Flights from Hanoi (HAN) to Surabaya (SUB)

About Surabaya

Discover Surabaya

Why visit Surabaya?
Surabaya is a vibrant port city that blends historic districts, leafy neighbourhoods, and a busy waterfront with modern towers and malls. You will find a dynamic gateway to eastern Java, with a relaxed but energetic atmosphere and a sense of everyday Indonesian urban life.

What to expect
The city stretches along the coast, with wide roads, riverside promenades, and pockets of heritage architecture. Business districts sit alongside residential areas, while parks, monuments, and museums offer calm spaces to pause between meetings or sightseeing. The climate is warm year-round, so light clothing and sun protection are helpful.

Plan your trip
Surabaya works well as both a stand-alone city break and a base for exploring eastern Java. From here you can plan trips to highland areas, volcanic landscapes, and nearby coastal towns. With busy road links and onward flights to other Indonesian cities, it is an important hub for both business and leisure travellers.

Top sights in Surabaya

House of Sampoerna

Explore a well-preserved heritage complex with a museum and galleries set in a historic Dutch-era building.

Surabaya Submarine Monument

Visit a preserved submarine on the riverbank and step inside to see its compact interior and exhibits.

Tunjungan Street

Walk along this central boulevard lined with modern malls and historic buildings, especially lively in the evenings.

Heroes Monument and Museum

See an impressive tall monument in landscaped grounds, with an adjacent museum detailing the citys past.

Kenjeran Park and Beachfront

Head to the coast for sea views, breezy promenades, and family-friendly recreation areas.

Surabaya North Quay

Enjoy harbour views, watch cruise ships and cargo vessels, and sample local snacks at this waterfront spot.

Madura Strait viewpoints

Travel out towards the bridge area for expansive views over the Madura Strait and coastal landscapes.

Experience Surabayas everyday rhythm

Getting around
Taxis and ride-hailing services are the most convenient way to move across Surabayas wide urban area. For shorter hops, local minibuses and motorbike taxis connect many neighbourhoods. In busy central districts, you can often combine a short ride with an easy walk to your final destination.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Surabaya unfolds in lively streetside cafes, informal eateries, and shaded parks. You will notice a mix of historic low-rise districts and newer developments, each with their own character. The pace is relaxed but purposeful, with shopping, social gatherings, and outdoor activities shaping the citys rhythm.

Where to unwind
Green spaces such as riverside parks and city gardens offer a quiet contrast to the main roads. Early morning and late afternoon are comfortable times to stroll, sit on benches, or enjoy open-air exercise. Coastal areas provide fresh breezes and wide views, especially close to sunset.

A taste of Surabaya

Street food & local specialties
Surabaya is known for hearty dishes such as noodle soups, meat skewers, and rice plates with bold flavours. You will find many options around traditional markets, roadside stalls, and small family-run eateries scattered through central districts and residential neighbourhoods.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Air-conditioned malls and contemporary lifestyle centres host a wide range of Indonesian and international restaurants. Food courts make it easy to try several small dishes in one meal, while cafes and bakeries are popular for quick snacks and drinks between activities or meetings.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, choose restaurants in high-rise hotels or rooftop venues that overlook the city lights. Some waterfront areas and upper-floor dining rooms offer views towards the harbour or skyline, creating a relaxed setting for business dinners or special occasions.

Retail therapy in Surabaya

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Surabaya has several large malls that combine international brands, local designers, cinemas, and family entertainment. These complexes double as social spaces where you can shop, dine, and meet friends in comfortable, air-conditioned surroundings throughout the day.

Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and smaller shopping streets offer textiles, everyday items, and locally made products. Districts near the city centre feature a mix of small shops and independent boutiques, where you can browse for gifts and household goods with a more local feel.

Evening retail scene
After dark, many malls stay open late, while certain streets become livelier with food stalls and illuminated storefronts. The atmosphere is relaxed and social, with families and groups of friends out for an evening stroll. Local transport and taxis make these areas straightforward to reach at night.

Best time to visit Surabaya

Dry season (Musim Kemarau), May to October, is generally warm and less humid, with average temperatures around 27–32°C (81–90°F). Skies are often clear, making it a pleasant time for city walks and coastal views, and it is typically considered the peak season.

Transition months, April and November, mark a gentle shift between dry and rainy periods, with temperatures around 27–31°C (81–88°F). You may experience brief showers alongside sunny spells. These months offer a balance of comfortable conditions and fewer crowds, making them a classic shoulder season.

Rainy season (Musim Hujan), December to March, brings higher humidity and more frequent showers, with average temperatures of 26–30°C (79–86°F). Rain often comes in bursts, leaving cooler intervals in between, and city attractions, malls, and indoor activities remain enjoyable during this low season.

Frequently Asked Questions