Flights from Istanbul (IST) to Surabaya (SUB)

About Surabaya

Discover Surabaya

Why visit Surabaya?
Surabaya, Indonesia's second-largest city, blends a busy port heritage with a relaxed coastal feel. You will find a mix of historic quarters, broad boulevards, and welcoming neighbourhoods that make an excellent base for exploring East Java.

What to expect
The city combines modern business districts with old trading streets, leafy residential areas, and a lively waterfront. Wide roads, shopping centres, and green spaces sit alongside traditional markets and colonial-era buildings, giving your visit a varied pace from morning to night.

Plan your trip
Surabaya works well as both a short city break and a gateway to nearby natural highlights. From here, you can organise trips to Mount Bromo, the cool highlands around Malang, and the coastal areas of East Java, making it a practical starting point for a wider Indonesian itinerary.

Top sights in Surabaya

House of Sampoerna

Explore this historic complex housed in a preserved Dutch-era building, featuring a museum and atmospheric courtyards.

Suramadu Bridge

Drive or ride across this long cable-stayed bridge linking Surabaya and Madura Island for sweeping harbour views.

Tunjungan heritage street

Walk along this central avenue lined with colonial architecture, local shops, and modern cafés that showcase the city’s evolution.

Submarine Monument (Monkasel)

Step inside a preserved submarine moored beside the river to learn about Indonesia’s maritime history up close.

Kenjeran Beach area

Head to the coastal stretch of Kenjeran for sea breezes, waterfront promenades, and open views across the Madura Strait.

Merr (Middle East Ring Road) boulevard

Take an evening stroll or drive along this wide modern boulevard, known for its skyline views and growing dining scene.

Old Arab Quarter

Wander through narrow lanes filled with traditional houses and long-established traders selling textiles, perfumes, and spices.

Experience Surabaya's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Taxis and ride-hailing services are the most straightforward ways to move around Surabaya, especially between districts and shopping areas. In the centre, pavements and pedestrian bridges make short walks manageable, while local minivans offer an insight into daily commuting.

Local life & culture
Surabaya’s character is shaped by long-standing trading communities, family-run shops, and students from nearby universities. Neighbourhoods range from quiet residential streets to lively main roads, where street-side stalls, music, and social spaces give you a feel for the city’s everyday energy.

Where to unwind
City parks, riverside walks, and coastal spots offer room to slow down between sightseeing or meetings. Early mornings and late afternoons are the most pleasant times to enjoy cooler air, softer light, and a more relaxed atmosphere in Surabaya’s outdoor spaces.

A taste of Surabaya

Street food & local specialties
Surabaya is known for bold, flavourful dishes served at simple eateries and roadside stalls. Areas around traditional markets and older neighbourhoods are good places to sample local staples, from noodle dishes to rich stews and grilled favourites.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping malls and newer lifestyle centres gather cafés, bakeries, and family restaurants under one roof, convenient for meals between errands. Menus often span Indonesian classics and international comfort food, and portions make it easy to share and try a variety of tastes.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, you can choose restaurants in high-rise hotels or venues overlooking main boulevards and waterways. These spots pair local cooking with city views, turning a business dinner or relaxed celebration into a memorable Surabaya experience.

Retail therapy in Surabaya

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large malls in central Surabaya bring together international fashion labels, local brands, entertainment, and dining in comfortable, air-conditioned spaces. They are popular meeting places where you can combine errands, meals, and leisure in one stop.

Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and older commercial streets are ideal for finding textiles, batik, household items, and small souvenirs. Districts close to the port and the historic centre reveal long-established traders who have supplied Surabaya’s residents for generations.

Evening retail scene
After dark, many shopping streets and mall façades glow with bright signs and illuminated displays. Smaller night-time stalls appear around busy junctions, adding to the atmosphere, and public transport and taxis make it easy to reach these areas safely in the evening.

Best time to visit Surabaya

Dry season (Musim Kemarau, May to October, peak season)
During the dry season, Surabaya is typically hot and less humid, with average temperatures around 28–32°C (82–90°F). Clear skies make it ideal for city walks and excursions to nearby highlands, and you can expect plenty of sunshine throughout the day.

Early wet season (Start of Musim Hujan, November to January, shoulder season)
At the beginning of the wet season, temperatures stay warm at about 27–31°C (81–88°F), with short, heavier showers often in the afternoon. The city feels fresh after rain, and you can plan indoor activities in malls and museums during brief downpours.

Late wet season (End of Musim Hujan, February to April, low season)
Towards the end of the wet season, rain usually becomes less frequent, with temperatures around 27–31°C (81–88°F). This period can bring lush greenery and slightly softer sunlight, offering comfortable conditions for exploring Surabaya and the surrounding region.

Frequently Asked Questions