Flights from Zurich (ZRH) to Surabaya (SUB)

About Surabaya

Discover the energy of Surabaya

Surabaya, Indonesia's second-largest city, is a dynamic gateway to East Java. The city blends a busy port heritage with leafy neighbourhoods, broad boulevards, and a growing creative scene. You will find modern malls and hotels sitting alongside historic buildings and traditional markets.

Beyond its urban pace, Surabaya offers easy access to coastal scenery, mangrove boardwalks, and nearby islands. Many travellers also use the city as a comfortable base before exploring wider East Java, including the region's highlands and volcanic landscapes. Whether you stay a few days or longer, Surabaya rewards curious visitors with friendly locals and an authentic Indonesian city experience.

Top sights in Surabaya

House of Sampoerna

Explore a beautifully preserved Dutch-era compound with a museum, gallery spaces, and a café overlooking the historic courtyard.

Suramadu Bridge

Drive across Indonesia's longest bridge linking Surabaya and Madura Island for sweeping views of the Madura Strait, especially at sunset.

Tunjungan Street and Tunjungan Plaza

Stroll Surabaya's central boulevard before stepping into one of the city's largest shopping malls for dining, entertainment, and people-watching.

Submarine Monument (Monkasel)

Walk through a decommissioned submarine set beside the river and learn about Indonesia's maritime history in an unusual setting.

Kenjeran Park and beach area

Head to the Kenjeran coastal area for sea breezes, family-friendly attractions, and photo-worthy seaside views.

Experience Surabaya and East Java

Surabaya is an excellent starting point for discovering East Java's natural and cultural highlights. Within the city, you can join guided walking tours through the old town, discovering colonial-era architecture, local street art, and atmospheric alleys that reveal how Surabaya has evolved over the years. Riverfront promenades and mangrove boardwalks offer calmer moments, with gentle breezes and views of the busy port.

If you are keen to see more of the region, Surabaya is a common launchpad for day trips and overnight excursions into the highlands of East Java. Organised tours can take you to cool hill towns, tea plantations, and panoramic viewpoints over volcanoes such as Mount Bromo and Mount Ijen. Back in the city, evening food tours and coffee tastings introduce you to local flavours, while modern galleries and performance venues showcase contemporary Indonesian design, music, and theatre.

A taste of Surabaya

Surabaya's dining scene centres on bold, savoury flavours and generous portions. You will find warungs and casual eateries serving local favourites such as rawon, a rich beef soup, and rujak cingur, a sweet and tangy salad with a distinctive local twist. Street-side stalls, food courts, and night markets are some of the best places to experience everyday dishes in a lively atmosphere.

For a sit-down meal, Surabaya has a wide range of restaurants in shopping malls and business districts, from Indonesian regional cuisine to pan-Asian and international menus. Many cafés and bistros offer speciality coffee, cakes, and light snacks, making them ideal spots to cool off in the afternoon. Rooftop venues and hotel restaurants provide relaxed settings to end the day, often with views across the city lights.

If you enjoy exploring food, consider seeking out traditional snacks such as layers cakes, steamed rice treats, and savoury crackers. These are widely available at markets and dedicated shops, and they make popular gifts to bring back home.

Retail therapy in Surabaya

Surabaya is known across East Java as a major shopping hub, with modern malls, department stores, and local boutiques. Tunjungan Plaza, Galaxy Mall, and Pakuwon Mall are among the city’s most visited complexes, combining fashion, electronics, supermarkets, and extensive dining choices under one roof. They are ideal places to escape the heat while you browse.

Traditional markets offer a different side of the city. Pasar Genteng and Pasar Atom, for example, are packed with stalls selling textiles, household goods, snacks, and everyday essentials. You can look for batik fabrics, clothing, and locally produced food items, and enjoy the bustle of Surabaya's trading life.

Speciality shops and smaller boutiques are spread across central neighbourhoods, where you can find contemporary Indonesian design, homeware, and gifts. Many travellers pick up packaged coffee, teas, and neatly boxed regional snacks as souvenirs, which are easy to carry and share.

Best time to visit Surabaya

Dry season (musim kemarau), typically from May to September, is warm and relatively less humid, with average temperatures around 28°C to 32°C (82°F to 90°F). Clearer skies make it a popular time for city sightseeing and excursions to East Java’s highlands, so it is generally considered the peak season.

Transitional season, usually in April and October, brings mixed sunshine and short showers, with temperatures around 27°C to 31°C (81°F to 88°F). This shoulder season often feels a little quieter, while parks and gardens are green, giving you a pleasant balance for both urban exploring and day trips.

Rainy season (musim hujan), from November to March, features higher humidity and more frequent afternoon downpours, with average temperatures of 27°C to 30°C (81°F to 86°F). This low season can be rewarding if you prefer fewer crowds, and showers are often followed by bright intervals that are ideal for café hopping and mall visits.

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