and the older quarters near the port reveal long-standing family businesses and local labels alongside simple stalls.

Evening retail scene
After dark, malls stay lively and street-side shops keep their shutters up in key commercial areas. Some neighbourhoods host informal night-time stalls selling clothes and accessories, creating a relaxed, social atmosphere that is easy to reach using taxis or ride-hailing services.

Best time to visit Surabaya

Dry season (Musim Kemarau), May to October, brings hot, mostly sunny days with average temperatures around 28–32°C (82–90°F). As the peak season, it is popular for city sightseeing and onward trips to Mount Bromo and other outdoor attractions, with lower humidity and fewer showers.

Transitional shoulder months, April and November, sit between the dry and wet seasons, with temperatures roughly 27–31°C (81–88°F) and a mix of sunshine and short showers. This shoulder season offers greener landscapes, slightly fewer visitors, and flexible conditions for both urban exploring and day trips.

Wet season (Musim Hujan), December to March, sees more frequent rain, usually in short, intense bursts, with temperatures around 26–30°C (79–86°F). As a low season, it brings a softer light over the city, cooler evenings, and pleasant conditions for indoor attractions, malls, and Surabaya’s growing café culture.

Frequently Asked Questions