Explore the most popular things to do in Surabaya

Surabaya, the capital of East Java, is known as the “City of Heroes”, where the spirit of history meets modern city life. This energetic metropolis blends colonial charm, cultural diversity, and a growing creative scene. Surabaya isn’t just a business hub — it’s also a city full of attractions, from heritage buildings and parks to trendy cafés and seaside views. In just 2–3 days, you can experience its many sides: history, food, and modern leisure. What makes Surabaya unforgettable are its heroic legacy, cultural richness, and cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Popular Tourist Attractions in Surabaya

• Heroes Monument (Tugu Pahlawan) – A 41-meter monument symbolizing the bravery of Surabaya’s citizens. Inside, the Museum 10 November presents an immersive journey through Indonesia’s fight for independence.
• Surabaya North Quay – A stylish waterfront area at Tanjung Perak Harbor where visitors can enjoy cruise ships, sea breezes, cafés, and evening city views.
• Surabaya Zoo (Kebun Binatang Surabaya) – One of Southeast Asia’s oldest zoos, home to more than 200 species, perfect for family and wildlife lovers.

Famous Landmarks in Surabaya

• Submarine Monument (Monkasel) – A real submarine, KRI Pasopati 410, turned into a fascinating underwater museum in the heart of the city.
• Surabaya City Hall – A majestic colonial-era building surrounded by flower gardens, representing the spirit of old Surabaya.
• Suramadu Bridge – The longest bridge in Indonesia, connecting Java and Madura Islands, and a marvel of modern architecture.

Trending Tourist Spots in Surabaya

• Surabaya Mosaic Park (Taman Mozaik) – A colorful city park featuring mosaic-style glass walls that have become an Instagram favorite.
• De Javasche Bank Museum (Internatio Building) – A restored colonial bank transformed into a museum of economic and architectural history.
• Kalimas River Cruise – A charming boat ride through Surabaya’s historic river, offering stunning city lights at night.

Family-Friendly Destinations in Surabaya

• Ciputra Waterpark – One of Indonesia’s largest waterparks with thrilling slides and family-friendly attractions.
• Flora Bratang Park – A lush city park featuring fish ponds, playgrounds, and picnic areas shaded by trees.
• Atlantis Land Kenjeran – A massive theme and water park with global architecture replicas and fun rides for all ages.

Nature Tourism in Surabaya

• Wonorejo Mangrove Forest – An eco-park with a long wooden boardwalk through the mangroves, perfect for birdwatching and photography.
• Kenjeran Beach (Ria Kenjeran Baru) – A well-managed beach featuring seafood stalls, children’s rides, and a peaceful seaside sunrise view.
• Keputih Harmony Park (Taman Harmoni) – Once a landfill, now transformed into a colorful flower garden with jogging paths and picnic gazebos.

Museums and Cultural Attractions in Surabaya

• House of Sampoerna – A colonial building turned tobacco museum featuring historical exhibits, art galleries, and a cozy heritage café.
• Health Museum Dr. Adhyatma – A one-of-a-kind medical museum displaying antique tools, anatomical models, and the history of Indonesian healthcare.
• WR Soepratman Museum – The preserved home of Indonesia’s national anthem composer, now a center for cultural education.

Hidden Gems in Surabaya

• Maspati Heritage Village – A historical kampung near Heroes Monument, known for its preserved old houses, murals, and friendly locals.
• Gunung Anyar Mangrove Ecotourism – A peaceful nature escape offering boat rides and panoramic views from a mangrove observation tower.
• Kampung Arab Ampel – The city’s oldest Arab quarter, filled with perfume shops, Middle Eastern eateries, and traditional architecture.

Instagrammable Spots in Surabaya

• Tunjungan Street – A historic street featuring art deco buildings, murals, and stunning evening lights.
• Suro and Boyo Statue – The city’s famous shark and crocodile statue, symbolizing Surabaya’s courage and strength.
• Pakuwon Light Park (Taman Cahaya Pakuwon) – A modern-themed park in West Surabaya with beautiful fountains and creative light installations.

Pop Culture & Lifestyle in Surabaya

• Pakuwon Mall – The largest mall in Eastern Indonesia, featuring international fashion brands, cinemas, and fine dining options.
• G-Walk Citraland – A lively night market and food street filled with trendy cafés and local delicacies popular among young people.
• Kembang Jepun Street – The city’s oldest Chinatown, now revitalized with murals, lanterns, and cultural events.

Famous Film & Photography Locations

• Red Bridge (Jembatan Merah) – A historic landmark that witnessed the 1945 Surabaya Battle, now a popular site for films and documentaries.
• House of Sampoerna Studio Area – A heritage-style location frequently used for music videos, commercials, and editorial shoots.
• Kaliasin Achievement Park (Taman Prestasi) – A riverside public park often used as a cinematic backdrop for music and pre-wedding photography.

Beach Destinations in Surabaya

• Kenjeran Lama Beach – A local favorite for seafood lovers, offering dishes like lontong kupang and sate kerang.
• Nambangan Beach – A peaceful, lesser-known beach near the harbor where visitors can enjoy sunset views and sea breezes.
• Cumpat Tambak Wedi Beach – A scenic coastal spot on the city’s edge, ideal for sunset photography and relaxing by the sea.

Cool-Climate Getaways near Surabaya

• Trawas, Mojokerto – A highland retreat about 1.5 hours from Surabaya, perfect for glamping and mountain sunrise views.
• Tretes, Pasuruan – A classic mountain resort on Mount Arjuno’s slopes, famous for cool air and natural hot springs.
• Pacet Highland – A hill area featuring pine forests, cozy villas, and relaxing hot spring baths.

Fun Activities in Surabaya

• Learn history at Heroes Monument and Museum 10 November.
• Enjoy a night boat ride at Kalimas River Cruise.
• Taste Surabaya’s best street food at G-Walk or Kembang Jepun.
• Explore local culture at Maspati Heritage Village and Kampung Arab Ampel.
• Take photos at Mosaic Park or Suro and Boyo Statue.
• Relax at Keputih Harmony Park or Kenjeran Beach.
• Visit WR Soepratman Museum for a dose of national pride.
• Cycle around City Hall and Tunjungan Street.
• Try late-night coffee at Taman Bungkul or West Surabaya cafés.
• Go for a day trip to Trawas or Tretes for cool mountain air.

Best Time to Visit Surabaya

Surabaya can be visited year-round, but the best time is between May and September, when the weather is dry and sunny. These months are ideal for exploring outdoor attractions like parks, heritage sites, and beaches. Avoid midday trips during the dry season, as temperatures can reach up to 35°C — mornings and late afternoons are more pleasant.

How to Get to Surabaya

• By Air: Juanda International Airport serves both domestic and international flights, with convenient access to the city center (about 30–45 minutes).
• By Train: Gubeng and Pasar Turi Stations connect Surabaya with major cities like Jakarta, Bandung, and Yogyakarta.
• By Bus or Shuttle: Purabaya (Bungurasih) Terminal operates routes across Java and Bali.
• By Car: The Trans-Java Toll Road makes it easy to reach Surabaya from other major cities.
• Within the City: Use the eco-friendly Suroboyo Bus, online taxis, or the local MRT system to get around efficiently.