Surabaya blends Indonesia's maritime history with a lively modern cityscape. You will find colonial landmarks, leafy boulevards, and a gateway to East Java's dramatic volcanic landscapes.
Discover Surabaya
Discover Surabaya
Why visit Surabaya?
What to expect
Expect a busy port city with wide roads, evolving waterfronts, and characterful neighbourhoods dotted with cafes and heritage buildings. Surabaya feels authentic and energetic, with fewer crowds than Indonesia's more famous resort areas.
Plan your trip
Use Surabaya as a base to explore East Java, from mountain temples to coastal towns. With good road and air links, it is a practical starting point for journeys onwards to Bromo, Malang, and beyond.
Top sights in Surabaya
House of Sampoerna
Wander through this well-preserved museum complex to learn about Surabaya's industrial and social history in a graceful Dutch colonial setting.
Suramadu Bridge
Drive or ride across this striking bridge that links Surabaya with Madura Island, especially atmospheric around sunset when the lights come on.
Old Town (Kota Tua)
Stroll past weathered shophouses, former warehouses, and historic offices that reflect Surabaya's role as a key port in the archipelago.
Tunjungan Street
Walk this central thoroughfare lined with heritage buildings, hotels, and modern malls, where the city feels at its most urban and lively.
Kenjeran Park & Coast
Head to the waterfront for sea breezes, coastal views, and family-friendly recreation areas away from the bustle of the inner city.
Bromo excursions from Surabaya
Join an organised tour from Surabaya to Mount Bromo for sunrise over a vast volcanic caldera, returning the same day or with an overnight stay.
Submarine Monument (Monumen Kapal Selam)
Step inside a decommissioned submarine on the riverfront to get a sense of Indonesia's naval heritage in an unusual city-centre museum.
Experience Surabaya's everyday rhythm
Getting around
Use taxis and ride-hailing apps for the most convenient way to move between districts in Surabaya, especially in the heat. For a different perspective, try a short riverfront walk or occasional local bus ride, then continue by taxi or on foot for the last stretch.
Local life & culture
Life in Surabaya flows between traditional kampung streets and modern shopping avenues, with neighbourhoods where street-side stalls, small workshops, and community spaces sit side by side. You will sense a strong local pride and a laid-back but hardworking rhythm.
Where to unwind
Relax in city parks and riverside promenades in the cooler early morning or late afternoon, when locals come out to walk and exercise. The coastline around Kenjeran offers sea air and open views that feel especially tranquil as the sun goes down.
A taste of Surabaya
Street food & local specialties
Surabaya is known for hearty dishes such as rawon beef soup, lontong racing rice cakes, and spicy noodle and rice combinations, often found at small warungs and roadside stalls. Areas near traditional markets and older neighbourhoods are rich with family-run eateries.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping centres and newer districts gather cafes, bakeries, and restaurants serving Indonesian, Asian, and international flavours, ideal when you want cool, comfortable surroundings. Portions are often moderate, so you can share plates and sample several styles in one sitting.
Signature & scenic dining
Look for restaurants in high-rise hotels or along the coast for elevated views of the city lights or the sea while you dine. Some spots by the water offer open-air seating where you can linger over a quiet meal with a gentle breeze.
Retail therapy in Surabaya
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Surabaya's large malls combine international brands, local designers, cinemas, and family attractions, making them popular meeting places. They are convenient stops for fashion, electronics, and daily essentials in air-conditioned comfort.
Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and smaller commercial streets are where you will find textiles, batik, and homeware from East Java. Explore districts with long-standing family shops to pick up small handicrafts and everyday items with a local touch.
Evening retail scene
After dark, shopping streets and mall facades glow with bright signs, while small stalls and late-opening shops add to the evening buzz. It is easy to move between areas using taxis or ride-hailing services, so you can browse comfortably at night.
Best time to visit Surabaya
Surabaya has a warm tropical climate year-round. The dry season, roughly June to September (peak season), brings sunnier days, with average temperatures around 27–32°C (81–90°F) and lower humidity, ideal for city walks and trips to nearby highlands. The shoulder months of April–May and October–November (shoulder season) are hot, around 27–33°C (81–91°F), with rising humidity and occasional showers, but fewer crowds. The rainy season from December to March (low season) sees heavier downpours, especially in the afternoon, with temperatures of about 26–31°C (79–88°F); you can still enjoy indoor attractions and short excursions between showers.