
Historic port city with vibrant modern life — Surabaya blends Indonesian maritime history, Dutch colonial architecture, and a bustling modern skyline, making it an engaging base to explore East Java. The city offers lively markets, diverse street food, and access to natural escapes like Mount Bromo and the Ijen Plateau.
A cinematic tour of the top sights, food and local tips. Get your own AI voice guide and a trip planned just for you in the Tripmi app.
Iconic obelisk commemorating the 1945 Battle of Surabaya with an adjacent museum detailing Indonesia's independence struggle.
A restored Dutch colonial complex and museum showcasing the history of the Sampoerna cigarette family and a working kretek rolling gallery.
The 5.4-km bridge linking Surabaya to Madura Island offers striking views at dawn and is an engineering landmark of the region.
A decommissioned KRI Pasopati submarine turned museum where visitors can walk through the interior and learn about naval history.
One of Indonesia's largest mall complexes with international brands, eateries, a cinema, and convenient air-conditioned respite from the heat.
Historic 15th-century mosque surrounded by a vibrant neighborhood with Middle Eastern-influenced shops and religious sites.
A lively late-night street food area near Tunjungan Plaza popular for local snacks, satay, and live performances.
A unique mosque with Chinese architectural influences named after Admiral Zheng He, reflecting Surabaya's multicultural history.
A grand colonial-era government building with well-maintained gardens near the seafront and Heroes Monument.
A bustling multi-story market selling clothing, electronics, and local goods—great for bargains if you don't mind crowds.
Popular seafood restaurant known for fresh fish and classic Javanese coastal dishes in an approachable setting.
A green, family-friendly urban park with jogging paths, food stalls, and a vibrant weekend atmosphere favored by locals.
Coastal mangrove conservation area offering boardwalks, birdwatching, and a quiet escape from the city bustle.
Contemporary events and creative space hosting markets, exhibitions, and concerts—check local listings for happenings.
A colorful pedestrian bridge celebrating the city's mascot (the shark and crocodile) with photo-friendly lighting at night.
Stroll the old port district to see colonial architecture, street art, and coffeehouses clustered around the Kali Mas river.
Try local snacks, satay, and Malay-influenced dishes in this lively culinary corridor.
Watch artisans roll kretek cigarettes by hand and explore historical exhibits in a restored colonial complex.
Join a guided early-morning excursion from Surabaya to witness Bromo's sunrise and lunar-like caldera.
Dive into crowded markets for textiles, accessories, and local souvenirs at bargain prices.
Walk boardwalks and spot shorebirds for a relaxing nature break near the coast.
Central transport hub close to major hotels, the railway station, malls, and convenient for first-time visitors.
Historic waterfront area with colonial buildings, museums, and atmospheric cafes ideal for sightseeing on foot.
Upscale residential and dining district with parks, boutique cafes, and easy access to nightlife and malls.
Practical, budget-friendly area near markets and local transport, good for travelers looking for value.
A rich beef black soup flavoured with keluak nut, usually served with rice and salted egg.
A Surabaya specialty salad combining fruits, vegetables, and cingur (sliced beef snout) with a spicy peanut sauce.
A traditional rice cake dish served with bean sprouts, fried tofu, and savory sweet soy-based broth.
Skewered beef or chicken coated with shredded coconut and grilled over charcoal for a smoky crunch.
A medley of fried tofu, rice cake, and bean sprouts with peanut sauce and crispy crackers.
Refreshing iced dessert drinks combining coconut milk, palm sugar, jelly, and shaved ice to cool off.
Approximately 3–4 hours by car to Bromo for a sunrise viewpoint over an otherworldly volcanic caldera.
Longer trip (best as an overnight) to witness the famous blue flames and sulfur miners at Ijen crater.
Cross the Suramadu Bridge to explore Madura's salt farms, bull race culture (karapan sapi), and coastal villages.
Surabaya surprised me with its blend of colonial architecture and modern malls—loved wandering around the House of Sampoerna and grabbing kopi at a tiny café nearby.
The street food scene is fantastic—rawon and lontong balap were highlights, and vendors were friendly and helpful when I asked for recommendations.
Great value and an authentic local vibe, though traffic can be chaotic; still enjoyed exploring Chinatown and the bustling markets at sunset.
People were so warm — a shop owner in Arab quarter invited me to try her homemade sambal, and the sunset by the harbor was lovely.
Surabaya feels real and lived-in, with interesting museums like the 10 November Museum and plenty of cheap, tasty eats around each corner.
Chat by voice, text or photo for local tips, food and directions — 24/7 in the Tripmi app.