Surabaya is Indonesia's second-largest city, blending heritage quarters, thriving portside districts, and creative urban spaces. You find a dynamic gateway to East Java's volcanoes, coasts, and culture.
Discover Surabaya
Discover Surabaya
Why visit Surabaya?
What to expect
You can expect broad boulevards, historic Dutch-era buildings, lively riverside areas, and sprawling malls. The city has a relaxed yet industrious feel, with neighbourhoods that shift from business-focused by day to sociable and vibrant by night.
Plan your trip
Surabaya works well as both a short city break and a base for exploring Mount Bromo, the Ijen plateau, and Java's north coast. Its well-connected airport and rail links make it an easy starting point for a wider Indonesian journey.
Top sights in Surabaya
House of Sampoerna
Explore a preserved Dutch colonial complex with a museum, galleries, and a café, offering insight into Surabaya's industrial and social history.
Suramadu National Bridge
Cross or view this impressive bridge linking Java and Madura Island, especially striking at sunset when the structure is illuminated over the water.
Submarine Monument (Monumen Kapal Selam)
Step aboard a decommissioned submarine on the riverfront to see compact crew quarters, control rooms, and displays about Indonesia's maritime past.
Tunjungan heritage street
Stroll along Tunjungan to see restored façades, heritage landmarks, and a growing collection of cafés and creative spaces.
Surabaya Zoo and Bungkul Park
Combine a visit to one of Indonesia's oldest zoos with time in nearby Bungkul Park, a favourite local green space for evening walks.
Kenjeran coastal area
Head to the Kenjeran shoreline for sea breezes, coastal views, and photo spots, best enjoyed in the cooler hours of early morning or late afternoon.
Ampel old quarter
Wander the narrow lanes of the Ampel area, where centuries of trading history are reflected in traditional townhouses and busy streets.
Experience Surabaya's everyday rhythm
Getting around
For longer journeys, taxis and ride-hailing apps are the most convenient way to move around Surabaya, with commuter services covering some main routes. For a different perspective, try walking select central streets in the early evening, then use a taxi or ride-hailing car for the last mile back to your hotel.
Local life & culture
Life in Surabaya centres on neighbourhood streets, roadside stalls, and lively public squares where families gather after sunset. You experience a mix of port city grit and friendly warmth, with creative communities and students adding an energetic feel to several districts.
Where to unwind
Seek out riverside promenades, tree-lined parks, and hotel pool decks to escape the midday heat, then return outdoors as the air cools. Evening is the best time to enjoy parks and waterfronts, when lights, cooler temperatures, and gentler traffic make the city feel more relaxed.
A taste of Surabaya
Street food & local specialties
You can enjoy East Javan specialities such as rich soups, savoury noodle dishes, and grilled snacks from humble stalls and roadside vendors, especially around traditional neighbourhoods and busy evening streets.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Large malls and lifestyle complexes gather cafés, bakeries, and casual restaurants in one air-conditioned space, with menus ranging from Indonesian favourites to Asian and Western comfort food, making it easy to share plates and try several flavours in one meal.
Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, choose rooftop venues, hotel restaurants, or higher-floor cafés that overlook the skyline or river, turning dinner into a relaxed way to take in Surabaya's urban views after dark.
Retail therapy in Surabaya
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Surabaya's major malls bring together international fashion, local designers, cinemas, and dining, acting as social hubs where you can shop, meet friends, and escape the heat for several hours.
Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and smaller shopping streets offer textiles, everyday goods, and regional crafts, particularly in older districts and around long-established commercial areas where trading has taken place for generations.
Evening retail scene
As temperatures drop, malls stay busy and certain streets fill with stalls and small shops, creating a relaxed evening shopping atmosphere that you can reach easily by taxi or ride-hailing services.
Best time to visit Surabaya
Surabaya has a tropical climate with a warm, humid atmosphere year-round. The dry season (peak season) runs roughly from June to September, with temperatures around 27–33°C (81–91°F) and lower rainfall, making it more comfortable for sightseeing and day trips. The shoulder season falls in April–May and October, with similar temperatures of about 26–32°C (79–90°F) but occasional showers and thunderstorms, offering a balance between fewer crowds and good conditions. The rainy season (low season) spans November to March, when temperatures remain around 26–31°C (79–88°F) but humidity is higher and heavy showers are more frequent, often in the afternoon or evening.