Surabaya, Indonesia's second-largest city, blends maritime heritage, leafy neighbourhoods, and a lively urban energy. You find a gateway to East Java's volcanoes, coastal towns, and historic sites.
Discover Surabaya
Discover Surabaya
Why visit Surabaya?
What to expect
Expect wide boulevards, colonial-era buildings, and character-filled kampung districts alongside modern malls and business centres. The city feels authentic and industrious, with friendly locals and a slower pace than Jakarta.
Plan your trip
Surabaya works well as both a short city break and the starting point for journeys to Mount Bromo, Ijen, and the islands of East Java. Plan time for the city itself before heading out to explore the wider region.
Top sights in Surabaya
House of Sampoerna
Explore a beautifully preserved Dutch colonial complex that now houses a museum, gallery spaces, and a glimpse into Surabaya's industrial history.
Suramadu Bridge
Drive or ride across Indonesia's longest bridge linking Surabaya and Madura Island, enjoying expansive views over the Madura Strait, especially at sunset and after dark.
Tunjungan Street
Stroll along this historic avenue lined with heritage buildings and modern shops, and feel how Surabaya balances its past and present.
Submarine Monument (Monumen Kapal Selam)
Step aboard a decommissioned Russian-built submarine on the riverfront to see compact crew quarters and learn about Indonesia's naval story.
Arab Quarter and Ampel area
Wander narrow lanes filled with spice shops, textile traders, and traditional merchants in one of Surabaya's oldest trading districts.
Kenjeran Park and beach
Head to the coast for sea breezes, seaside promenades, and family-friendly attractions away from the bustle of the city centre.
Merdeka Square and Heroes Monument
Visit this important landmark and its museum to understand Surabaya's role in Indonesia's independence story.
Experience Surabaya's everyday rhythm
Getting around
Move around Surabaya by taxi, ride-hailing apps, or the growing network of city buses for longer journeys. For a different perspective, take a becak (cycle rickshaw) or stroll shorter distances, especially in older neighbourhoods where traffic can be dense.
Local life & culture
You see daily life unfold in traditional markets, riverside kampung areas, and leafy residential streets. The city has a proud maritime and trading heritage, and locals often gather in public squares and parks in the evenings to socialise and unwind.
Where to unwind
Relax in city parks and riverside promenades in the late afternoon when the heat eases, or escape into shaded gardens attached to museums and cultural sites. Early mornings and evenings are the most comfortable times for walks and light outdoor activities.
A taste of Surabaya
Street food & local specialties
Sample East Javanese favourites such as rawon beef soup, sweet-spicy satay, and noodle dishes from simple warungs and night stalls around old town areas and busy junctions.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Large malls and contemporary lifestyle complexes across west and central Surabaya gather Indonesian, pan-Asian, and international options, with small plates and shared dishes that make it easy to try a variety of flavours in one meal.
Signature & scenic dining
Seek out rooftop venues and riverside restaurants for city views, especially at sunset when the skyline lights up and the air cools, turning dinner into a relaxed, memorable evening.
Retail therapy in Surabaya
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Surabaya's major malls combine international brands, Indonesian designers, cinemas, and family entertainment, doubling as social spaces where you can shop, dine, and linger in air-conditioned comfort.
Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and smaller shopping streets offer batik, textiles, handicrafts, and everyday goods, with neighbourhoods around the old town and port districts showcasing long-standing trading traditions.
Evening retail scene
As temperatures drop, shopping streets and selected markets grow livelier, with illuminated storefronts and food stalls nearby. Taxis and ride-hailing services make these areas straightforward to reach and return from after dark.
Best time to visit Surabaya
Surabaya has a tropical climate with a clear wet and dry pattern. The dry season (June to September, shoulder season) is typically hot and less humid, with temperatures around 27–33°C (81–91°F), ideal for city walks and excursions. The shoulder months at the start and end of the dry season (April to May and October, shoulder season) bring warm weather, some showers, and average temperatures of 27–32°C (81–90°F), suiting travellers who prefer fewer crowds. The wet season (November to March, low season) sees frequent showers and higher humidity, with temperatures about 26–31°C (79–88°F), but many indoor attractions, malls, and restaurants remain comfortable year-round.