Flights from Barcelona (BCN) to Surabaya (SUB)

About Surabaya

Discover Surabaya

Why visit Surabaya?
Surabaya is a dynamic port city that blends heritage architecture, leafy neighbourhoods, and a busy waterfront with a welcoming, down-to-earth feel. It is a place where modern business districts sit alongside historic streets and relaxed cafés, giving you an authentic window into urban life in East Java.

What to expect
You can expect broad boulevards, colourful murals, and a growing creative scene, especially in revitalised riverfront areas and independent galleries. The city is known for its spacious parks, distinctive colonial-era buildings, and lively local eateries, as well as convenient access to shopping centres and modern services.

Plan your trip
Surabaya works well as both a standalone city break and a starting point for exploring wider Java. With strong transport links to coastal towns and inland highlands, it is a practical base for day trips and longer journeys across the region, whether you are travelling for business, leisure, or a mix of both.

Top sights in Surabaya

Tunjungan Street

Walk along this historic avenue to see preserved architecture, stylish hotels, and a growing selection of cafés and boutiques.

Submarine Monument

Explore a decommissioned submarine on display by the river and learn about Indonesia’s maritime history in an engaging setting.

House of Sampoerna

Visit this well-maintained heritage complex to admire colonial-era architecture and a thoughtfully curated museum space.

Surabaya North Quay

Head to the harbourfront promenade for sea views, passing cruise ships, and a relaxed atmosphere at sunset.

Merdeka Bridge and Kalimas Riverfront

Stroll along the revitalised riverside area, especially in the evening when lights and public art create a scenic backdrop.

City parks of Surabaya

Enjoy a network of green parks around the city, ideal for morning walks, jogging, or a quiet break from the traffic.

Surabaya Zoo

Spend a family-friendly day at one of Indonesia’s largest and oldest zoos, home to a wide range of animal species.

Galaxy Mall and Pakuwon Mall

Combine shopping and dining at these large lifestyle malls, which bring together international brands and local retailers.

Experience Surabaya’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Taxis and ride-hailing services are the most convenient way to move between districts, especially in the heat of the day. For a different perspective, try a short trip on the city’s buses along main corridors, then continue your final stretch on foot through quieter side streets.

Local life & culture
Surabaya has a strong sense of community, visible in its neighbourhood cafés, small galleries, and active student population. You will find a mix of traditional trade, modern offices, and creative spaces, with locals gathering in parks and along the riverside in the early evening to socialise and unwind.

Where to unwind
Green spaces across Surabaya offer welcome shade and space for walking or light exercise, particularly in the early morning or late afternoon. Sea breezes at the harbourfront and open-air public squares help the city feel more relaxed, giving you an easy way to slow your pace after a busy day of sightseeing or meetings.

A taste of Surabaya

Street food & local specialties
Surabaya is known for flavourful local dishes served from modest eateries, small stalls, and neighbourhood canteens. Explore busy local streets in the evening to sample comforting soups, grilled specialities, and snacks that reflect the city’s coastal location and Javanese roots.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Malls and contemporary lifestyle districts across Surabaya bring together Indonesian favourites, pan-Asian options, and international chains in one place. Portions are often well-suited to sharing, so you can try a variety of flavours in a single meal, whether you are dining with colleagues, friends, or family.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, look for rooftop venues and higher-floor restaurants that offer views over the city lights and harbour. Some hotels also feature refined dining rooms where careful presentation, attentive service, and a calm atmosphere turn dinner into a relaxed highlight of your stay.

Retail therapy in Surabaya

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Surabaya’s large malls act as social hubs, bringing together international fashion brands, local designers, cinemas, and spacious food courts. Air-conditioned interiors make them popular meeting points, and you can easily combine shopping with dining and entertainment under one roof.

Markets & local crafts
Beyond the major centres, you will find traditional markets and smaller streets with independent shops selling textiles, accessories, and everyday goods. Areas in and around the historic core are especially good for browsing local labels and picking up simple keepsakes that reflect East Javanese style.

Evening retail scene
After dark, some shopping streets and mall exteriors come alive with illuminated façades, outdoor cafés, and casual stalls. Night-time temperatures feel more comfortable for exploring, and frequent public transport and taxis make it straightforward to reach these areas and return to your accommodation.

Best time to visit Surabaya

Dry season (musim kemarau), May to October, is generally warm and sunny, with average temperatures around 28–32°C (82–90°F) and lower humidity. As a peak season, it is ideal for outdoor sightseeing, coastal trips, and evening strolls along the riverfront or in the city’s parks.

Transition months, April and November, bring a mix of sunshine and occasional showers, with temperatures around 27–31°C (81–88°F). As a shoulder season, these months can feel a little quieter, giving you more space at major sights while still offering many clear days for day trips and urban exploring.

Rainy season (musim hujan), December to March, features more frequent showers, often in short, intense bursts, and average temperatures around 26–30°C (79–86°F). As a low season, it suits visitors who enjoy a softer light, greener landscapes, and spending more time exploring Surabaya’s indoor attractions, malls, and cafés.

Frequently Asked Questions