Surabaya is a dynamic port city that blends heritage architecture, leafy neighbourhoods, and a growing modern skyline. You experience authentic East Javanese life with easy access to volcanoes, beaches, and historic sites.
Discover Surabaya
Discover Surabaya
Why visit Surabaya?
What to expect
You find wide boulevards, bustling local districts, and riverside promenades alongside grand colonial-era buildings and modern malls. The pace is lively yet relaxed, with friendly locals and a strong cafe and street food culture.
Plan your trip
Use Surabaya as a base to explore East Java, from Mount Bromo and Ijen to coastal towns and plantations. Most visitors combine urban sightseeing with short overnight trips into the surrounding highlands.
Top sights in Surabaya
House of Sampoerna
Wander through this restored Dutch colonial complex with a small museum, art space, and cafe that tells the story of Surabaya as a historic trading hub.
Suramadu National Bridge
Drive or ride across this long sea bridge at sunset for sweeping views towards Madura Island and the Surabaya skyline glowing after dark.
Tunjungan Heritage Street
Stroll past grand old buildings, hotels, and shopfronts on this historic avenue that links Surabaya’s past and present city life.
Submarine Monument (Monumen Kapal Selam)
Step inside a decommissioned submarine by the riverfront and get a close look at life on board, with city parks and walkways nearby.
Kampung Arab and old port district
Explore narrow streets, trading shops, and historic warehouses that reflect Surabaya’s long-standing role as a multicultural port city.
Kenjeran Park and coastal area
Head to the seaside for coastal breezes, open views of the bay, and local family attractions along the waterfront.
City parks and riverside promenades
Enjoy tree-lined parks and river walks in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft and temperatures feel more comfortable.
Experience Surabaya’s everyday rhythm
Getting around
Use taxis, ride-hailing apps, and hotel cars for most journeys, as they are convenient across the spread-out city. For a slower look at neighbourhood life, try a short becak ride, then explore narrow streets on foot for the final stretch.
Local life & culture
You see Surabaya’s character in its lively kampungs, riverside areas, and evening gathering spots where families and friends meet outdoors. Creative spaces, murals, and small galleries reflect a youthful side of the city.
Where to unwind
Cool down in shaded city parks, hotel pools, and spa centres, especially during the midday heat. Early mornings and evenings are ideal for riverside walks and quiet moments in landscaped gardens.
A taste of Surabaya
Street food & local specialties
Sample East Javanese favourites from humble stalls and open-air eateries, where noodles, rice dishes, and grilled snacks are served late into the night in neighbourhoods across the city.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Discover cafes, food courts, and casual restaurants in major malls and business districts, where you can try Indonesian, pan-Asian, and international flavours in portions that make it easy to share and sample.
Signature & scenic dining
Choose hotel rooftop venues or restaurants with city and river views for a more polished evening, pairing local dishes with the glow of Surabaya’s skyline after sunset.
Retail therapy in Surabaya
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Major shopping centres around central Surabaya bring together international brands, Indonesian labels, cinemas, and dining, making them easy all-in-one stops during your stay.
Markets & local crafts
Explore traditional markets and local streets to find textiles, batik, and everyday goods, especially in older districts and near the port where trading has long shaped city life.
Evening retail scene
After dark, malls stay lively and some street areas turn into informal night-time shopping and snacking spots, which are simple to reach by taxi or ride-hailing services from most hotels.
Best time to visit Surabaya
Dry season (peak season): From June to September, days are hot and mostly sunny with average temperatures around 27–32°C (81–90°F), ideal for city exploring and nearby excursions. Shoulder months: April to May and October to early November see warm weather around 26–31°C (79–88°F) with a mix of sunshine and short showers, suiting travellers who prefer fewer crowds. Wet season (low season): From mid-November to March, heavier showers and humidity are common, with temperatures about 25–30°C (77–86°F), though rainfall often comes in bursts with dry intervals in between.