Flights from Rome (FCO) to Surabaya (SUB)

About Surabaya

Discover Surabaya

Why visit Surabaya?
Surabaya, Indonesia's second-largest city, blends a busy port heritage with leafy neighbourhoods and a growing creative scene. You will find a mix of heritage architecture, waterfront views, and relaxed cafes that give the city a down-to-earth, welcoming atmosphere.

What to expect
The city stretches along the Madura Strait, with broad avenues, modern malls, and historic quarters such as the old port area and Chinatown. Daily life is energetic yet orderly, and you can explore green riverside promenades, compact museums, and neighbourhood streets that reveal Surabaya's layered history.

Plan your trip
Surabaya is a practical gateway to East Java, with routes leading to volcanic landscapes, cool highland towns, and coastal resorts. Many travellers use the city as a base for trips to Mount Bromo or Ijen, while still enjoying urban comforts, parks, and convenient connections across the region.

Top sights in Surabaya

Tugu Pahlawan (Heroes Monument)

Visit this landmark monument and surrounding museum to learn about Surabaya's role in Indonesia's independence history.

House of Sampoerna

Explore a well-preserved heritage complex that combines a museum, art space, and café in a distinctive Dutch-era building.

Suramadu Bridge

Drive across this long bridge linking Surabaya and Madura Island for wide views over the Madura Strait, especially at dusk.

Old Town and Chinatown

Stroll among historic shop-houses, warehouses, and narrow streets that showcase Surabaya's trading past and diverse communities.

Submarine Monument (Monkasel)

Step inside a preserved submarine on the riverbank to see compact crew quarters and learn about Indonesia's maritime heritage.

Taman Bungkul

Relax in this popular city park, where landscaped paths, fountains, and playgrounds offer a refreshing break from the traffic.

Kenjeran Park and Beach

Head out to the waterfront for sea breezes, family attractions, and photo spots overlooking the coastline and nearby piers.

Galaxy Mall and Pakuwon Mall

Spend time in Surabaya's modern malls, where shops, cinemas, and dining options are gathered under one roof.

Experience Surabaya's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Surabaya is easiest to explore by taxi or ride-hailing services for longer journeys, with commuter buses and angkot minibuses serving key routes. For a slower look at the city, take a becak trishaw ride in older districts, then walk the final streets to parks, cafes, or riverside spots.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Surabaya is shaped by its port history and enterprising spirit, with residents gathering in street-side cafes, neighbourhood warungs, and local parks. Cultural venues, galleries, and small performance spaces are emerging around heritage districts, offering a relaxed way to experience local creativity.

Where to unwind
Green spaces such as Taman Bungkul and riverside promenades give you room to walk, sit, and watch the city unwind, especially in the late afternoon. Coastal areas like Kenjeran provide sea views and open air, while hotel pools and spa facilities offer another calm option after a day of exploring.

A taste of Surabaya

Street food & local specialties
Surabaya is known for hearty, flavourful dishes such as rawon, rujak cingur, lontong racing, and mie khas Surabaya, often enjoyed at simple roadside stalls. Neighbourhoods around traditional markets and older districts are ideal for sampling local favourites in an informal setting.

Casual & modern dining hubs
You will find many casual eateries in Surabaya's malls and business districts, offering everything from local rice and noodle dishes to regional Asian and international options. Portions are usually modest, making it easy to try a few different plates when dining with friends or family.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, look for restaurants in high-rise hotels or venues overlooking the city skyline and the Madura Strait. Some dining rooms offer picture windows or open terraces, so you can enjoy views of the lights and traffic while you linger over a relaxed meal.

Retail therapy in Surabaya

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Surabaya is famous for its large malls, including Tunjungan Plaza, Pakuwon Mall, and Galaxy Mall, where you can find international brands, local labels, cinemas, and dining in one place. These centres are popular meeting points for friends and families, especially on weekends.

Markets & local crafts
Away from the malls, traditional markets and smaller shopping streets offer textiles, clothing, and household items with a local flavour. Districts such as the old town area and parts of North Surabaya are good for discovering small shops and stalls selling batik, souvenirs, and everyday goods.

Evening retail scene
In the evening, malls stay lively with extended opening hours, while some street areas become busier with food and small stalls. Illuminated facades, outdoor terraces, and cooler temperatures make late shopping comfortable, and local transport or ride-hailing services make these districts easy to reach.

Best time to visit Surabaya

Dry season (Musim Kemarau, May to October, peak season)
During the dry season, days are usually sunny and warm, with average temperatures around 28–32°C (82–90°F). This is ideal for city sightseeing, day trips into East Java, and outdoor activities in parks and along the waterfront.

Transition season (March to April, shoulder season)
In these months, Surabaya experiences a mix of sunny spells and scattered showers, with average temperatures around 28–31°C (82–88°F). The slightly changing weather brings softer light for photography, and you can comfortably explore both indoor attractions and outdoor areas.

Rainy season (Musim Hujan, November to February, low season)
The rainy season brings heavier showers, often in the afternoon or evening, with temperatures typically 27–30°C (81–86°F). Between bursts of rain, the city feels fresh and less hazy, and you can enjoy museums, malls, and cafes while planning shorter outdoor walks during drier hours.

Frequently Asked Questions