Surabaya, Indonesia's second-largest city, is a lively maritime hub where historic quarters, modern business districts, and leafy neighbourhoods meet. As the gateway to East Java, it combines a working port city feel with welcoming parks, riverside walks, and characterful older streets.
You will find a city rich in heritage architecture, from colonial-era buildings to vibrant local markets and waterfront promenades. At the same time, Surabaya offers a growing scene of cafés, shopping centres, and contemporary hotels, making it a practical and engaging base for both business trips and holidays.
Many travellers use Surabaya as a springboard for wider adventures in East Java, from volcanic landscapes to coastal escapes. Yet the city itself rewards time, with museums, green spaces, and distinctive neighbourhoods that reveal its role in Indonesia's trading and cultural history.