Surabaya is Indonesia s vibrant port city on Java, blending heritage quarters, leafy neighbourhoods, and a lively waterfront. You find a relaxed big city with character, history, and easy access to nature and volcanic landscapes.
Discover Surabaya
Discover Surabaya
Why visit Surabaya?
What to expect
Expect broad avenues, historic Dutch-era buildings, modern malls, and friendly street life. Neighbourhoods like the old town and Chinatown sit alongside business districts, while the city s green spaces and riverside promenades offer a refreshing contrast.
Plan your trip
Surabaya is a practical base for exploring East Java, including Mount Bromo and coastal towns. With a major railway station and domestic flights, it works well as a starting point or final stop on a wider Indonesian journey.
Top sights in Surabaya
House of Sampoerna
Stroll through this well-preserved Dutch colonial complex turned museum, with exhibits on Surabaya s history and views over the old town streets.
Heroes Monument and Museum
Visit the towering Heroes Monument and its underground museum to learn about Surabaya s pivotal role in Indonesia s independence story.
Suramadu Bridge
Drive or ride across the Suramadu Bridge, linking Java and Madura Island, for sweeping sea views and fresh breezes, especially near sunset.
Tunjungan heritage district
Walk along Tunjungan to see restored Art Deco buildings, historic hotels, and a growing collection of cafés and creative spaces in period architecture.
Submarine Monument
Explore a decommissioned submarine on display by the river, where you can step inside the narrow corridors and view maritime exhibits.
Chinatown and Arab Quarter
Wander through colourful Chinatown and the nearby Arab Quarter, with narrow lanes, traditional shopfronts, and bustling local trade.
Kenjeran Park and coastal area
Head to Kenjeran Park and the nearby coast for sea views, family attractions, and a cooler breeze away from the city centre.
Experience Surabaya s everyday rhythm
Getting around
Use taxis or ride-hailing apps for the most convenient way to move between neighbourhoods, and local buses or angkot minibuses for short hops. For a different perspective, try a becak pedicab in older districts, then explore narrow streets on foot for the final stretch.
Local life & culture
Daily life unfolds in lively neighbourhoods where street vendors, schools, and small workshops share the same streets. You can sense a strong entrepreneurial spirit, with creative communities revitalising old warehouses and people gathering in parks and cafés well into the evening.
Where to unwind
Seek out riverside promenades and city parks in the late afternoon, when the heat eases and locals come out to walk and exercise. Day trips to nearby highlands offer cooler air, while early mornings are ideal for a quiet stroll before the city fully awakens.
A taste of Surabaya
Street food & local specialties
Surabaya is known for bold, savoury flavours, with local dishes served from simple stalls and small warung eateries. Head to busy streets and traditional markets in the evening to sample noodles, rice dishes, and snacks freshly prepared in front of you.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping centres and modern lifestyle districts gather cafés, casual restaurants, and fast options under one roof, handy between sightseeing stops. Menus often mix Indonesian classics with international favourites, and smaller portions make it easy to try a few dishes in one meal.
Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, look for rooftop venues or high-floor restaurants in central hotels, where you can dine with broad city views. Some riverside and coastal spots also offer relaxed open-air dining, best enjoyed at sunset when the day cools down.
Retail therapy in Surabaya
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Surabaya s large malls combine international brands, local designers, cinemas, and family entertainment, making them popular meeting places. You can shop, dine, and catch a film in one stop, often with late opening hours that suit flexible plans.
Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and small commercial streets are ideal for everyday goods, textiles, and simple souvenirs. Explore older districts and local craft centres to find batik, handmade items, and regional products that show East Java s identity.
Evening retail scene
After dark, malls remain lively while some neighbourhood streets host informal stalls and late-opening shops. Illuminated façades and cooler temperatures make evening browsing comfortable, and you can use taxis or ride-hailing services to reach these areas easily.
Best time to visit Surabaya
Surabaya has a tropical climate with a distinct dry and wet season. The dry season (peak season) runs roughly from June to September, with temperatures around 27–32°C (81–90°F) and lower humidity, making it popular for city visits and trips to nearby highlands. The shoulder season falls in April–May and October–early November, when temperatures sit near 27–33°C (81–91°F) with rising humidity and some showers, but generally good conditions and fewer crowds. The wet season (low season) spans mid-November to March, bringing heavier rain, higher humidity, and temperatures around 26–32°C (79–90°F), though showers often come in bursts with dry intervals in between.