Flights from Delhi (DEL) to Surabaya (SUB)

About Surabaya

Discover Surabaya

Why visit Surabaya?
Surabaya is a dynamic port city that blends historic neighbourhoods, leafy avenues, and a thriving business district. You will find a gateway atmosphere here, with a strong local character, wide boulevards, and plenty of green corners to escape the tropical heat.

What to expect
The city is known for its riverside promenades, colonial-era buildings, and modern shopping streets that sit alongside traditional markets. Busy main roads, comfortable cafes, and parks give you a sense of everyday life, while nearby coastal areas offer a refreshing change of scenery.

Plan your trip
Surabaya works well as both a short city break and a starting point for exploring East Java. From here, you can continue to volcanic highlands, cool hill towns, and coastal destinations, making the city an excellent base for a wider Indonesian journey.

Top sights in Surabaya

House of Sampoerna

Explore a beautifully preserved early 20th-century complex with a small museum, art space, and views over the old quarter.

Suramadu Bridge

Drive or be driven across this long bridge linking Java and Madura for sweeping views over the Madura Strait, especially around sunset.

Tunjungan Street

Stroll this central artery lined with shops, restored buildings, and lively cafes that showcase the city’s urban energy.

Submarine Monument (Monumen Kapal Selam)

Step aboard a preserved Russian-built submarine on the riverfront and learn about Indonesia’s maritime heritage.

Old City (Kota Lama)

Wander through streets of historic warehouses and offices, where restoration efforts are gradually bringing new life to the district.

Kenjeran Park and beach area

Head to the Kenjeran coastal zone for sea breezes, family-friendly attractions, and relaxed views over the water.

Bromo day-trip gateways

Use Surabaya as a practical springboard for organised excursions to the famous Mount Bromo area in the East Java highlands.

Experience Surabaya’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Metered taxis, ride-hailing services, and the city’s bus network make it straightforward to move between central districts and the waterfront. For short hops in busy areas, walking between air-conditioned malls and shaded streets can be the most pleasant option.

Local life & culture
Surabaya’s character shines through its busy markets, coffee shops, and lively main roads. You will see a mix of traditional traders, modern offices, and students gathering in public spaces, which together create a youthful, energetic atmosphere throughout the day and into the evening.

Where to unwind
City parks, riverside promenades, and landscaped areas around modern malls give you space to slow down. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for cooler walks, light exercise, or simply watching the city wind up and wind down under soft tropical light.

A taste of Surabaya

Street food & local specialties
Across Surabaya you will find stalls and small eateries serving favourites such as rich soups, grilled skewers, and flavourful rice dishes. Busy local streets and markets in the centre are a good place to explore these everyday flavours.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Air-conditioned food courts and cafes in larger malls offer a wide choice of Indonesian and international options. Menus usually feature shareable plates and smaller portions, making it easy to sample several dishes in one relaxed meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, choose a restaurant in an upper-floor mall location or city hotel with views over the skyline. Some venues near the waterfront also offer open-air seating, where you can enjoy a gentle breeze and the glow of city lights.

Retail therapy in Surabaya

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Surabaya is known for its large, modern malls that combine international brands, local labels, cinemas, and casual dining. These cool, spacious centres double as social hubs where you can shop, meet friends, and take a break from the heat.

Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and smaller shopping streets offer textiles, everyday items, and regional handicrafts. Neighbourhoods around Tunjungan, the old city area, and central market districts are good places to look for distinctive souvenirs and local products.

Evening retail scene
After dark, many shopping streets, cafes, and some markets stay lively, with illuminated facades adding to the atmosphere. Night-time browsing in these areas pairs well with an evening meal, and local transport or taxis make them easy to reach and return from.

Best time to visit Surabaya

Dry season (musim kemarau, May to October, shoulder season)
During the dry season, Surabaya is typically hot and less humid, with average temperatures around 28–32°C (82–90°F). Skies are often clear, making it comfortable for city walks, day trips to nearby highlands, and exploring parks and waterfront areas.

Wet season (musim hujan, November to April, peak season)
The wet season brings short, often intense showers, especially in the afternoon, with temperatures around 27–31°C (81–88°F). Rainy spells are usually followed by bright skies, and the city’s greenery looks especially fresh, offering a vibrant backdrop for sightseeing.

Transitional months (around April and November, low season)
The shoulder between dry and wet periods can be pleasantly changeable, with a mix of sunshine and lighter rain, and temperatures near 28–31°C (82–88°F). These months can feel a little quieter, giving you space to enjoy malls, cafes, and outdoor walks at a gentler pace.

Frequently Asked Questions