Surabaya blends historic port-city charm with Indonesia's dynamic second-city energy. You find heritage districts, modern towers, and a gateway to East Java's remarkable landscapes.
Discover Surabaya
Discover Surabaya
Why visit Surabaya?
What to expect
Expect broad avenues, lively local neighbourhoods, and a humid tropical climate, with shopping malls and old streets sitting side by side. The city feels busy yet relaxed, with strong local character and plenty of green corners to escape the heat.
Plan your trip
Use Surabaya as a base to explore East Java, from volcanic highlands to coastal towns. With good road and air links onward, it works well as both a standalone city break and the starting point for a wider Indonesian journey.
Top sights in Surabaya
House of Sampoerna
Explore a beautifully preserved Dutch colonial complex that now houses a museum, gallery spaces, and a glimpse into Surabaya's early 20th-century urban life.
Suramadu Bridge
Drive or ride across this long bridge linking Surabaya and Madura Island for sweeping views over the Madura Strait, especially atmospheric at dusk.
Old City (Kota Tua)
Wander streets lined with colonial-era architecture, warehouses, and former trading houses that tell the story of Surabaya's maritime past.
Submarine Monument (Monumen Kapal Selam)
Step aboard a decommissioned submarine on the riverfront and see compact crew quarters, command areas, and exhibits about Indonesia's naval history.
Tunjungan Street
Stroll along one of Surabaya's main thoroughfares, where historic buildings sit near modern malls and hotels, creating a lively central strip day and night.
Mangrove Ecotourism Wonorejo
Take a boat through mangrove-lined channels on the city's edge to spot birds, enjoy cooler air, and see a different, greener side of Surabaya.
Bromo day-trip gateway
Use Surabaya as a practical staging point for early-morning tours to Mount Bromo, one of Indonesia's most famous volcanic landscapes.
Experience Surabaya's everyday rhythm
Getting around
Move mainly by taxi or ride-hailing apps, which are affordable and convenient across the city. For a slower look at older districts, try a becak (cycle rickshaw) over shorter distances, then explore narrow streets on foot to discover small shops and everyday life.
Local life & culture
Life in Surabaya unfolds in neighbourhood warungs, riverside areas, and leafy residential streets, with residents gathering outdoors in the cooler hours. You notice strong pride in local history and a friendly, straightforward character in how people interact.
Where to unwind
Head to riverside paths, city parks, or hotel pools in the late afternoon when the heat eases. Evenings are ideal for gentle walks along central streets and waterfront spots, where you can find a breeze and watch the city lights come on.
A taste of Surabaya
Street food & local specialties
Look for Surabaya favourites such as rawon (beef soup), soto, and rich noodle dishes at humble warungs and simple street stalls, especially in central and old-town districts where evening food scenes are lively.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Air-conditioned malls and newer mixed-use complexes offer casual restaurants, cafés, and chains serving Indonesian, Asian, and Western flavours, with portions that make it easy to share and try several dishes in one meal.
Signature & scenic dining
Choose hotel rooftop venues or higher-floor restaurants in central towers for views over the city, or riverside spots where you can dine with reflections on the water and a more relaxed atmosphere after dark.
Retail therapy in Surabaya
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Surabaya's large malls combine international brands, local designers, cinemas, and family entertainment, and often serve as social spaces where you can shop, eat, and cool off from the heat.
Markets & local crafts
Smaller markets and traditional shopping streets sell textiles, batik, and everyday goods, while neighbourhood shops around the old city and central districts are good places to look for simple, locally made items.
Evening retail scene
After sunset, certain streets and market areas stay busy with food, small stalls, and brightly lit shopfronts, and taxis or ride-hailing apps make it straightforward to reach these spots and return to your hotel.
Best time to visit Surabaya
Surabaya has a tropical climate with a clear dry and wet season. Dry season (peak season) runs roughly from June to September, with daytime temperatures around 27–33°C (81–91°F), lower humidity, and more comfortable conditions for walking tours and day trips. Shoulder season covers April–May and October, when temperatures are similar at 27–33°C (81–91°F) but short showers are more common, making it a good compromise between sunshine and fewer crowds. The wet season (low season) typically spans November to March, with temperatures of about 26–32°C (79–90°F), higher humidity, and frequent heavy showers, though many indoor attractions, malls, and dining spots remain easy to enjoy.