Surabaya is Indonesia's vibrant second city, blending colonial heritage, harbour life, and a down-to-earth urban energy. You experience an authentic gateway to East Java with a strong sense of local pride.
Discover Surabaya
Discover Surabaya
Why visit Surabaya?
What to expect
You find broad avenues, lively neighbourhoods, and contrasts between restored Old Town streets and modern business districts. The city feels energetic yet relaxed, with friendly locals, bustling ports, and leafy corners to escape the heat.
Plan your trip
Surabaya works well as both a short city break and a launchpad to volcano landscapes, coastal towns, and historic sites across East Java. Its good transport links make it a convenient starting point for a wider Indonesian journey.
Top sights in Surabaya
House of Sampoerna
Explore a beautifully preserved Dutch colonial compound that now houses a museum and gallery, offering a glimpse into Surabaya's industrial and cultural history.
Suramadu Bridge
Drive across Indonesia's longest bridge, linking Surabaya with Madura Island, for wide views over the Madura Strait, especially striking at sunrise or after dark.
Tugu Pahlawan
Visit the Heroes Monument and its museum to learn about Surabaya's pivotal role in Indonesia's independence story, set within a peaceful city park.
Old Town Surabaya
Wander through the Kota Lama area to see a mix of restored colonial buildings, riverside views, and street scenes that hint at the city's trading past.
Kenjeran Beach area
Head to the Kenjeran coastline for sea breezes, seaside promenades, and offshore views that offer a change of pace from the inner-city streets.
Submarine Monument (Monumen Kapal Selam)
Step inside a decommissioned Russian-built submarine displayed on the riverfront, giving an unusual, hands-on look at naval life.
City parks and riverfront
Stroll along landscaped riverside paths and green parks scattered across the city, popular with locals for evening walks and casual gatherings.
Day trip to Mount Bromo region
Use Surabaya as a starting point for an organised excursion towards the Mount Bromo area, where you can experience East Java's dramatic volcanic landscapes.
Experience Surabaya's everyday rhythm
Getting around
In Surabaya, you mainly move between districts by taxi or ride-hailing apps, which are affordable and easy to arrange from your hotel. For a slower look at neighbourhood life, short rides by becak (cycle rickshaw) give a different perspective, while walking works well for compact Old Town streets.
Local life & culture
Surabaya's character is shaped by port workers, students, and long-established trading families, creating a lively but unpretentious city feel. You notice strong community ties in residential kampung areas, and a proud local identity expressed through festivals, music, and street art.
Where to unwind
Cool down in air-conditioned malls or head to riverside promenades and city parks for a gentle evening walk when the heat eases. Early mornings and just before sunset are ideal times to enjoy outdoor spaces, when the light is soft and the city feels most relaxed.
A taste of Surabaya
Street food & local specialties
Surabaya is known for rich, savoury dishes such as rawon (spiced beef soup), rujak cingur (fruit and vegetable salad with fermented sauce), and sate variations. You find lively local stalls and roadside eateries scattered across neighbourhoods, especially around traditional markets.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Air-conditioned malls and contemporary lifestyle areas host cafés, fast-casual spots, and Indonesian and Asian restaurants where you can share several small plates. Menus often mix local dishes with international favourites, making it easy to sample different flavours in one sitting.
Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, consider hotels and rooftop venues offering skyline views or outlooks over the city lights. These spots often pair modern Indonesian or international menus with calm surroundings, ideal for a special evening in Surabaya.
Retail therapy in Surabaya
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Surabaya's major malls combine international fashion, local labels, supermarkets, cinemas, and dining into one-stop lifestyle centres. They serve as social meeting points where you can shop, eat, and escape the midday heat in comfort.
Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and smaller shopping streets are where you look for batik, simple handicrafts, and everyday local goods. Neighbourhood hubs across the city offer a more down-to-earth experience, with friendly bargaining and a glimpse of daily commerce.
Evening retail scene
After dark, malls stay lively and streets around them glow with cafés, snack stalls, and small shops. You can move easily between evening shopping and dining areas by taxi or ride-hailing services, which remain readily available into the night.
Best time to visit Surabaya
Surabaya has a warm tropical climate year-round. The dry season, typically from May to September, is the peak season, with lower humidity, less rainfall, and average temperatures around 27–32°C (81–90°F). The wet season, from November to March, is the low season, bringing heavier showers and occasional storms, with temperatures of about 26–31°C (79–88°F). April and October act as shoulder season months, when humidity rises and short showers become more common, but you still enjoy plenty of sunshine and fewer crowds.