Surabaya is a dynamic port city that blends colonial heritage, modern skylines, and a strong local character. You find authentic neighbourhoods, lively streets, and easy access to East Java’s dramatic landscapes.
Discover Surabaya
Discover Surabaya
Why visit Surabaya?
What to expect
Expect busy boulevards, historic quarters, and green riverside promenades, alongside shopping centres and authentic kampung districts. The city offers a down-to-earth atmosphere, with friendly locals and a slower pace than Indonesia’s capital.
Plan your trip
Use Surabaya as your base to explore East Java’s volcanoes, highland tea estates, and coastal towns. With good domestic links, it is also a practical gateway to destinations such as Malang and Mount Bromo.
Top sights in Surabaya
House of Sampoerna
Step into a restored Dutch colonial complex with a museum, gallery spaces, and a café, set around a charming central courtyard.
Suramadu Bridge
Drive or ride across this long sea bridge linking Surabaya to Madura Island, and take in wide views over the Madura Strait, especially at sunset.
Tunjungan heritage district
Walk along Tunjungan to see historic façades, retro shopfronts, and iconic landmarks that recall Surabaya’s early 20th-century heyday.
Submarine Monument (Monumen Kapal Selam)
Explore a decommissioned submarine displayed by the river, and get a sense of life on board through preserved control rooms and narrow passageways.
Old City (Kota Tua) and Arab Quarter
Wander through narrow lanes lined with old warehouses, traditional shops, and characterful streets that reveal Surabaya’s trading past.
Kenjeran Park and seaside area
Head to the Kenjeran waterfront for sea breezes, open views, and family-friendly attractions, especially in the late afternoon.
Bromo and Tengger highlands day trips
Use Surabaya as your starting point for organised excursions to Mount Bromo and the cooler Tengger highlands for sunrise panoramas.
Experience Surabaya’s everyday rhythm
Getting around
Move between key areas by taxi or ride-hailing apps, which are widely available and convenient. For a more local feel, try short rides on becak trishaws where they still operate, then explore individual neighbourhoods on foot for the final stretch.
Local life & culture
Surabaya’s character shines in its community-focused kampung, riverfront promenades, and informal gathering spots along busy streets. You see everyday life unfold in small shops, roadside stalls, and public squares, especially in the early morning and evening.
Where to unwind
Relax in city parks and riverside walks that offer shade and greenery, or escape to hotel pools and spa centres for a quiet break from the heat. Early mornings and late afternoons are the most pleasant times to enjoy outdoor spaces.
A taste of Surabaya
Street food & local specialties
Sample East Javan favourites such as rawon beef soup, rujak cingur salad, and soto at local warung eateries and traditional food courts scattered around the city.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Discover convenient dining inside major malls and contemporary lifestyle complexes, where you can mix local dishes with Asian and Western options, often in smaller portions that invite you to try several flavours in one meal.
Signature & scenic dining
Look for rooftop venues and hotel restaurants with skyline or river views for a memorable evening, combining city lights with thoughtful menus highlighting both Indonesian and international dishes.
Retail therapy in Surabaya
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Spend time at large shopping centres that bring together international fashion brands, local labels, cinemas, and family attractions, making them popular meeting spots for residents.
Markets & local crafts
Browse traditional markets and neighbourhood streets to find batik textiles, handicrafts, and everyday goods, especially in older districts close to the port and historic quarters.
Evening retail scene
After dark, brightly lit malls and busy commercial streets stay lively with shoppers and families. Public transport and taxis make it simple to reach these areas and return to your hotel at the end of the night.
Best time to visit Surabaya
Dry season (peak season): From June to September, days are hot and relatively dry, with average temperatures around 27–32°C (81–90°F). This is popular for city exploring and excursions to nearby highlands. Wet season (low season): From November to March, expect higher humidity and frequent showers, with temperatures around 26–31°C (79–88°F). Rain tends to fall in short, intense bursts, often in the afternoon or evening. Shoulder months (shoulder season): April, May, and October see a mix of dry and wet conditions, with temperatures around 27–32°C (81–90°F), offering a balance of fewer crowds and generally manageable weather.