Flights from Delhi (DEL) to Surabaya (SUB)

About Surabaya

Discover Surabaya, Indonesia's vibrant port city

Surabaya blends a dynamic port-city energy with a relaxed, coastal charm. As the gateway to East Java, it is a place where grand colonial-era buildings share the skyline with modern towers, and leafy neighbourhoods lead down to the busy harbour. You will find a city that is proud of its heritage yet firmly looking ahead.

The streets are lined with lively markets, contemporary shopping centres, and cafés serving local favourites. Alongside this urban buzz, Surabaya offers easy access to green spaces, riverside promenades, and the wider landscapes of East Java. Whether you are here on business, stopping over before exploring nearby volcanoes, or visiting friends and family, the city offers a warm welcome.

Surabaya is also known for its creative spirit. From independent boutiques to street food vendors refining generations-old recipes, there is a strong sense of local identity. Spend time exploring different districts and you will discover distinct flavours, architecture, and stories that reveal the many layers of this coastal metropolis.

Top sights in Surabaya

House of Sampoerna

Wander through this historic complex housed in preserved Dutch-era buildings, with galleries, a museum space, and a charming courtyard café.

Suramadu Bridge

Take in wide views of the Madura Strait as you drive across this striking bridge linking Surabaya with Madura Island, especially atmospheric at night.

Submarine Monument

Explore a decommissioned submarine turned museum on the banks of the Kalimas River and learn about Indonesia's naval history in an unusual setting.

Old Town (Kota Lama)

Stroll past restored warehouses and colonial façades in the old town district, where photo-worthy streets reveal the city’s maritime past.

Taman Bungkul

Join locals at this popular urban park, ideal for an evening walk, casual street food, and people-watching in the heart of Surabaya.

Experience Surabaya and East Java

Surabaya is an excellent base for exploring East Java’s varied landscapes. Many visitors use the city as a starting point for trips to Mount Bromo and other highland areas, where sunrise viewpoints offer wide horizons and cooler air. Day tours and overnight trips are easy to arrange, allowing you to return to the city’s comforts after time outdoors.

Within Surabaya, guided walks through the old town and riverfront districts reveal stories about its trading past. You can join heritage tours that highlight distinctive architecture and historic warehouses, or opt for modern art and café trails that show how the city is evolving. For a different perspective, boat rides on the Kalimas River let you see life along the water.

Families and groups will also find a range of relaxed activities. Well-kept parks, waterfront promenades, and city malls offer play areas, cinemas, and casual dining. As evening falls, food streets and night markets come alive, making it easy to combine sightseeing with tasting local specialities.

A taste of Surabaya

Surabaya’s food scene is rich, bold, and deeply local. Street-side stalls, casual eateries, and modern restaurants all showcase East Javanese flavours, often with a generous use of spices and fresh herbs. Many dishes feature rice or noodles, paired with fragrant broths, grilled meats, or slow-cooked stews.

Look out for regional favourites such as rawon, a dark, aromatic beef soup, and rujak cingur, a crunchy salad with a distinctive sweet and savoury dressing. There are also lighter options, from satay skewers grilled to order to refreshing iced desserts topped with fruit and jellies. In newer districts, cafés offer creative takes on traditional recipes alongside international menus.

Dining in Surabaya can be as simple or as refined as you choose. Food courts in malls are ideal when you want variety in one place, while small neighbourhood warungs provide an everyday look at how locals eat. Many venues stay open late, so you can easily enjoy a relaxed meal after a full day of exploring.

Retail therapy in Surabaya

Shopping in Surabaya ranges from sprawling modern malls to traditional markets buzzing with activity. Contemporary centres such as Tunjungan Plaza and Galaxy Mall feature international brands, local designers, cafés, and cinemas, making them convenient one-stop destinations for fashion, lifestyle, and leisure.

If you are seeking something more local, head to markets where textiles, batik, and handicrafts are widely available. Here you can browse colourful fabrics, home décor pieces, and everyday items in a lively atmosphere. Smaller boutiques across the city specialise in modern batik designs, accessories, and homeware that make thoughtful gifts.

Electronics, beauty products, and lifestyle goods are also easy to find, with many shopping areas connected to places to eat and relax. Whether you are picking up essentials, looking for souvenirs with East Javanese character, or simply enjoying the cool of an air-conditioned mall, Surabaya’s retail mix offers plenty of choice.

Best time to visit Surabaya

Dry season (Musim Kemarau), typically from May to September, brings sunny days and lower rainfall, with average temperatures around 28°C to 32°C (82°F to 90°F). As a peak season, it is popular for outdoor sightseeing, city walks, and excursions to nearby highlands, with clear views and bright skies.

Transition months around April and October act as a shoulder season, with warm temperatures of about 27°C to 31°C (81°F to 88°F) and the occasional shower. This period offers a good balance of sunshine and clouds, slightly calmer visitor numbers, and pleasant conditions for exploring both urban attractions and coastal areas.

Rainy season (Musim Hujan), usually from November to March, is a low season with higher humidity and frequent, often short-lived showers. Temperatures generally stay between 26°C and 30°C (79°F to 86°F). This is a comfortable time to focus on indoor activities such as museums, cafés, and shopping, while enjoying the greener cityscapes.

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