Flights from Istanbul (IST) to Surabaya (SUB)

About Surabaya

Discover East Java's bustling port city

Surabaya is Indonesia's second-largest city and the energetic gateway to East Java. As a major port, it blends maritime heritage, historic neighbourhoods, and a growing modern skyline. You will find leafy boulevards, lively markets, and a vibrant street life that reflects the city's entrepreneurial spirit.

Beyond its urban pace, Surabaya is also a practical base for exploring some of Java's most striking natural landscapes. Many travellers pass through on their way to Mount Bromo and the highlands, but the city itself rewards time with museums, waterfront promenades, and a distinctive food culture shaped by generations of traders.

The atmosphere in Surabaya is welcoming and dynamic, with a mix of traditional kampung areas and contemporary malls. Whether you are visiting family, on business, or beginning a wider Indonesian journey, the city offers a grounded, authentic introduction to East Java.

Top sights in Surabaya

House of Sampoerna

Explore a well-preserved Dutch colonial compound that now houses a museum, art spaces, and a café, set around a charming courtyard.

Suramadu Bridge

Take in sweeping views from Indonesia's longest bridge, linking Surabaya with Madura Island and offering striking evening cityscapes.

Tunjungan Street

Stroll along one of Surabaya's historic and commercial arteries, lined with shopping centres, heritage buildings, and cafés.

Submarine Monument (Monumen Kapal Selam)

Step aboard a preserved Russian-built submarine on the riverfront and learn about Indonesia's naval history in an unusual museum setting.

Mangunan and Semampir kampung areas

Wander through colourful neighbourhoods along the river, where murals, narrow lanes, and small shops reveal local daily life.

Experience the culture of Surabaya

Surabaya invites you to experience its culture through its streets, waterfront, and neighbourhoods. Join a guided walking tour around the old city to see colonial-era buildings, traditional markets, and the port area, gaining insight into the trading history that shaped modern Surabaya. Evening visits to the riverside and central squares reveal another side of the city, when locals gather to eat, shop, and relax.

For those planning onward adventures, Surabaya is a popular starting point for trips to Mount Bromo and the surrounding national parks. Early-morning excursions to the highlands offer cool air and dramatic volcanic scenery, while day trips to nearby coastal areas give you a chance to see life beyond the city. Back in town, design studios, galleries, and cultural centres host exhibitions and events that showcase East Javanese creativity.

Family-friendly activities include city parks with play areas, boat rides along parts of the river, and themed attractions at modern malls. Whether you prefer exploring independently or joining structured tours, you can build an itinerary that balances urban discovery with easy escapes into nature.

A taste of Surabaya

Surabaya is known for bold, flavourful food that reflects its port-city roots. Street stalls, warung eateries, and food courts serve comforting local dishes, from rich soups to stir-fries and grilled specialities. You will notice generous use of spices, with options ranging from mildly savoury to pleasantly spicy.

Signature dishes to look out for include rawon, a dark, aromatic beef soup; lontong balap, a rice-cake dish topped with beansprouts and savoury accompaniments; and rujak cingur, a salad of fruit, vegetables, and savoury dressing. Noodle dishes, satay skewers, and rice plates are widely available, making it easy to sample different flavours across the city.

Modern Surabaya also offers a growing café culture and contemporary restaurants. Trendy coffee shops, rooftop venues, and hotel dining rooms provide relaxed spaces to unwind after a day out. From casual hawker-style bites to more refined settings, you will find plenty of ways to enjoy the city through its food.

Retail therapy in East Java's commercial hub

As a major commercial centre, Surabaya offers a wide range of shopping experiences. Large malls such as Tunjungan Plaza and Galaxy Mall bring together fashion brands, electronics, lifestyle stores, and entertainment under one roof. These centres are also popular social spaces, with cafés, restaurants, and cinemas.

If you enjoy markets, explore traditional pasar areas where vendors sell textiles, household goods, snacks, and fresh produce. Here you can see local trading customs in action and browse everyday items alongside regional specialties. Smaller boutiques and independent shops are dotted throughout central neighbourhoods, ideal for picking up clothing, accessories, or gifts.

For something distinctive, look for handicrafts, batik textiles, and locally made snacks that capture the character of East Java. While browsing, you can combine shopping with people-watching and café stops, making it an easy way to get a feel for Surabaya's pace of life.

Best time to visit Surabaya

Dry season (Musim Kemarau), typically from May to September, brings warm, relatively less humid days with average temperatures around 28°C to 32°C (82°F to 90°F). Clearer skies make it ideal for city walks and excursions to Mount Bromo, and many travellers consider this the peak season.

Transition season, around April and October, offers a mix of sunny spells and short showers, with temperatures hovering near 27°C to 31°C (81°F to 88°F). This shoulder season can feel calmer, with pleasant evenings and slightly fewer visitors while you explore markets, parks, and waterfront areas.

Wet season (Musim Hujan), usually from November to March, brings heavier rain showers, often in the afternoon or evening, with temperatures around 26°C to 30°C (79°F to 86°F). This low season can be rewarding for indoor attractions, shopping, and café-hopping, with greener surroundings and a relaxed atmosphere.

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