Surabaya blends maritime heritage, colonial-era architecture, and a dynamic urban energy. You find a gateway city that feels authentic, busy, and full of character, with easy access to East Java’s natural highlights.
Discover Surabaya
Discover Surabaya
Why visit Surabaya?
What to expect
Expect wide boulevards, riverside promenades, and lively neighbourhoods where history and modern life sit side by side. The city has a hot, tropical climate, with bustling streets, malls, and parks that come alive from late afternoon into the evening.
Plan your trip
Many travellers use Surabaya as a base for exploring Mount Bromo, waterfalls, and coastal towns across East Java. Allow time both for the city’s museums, monuments, and dining, and for day trips or overnight journeys into the surrounding countryside.
Top sights in Surabaya
House of Sampoerna
Explore a beautifully preserved Dutch colonial complex that now houses a museum, gallery spaces, and a café in one of Surabaya’s most atmospheric quarters.
Tugu Pahlawan (Heroes Monument)
Visit this landmark obelisk and its museum to learn about Surabaya’s role in Indonesia’s independence, set within spacious grounds in the city centre.
Suramadu National Bridge
Cross or view the long bridge linking Java and Madura Island, particularly striking at sunset when the lights reflect over the water.
Old Town (Kota Lama)
Stroll past ageing warehouses, riverfront buildings, and historic offices that hint at Surabaya’s past as a major trading port.
Submarine Monument (Monumen Kapal Selam)
Step inside a decommissioned submarine beside the river and get a sense of life on board in this unusual open-air attraction.
Tunjungan Street
Walk this central boulevard lined with hotels, heritage buildings, and shopping centres, especially atmospheric when lit up at night.
Kenjeran Park and beach area
Head to the coastal Kenjeran area for sea views, breezy walks, and a change of pace from the inner city streets.
Ciputra Waterpark
Cool off at one of Indonesia’s largest waterparks, with pools and slides that are popular with families and groups of friends.
Experience Surabaya’s everyday rhythm
Getting around
In Surabaya, taxis and ride-hailing services are the most convenient way to move between districts, with buses and local minibuses covering longer routes. For a different view, try a short riverfront or coastal walk, then switch to a taxi or ojek for the last mile back to your hotel.
Local life & culture
You experience daily life in busy markets, riverside neighbourhoods, and community parks where families gather in the cooler hours. The city’s blend of Javanese, Chinese, and colonial influences is reflected in its architecture, street life, and annual cultural events.
Where to unwind
Seek shade in city parks and riverside promenades during early morning or late afternoon, when temperatures are gentler. Many hotels offer pools and spas, while coastal spots near Kenjeran provide breezes and open views that feel particularly relaxing at sunset.
A taste of Surabaya
Street food & local specialties
Sample Surabaya favourites such as rawon beef soup, rujak cingur salad, and sate skewers from humble warungs and street stalls. Neighbourhoods around traditional markets and the old town are known for long-running vendors serving recipes passed down through generations.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Discover food courts and cafés inside major malls and business districts, where you can mix local dishes with regional and international options. Smaller portions and shared plates make it easy to try several flavours in one sitting with friends or family.
Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, book a table at a rooftop or high-floor restaurant with views over Surabaya’s skyline, or dine in a restored heritage building. Many venues pair city lights or garden settings with carefully presented Indonesian and international menus.
Retail therapy in Surabaya
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large shopping centres combine international brands, local labels, cinemas, and dining, making them popular social spaces in the heat of the day. You can move easily between fashion, electronics, and entertainment under one roof.
Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and smaller commercial streets are good for textiles, batik, and everyday household goods. Look out for stalls selling handmade items, souvenirs, and simple accessories that reflect East Java’s design traditions.
Evening retail scene
After dark, malls stay busy and some streets fill with pop-up stalls and casual vendors. Well-lit main roads and plentiful taxis or ride-hailing cars make it straightforward to reach these areas in the evening and return to your accommodation.
Best time to visit Surabaya
Surabaya has a tropical climate with distinct dry and wet periods. The dry season, typically June to September, is the shoulder season, with warm temperatures around 27–32°C (81–90°F) and lower humidity, ideal for sightseeing and excursions. The transitional months of April to May and October to early November act as another shoulder season, with slightly higher humidity and occasional showers, and temperatures of about 26–32°C (79–90°F). The wet season, generally November to March, is the low season, bringing frequent showers or heavier rain, humid conditions, and temperatures around 25–31°C (77–88°F), though many indoor attractions and city experiences remain enjoyable.