Surabaya is a vibrant port city that blends historic neighbourhoods, grand colonial architecture, and a modern skyline. You find a relaxed, authentic atmosphere and a great introduction to East Java.
Discover Surabaya
Discover Surabaya
Why visit Surabaya?
What to expect
Expect broad avenues, lively markets, and a waterfront shaped by centuries of trade. Charming old town streets sit alongside contemporary malls and business districts, giving you many ways to explore.
Plan your trip
Surabaya is a convenient gateway to East Java, from volcanic landscapes to coastal towns. Use the city as a base for regional trips while enjoying comfortable hotels, dining, and shopping in town.
Top sights in Surabaya
House of Sampoerna
Step into a beautifully preserved Dutch-era compound with galleries, a small museum, and a rooftop viewpoint over the old quarter.
Suramadu Bridge
Drive or ride across Indonesia's longest bridge linking Surabaya and Madura Island for wide views over the Madura Strait, especially striking at sunset.
Submarine Monument (Monkasel)
Explore a decommissioned Russian-built submarine on the riverbank and get a feel for life below the surface in compact steel corridors.
Tunjungan heritage area
Wander past restored Art Deco buildings and grand hotels in one of Surabaya's most historic boulevards, now lined with shops and cafés.
Old Arab Quarter and Ampel
Roam narrow lanes filled with spice shops, textile stalls, and traditional merchants that reflect the city's long maritime trading history.
Kenjeran coastal area
Head to the waterfront to stroll along the promenade, watch fishing boats, and enjoy cooler sea breezes in the late afternoon.
City parks and riverside walks
Follow shaded walkways and landscaped parks dotted around central Surabaya, ideal for a gentle evening stroll after the heat of the day.
Experience Surabaya's everyday rhythm
Getting around
Use taxis or ride-hailing apps for most journeys across Surabaya, as they are convenient and widely available. For a different view, try a becak pedicab in older districts, then continue on foot along pavements and short riverfront paths for the final stretch.
Local life & culture
You see daily life unfold in traditional markets, riverside neighbourhoods, and busy side streets where small workshops sit next to family homes. Evenings are sociable, with residents gathering in cafés, simple eateries, and open-air spaces to talk and unwind.
Where to unwind
Surabaya's green parks, riverside promenades, and hotel pools offer quiet spots to pause between sightseeing and shopping. Visit early in the morning or around sunset for cooler temperatures and softer light over the city.
A taste of Surabaya
Street food & local specialties
Look for local favourites such as spicy noodle soups, grilled skewers, and rice dishes at humble stalls and night-time food streets. Neighbourhoods around traditional markets and older districts are especially lively in the evening.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Large malls and lifestyle complexes house cafés, family restaurants, and international chains where you can sample Indonesian classics alongside Asian and Western flavours. Portions are often generous yet affordable, so you can share several dishes at the table.
Signature & scenic dining
For something special, choose hotel restaurants or rooftop venues that overlook the city lights and main boulevards. Many offer refined takes on local and regional cuisine, paired with calm interiors or open-air terraces.
Retail therapy in Surabaya
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern shopping centres in central Surabaya bring together international labels, local designers, cinemas, and family attractions. They double as social spaces, with wide food courts and lounge-style cafés for a break between stores.
Markets & local crafts
Explore traditional markets and smaller shopping streets for textiles, batik, handicrafts, and everyday essentials. Older quarters and long-established retail corridors reveal small independent shops that have served local communities for decades.
Evening retail scene
After dark, some streets and mall façades glow with bright signs, while informal stalls appear around busy junctions and squares. The city is easy to navigate in the evening using taxis or ride-hailing apps to hop between shopping and dining spots.
Best time to visit Surabaya
Surabaya has a tropical climate with a warm, humid atmosphere year-round. The dry season, from June to September, is the peak season, with daytime temperatures around 27–32°C (81–90°F) and less rainfall, making it comfortable for city walks and regional excursions. The shoulder season runs from April to May and October, when temperatures hover near 27–33°C (81–91°F) and brief showers can appear in the afternoon, but crowds are lighter and the city feels relaxed. The low season coincides with the wetter months from November to March, bringing more frequent rain and temperatures around 26–32°C (79–90°F), yet many urban attractions, malls, and indoor sights remain easy to enjoy.