Flights from Milan (MXP) to Surabaya (SUB)

About Surabaya

Discover Surabaya

Why visit Surabaya?
Surabaya is a dynamic port city on the eastern tip of Java, known for its wide boulevards, historic quarters, and access to some of Indonesia’s most striking natural scenery. You will find a mix of heritage architecture, waterfront views, and lively modern districts.

What to expect
The city stretches along the Madura Strait, with a centre that blends colonial-era buildings and contemporary towers. Neighbourhoods like Tunjungan and North Surabaya feel energetic, with busy streets, cafés, and malls, while quieter residential areas and leafy parks offer a slower pace.

Plan your trip
Surabaya works well as both an urban stop and a base for wider explorations. Many travellers use the city as a gateway to East Java’s mountain landscapes, coastal towns, and nearby islands, with good onward connections by air, rail, and road.

Top sights in Surabaya

Suramadu National Bridge

Cross this landmark bridge for sweeping views over the Madura Strait and the city skyline, especially atmospheric around sunset.

Tunjungan area

Stroll this central district to see a blend of heritage façades, modern shopping centres, and lively streets ideal for an evening walk.

House of Sampoerna

Explore a beautifully preserved historical complex that showcases Surabaya’s architectural past and its role as an important port city.

Kenjeran Park and coastline

Head to the Kenjeran area for sea breezes, coastal views, and relaxed promenades along the shore.

Old Surabaya quarter

Wander streets lined with period buildings, warehouses, and riverside vistas that hint at Surabaya’s maritime history.

Ciputra Waterpark

Cool off at one of the city’s best-known waterparks, with slides and pools that are popular with families and groups of friends.

Mpu Tantular Museum (regional collections)

Discover artefacts, textiles, and historical displays that give an overview of East Java’s cultural and artistic heritage.

Bromo excursions from Surabaya

Join a day or overnight trip from Surabaya to the Mount Bromo area for dramatic crater landscapes and sunrise views.

Experience Surabaya’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Taxis and ride-hailing services are the most convenient way to move between central Surabaya, the waterfront, and suburban districts. You can also use local buses and online transport options for longer journeys, then continue on foot for the last few streets.

Local life & culture
Surabaya’s character comes through in its café scene, roadside stalls, and busy public spaces. In the late afternoon and evening, pavements fill with people meeting friends, relaxing after work, and enjoying the slightly cooler air, especially around central squares and riverside areas.

Where to unwind
To slow down, seek out the city’s parks, waterfront promenades, and quieter residential streets. Early mornings and late afternoons are comfortable times for walks, when the light is soft and temperatures feel milder, and you can take in views before the evening traffic builds.

A taste of Surabaya

Street food & local specialties
Surabaya is known for hearty dishes with bold flavours, served at roadside stalls and simple eateries across the city. Look for busy corners and long-standing vendors, where you can sit on low stools, share plates, and experience the city’s relaxed approach to mealtimes.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Air-conditioned malls and contemporary lifestyle complexes offer convenient places to eat, with everything from local favourites to international cuisines. Portions are often sized so you can share a few dishes, making it easy to try different flavours over one relaxed lunch or dinner.

Signature & scenic dining
For a more memorable meal, choose restaurants with skyline views, riverside settings, or elevated positions above the streets. These venues pair carefully prepared menus with city vistas, turning an ordinary dinner into a chance to watch the lights of Surabaya gradually come on.

Retail therapy in Surabaya

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Surabaya’s large shopping centres host international labels, local designers, supermarkets, and cinemas in one place. These malls also serve as social hubs, where friends and families meet to shop, dine, and enjoy indoor entertainment away from the heat.

Markets & local crafts
Beyond the malls, smaller markets and street-side shops give you the chance to look for textiles, accessories, and everyday items. Neighbourhoods such as Tunjungan, North Surabaya, and areas around the old quarter reveal independent stores and stalls with a more local feel.

Evening retail scene
After dark, certain streets and mall-lined avenues take on a livelier atmosphere as lights switch on and temperatures ease. Night-time browsing fits easily around dinner, and local transport or ride-hailing services make these shopping areas straightforward to reach and return from.

Best time to visit Surabaya

Dry season (Musim Kemarau) – May to October, peak season
During the dry months, Surabaya is typically warm and sunny, with average temperatures around 28–32°C (82–90°F). Clearer skies make it popular for day trips towards East Java’s mountains and coasts, and for exploring the city’s outdoor areas with less chance of showers.

Transitional months – April and November, shoulder season
In these months, temperatures usually sit between 27–31°C (81–88°F), with occasional short showers. You can enjoy a mix of bright days and dramatic cloud formations, and the slightly more changeable weather adds variation to city walks and excursions beyond Surabaya.

Wet season (Musim Hujan) – December to March, low season
The wet season brings higher humidity and more frequent rain, often as brief but intense showers, with temperatures around 27–30°C (81–86°F). It is a comfortable time to focus on museums, cafés, and malls, then step outside between showers when the air feels freshly cooled.

Frequently Asked Questions