Flights from London (LON) to Surabaya (SUB)

About Surabaya

Discover Surabaya, Indonesia's gateway to the east

Surabaya, Indonesia's second-largest city, blends a busy port heritage with a relaxed coastal character. You will find broad avenues, historic districts, and modern malls sitting side by side, giving the city a distinctive energy that feels both traditional and contemporary.

Many travellers use Surabaya as a starting point for exploring East Java, from volcanic landscapes to beautiful coastal areas, yet the city itself rewards a closer look. Charming old neighbourhoods, leafy parks, and a growing creative scene invite you to slow down, explore on foot, and experience everyday Indonesian city life up close.

Top sights in Surabaya

House of Sampoerna

Step inside a beautifully preserved Dutch-era complex that now houses an engaging museum, art space, and café.

Surabaya Submarine Monument

Explore a decommissioned submarine on the riverfront and learn about Indonesia's maritime history from the inside out.

Tunjungan Street

Stroll along this historic boulevard, where classic architecture meets modern shops, cafés, and city landmarks.

Surabaya Zoo

Visit one of Indonesia's oldest zoos, home to a wide variety of animals and green open spaces in the heart of the city.

Kenjeran Park and Beach

Head to the waterfront for sea views, recreational areas, and a refreshing breeze just a short drive from the city centre.

Experience Surabaya and East Java

Surabaya is an excellent base for exploring East Java's dramatic landscapes. Many travellers set off before dawn for Mount Bromo, where you can watch the sunrise over a sea of clouds and volcanic peaks, then return to the city or continue onwards to other highland areas. Closer to town, you can join guided city tours that reveal historic warehouses, riverside scenes, and grand colonial-era buildings.

Within the city, parks and riverside promenades offer easy ways to unwind after a day of sightseeing. Join locals on evening walks along popular streets, browse small galleries showcasing local artists, or take a relaxed boat ride on the river when available. For a deeper connection with local culture, consider cooking classes, batik workshops, or curated walking tours that introduce you to neighbourhood markets and traditional crafts.

Families will find plenty to do as well, from interactive museums and indoor play centres to oceanfront recreation areas. Whether you prefer structured tours or independent exploration, Surabaya gives you flexible options to match your pace and interests.

A taste of Surabaya

Surabaya's dining scene combines bold East Javanese flavours with a wide choice of casual eateries and contemporary cafés. Street-side stalls, food courts, and modest family-run restaurants serve favourites such as rawon, a rich beef soup, and rujak cingur, a tangy salad of vegetables with savoury sauce.

In modern malls and business districts, you will find stylish restaurants and cafés offering Indonesian and international menus in comfortable, air-conditioned settings. Many places stay open late, so you can enjoy an unhurried dinner after a full day of exploring the city. Coffee culture is also strong here, with speciality coffee shops showcasing beans from across Indonesia.

For a memorable experience, seek out traditional markets early in the morning, where food vendors serve freshly prepared snacks and breakfast dishes. From comforting rice plates to sweet treats, Surabaya invites you to explore its flavours one meal at a time.

Retail therapy in Surabaya

Surabaya offers a mix of large shopping malls, neighbourhood markets, and smaller speciality stores. Major malls in the city centre bring together international brands, local labels, cinemas, and extensive dining options, making them comfortable places to spend a few hours in air-conditioned comfort.

Traditional markets remain an important part of daily life and give you a more local shopping experience. Here you can browse stalls selling fresh produce, spices, textiles, and everyday household items, while enjoying the sight and sound of a busy East Javanese marketplace. Smaller boutiques around the city focus on clothing, handicrafts, and homeware, often with a modern design approach.

If you are looking for gifts to bring home, consider items that highlight Indonesian craftsmanship, such as textiles, batik-inspired fashion, or design-led souvenirs. Many shops and malls are centrally located, so you can easily combine shopping with sightseeing and dining in a single outing.

Best time to visit Surabaya

Dry season (Musim Kemarau), typically from May to September, brings warm, relatively low-humidity days with average temperatures around 27–32°C (81–90°F). Skies are often clear, making it a peak season for outdoor sightseeing, day trips to Mount Bromo, and coastal excursions beyond the city.

Transitional season, roughly in April and October, sees occasional showers mixed with bright sunshine, with temperatures around 27–31°C (81–88°F). This shoulder season usually feels calmer, with fewer crowds at popular attractions and a pleasant balance between sunny days and brief, refreshing rain.

Wet season (Musim Hujan), from November to March, features higher humidity and more frequent afternoon or evening showers, with temperatures averaging 26–30°C (79–86°F). It is a low season that brings lush greenery, vibrant city parks, and quieter conditions at many urban sights, especially earlier in the day.

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