Flights from Brussels (BRU) to Surabaya (SUB)

About Surabaya

Discover Surabaya

Why visit Surabaya?
Surabaya is a dynamic port city that blends heritage neighbourhoods, leafy streets, and a thriving business scene. You will find historic architecture, lively local markets, and a relaxed waterfront lifestyle that offers a different perspective from Indonesia's more familiar beach destinations.

What to expect
The city centre stretches around grand colonial-era buildings, modern malls, and wide boulevards, while neighbourhoods such as Tunjungan and Darmo showcase Surabaya's mix of old and new. Expect a warm climate, welcoming residents, and a steady pace of life shaped by both maritime trade and contemporary urban growth.

Plan your trip
Surabaya is an ideal base for exploring East Java, including volcanic landscapes, highland retreats, and coastal towns. With good air, road, and rail links, you can combine time in the city with journeys into the countryside, making Surabaya a practical gateway for both business and leisure travel.

Top sights in Surabaya

Tugu Pahlawan (Heroes Monument)

Visit this landmark monument and adjacent museum to learn about Surabaya's role in Indonesia's independence history and admire its striking tower.

House of Sampoerna

Explore a beautifully preserved complex with galleries, a small museum, and a glimpse into one of Surabaya's most distinctive historic industries.

Suramadu Bridge

Drive across this impressive bridge linking Java and Madura for wide sea views and a sense of the region's maritime character.

Tunjungan Street

Stroll along this central boulevard lined with shops, hotels, and heritage buildings that come alive in the evening with lights and activity.

Kampung Arab district

Wander through narrow lanes filled with traditional houses and long-established businesses that reflect Surabaya's trading past.

Kenjeran Park and Beach

Head to the coast for sea breezes, open views, and a relaxed break from the city streets, especially around sunset.

Bromo and Tengger Highlands day trips

Use Surabaya as a starting point for organised excursions to the cool highlands and dramatic volcanic scenery of East Java.

Experience Surabaya's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Taxis and ride-hailing services are the easiest way to move between key districts such as Tunjungan, Darmo, and the waterfront. City buses and local angkot minibuses cover many routes, while walking is pleasant for short distances along central boulevards and in quieter residential streets.

Local life & culture
Surabaya has a strong community spirit, with neighbourhoods where people gather in small parks, local cafes, and family-run shops. You will notice a mix of modern offices, historic shophouses, and leafy avenues, reflecting both the city's trading heritage and its role as an important commercial centre in East Java.

Where to unwind
For a slower pace, relax in one of the city parks or along the riverside promenades, where evening temperatures are cooler and the atmosphere is calm. Many hotels offer rooftop terraces or pool areas where you can enjoy the skyline at dusk and unwind after a day exploring the city.

A taste of Surabaya

Street food & local specialties
Surabaya is known for hearty, flavourful dishes served from simple eateries and stalls in neighbourhoods around Tunjungan, Gubeng, and Darmo. You will find rice and noodle favourites, aromatic broths, and grilled specialities that showcase East Java's rich culinary traditions.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping centres and lifestyle complexes across central Surabaya offer a wide choice of casual restaurants, cafes, and bakeries serving local and international cuisine. Portions are often sized for sharing, so you can sample different dishes with friends or colleagues in a single relaxed meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, choose a restaurant in a restored heritage building or a high-rise hotel venue with city views. Elevated terraces and intimate dining rooms allow you to enjoy Surabaya's skyline at night, turning dinner into a memorable part of your trip.

Retail therapy in Surabaya

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Surabaya's major shopping malls combine international brands, local designers, cinemas, and family entertainment under one roof. They are popular meeting places where you can shop, dine, and escape the midday heat in a comfortable, air-conditioned setting.

Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and smaller shopping streets around Genteng, Pabean, and parts of North Surabaya offer textiles, everyday goods, and locally made items. These neighbourhoods provide a more intimate look at the city's trading roots and are ideal for picking up simple, authentic souvenirs.

Evening retail scene
After dark, shopping streets and some open-air markets take on a livelier atmosphere, with illuminated storefronts and food stalls nearby. Many malls stay open into the evening, and convenient taxis and ride-hailing services make it easy to head back to your hotel when you are ready to rest.

Best time to visit Surabaya

Dry season (Musim Kemarau), May to October, is generally warm and less humid, with average temperatures around 28–32°C (82–90°F), and is considered peak season. Clearer skies make it a comfortable time for city sightseeing and for onward trips to East Java's highlands and coastal areas.

Transition months, April and November, sit at the edge of the wet and dry periods, with temperatures of about 27–31°C (81–88°F), and are classed as shoulder season. Shorter bursts of rain are balanced by sunny spells, making these months appealing if you prefer slightly quieter streets and attractions.

Rainy season (Musim Hujan), December to March, brings more frequent showers and occasional heavier downpours, with temperatures around 27–30°C (81–86°F), and is typically low season. The rain is often intermittent, so you can still enjoy indoor attractions, malls, and dining while experiencing Surabaya's everyday life.

Frequently Asked Questions