Surabaya is Indonesia's vibrant port city on the eastern tip of Java, blending colonial heritage, waterfront energy, and a growing creative scene. It is a lively base for both city breaks and outdoor adventures.
Discover Surabaya
Discover Surabaya
Why visit Surabaya?
What to expect
You can expect broad avenues, historic districts, modern malls, and bustling local neighbourhoods set around one of Indonesia's busiest harbours. The city has a straightforward, down-to-earth feel, with warm hospitality and a tropical climate.
Plan your trip
Many travellers use Surabaya as a gateway to East Java's natural highlights, including volcanic landscapes and coastal escapes, while still enjoying big-city comforts. Plan a stay that mixes urban sightseeing with day trips into the surrounding region.
Top sights in Surabaya
House of Sampoerna
Explore this well-preserved Dutch colonial complex turned museum, with exhibitions on Surabaya's history and a vantage point over the old town streets.
Suramadu Bridge
Drive or ride across this striking bridge linking Java and Madura Island for wide views over the Madura Strait, especially atmospheric at sunrise or after dark.
Old Town (Kota Lama)
Wander through Surabaya's historic quarter, where colonial-era buildings, warehouses, and narrow lanes hint at the city's maritime trading past.
Submarine Monument (Monumen Kapal Selam)
Step inside a decommissioned submarine on the banks of the Kalimas River and learn about Indonesia's naval story in an unusual setting.
Tunjungan Heritage Street
Stroll this central boulevard lined with restored buildings, vibrant signage, and cafés, capturing Surabaya's evolution from port city to modern metropolis.
Kenjeran seaside area
Head to Kenjeran's coastal zone to enjoy sea breezes, local snacks, and views over fishing boats, with colourful seaside pavilions dotting the shoreline.
Mount Bromo excursions
Join a day or overnight tour from Surabaya to the Mount Bromo area, where sunrise reveals dramatic volcanic scenery and sweeping caldera views.
Experience Surabaya's everyday rhythm
Getting around
Taxis and ride-hailing apps are the easiest way to move around Surabaya, especially between the airport, central hotels, and shopping districts. For a more local perspective on shorter journeys, try a becak (pedicab) in quieter areas, and explore compact neighbourhoods on foot.
Local life & culture
Life here revolves around neighbourhood streets, riverside areas, and lively community spaces where people gather in the early morning and late afternoon. You will find a mix of Javanese, Chinese, and other cultural influences reflected in architecture, festivals, and everyday routines.
Where to unwind
Relax in city parks, riverfront promenades, or hotel pools during the heat of the day, then head out in the cooler evening for a gentle walk. Early mornings and sunsets are ideal times to enjoy outdoor spaces with softer light and more comfortable temperatures.
A taste of Surabaya
Street food & local specialties
Seek out Surabaya's street stalls and simple eateries for favourites such as spicy noodle and rice dishes, often clustered around traditional markets and busy commuter streets.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Air-conditioned malls and contemporary lifestyle centres offer cafés, food courts, and restaurants serving Indonesian and international flavours, with smaller portions and shared plates making it easy to sample several dishes.
Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, choose rooftop venues or restaurants with skyline or river views, where you can pair regional specialities with a city panorama, especially beautiful after dark.
Retail therapy in Surabaya
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Central Surabaya is home to large shopping malls where you will find international brands, local designers, cinemas, and family entertainment under one roof, ideal for escaping the midday heat.
Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and smaller shopping streets are the places to look for locally made textiles, handicrafts, and everyday goods, particularly in long-established neighbourhood districts.
Evening retail scene
As temperatures ease in the evening, shopping centres and nearby streets light up and stay busy with families and groups of friends. Taxis and ride-hailing services make it straightforward to reach these areas and return to your hotel after dark.
Best time to visit Surabaya
Surabaya has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry periods. The dry season, from May to September (shoulder season), brings warm temperatures around 27–33°C (81–91°F) and generally sunnier days, ideal for city sightseeing and trips to nearby highlands. The wet season, from November to March (low season), is hotter and more humid at around 28–34°C (82–93°F), with short but intense showers, often in the afternoon or evening. Transitional months such as April and October can feel like a blend of both (shoulder season), with variable rain and heat but fewer crowds.