Surabaya

Top Things to Do in Surabaya

🏛️ Historical & Cultural Highlights

• House of Sampoerna: A Dutch colonial mansion turned tobacco museum and working kretek factory. Join the free guided tour and city sightseeing bus to dive into Surabaya’s industrial legacy

• Downtown Old City & Arab / Chinatown Quarters: Wander alleys filled with heritage architecture, the Ampel Mosque area (Arab Quarter), and ornate Chinese temples like Cheng Ho Mosque and Hok An Kiong

• Heroes Monument (Tugu Pahlawan): Learn about the pivotal Battle of Surabaya. A museum under the 41 m central obelisk offers history with sunset photo ops 

• Submarine Monument (Monumen Kapal Selam): A Soviet-era submarine transformed into an immersive museum with internal tours of torpedo rooms and bridge quarters 

🐾 Family & Nature Attractions

• Surabaya Zoo: Among Southeast Asia’s oldest zoos, home to rare fauna including Komodo dragons in lush, shaded grounds 

• Kenjeran Beach & North Quay: Scenic beachfront with seafood eateries, photo spots, and a relaxed riverside promenade .

• Suroboyo Carnival Park / Ciputra Waterpark: Thrilling rides, family entertainment zones, and educational fun for all ages 

Iconic Sights & Arts

• Suramadu National Bridge: Indonesia’s longest bridge linking Java with Madura Island—spectacular to view lit up at night 

• Sanggar Agung Temple & Monumen Suro‑Boyo Statue: Marvel at multicultural architecture and pose with Surabaya’s symbolic crocodile-and-shark sculpture nearby 

 Local Culture & Hidden Gems

• Wayang Kulit & Batik Workshops: Engage with Javanese culture through traditional puppet shows and hands-on batik-making sessions 

• Harbor Cruise: A two-hour tour of Surabaya’s port via the historic Kalimas River offers fresh perspectives of city life 

Eat & Drink: Surabaya’s Culinary Staples

• Must-Try Local Dishes: Sample signature specialties—nasi rawon (beef keluak soup), rujak cingur, sate, soto, and the spicy penyetan (fried chicken, duck, or innards served with sambal and veggies)

• Food Hubs & Markets: Explore Pasar Atom, Pasar Genteng, and Pasar Pabean for traditional snacks and vibrant street food culture .

• Brazilian & Global Cuisine: Try churrascarias like Chamas Brazilian or enjoy upscale dining with city views at venues like Seventeen Skyview

• Coffee & Café Scene: A rising artisanal coffee culture complemented by vintage cafés in neighborhoods like around Sampoerna and Chinatown 

Where to Stay

• Old Town & Ampel/Chinatown Areas: Offers historic ambience and walkable proximity to key attractions & markets 

• Downtown / Tunjungan Plaza Area: Central area ideal for safety, nightlife, retail therapy, and easy access to malls and restaurants. Locals note it’s safe to walk around 7–9 pm with usual traffic precautions 

• Near Masjid Al Akbar or Kenjeran Beach: Great for families or spiritual retreats with scenic sea views.

Travel Tips & Local Advice

• Best Time to Visit: Dry season from May to September offers pleasant weather and comfortable outdoor exploration. Rainy season (Oct–Apr) brings humidity and occasional flooding

• Getting There: Fly into Juanda International Airport; rail travel from Jakarta arrives at Turi or Gubeng stations, both central and convenient

• Getting Around: Rideshare apps (Gojek, Grab), local minibuses, or organized taxis. In Old City, consider exploring by trishaw for charm and storytelling by drivers 

• Safety: Downtown Surabaya is generally safe—be cautious of traffic and crowded places at night; avoid poorly lit alleys .

• Cultural Respect: Dress modestly at mosques such as Masjid Ampel and Al Akbar; remove shoes in places of worship; ask before photographing people.

Sample 3-Day Itinerary