Surabaya, Indonesia's second-largest city, blends rich history, port-city energy, and easy access to volcanic landscapes. You will find a laid-back local charm alongside vibrant, modern neighbourhoods.
Discover Surabaya
Discover Surabaya
Why visit Surabaya?
What to expect
Expect a sprawling city with broad avenues, colonial-era buildings, and lively waterfront areas. Traditional kampungs sit next to business districts, creating a mix of old and new that is best explored at an unhurried pace.
Plan your trip
Surabaya is a practical entry point for exploring East Java, from Mount Bromo to coastal towns. Use the city as a comfortable base before venturing into the wider region by road, rail, or short domestic flights.
Top sights in Surabaya
House of Sampoerna
Step into a preserved historic compound that showcases Surabaya's heritage architecture and a small museum set in a former cigarette factory.
Heroes Monument and Museum
Visit this striking monument and its museum to understand Surabaya's role in Indonesia's struggle for independence.
Suramadu Bridge
Take in wide views from Indonesia's longest bridge, which links Surabaya to Madura Island and is particularly atmospheric at dusk.
Tunjungan Street
Wander along this central avenue lined with historic buildings, hotels, and modern shops, offering a snapshot of the city's evolving skyline.
Kampung Arab
Explore narrow lanes filled with traditional traders and old shophouses, where you can see Surabaya's multicultural roots up close.
Kenjeran Park and coastline
Head to the coastal area around Kenjeran for sea views, open-air promenades, and family-friendly recreation spaces.
Mount Bromo excursions
Use Surabaya as a starting point for organised trips to Mount Bromo, known for its dramatic volcanic landscape and sunrise vistas.
Experience Surabaya's everyday rhythm
Getting around
Taxis and ride-hailing services are the most convenient way to move around Surabaya, complemented by local buses on main corridors. For a different perspective, try a becak ride over short distances, and plan to walk within compact central districts for your last mile.
Local life & culture
Daily life in Surabaya unfolds in neighbourhood markets, waterfront areas, and community spaces where residents gather in the early morning and evening. You will notice a friendly, practical spirit, with a culture shaped by trade, seafaring connections, and long-standing local traditions.
Where to unwind
Unwind in leafy city parks, riverside promenades, or hotel pools that offer a refreshing break from the tropical heat. Sunrise and late afternoon are the most pleasant times to enjoy outdoor spaces, when temperatures are lower and the city slows down.
A taste of Surabaya
Street food & local specialties
Surabaya is known for robust flavours such as rawon, soto, and lontong-based dishes, often served from humble stalls. Look for busy local streets and neighbourhood markets in central districts to try these specialties in an authentic setting.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping centres and newer business areas host cafés and casual restaurants offering Indonesian favourites alongside Asian and international options. Portions are usually modest, making it easy to sample several dishes and share with your travel companions.
Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, choose rooftop venues or higher-floor restaurants in major hotels, where you can dine with views over the city lights. Some waterside spots also offer relaxed outdoor seating that pairs well with the tropical evening breeze.
Retail therapy in Surabaya
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Central malls in Surabaya bring together international fashion brands, local labels, supermarkets, and cinemas under one roof. These lifestyle hubs double as social spaces, where you can shop, dine, and escape the midday heat.
Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and smaller streetside clusters are the best places to look for batik, handicrafts, and everyday local goods. Neighbourhoods near the old town and port often reveal small family-run shops with long histories.
Evening retail scene
After dark, selected streets and open-air areas come alive with pop-up stalls, food sellers, and informal night markets. Many are easy to reach by taxi or ride-hailing, allowing you to browse, snack, and shop at a relaxed pace.
Best time to visit Surabaya
Surabaya has a tropical climate with two main seasons. The dry season, the peak season, typically runs from May to September, with average daytime temperatures around 30–32°C (86–90°F) and lower humidity, making sightseeing more comfortable. The wet season, the shoulder season, usually spans from November to March, with temperatures of about 29–31°C (84–88°F) and frequent afternoon showers, which are often brief but heavy. Transitional months such as April and October can be considered low season, with similar temperatures around 30–32°C (86–90°F) and a mix of sunny days and scattered showers, often bringing fewer crowds.